Mahama and Ghana 2.0

Back on the mother continent Africa, Ghana made history today by swearing in President John Dramani Mahama once again as its president for the next four years. 

Mr. Mahama’s return to office is remarkable; he previously served as Vice President and became President after the passing of President John Atta Mills. He then lost the subsequent election to Nana Akufo-Addo eight years ago. His political comeback mirrors the resiliency of Donald J. Trump of the United States ofAmerica, who is able to regain leadership after time away from office.  

But this inauguration is historic for another reason, it marks the first time Ghana has a female Vice President. This is a groundbreaking moment for a nation that continues to strive for progress. In contrast, the U.S., with its 200-year-old democracy, only saw its first female Vice President four years ago.  

While these milestones are significant, what truly matters is how leadership improves the lives of the people. History loses its luster if citizens are catching economic hell and are still struggling to make ends meet. My hope is that Mahama’s government will work to uplift all Ghanaians and combat the cronyism that has long plagued the nation.  

To all Ghanaians at home and in the diaspora, let’s continue to support our nation and cheer it on toward a brighter future. No more disappointment, let’s make Ghana great again.  

God bless

I remain, Ronnie Law 

Faith, Miracles, and Work: A Tuesday Morning Reflection

It’s a fresh Tuesday morning, January 7th, 2025 and when sleep evades me, I rise early, say my prayers, and prepare for the day ahead. What do you do when you can’t sleep? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.  

This morning, during my Gospel reading, I was struck by the familiar yet awe-inspiring story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. The Scripture states, “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people” (Matthew 14:19, NIV). While the passage mentions feeding five thousand men, it’s clear that women and children were present too. Imagine that, feeding multitudes with just five loaves and two fish, and still gathering twelve wicker baskets of leftovers! What a miracle!  

I believe miracles happen every day. In fact, I am a living testament to God’s wonders. You, too.

As I head to work, I’m filled with anticipation. I cherish the challenges and opportunities my job brings, always wondering about the people I’ll encounter, new colleagues, patients, and their families. Each day, I pray that I will be a blessing to those in need of my professional care and comfort. My prayer for today is simple yet profound:  

Lord, make me an instrument of healing, comfort, and peace to everyone I meet today.

On a personal note, a dear friend of mine is heading for a visa interview today. May Your will be done, Lord.  

Wishing you all God’s blessings and a productive day ahead!  

I remain,

Pal Ronnie

Monday, January 6th, 2025

Today is Monday, January 6th, and several significant events have unfolded around the world. Starting here at home, the 2024 U.S. election results were officially certified, and Donald

Trump has been declared the winner. He is now set for inauguration on January 20th. This certification is a longstanding tradition rooted in the 200-year-old U.S. Constitution.  

This process didn't go well four years ago leading to the so called insurrection. And four years later, some supporters of the newly certified president, DJT, are still in jail and are looking forward some clemency from him when he fully takes over the government. We will see if he will come to their aid. Life is just as hard enough as it's without restrictions like being a prisoner.

By the way, what’s remarkable is that the certification was carried out by none other than Vice President Kamala Harris, who was Trump’s fierce competitor in the recent election. The moment underscores the resilience of democratic processes, even amidst political rivalry.  This process was carried out in conjunction with the speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson of Louisiana. 

Meanwhile, our neighbor to thw north, Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation earlier today. Trudeau, who has served as PM since 2015, faced increasing criticism over his leadership, including policies on immigration, economic challenges like hyperinflation, and the controversial COVID-19 measures that sparked serious discontent among Canadians. Parliament has been temporary suspended until March.  

There were already predictions over the weekend about his possible resignation, and today he confirmed it. During his resignation speech, Trudeau mentioned having discussed the decision with his family last night. His departure marks the end of an era, but as I always say, politicians are among the least honest people on the planet, which is why I could never be one.  

On a more personal note, my cousin had an interview today  for medical school. Sending my best wishes to you, cuzo!  

