Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
My Rides ... Soon
My love for cars led me to the KIG Car Show on Saturday and ohhhhh boy did I lust. The only problem is that I couldn't afford such luxuries so I was relegated to the bleachers' section. Sitting in these cars and jeeps created an experience in and of itself. The experience was so good I came up with my own slogans for Ford and Subaru - Who Needs a Home When You Can Own a Subaru/Ford. I mean, if I should get one of these rides all I would need is a tent as an extension and a place close to a public restroom to park. However, I was quickly reminded by my friend that the future wife might not approve.As it is, for now, I cannot afford any of these rides, unless I become a spokesperson for one of these companies locally or internationally - a proposition I made to one of the sales rep. Really, how hard could it be to look cool in one of these cars. Even for me! Well the good part is that they allowed patrons to take photos!
Monday, March 14, 2011
'Yuh naw come a di dead ooman party?'
Yuh naw come a di dead ooman party?" was how an old man inquired of his friend's attendance at the repass of a funeral I attended on Saturday. I would like to think this was in relation to the fashion of those in attendance and not the music. Judging from the early afternoon happenings it was easy to see that many took time out to play multiple roles as mourners, modellers and drinkers.
The funeral, contrary to what you might believe, was for a modest lady who lived four scores and five years. She had a full life people would say and giving up the spirit was timely. However, her spirit wasn't the only one in the air I realized on my trek outside the confines of the church walls. This trek revealed other spirits, spirits that were confined in cups and flowed with ease down the throats of persons I considered awkwardly-dressed young drunks. Who travels with cups to a church I wondered, but then I remembered the 'cup song' by Richie Loop and the overbearing need to be 'swaggarific'. No need asking what's in their cup because the smell of cheap liquor resembling urine filled the air, blowing their cover. Oh the life of a rock star ... or not. Rocking with a cup was all they did.
On another note, I think these ladies are reading too much into St Mark 1:17-18, where Jesus commanded His disciples to become fishers of men and to take up their nets. While at the funeral, I beheld a multitude of ladies decked out in fishnet stocking; and where there are fishnet stockings there are fishes ... sorry, I mean men. Oh boy, were they being caught! I am almost certain that the celebration of life wasn't on the minds of these guys as they looked on with lust at these young, and not so young, fishnet wearers strutting their stuff causing a resurrecting effect. Amazingly, this desire to be 'swaggarific' isn't just limited to the young but has sought to incorporate even the young at heart. This young-at-heart and swagga concept has given rise to the old people version - one I call 'Sagging Swagga' (see post later). It's amazing the lengths that these 'mature' ladies will go just to keep the perception of being young even at a funeral where they should be harbouring sobering thoughts about life.
From the looks of it, I am sure some persons would have been happy if we had a fashion show segment in the middle of the funeral so that they could maggle (model) their designer suits (even if they can't pronounce the names) or to maggle (model) on the matie in the cases of 'wifey walk out and matie stan' up' ... Oh.
Seriously, though, the sermon was good but I doubt if anyone outside the church paid attention a part from keeping track in their programmes as to how far they had reached in the service so that they could keep time on how long they had to look at the fashions and how many sips they had left before the service was finished. Have we become a society caught up with appearance rather than substance? Is it that our moral compass gave way to a navigation system that is directing us to material things? I am sure your views may differ but as a nation, I would like to think that we still have a sense of 'appropriateness' and a moral compass that can be fixed. All hope is not lost! We still have time to get it together. There's a time and place for everything. I will not kill to be a little modest and separate fashions and trends accordingly.
Sue me for not being fashionable and trendy but too much fashion and trends at a funeral spells OVERKILL (pardon the pun).
Check out the following links for more on this shifting cultural practice:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/119340_Dancehall-goes-to-church-
The funeral, contrary to what you might believe, was for a modest lady who lived four scores and five years. She had a full life people would say and giving up the spirit was timely. However, her spirit wasn't the only one in the air I realized on my trek outside the confines of the church walls. This trek revealed other spirits, spirits that were confined in cups and flowed with ease down the throats of persons I considered awkwardly-dressed young drunks. Who travels with cups to a church I wondered, but then I remembered the 'cup song' by Richie Loop and the overbearing need to be 'swaggarific'. No need asking what's in their cup because the smell of cheap liquor resembling urine filled the air, blowing their cover. Oh the life of a rock star ... or not. Rocking with a cup was all they did.
