The Curtain Closes On Another Year

So Christmas has come and gone, all the excitement of the crazy shopping has died down. There are no after Christmas sales here in Jamaica, well none that I know of. Although sometimes I wonder if Jamaican stores know he meaning of a sale. merely taking of 5% of items does not qualify as a sale in my book! The end of the overeating, over drinking and merrymaking has calmed down and advertisements for countless New Years Eve parties fill the radio waves, which signals that another year is coming to and end. Yes folks it's that time again when we reflect on the ups and downs of the passing year, the mistakes, the accomplishments, the disappointments and the wonderful times we had in 2007. but it is also a time we look forward to a new year, a new beginning for some, we start to make plans, resolutions, and try not to make the same mistakes we did in the past year.

For me the year was an alright one... I guess. It had its fair share of ups and downs, but overall it wasn't too bad. At the beginning of the year it had some major disappointments and thought my year would be so awful based on how it started. But things started to get a little better as the year progressed. I won't dwell on the negatives, but I prefer to reflect on the high points of the year. I do have a lot to be grateful for, hmmm, lets see... I got a new apartment, one that is comfy and that I actually look forward to going home to; I successfully completed my 3 years bachelor of Engineering course with honours; my photography is slowly improving; I got reacquainted with old friends and grew closer to others, and I met a very special young lady. So I guess it wasn't too bad after all.

As the curtain draws on 2007, and you reflect on the passing year, how was it for you?

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Party Weekend

Ashe' in performance.

The weekend didn't quite turn out as I had wanted, but it wasn't bad though. As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to attend two parties for the weekend, but I managed to only attend one. I wanted to go to my company's staff party and then head to Yesterday to get my groove on, but it seems age got the better of me (or so I think).

I did go to the company's staff party which wasn't too bad despite the late start. The food wasn't impressive both in taste and in quantity, but there was enough liquor to go around. But being a responsible driver and person, Stunner did not over indulge. The entertainment lineup was what is was supposed to be, entertaining. The MC for the evening was Elva, known for her antics on Full House Fridays on Fame FM and anyone who knows of Elva certainly knows she can a keep a crown lively! Ashe' started off the evening of a lively note and got the crowd warmed up. They were followed by other performances including the winners of All Together Sing (A high school choir competition) and Prodigal. The performances ended on a high note with the guest performer, the real big man, Professor Nuts, who kept the audience laughing during his entire performance and encore. When that was over, at about 12:30 am, it was over to Renaissance, who commanded the dance floor and the real party started! They kept the music juggling and the people on the dance floor moving to the beat until the wee hours of the morning when I left at about 3:30 am. By that time Yesterday was out of the picture!

Now on to a matter that grieved my spirit! I saw one of my ex at the party and damn she was looking hot nuh ten fyah side! However, this is the same girl that when we were together never took the time out to look hot! I mean she didn't look shabby at the time, but she never put out that extra effort to stop a man in his tracks. But last night she certainly did look stunning nuh ratid! Dem things deh just mek man !&^@#(@?*%!! cross! I man didn't overreact, just played it cool with a "Hi, how are you, short convo"... it's a good thing I was looking like a Stunner myself, else yuh know mi would feel bad nuh ratid! But we all get mature and change as we get older in life, and she certainly has changed for the better, I guess. Good for her, I won't hate.

Overall, I did enjoy myself partying with my coworkers, meeting up with some who I only speak to on the phone from all over the island during my duties at work and shaking a leg or two to some good selections. Oh, and as you may have guessed by now, I didn't win the $25,000 Gate prize... as expected. The worst part of the weekend is having to get up with a splitting headache three and a half hours later, to drag my tired ass of to work. &@##%@*!^! Oh well, such is the life of a struggling young man, nothing an extra strength Exedrin and two extra spoon of Blue Mountain coffee kinda fixed!

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Pull It Up - "World Dance"

Well tomorrow is Yesterday... hmm, that kinds sound weird! Well, as I was saying, tomorrow is Yesterday. The party where patrons will relive the best of the 90's and work up a sweat as they enjoy themselves and get lost in the music! My company is having a staff party the same evening, so i think I will pass through and eat up some of the free food, try to win the gate prize (like that will happen!). Then after that I hope to head to Yesterday, by that time the party will be in full swing and the vibes will be flowing. Yes my friend people will be whining and dancing up a storm. An speaking of dancing, do you remember this one?