I remain your observant pal,  

Ronnie Law 

It Was a Day of Fellowship and Reflection

Yesterday, January 5th, was a truly wonderful day. After attending church, I met up later with Brother Cedrick for lunch in White Plains. Bro. Cedrick and I went way back, when we worked together at the same hospital in the city we were years ago. As a pharmacist, his knowledge and insights are remarkable, and every time we meet, it’s always an opportunity to engage in deep and meaningful conversations.  

We discussed a range of topics, from politics, business and healthcare to our shared heritage in Mother Africa. Cedrick, originally from Cameroon, is a fellow West African brother, and our shared roots deepen our bond.  

Our lunch took place at Freebird Kitchen and Bar on Mamaroneck Avenue, a spot with delicious food and an unmatched ambiance. It was the perfect setting for laughter and reflection. Time flew by, and I didn’t get home until after 9 p.m., but the experience was well worth it. The last time we saw each other was in Dutchess County, where he and his family live.

I’m already looking forward to our next get-together, it’s always a blast catching up with you, bro Cedrick. 

God bless 

Bro. Ronnie

The Three Wise Men: Lessons for Today (2025)

Today, the first Sunday of the year, I attended Mass at St. Augustine’s in New City, N.Y. It was the Feast of the Epiphany. The music was great, and everything about the Mass celebration was wonderful. After mass, I saw an old family friend, Mr. Bob. My takeaway from the homily is shared below.  

In our modern world, education and success often take precedence over wisdom. Yet, wisdom, the deep pursuit of truth and understanding remains invaluable. The Wise Men, or Magi, offer a timeless example of what it means to seek wisdom. But why were they called wise? Here are five reasons that resonate deeply even today:  

First, they sought the truth. True wisdom begins with seeking truth. In a world full of opinions, whether on TV, radio, or social media—how many are genuinely committed to discovering the truth? Many of us have stopped watching news because we have discovered these people are no longer about truth. The Wise Men remind us that wisdom involves asking the right questions and pursuing answers, not to win arguments, but to truly understand. How many times have we watched something on TV with so many questions afterwards and no answers? That is us seeking the truth for what we have been fed on TV. 

The Magi studied the stars as early astronomers of their time. When they saw a new star, they followed it. They acted on the signs they perceived. Similarly, when we sense something profound in our hearts, do we pursue it with wisdom, or do we ignore it?  

Jesus said, “If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.” Am I a seeker of truth, or am I content with speculation? The Wise Men sought truth and found it in Christ. 

Secondly, they were willing to go to any length for the truth. The Magi didn’t hesitate to travel great distances in their quest for truth. Their journey was long and arduous, but they were determined. This determination mirrors the efforts of modern scientists, researchers, and thinkers who dedicate years—even lifetimes to uncovering truths about our universe or curing diseases like cancer.  

In matters of faith and life, we too must be willing to go the distance. Wisdom requires persistence.  

Third, they refused to stop or quit. Wise people are relentless. They don’t stop until they reach their destination. The Wise Men’s journey wasn’t easy, but their faith propelled them forward. Similarly, in our faith journeys, we shouldn’t stop until we encounter Christ personally.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Until we meet Him, we remain restless and discontent. The Wise Men didn’t just find Jesus; they worshiped Him when they found Him, offering him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their journey exemplifies the perseverance of true wisdom.  

Fourth, they listened to God’s guidance.  The Wise Men searched diligently with the knowledge they had. Even when Herod tried to manipulate them, they remained wise by heeding divine guidance. Warned in a dream, they returned home by another route, avoiding Herod’s evil schemes.  

This act of obedience and discernment underscores a key element of wisdom: listening to God. True wisdom requires not only seeking truth but also aligning our actions with divine direction, even when it’s inconvenient or challenging.  