On another note, I think these ladies are reading too much into St Mark 1:17-18, where Jesus commanded His disciples to become fishers of men and to take up their nets. While at the funeral, I beheld a multitude of ladies decked out in fishnet stocking; and where there are fishnet stockings there are fishes ... sorry, I mean men. Oh boy, were they being caught! I am almost certain that the celebration of life wasn't on the minds of these guys as they looked on with lust at these young, and not so young, fishnet wearers strutting their stuff causing a resurrecting effect. Amazingly, this desire to be 'swaggarific' isn't just limited to the young but has sought to incorporate even the young at heart. This young-at-heart and swagga concept has given rise to the old people version - one I call 'Sagging Swagga' (see post later). It's amazing the lengths that these 'mature' ladies will go just to keep the perception of being young even at a funeral where they should be harbouring sobering thoughts about life.
From the looks of it, I am sure some persons would have been happy if we had a fashion show segment in the middle of the funeral so that they could maggle (model) their designer suits (even if they can't pronounce the names) or to maggle (model) on the matie in the cases of 'wifey walk out and matie stan' up' ... Oh.
Seriously, though, the sermon was good but I doubt if anyone outside the church paid attention a part from keeping track in their programmes as to how far they had reached in the service so that they could keep time on how long they had to look at the fashions and how many sips they had left before the service was finished. Have we become a society caught up with appearance rather than substance? Is it that our moral compass gave way to a navigation system that is directing us to material things? I am sure your views may differ but as a nation, I would like to think that we still have a sense of 'appropriateness' and a moral compass that can be fixed. All hope is not lost! We still have time to get it together. There's a time and place for everything. I will not kill to be a little modest and separate fashions and trends accordingly.
Sue me for not being fashionable and trendy but too much fashion and trends at a funeral spells OVERKILL (pardon the pun).
Check out the following links for more on this shifting cultural practice:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/119340_Dancehall-goes-to-church-
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Weaving Webs
Everything can be hacked. That's the stance I take in reference to the web. The web is a nice place no doubt and it can do no harm. But what happens when other users of the web choose to weave their own webs in order to get the information or pics they need to get dirt on you.
Sorry, but appearing on a porn site or having persons slander me online is not the sort of fame I desire. What I think we fail to realize is that it doesn't matter how many times Facebook, Twitter or any of those social-networking sites revamp the security settings on the profile, one thing is always true ... they can be hacked, they can be circumvented, they can be manipulated, they can be duplicated, they can and will embarrass.
Social networking is good but not at the expense of reputation. Use of the web should not call into questions intentions.
In weaving our web to be sociable we must be careful that we do not weave a web which the end and the beginning is obscured. So forgive me for commenting when your actions on a social site will hinder your progress and where your desire to be cool outweighs common sense and falls second to being cool.
Enjoy the web but be careful of the webs you weave.
 |
Sorry, but appearing on a porn site or having persons slander me online is not the sort of fame I desire. What I think we fail to realize is that it doesn't matter how many times Facebook, Twitter or any of those social-networking sites revamp the security settings on the profile, one thing is always true ... they can be hacked, they can be circumvented, they can be manipulated, they can be duplicated, they can and will embarrass.
Social networking is good but not at the expense of reputation. Use of the web should not call into questions intentions.
In weaving our web to be sociable we must be careful that we do not weave a web which the end and the beginning is obscured. So forgive me for commenting when your actions on a social site will hinder your progress and where your desire to be cool outweighs common sense and falls second to being cool.