I hope you liked that dance down memory lane. Anyway enjoy yourselves over the weekend and be responsible as you have fun!

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Tis the Season of Parties!

The Christmas season is upon us once again, the time of year many storm the shopping malls, make generous donations, give gifts to the special people in their lives while some approach it from a religious point of view as the time the celebrate the birth of Christ. However, there is one more thing that is characterize this time of the year, it is the season of parties!

At this time of the year in Jamaica there is an overwhelming number of parties to pick and choose from! I was listening to Zip 10 FM while driving and it seems there were more ads for parties than music! Among this season's lineup of parties and events are the big name all inclusive parties, Special Delivery and French Connections as well as the heavy weight stage shows, Welcome to Jamrock and Sting! For a lineup of the events for this season you can visit party sites like watever.com or events.in876.com.

I doubt I'll be doing a lot of partying, money kinda tight right now and I man getting old! But I hope to go to my favorite party, Yesterday, on December 22. Yeah, nothing like some fabulous selections 90's Dancehall music permeating the night air and hot women wining their waistlines! Considering that I have never been to one of those all-inclusive parties, I would love to attend one this year, but the price tag is scaring my pocket!

So what are your party plans? Which events will you be attending?

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I Are Back!

Yes people, as they say, "all good things must come to an end". And this is so true, as my good vacation has come to an end and I'm back on the Rock! A very wet one too at that! Oh yes, as I came back from my hiatus in the cold and snow in New York, I was greeted by the warm embrace of Olga, who "showered" me with love!

But even though I didn't mind the blessings from above I didn't have time to wrap up in under the sheets and sleep, as I had to hit the ground running! The very next day after my return
I had to jump out of bed and hauled my you know where to work. But that's not all, after those weeks of inactivity and gorging on the foreign delicacies and yumm pastry. I wasted no time getting my workout routine started again. Let me tell you, that first day was pure hell, I was literally struggling through routine. Hence, you can understand my absence from blogging.

My flight back on Air Jamaica was almost on time, only 15 minutes delayed, which is no biggy compared to the 6 hours delay I had to endure when I was heading to New York.We even still got to Jamaica on time! But Air Jamaica is not the sort of airline that would let you travel with them without giving you a reason to get upset and cuss! Oh no they just had to mess it up. I disembarked from the plane and was only help up a few seconds by a woman who tumbled down the steps from the aircraft and went through immigration rather quickly. Now dutty tinking Air Jamaica took an entire hour to get the suitcases on the carousel! Three other flights came in and sent out their cargo before I got my suitcases! Yes, slackness, dutty tinking Air Jamaica!

Anyway folks, my bed is calling, so enjoy your weekend, wet or dry! Here is a likkle something to start off your weekend.

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$10 Wine!

...Cent, 5 Cent, 10 Cent, Dollar
Cent, 5 Cent, 10 Cent, Dollar
Forget the small change give me give money woowine
Dollar
Dollar...

If anybody lives in the Caribbean or has lived in the Caribbean and is in their twenties or older would remember the Dollar Wine song. How could we forget, especially that part about leaving out the small change and giving the bog money wine! Oh yes, I remember those days. Well, it seems the younger ones these days have found a whole new interpretation and have taken inflation into account with what is now called the Ten Dollar Wine!

According to The Star, they have received reports that female students at some of the high schools in St. Catherine are selling sexual favours to male students starting at an asking price of JM$10. One teacher, interviewed by The Star, said, "I know some of them sell 'wine' for $10, and in other schools they sell it for $50. I know that they charge $100 just to push it in". Yes, these nine to eleven grade young girls are selling their bodies and sexual favours for a s cheap as JM$10 (approximately US$0.14)! [Article]

It seems things are just getting from bad to worse with our youth. These misguided young girls seem to have no pride in themselves and no respect for their bodies as they find it easy to give 'it' up for a few dollars or a ride in the taxi or the front seat of the infamous bashment minibus. I agree that times are hard, but they can't be that hard for these school girls to be offering sexual favours to male students and grown men for little or nothing! Ratid, JM$100, can hardly buy a patty and an box drink much less $10!