Fifth and final, they gave their best. The Magi didn’t come empty-handed. They offered gold, symbolizing Christ’s kingship; frankincense, used in worshipping God; and myrrh, foretelling His sacrificial death and preserving His body which never happened because Jesus resurrected before they could use this myrrh on Him. These gifts reflected their recognition of Jesus as King, God, and Savior.  

Do we give our best to God?—our time, talents, and treasures? Or do we approach Him as though He exists only to fulfill our desires (the genie)? Like the Little Drummer Boy who gave the only gift he had—his music, we, too, can offer our best, no matter how humble it seems.  

The story of the Wise Men challenges us to emulate their example. Seek truth. Persevere in our journey. Listen to God’s guidance. And give our best to Him—not out of obligation, but out of love and reverence.  

This new year, may we seek the truth like the Wise Men, and may our pursuit lead us to the ultimate source of wisdom and life: Jesus Christ.  

Come and worship Him.

God bless you, and happy Sunday,  

Pal Ronnie

The Double-Edged Sword of Technology: My Relationship with Facebook

Technology today stands as one of humanity’s most transformative achievements. To deny its profound impact would be to overlook the ways it has reshaped our lives. We live in an era where the world feels smaller than ever, with over 200 countries easily represented in the palm of our hands. Knowledge has never been more accessible, allowing us to glimpse the lives of everyday people across the globe in real-time. 

At the forefront of this revolution is social media, with Facebook (now under its parent company META) as a pivotal player.

However, the very architects of these addictive platforms have, in some cases, come out to sound the alarm about their devastating effects, especially on the younger generations. Writing about these issues often attracts criticism, particularly from those profiting handsomely from these tools, but having experienced their grip firsthand, I feel compelled to speak up.

Over the years, I’ve critiqued corporations and their immense influence, including those in what I termed the “trillion-dollar club”, thus, companies like Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, Nvidia, and Apple. These tech giants prioritize profits over mental health, a harsh but undeniable truth. Tim Wu’s book “The Attention Merchants” explores this phenomenon brilliantly, and I highly recommend it to anyone who's still reading books. Awareness isn’t easy to raise when many influencers are backed by these very corporations, so we must find our own ways to survive and seek balance. Addiction to social media is real, and it’s something we must confront head on.

When I graduated secondary school, equivalent to a U.S. high school, Facebook was not yet a household name. I imagined a platform where we could be connected with high school friends, colleagues, and teachers. Years later, after immigrating to the West, Facebook became that reality. Reconnecting with old classmates and teachers was remarkable, a testament to technology bridging gaps across time and geography.

Yet, my relationship with Facebook took an unexpected turn. In 2016, while on clinical duty, I decided to deactivate my account. It was one of the hardest things at the time for me to do. Though I reactivated it weeks later, I resolved to stop posting or engaging altogether. Why? The answer came full circle this week.

A few days ago, I had a conversation with my good friend and brother in Christ, Bro. Joseph Candela. A fellow member of the Knights of Columbus back in the day in Newburgh, texted me a heartfelt birthday wish on January 2nd, as he always does, followed by a call I missed later. His next message urged me to go and check Facebook messages. My birthdays on Facebook used to be joyous occasions back when I was very active on it, with my timeline often flooded with well-wishes. Encouraged, I decided to log back in that evening.

Having forgotten my password, I reset it and entered a world I hadn’t visited in years. What I found was a mix of nostalgia and unease. Within 20 minutes of mindlessly scrolling through updates and memories, I was reminded why I had left. The experience felt like standing in downtown Manhattan on a hectic Monday morning: overwhelming and draining. Scrolling endlessly through updates from people I hadn’t seen or spoken to in years sapped my energy. I called this the "bottomless energy sucking pit."

This wasn’t a new realization for me, though. During my earlier years on Facebook, I loved connecting with friends from back home Ghana, and college. But hours on the platform left me unable to think critically or even engage in productive activities. Studying or reading became impossible. I realized the sinister effects that excessive social media use had on my mind, it left me feeling empty, both physically and spiritually.