Enjoy the web but be careful of the webs you weave.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Truth of the Issue … A Politician’s Thoughts
Speak the truth they say, cost it what it will they say ... but you say it because you don't spend other people's tax dollars, drive gas guzzlers, argue at your House for a living, make empty promises and substitute a privilege for a God-given right. If you did then you would know that telling the truth is nothing but a farce and a folklore that wise people use to keep the minority in line.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that empty promises used to stimulate the masses are like Viagra to the limp and impotent. Impotent you are, indeed, if you speak the truth and lose it all. After all, I do it for the people. Those minions, they worship me and help to pat me on the back, showing their approval. Notwithstanding the pay cheque and perks that I get.My flaccid leadership has caused me to participate in commissions of enquiry and once again lie to you. Your misconception of honesty is overbearing and utter rubbish. While I care about your votes and the myth of truth; I in my righteous mind and knowing what's best, won't seek to limit your views of me. I hear the snickers and the outlandish appeal but guess what my Egypt will never come. My Egypt will be cast into the Red Sea and so will your idea of truth. I shall grow stronger and twist you like puppets because at the end of the day, you give me power and the power to trample on your democratic, constitutional and human rights.
Speak the truth, and speak it ever.
Cost it what it will.
For he who hides the wrong he did
Did the wrong thing still."
Cost it what it will.
For he who hides the wrong he did
Did the wrong thing still."
Friday, February 4, 2011
Fashionably Bleach-iful With A 'Kartel' of cake soap
There are many things that constitute beauty but bleaching isn't one of them if your prime example is Vybez Kartel. No, I'm not picking on Mr. Palmer or Micheal Cake Soap Jackson, nor am I trying to be rude. But let us try and avoid the grey areas and declare black as such, white as such, or brown as such. Surely, I have no problem if "you seh bleaching and bleaching seh you' (according to a bleaching convert), but whether that calling to look 'good' is stronger than the calling of your health, I say heed to it like rats to the tune of the pied piper.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it takes a turn when you begin to overdo it and your efforts to really outdo everyone in the beauty department becomes an overload of a different kind. I'm merely saying. Looking good attracts a price and with the price of going to the doctor and the added cost of prescription skyrocketing, no doubt bleaching will put you in the not-so-beautiful and broke department.
Every time I see a bleacher, it rubs be the wrong way (pardon my pun).
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it takes a turn when you begin to overdo it and your efforts to really outdo everyone in the beauty department becomes an overload of a different kind. I'm merely saying. Looking good attracts a price and with the price of going to the doctor and the added cost of prescription skyrocketing, no doubt bleaching will put you in the not-so-beautiful and broke department.
Every time I see a bleacher, it rubs be the wrong way (pardon my pun).
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Making Gambling A Career
If by some chance you flipped through this Sunday's Career section of The Gleaner you might have noticed that there was a space with the Lotto logo. No, it wasn't an ad for a position at the company but one for a lifetime of happiness. Here's what it said:
No dress code
Less working hours
No impossible deadlines
No kissing you-know-who's, you know what
A whopping 9-figure income
Buy your tickets now
No you know what I saw, I must confess that I like the ad and I am now considering a career change; keeping in mind that I would be able to afford anything I want, while meeting family and friends I never knew existed. However, there is one little thing they fail to mention -- the chances of getting the position as a lottery winner. By my calculation, it is sayyyyy, one in probably millions. Chances like that jolted me back to reality and allowed me to realise that I could be playing this game for years without any return on my investment. now is that really worth it? Don't think the potential wife, children and the existing beggars on Kingston's street would be too happy about that at all ... I have mouths to feed and nature doesn't allow me to do that, naturally.
With all that said, thanks Lotto but no thanks. I prefer my nine to five a bit better.
No dress code
Less working hours
No impossible deadlines
No kissing you-know-who's, you know what
A whopping 9-figure income
Buy your tickets now
No you know what I saw, I must confess that I like the ad and I am now considering a career change; keeping in mind that I would be able to afford anything I want, while meeting family and friends I never knew existed. However, there is one little thing they fail to mention -- the chances of getting the position as a lottery winner. By my calculation, it is sayyyyy, one in probably millions. Chances like that jolted me back to reality and allowed me to realise that I could be playing this game for years without any return on my investment. now is that really worth it? Don't think the potential wife, children and the existing beggars on Kingston's street would be too happy about that at all ... I have mouths to feed and nature doesn't allow me to do that, naturally.