Something needs to be done to help these wayward girls. It is easier said than done and no one, two or three plans can solve this problem, but we as a nation need to make a start. I would love to say it starts at home and that the parents of these children need to talk to them, show them right from wrong and instill discipline in the foolish minds of the school girls. But sadly, some of these parents do not know any better or don't even care. The school needs to play a part in helping these young girls to see the value of themselves, to have self worth and pride and also to dicipline these out of control teens. However, the school is severely limited in what they can do where this is concerned as their primary goal academia. And even if the school decided to dicipline these teens, they run the risk of facing the wrath of the teens' family members and eve the same parents that should be working as a team in bringing up these children in the right way. Then we still have to contend with all the negative influences these teems feed on from their environment, entertainment and so called role models. It is indeed a sad state of affairs and a gloom fore gleam into the future of this country.

Maybe we should start a mentorship programme, maybe the schools should offer more guidance as a part of its curriculum and be tougher where discipline is concerned. Maybe, some of these parents need to be counseled and helped to provide the guidance and discipline needed to curb this trend in our girls. maybe we need to get the arm of the law involved. I don't know, but something needs to be done for this trend to stop.

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Rich Bitch!

Everyday I read the news about American rich people and celebrities I get pissed. The latest is the case of New York real estate mogul Leona Helmsley and her pooch Trouble. According to the New York Post, Helmsley died and left her dog with a $US12 million trust fund! What the hell! How the hell does someone leave a mutt a $US12 million trust found? It's a damn dog! This creature doesn't know how to appreciate $US12 million, he can't invest it into real estate, buy flashy cars or go shopping for designer clothes! However, this crazy woman deiced to instead of using this money for a worthwhile purpose that would benefit so many people, yes humans, who are suffering and in need of some financial help she decided to give it to a dog. But wait, it gets better, or should I say worse!

Trouble does not stay in a little kennel like most dogs, oh no, this pooch lives in a 28 room Connecticut estate! [How much rooms does your house have?] If you think you pamper yourself and enjoy the finer things in life at times, you are wrong my friend. Why? The estimated cost of caring for Trouble, which includes security, medical care and grooming, is well over $US300,000 a year! [How much money do you spend on yourself a year?] And get this, no Pedigree for this bitch as Trouble chows down on meals prepared especially for her by chefs!

It appears that Trouble has made herself some enemies and have been receiving death threats. As a result, her paid caretakers have taken several drastic steps to protect this rich bitch. Trouble was flown by private jet with her security team to a Helmsley property in the Sarasota area, which I doubt is less that 10 rooms! While at her hideout this 4.5 pound dog is guarded by a rotating security team!

Now things like these just rally get me ticked off! No it's not bad mind, (hehe... well maybe a little) but all this is just ridiculous! So much money being spent on a dog! And so many people out there suffering, including yours truly! The sad thing is, I'm sure other rich people and celebrities waste tonnes of cash on their pooches, including the biggest coke head Paris Hilton. Is it that the richer you get, the crazier and dumber you get? Is it that the ore money you get the more dumb things you find to waste money on? Dem tings here just mek man cross star!

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The Maid

The Maid asked for a raise:

The Madam was very upset about this and asked: 'Now Maria, why do you want an increase?'

Maria: Well Madam, there are three reasons why I want an increase. The first is that I iron better than you.
Madam: 'Who said you iron better than me?'

Maria: 'The Master said so.'
Madam: 'Oh.'

Maria: 'The second reason is that I am a better cook than you.'
Madam: 'Nonsense, who said you were a better cook than I?'

Maria: 'The Master did.'
Madam: 'Oh.'

Maria: 'My third reason is that I am a better lover than you.'
Madam (very upset now): 'Did the Master say so as well?'

Maria: 'No Madam, the gardener did.'

SHE GOT THE PAY RAISE..!

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SNOW!!!

Click on the Image to Enlarge

Yeeaahh!!! I got to see snow! I know I sound like a likkle Frighten Friday, but I don't care, at least now I can say I have experienced snow. I didn't come up expecting to see snow any at all, even though I was hoping I would, because everyone told me that snow usually don't start falling until late December, or early January. So I contented that I would just settle for the cold and the look of the trees.

Even with this in mind, I still was following the weather forecast, just to see if their was any chance of snow. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the forecast called for snow on December first. But even with that, you know forecasts can be wrong, so I didn't get my hopes up! But this morning, the forecast certainly came true and it definitely snowed! So of course you know who garbed on some winter gear and went out to experience snow for the first time in his life! And an experience it was, a very cold one, but I did enjoy my brief moment in the cold snow. The forecast calls for more snow tomorrow and some rain, so things should get more interesting!