Logging off that night, I felt a sense of relief. But I often wonder how today’s students manage, as social media wasn’t as pervasive when I was in school.

Stepping away from Facebook wasn’t easy. The platform brought me immense joy in connecting with others, but the cost to my mental and spiritual well-being was too high. While I miss the interactions, I now prioritize other forms of communication, like email and phone calls, which I allow for deeper, more meaningful connections.

My experience isn’t unique. Many people have reported burnout and fatigue from excessive social media use. Studies show prolonged scrolling can lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced focus. These platforms are designed to keep users engaged at the expense of their well-being, prioritizing profit over mental health. Hello!!

It's true technology is fantastic and life changing, and platforms like Facebook have revolutionized connection. But these tools come with challenges. My journey with Facebook has taught me the importance of balance, self-awareness, and prioritizing activities that nourish the mind and soul.

To my friends and acquaintances: though I may not be active on Facebook, I’m still here. I appreciate your thoughts and best wishes all these years. They are not taken for granted. I wish you all the same and in all your endeavors. 

Please do reach out via email or other means if you need me. My best email is lawronald05@aol.com 

You can also find my frequent updates on my blog: www.lawron.blogspot.com

While technology may connect us, true connection often goes beyond likes, screens and clicks.

Please take care of your mind, it might be all you have left at the end of the day.

I remain your observing Pal,

Ronnie Law

Back to PMH: January 3rd, 2025

Returning to PMH today was a last-minute decision. After a late-night birthday celebration with a friend, I managed just four hours of sleep before heading to work. While I was groggy, the excitement of being back at PMH fueled my morning.  

It is my favorite workplace, that is because I really don’t have one but it’s an environment where I did a lot of work and growth and that's why it will always be a home-like work environment for me. 

The commute this morning, however, was a stark reminder of one thing I miss about life on Long Island: the traffic. Life on the Island is serene and enjoyable—up until you try to leave. That’s when you encounter the beast called traffic. It’s not an exaggeration; anyone familiar with the area knows this struggle all too well.  

At PMH, I found myself in a completely different setting but I saw a lot of wonderful familiar faces. One could easily see that the hospital has undergone significant transformations since merging with Northwell Health before and after I joined the organization. The changes are evident in both operations and atmosphere, creating a sense of constant motion, like an assembly line of patients and staff moving in and out. People Leaving their posts and others resuming them. 

It was a whirlwind day, fast-paced and dynamic beyond words, but it all felt good to be back, reconnecting with the hospital, its evolving environment and colleagues alike.  

I would love to read about your work and its milieu. Work is such an important part of life and we must cherish every minute we spend at work. 

Have a wonderful weekend. 

Pal Ronnie

Could Costco Be the Most Beloved Corporation in the World?

Today was a special day for me. I went to lunch with my family at Chipotle and afterwards we decided to go to Costco for a few things. 

I like to talk about the immeasurable power of corporations in America and these two are what I interacted with most today. 

Most people know that Costco isn't just a store; it's a force or phenomenon to reckon. It's a business where customers pay for the mere privilege to shop. Their employees are some of the happiest in retail history, and the competition is constantly left scratching their heads, wondering how they're getting beat year over year. "We have a responsibility to figure out how little we can make off a product instead of how much we can make," sums up their philosophy.  

With their over $250 billion in annual sales, nearly 900 warehouses across the globe, and an extremely loyal membership base, this retail giant has mastered a formula few have been able to replicate. But what really sets Costco apart is its relentless focus on simplicity and value. Well, they will sell you everything from diamond rings to bulk bovine meat all under the same roof of the store. And somehow, they manage to convince people to leave with more than they originally planned to buy. Have you ever realized that?

And let's not forget the customer favorite: the $1.50 hot dog combo, a meal that hasn't changed its price since the 1980s. They sell over 130 million hot dogs each year! In an industry defined by thin margins and cut-throat competition, Costco doesn't simply operate; they dominates. It's the third-largest retailer in the U.S., only behind Walmart and Amazon, both of which owe much of their earlier successes to ideas borrowed from Costco’s founders.  