With all that said, thanks Lotto but no thanks. I prefer my nine to five a bit better.
A Fresher on the Job
Kawain Fearon, Gleaner Writer
The joy of leaving university is one that many students look forward to. The mere thought, for starters, of no more late-night study, or cramming for examinations, is a sense of relief. At last, economic independence beckons, and not having to rely on parents for money also brings a sense of happiness.
Bosses have different ways of handling freshers. While some are nice and accommodating, others can be quite harsh, expecting them to be on the top of things from day one.
Many bosses and supervisors have the notion that going to university doesn’t make you ‘street-smart’, you do things by the book, are short on problem solving skills. Most of the times it is true!
The key is to ask questions, even if you don’t know what to do and you must ask – go ahead and ask with a tone of enthusiasm. Before that though, it is best to research and figure things out on your own, before you ring the alarm of despair.
It is very important to keep your eyes and ears open, all companies are constantly diversifying and tapping into new markets. See where best you can fit in here.
Difference of opinion always crops up, but if you are going to disagree, do so in a professional and logical way – don’t just disagree for doing so sake.
Always justify your reason and make sure they are not frivolous. At the end of the day, you are not just working to pay your bills. You are working to build your reputation and experience. It is very important that one aims to become an asset, not a liability.
We have wonderful tools to connect and network but it is advisable to keep the access of Facebook, Hi5 and WAYN at home.
You should always be careful of what you or others post on your page. So, all those pictures, showing skin, skin and more skin, should be looked at before you send in your resume. At this point, you may be saying, what you post on your page is your personal life, but the world has changed. Some employers may find it necessary to do background checks on potential employees.
Good luck on your job hunt or if you’re already through the door, make yourself an asset.
Feedback: jobsmart@gleanerjm.com
The joy of leaving university is one that many students look forward to. The mere thought, for starters, of no more late-night study, or cramming for examinations, is a sense of relief. At last, economic independence beckons, and not having to rely on parents for money also brings a sense of happiness.
Fitting in the environment
However, all the adrenaline rush of going out in the world is quickly overshadowed by getting a job and trying to fit into the new environment. It is a new world out there, the boss, supervisor or that arrogant ‘don’t-ask-me-anything’ colleague.Bosses have different ways of handling freshers. While some are nice and accommodating, others can be quite harsh, expecting them to be on the top of things from day one.
Many bosses and supervisors have the notion that going to university doesn’t make you ‘street-smart’, you do things by the book, are short on problem solving skills. Most of the times it is true!
Affirm your position
Being a ‘newbie’ is quite overwhelming, as you are relying on someone to show you how things are done, take you through the office protocols.The key is to ask questions, even if you don’t know what to do and you must ask – go ahead and ask with a tone of enthusiasm. Before that though, it is best to research and figure things out on your own, before you ring the alarm of despair.
It is very important to keep your eyes and ears open, all companies are constantly diversifying and tapping into new markets. See where best you can fit in here.
Sustainability
If getting a job seems to be a difficult task, keeping it may prove more difficult, if you are not willing to be flexible, go that extra mile or abide by the rules.Difference of opinion always crops up, but if you are going to disagree, do so in a professional and logical way – don’t just disagree for doing so sake.
Always justify your reason and make sure they are not frivolous. At the end of the day, you are not just working to pay your bills. You are working to build your reputation and experience. It is very important that one aims to become an asset, not a liability.
Be receptive
You cannot be seen ‘aligned’ with a particular group or a set of people alone. It will not reflect well on your character. One should try to get along with everyone. Being branded as a loyalist to a particular set of people will get you sidelined by other employees, which usually is not worth it.Keep socialising at home
There are so many distractions in the modern age, which sometimes become a nuisance at work. One of the major things that get people fired for these days is the misuse of the Internet.We have wonderful tools to connect and network but it is advisable to keep the access of Facebook, Hi5 and WAYN at home.