Today was a quite and lazy day, as I stayed home, ate and slept, I going put on some serious weight! I will have a lot of work to do when I get back to Jamaica. But Friday I went on the road to do a little shopping and watched the movie, The Mist, which is another story. And yesterday I was on the road all day yesterday. I went to one of my Mother's friend to have brunch, toured Harlem a bit and went up to Cross County to do some shopping. So I guess today was a rest day I guess, to recuperate. So my vacation hasn't been going on too bad so far at all.

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Whoii Cowl a Bite Mi Shut!!!

Yes, I said it, cold a bite mi! As I stepped out of the airport the cold of late autumn was there to greet me with wide open arms! Not even in my freezer of an office, compares to the cold I feel while I am here. I haven't done anything so far since I came up here apart from trying to stay warm and eat all the food I can't afford when I'm on the Rock! But I have mustered up the courage to head out into the cold, so tomorrow I'll be on the road to soak in some of the frigid weather. Yeaahhh!

No I'm not out of my mind to be freezing my ass of in New York, instead of relaxing in the warm sun on the beach in Jamaica. But you only live once, and I have been on the beach countless times, but I have never been in New York in the cold time, so it's a new experience. At least I can write this down in my book of experiences, although I doubt I'll get to see snow. I really wanted to see snow though, but trying to get a cheap ticket with the vacation schedule at work later in the year was impossible. But I hope to make th best of my cold NY vacation! Anyway likkle more, mi gone unda mi blanket and comforter!

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Off to NY!... I Think?

Yes you read right! I'm on vacation and it's off to the Big Apple to feel what real cold feels like!... Well so I thought. I was supposed to be in the air right now, as I had booked a ticket for the 8:30 am flight, but instead I'm at my home on my computer blogging at 9:16! Why? Because of dutty tinking Air Jamaica! One again those bastards delayed my flight, so now my 8:30 am flight is not leaving until 2:30pm! And they didn't even have the decency of calling to let one know the flight would be delayed! I know i should have checked the status, but come on it's Air Jamaica, so I was expecting a delay of an hour or two, but not for 6 hours on a morning flight! So thanks to dutty late bug Air Jamaica I had to drive all the way back home. Now I need to get some sleep, going to bed at 2:00 am and waking up by 5:00 am takes a toll on ones body. I checked in nonetheless, so it shouldn't be that bad when i get back to the airport. Hopefully that dutty airline don't delay the flight again!

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Money Wars - Cash Plus vs Commercial Banks

It seems the hottest topic in the news here in Jamaica is the financial civil war that has erupted in the past few weeks! It is such a hot topic that it has even almost overshadowed the Local Government Elections that will be held shortly.

Of late many more ordinary Jamaicans have opted to invest their hard earned money in high yield alternative investments schemes in a bid to earned tangible interest on their principals. One of such investment companies, is the locally popular Cash Plus Limited. This investment company is one of several high yield investment companies that have been termed as risky and unregistered investments entities by the local commercial banks. But why have the ordinary Jamaican, despite the many warnings, leave the apparent safety of the commercial banks to gamble their hard earned money in such risky investments?

Well, my answer is just a layman's answer, not the reliable comments of a financial analyst. Times are hard, many Jamaicans are grossly underpaid, inflation is growing at an alarming rate, the dollar is devaluing every day and the same commerical institutions are offering little or no help to the ordinary Jamaican. But why would I say the commercial institutions are not helping? Well if we compare the the interest charged on loans with the interest paid on savings, there is no wonder why the top management of such banks can get seven digit salaries while your money seems to be growing only from your own input. I may be corrected on this, but the average interest paid on savings rarely goes above six percent per annum, while the interest charged on an ordinary almost never fall below seventeen percent per annum. There is no wonder why an interest rate of ten percent per month would seem attractive enough to take a risk!