So how did Costco turn a wholesale shopping warehouse into a cultural and financial phenomenon like it's today? The answer lies in a mix of brilliant strategies, a rebellious disregard for conventional retail wisdom, and a history rooted in respecting their customers.  

Costco's story starts with lessons learned over 30+ years in retail. Although Costco was founded in 1983, its existence is thanks to Saul Price, one of the most influential figures in retail history. Even Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, admitted to stealing more ideas from Saul than anyone else in his career.  

Saul began his retail journey in 1954, purchasing a warehouse in San Diego, California, inspired by Fedco, a membership-based grocery store for federal employees. When Fedco declined his proposal to collaborate, Saul refined the idea himself, launching FedMart, a store that sold goods at rock-bottom prices to members.  

Saul's legal background allowed him to sidestep regulations that restricted selling below manufacturer prices, as membership clubs technically weren’t open to the public. FedMart thrived but eventually fell apart after being sold to a German retailer.  

Undeterred, Saul started over in 1976 with Price Club. His business model evolved when Jim Sinegal, a former FedMart employee, suggested including general consumers as members. In 1983, Jim teamed up with Jeff Brotman to launch Costco in Seattle, Washington. The two companies merged in 1993, eventually becoming Costco as we know it today.  

A masterclass in simplicity and efficiency Costco operates with nearly 890 stores worldwide, generating $254 billion in revenue in 2024. That is the true business model of costco. Surprisingly, over $4.8 billion of their income comes from membership fees, making up just 2% of total revenue but over half of their profits.  

By charging an upfront fee, Costco locks in customer loyalty, creating a psychological incentive to shop there. Their curated inventory of 4,000 SKUs (compared to Walmart's 150,000) reduces decision fatigue and allows for faster inventory turnover. Costco sells through its stock 12 times per year—much faster than competitors like Walmart or Home Depot.  

This high turnover, combined with strategic purchasing agreements, creates a negative cash conversion cycle, enabling Costco to operate without heavy reliance on debt.  

Costco’s ever-changing inventory fuels excitement and FOMO (fear of missing out). Items like discounted grills or running shoes appear unpredictably, nudging customers to buy now. Costco also caps its markup at 14% (15% for its private label, Kirkland Signature), compared to department stores that markup 50-100%.  

Kirkland Signature, Costco’s private label, generates more revenue annually than Nike. It guarantees quality equivalent to name brands while saving customers 15-20%.  

Costco's Ethical Code and Workforce  

Costco’s code of ethics emphasizes:  

1. Obey the law.  

2. Take care of customers.  

3. Take care of employees.  

4. Respect suppliers.  

This commitment extends to its workforce. With average hourly wages of $26 (compared to Walmart's $19.50), robust benefits, and a strong promote-from-within culture, Costco boasts one of the most loyal employee bases in retail. Hourly worker turnover is a mere 6% after one year, compared to the industry average of 20%.  

Costco's success defies conventional wisdom. Wall Street critics argue the company could make more money by paying workers less, but Costco prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term profits.  

"Wall Street is in the business of making money between now and next Tuesday. We're in the business of building an organization and institution that we hope will be here 50 years from now," says Jim Sinegal.  

By combining simplicity, efficiency, and psychology, Costco benefits everyone involved—employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders alike. It’s a rare example of capitalism at its best.

That's why I regretted selling my Costco shares years ago and I'm now always on a look for a good price to get back into but with the stock now trading at $909.80 per share at the time of writing this piece, it's hard to tell if it will ever come down for small investors like us to get a piece of that wonderful pie. We will see.

I remain your observing big business Pal,

Ronnie Law

PS: You can find more about Costco on their own website, their investment filings with the SEC, yahoo finance, finviz etc. If there is one company I'll recommend for you to follow, it's Costco. 