You should always be careful of what you or others post on your page. So, all those pictures, showing skin, skin and more skin, should be looked at before you send in your resume. At this point, you may be saying, what you post on your page is your personal life, but the world has changed. Some employers may find it necessary to do background checks on potential employees.
Experience counts
It is important that you don’t discount any job as ‘small’ or ‘menial’, every experience is worth it. Also, learn from your mistakes. In the end, it will all pay off to your development.Good luck on your job hunt or if you’re already through the door, make yourself an asset.
Feedback: jobsmart@gleanerjm.com
What Advocacy?!
My passion for youth development and my disgust at youth advocacy goes hand in hand and here is why. Over the last two weeks, there has been a number of revelations, launches and uncovering of ‘youth advocate’ groups that were hidden so well that not even Sherlock Holmes or our beloved Former Snr Supt Renato Adams could find them. Tucked away behind God’s back were these advocates … advocating. Advocating on our behalf for a government minister, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange to get the boot for the neglect of her portfolio responsibilities with concern to the youth population.
All that advocacy aside, it boils down to the real issue. You cannot be an undercover advocate in a country where, the last time i checked, more than half the population were young people. A louder voice and more action is needed to stir the pot and light the candle that will provide light for us to write policies and find the powers that be and demand more of them. There is no two ways about. It’s either you advocate or you shut up and give space to the people who are really passionate. Passion cannot be turned off as i recently found out, thanks to my co-worker.
Here is how it work, advocacy is seeking to bring to the forefront issues that will stimulate people, and in turn, drive them to action. With or without the public attention and fanfare there MUST be an avenue for young people to develop ideas and initiatives (think Facebook and Twitter) that will turn heads and will eventually get the nods of approval from the media and the elderly.
Interesting also, is that after much bru ha ha and calls for the minister to get the boot it took one closed-door meeting with the minister’s appointee for those chants to disappear quicker than how Kartel sells the cake soap idea. So much for the grand plan to press the point home and be a martyr for the cause. I guess, after all, we are still young and politics and politicians run the likkle island so we have to secure the succession of that overpaid public office.
To my fellow youth, and by definition or not, Advocates, I say press the point home in whatever direction you see fit. Be it your tails between your legs or with the showing of those white, chalky enamels. Just keep in mind that with the showing of the white, chalky enamels a little foaming at the mouth won’t hurt.
Advocate, advocate, ADVOCATE
Here are the stories:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110123/lead/lead1.html
http://ruthibelle.blogspot.com/
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=25987
All that advocacy aside, it boils down to the real issue. You cannot be an undercover advocate in a country where, the last time i checked, more than half the population were young people. A louder voice and more action is needed to stir the pot and light the candle that will provide light for us to write policies and find the powers that be and demand more of them. There is no two ways about. It’s either you advocate or you shut up and give space to the people who are really passionate. Passion cannot be turned off as i recently found out, thanks to my co-worker.
Here is how it work, advocacy is seeking to bring to the forefront issues that will stimulate people, and in turn, drive them to action. With or without the public attention and fanfare there MUST be an avenue for young people to develop ideas and initiatives (think Facebook and Twitter) that will turn heads and will eventually get the nods of approval from the media and the elderly.
Interesting also, is that after much bru ha ha and calls for the minister to get the boot it took one closed-door meeting with the minister’s appointee for those chants to disappear quicker than how Kartel sells the cake soap idea. So much for the grand plan to press the point home and be a martyr for the cause. I guess, after all, we are still young and politics and politicians run the likkle island so we have to secure the succession of that overpaid public office.
To my fellow youth, and by definition or not, Advocates, I say press the point home in whatever direction you see fit. Be it your tails between your legs or with the showing of those white, chalky enamels. Just keep in mind that with the showing of the white, chalky enamels a little foaming at the mouth won’t hurt.
Advocate, advocate, ADVOCATE
Here are the stories:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110123/lead/lead1.html
http://ruthibelle.blogspot.com/
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=25987
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