As a result, many Jamaicans have taken the leap of faith and have been withdrawing their savings and deducting from their monthly commercial bank savings to take a leap of faith and invest in Cash Plus. This has definitely not gone down well with the leading commercial banks which have launched an all out assault on these alternative investment options, including the famed Cash Plus! It seems the commercial banks attacks started with harsh warnings to the public, which escalated into pressuring the government to act, however, these actions have seemed to do little to quench the publics fire for Cash Plus. This would not deter the banks as the have resorted to dishonoring checks to and from institutions such as Cash Plus and OLINT, considering closing the accounts all accounts relating to these "unregistered institutions" and reports are that they have even gone as far as threatening their own staff if they are found to be investing in entities such as Cash Plus. However, Cash Plus has been vigorously attempting to assure its investors that this latest move by the banks will no bring the company and its subsidiaries down, through the printed media and mass meetings and have begun to explore other means of paying their investors their returns. [read story]

Who will win this war? Will the banks succeed in bringing down these investment companies, or will companies like Cash Plus and OLINT grow ever stronger? Will the banks actions reestablish themselves as the investment option of choice or will their actions bring an unwanted backlash? As the missiles fly across the battle field, only time will tell. What are your thoughts on this financial war?

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Pull It Up! - "Flex (Time to Have Sex)"

Yes my friends it's that time again for Pull It Up! I pulled this one from deep in the archives. this tune was the adolescent male theme song for the girls when I was in my teens! Flex (Time to Have Sex) by Mad Cobra! I hope you enjoy it!

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KRW'07: Stunner Does Rib Kage!

Click on the image to enlarge.

As I said in my post about Kingston Restaurant Week 2007, I will be treating my pallet to the offerings of one of these participating restaurants during the course of the week-long celebration of the city's culinary creations. As I also expressed before, being an underpaid employee...well I actually said, " bruck pocket", I would definitely not be going up to the Delectable group of restaurants. So I decided to stretch the credit card and try out one of the Savory meals. The restaurant of choice was Rib Kage Bar and Grill. Maybe not one of the big time sit down and dine in places, but hey I've never been there before so I decided to try it.

The ambiance was very relaxed and the air was filled with the chatter of patrons as the converse and enjoyed the offerings to the pallet. So it was pretty decent where atmosphere and the staff was concerned, so now it was time for the real deal, the food! After receiving the menu, I didn't have to look too hard for what I wanted to order, as there was a special menu enclosed for Kingston Restaurant Week (KRW). Well, it's not like I really had to look for what I want anyway, because if anyone has heard about Rib Kage they know it's all about the ribs baby! However, the KRW menu didn't only have Ribs, it also had three other choices for the main course, two choices of desserts and the soup of the day as the appetizer along with a complimentary cocktail.

To start things off it was the appetizer and appetizing it was! It was a tasty bowl beef soup with the right amount of pepper! This set the stage for the main course and also kicked off a burp or two. Well since Rib Cage is famous for their BBQ ribs, that's what I decided to order. So I had the Half rack Rum Glazed Baby Back Ribs along with a side dish of vegetable rice and coleslaw. I must admit, the BBQ ribs was certainly pleasing to my pallet and the ample size of the serving would certainly impress any hungry Jamaican! With that devoured it was time to sample the tasty dessert. I had the Double Chocolate Brownie A la Mode, rich chocolate brownie smothered with sweet ice cream, topped with a cherry... Yum! My experience of KRW at the Rib Kage was definitely a pretty decent one and I would certainly sample their menu again!

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This is Just Crazy!

This is one market I won't be going to at all!

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Kingston Restaurant Week 2007

Image taken from KRW website

Once again it's that time for lovers of fine dining to treat their palates to the exquisite tastes of Jamaican and international dishes temptingly prepared and garnished. Yes folks it is the third staging of the Kingston Restaurant Week (KRW). The event commences on Saturday November 10 and will end on November 17.

What exactly is Kingston Restaurant Week? Well, during this special celebration of the capital city's top class restaurants put out their best and cook to impress. But that's not the only highlight of this special occasion, as locals and visitors alike can sample scrumptious, delectable three (3) course meals at Kingston's top-a-top restaurants for a reduce cost! There are three price categories in which different participating restaurants are grouped: Tasty for $JM1100, Savoury for $JM1300 and lastly Delectable for $JM2500.

I have never indulged in KRW before, but I plan to this year, as it is a very good chance for me to enjoy some of the food the elite of the Jamaican society take for granted. I doubt I will be going up to the Delectable dishes but at least I will try to enjoy one of the other categories, depending of the credit card strength (Yuh can guess weh bruck pocket Stunner going head!). And of course you know I will certainly report on my experience at whichever restaurant I decide to visit. If you are interested in sampling some of these restaurants and want to know the list of restaurants participating and their categories click here.