A Reflection on the New Year Mass: Blessings, Peace and Salvation

This evening's New Year Mass celebration was truly inspiring at St. Anthony's Parish in Nanuet, New York. It was filled with hope, blessings, and profound lessons. The readings and reflections reminded us of God's immense mercy and our journey of faith in His eternal light. I mentioned going to Mass earlier in my post today and is happy I was able to go to church. 

The First Reading: (Numbers 6:22-27) 

In the first reading, the Lord spoke to Moses, instructing him to tell Aaron and his sons how to bless the Israelites:  

 “The LORD bless you and keep you!  

 The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!  

 The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!”  

These words serve as a powerful reminder of God's unfailing love and protection. The Israelites, and indeed all of us are constantly blessed by the presence of God's kindness and peace. The invocation of His name ensures His blessings upon us. 

 The Psalm-(Psalm 67)  

The Psalm beautifully echoed the theme of divine mercy:  

"May God bless us in his mercy.  

May God have pity on us and bless us;  

may he let his face shine upon us."  

It calls on all nations and peoples to praise God for His equity, guidance, and salvation, reinforcing the universal nature of His mercy.  

A quick reflection of the reading will point to the main theme of blessings and praise. Just what we need for this new year.

The Second Reading from (Galatians 4:4-7)  

In this reading, St. Paul reminds us of the fullness of time when God sent His Son, born of a woman, to redeem humanity. Through this act, we are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of God, heirs to His divine kingdom. The Spirit within us cries out, “Abba, Father!”—a profound acknowledgment of our intimate relationship with God.  

This reading highlights the transformative power of Christ's birth and the gift of adoption into God's family.  

Then the Gospel spoke of Mary’s encounter with the angel, a moment that called for deep reflection. When Mary was greeted with the message of her divine role, she pondered over the meaning of the greeting. Her reflective nature teaches us the importance of discernment and faith in the face of life's uncertainties.  

In contrast, we often react impulsively to news, whether good or bad, often leading to unnecessary suffering for ourselves and those we love. The homily reminded us that suffering does not signify abandonment by God. Instead, it is a sign of His intimate knowledge of us, down to our very DNA.  

 

Life’s challenges are opportunities to draw closer to the cross—the cross of eternal salvation. By embracing difficulties with faith, we align ourselves with God's will and grow in His grace.  

As we embark on this new year, may we learn to reflect, discern, and trust in God's plan for us. Let us strive to serve the Lord with peace in our hearts and love in our actions towards one another.  

The mass ended and the Priest said “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord”.

Happy New Year!  

Be a blessing to all those around you wherever you're. 

Pal Ronnie

A New Year, A New Hope and a Warm Embrace of 2025

The first day of 2025 is upon us, and what a blessing it is to have been ushered into another year by the grace of God. As I reflect on this moment, I am filled with gratitude for His continuous blessings. While last year presented its fair share of challenges, it’s essential to acknowledge that through faith, perseverance, and divine grace, we overcame. Without Him, things could have been far worse.  

Today, I woke up feeling great, especially grateful for the opportunity to rest and not have to go to work. My plans for the day are simple yet meaningful: I’m preparing to attend mass at 7 PM at the local parish, St. Anthony’s. It feels right to begin the year in prayer, seeking guidance and strength for the days ahead.

What are your plans for the year? 

One of my plans for this year is to seek aggressive growth-especially spiritually.

As I wrote just a few days ago, 2025 is a year of hope, a time to renew our commitment to faith and our collective endeavors. This hope drives us to pray continuously, to work diligently, and to remain steadfast in our belief that the best is yet to come.  

I also plan to update this blog daily. Please subscribe, comment and share. 

On this first day of the year, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2025 ! 

May this year bring peace, prosperity, and joy to you and your loved ones. 

Remember always: God loves you, and so do I.

Stay safe,  

Pal Ronnie