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Who Seh Big Man Don't Cry?

Picture taken from The Gleaner 20071107

There is a popular saying that men should be tough and show no signs of weakness by crying. In other words, "Big man don't cry". But Kern Spencer, the former PNP Junior Minister, now member of Parliament wept openly in yesterday's sitting of the House of Representatives. The PNP has found itself at the helms of yet another scandal involving the wanton spending of taxpayers money. At the time Mr. Spence was the Junior minister in the Ministry of Technology and Commerce, which was headed by Phillip Paulwell, otherwise known as Baby Paulwell due to his constant fumbling and trails of mismanagement and scandals.

According to The Gleaner, the JLP has revealed that under the former ruling party it cost Jamaican taxpayers some JM$276.5 Million to distribute 4 million free light bulbs donated by the Cuban government. The JLP has launched an investigation into the issue by the Contractor General and Auditor General and has even suggested that the fraud Squad be incorporated which would make the issue a criminal investigation. It seems Mr. Spencer wanted to say something in his defense of the defense of his Ministry and Party when the charges were being thrown at him by the Minister of Energy, Mining and Telecommunications, Clive Mullings. However his was muted by the opposition party secretary several times, and that seem to triggered this outburst, or should I say pouring out of emotions. [Read the story here]

It will be interesting to see how this will play out. Will there be criminal charges? Is this just the beginning of the exposure of the corruption that was entrenched in the former ruling party? Does this mean that the new ruling party will be any better? Or will we see more bawling in the house of Parliament? Only time will tell!

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Pull It Up! - "Champion"

As you all know from my posts about Good Times and Yesterday that I am a fan of the 90'a music. Don't get me wrong, I do listen to some of the recent Dancehall songs and actually enjoy quiet a few. But to me the 90's were the best years in Dancehall! Maybe it kind of brings back that nostalgic feel of when I was in my teens and in high school. Aaahhhh yes, the days without stress. But I think I like them more that the songs these days, because the 90's songs to me were the "wine up pon gyal" (No disrespect to the ladies) music!These days when you go to an ordinary session it is common to see groups of males dancing with each other as they try to show off how good the can handle the latest moves. While the women are by themselves dancing. I'm not saying that there are not instances where men and women are dancing and gyrating on each other, but just too much dance moves and division between the sexes. An yuh know Stunner nuh inna the bag a man ting! But Good Times, Yesterday and Mellow Vibes are my kind of parties! Why? Because the play those 90's songs that you can certainly wine up on someone of the opposite sex to. Yeah the good music and the good vibes.

Well all that blabber was just to set the tone for the post. I have decided to pull up some of these songs from back in the days in what I call Pull It Up posts where I will feature the video of one of these popular 90's hits. This is the first of such posts and the song I chose to start things off is Champion (Remix), by Buju Banton. It was released was released in 1995 on Buju's 'Til Siloh album and was one of my favorite songs on that album. I hope you enjoy it and have a good weekend!

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The Increases Never End!

Well life has just got harder her on the rock. It seems the price of everything has sky rocketed over the past few weeks. The increasing price of gas become a norm now, even with the whopping increase to US$88 per barrel. It seems going to th pumps on a Thursday mooring the average driver expects to see an increase of JM$1.00 on the per litre price for gas. So despite feeling the crunch in ones pocket, the average Jamaican seems to be getting accustomed to the ever increasing gas prices. But this is not the only tribulation that was in mid air, pouncing on the pockets of Jamaicans!

The news broke a few weeks ago, when the Jamaica Flour Mills announced that the cost for flour will be increased by thirty percent (30%)! This increase in one single item might not look so drastic at first thought, but when you consider the rippling effects that this increase will inevitably have on all baked products that uses flour then the ominous picture reveals itself. Now Jamaican will have to dig deeper into their pockets for the simple necessary baked products like bread, biscuits, crackers. This ripple effect is also compounded by the many greedy resellers of flour who see this as an opportunity to fatten their pockets by stuffing their shelves with excessive increases in the price of flour. It has been reported that some store owners have already begun to practice price gouging.

But this is not the only pocket crunching food woe, it has also been reported that the prices of ground provisions have also gone up! Another bite into the ever diminishing pocket. I share the same sentiments of a consumer who the the Jamaica Gleaner quoted as saying, "Every month when I go to the supermarket the prices go up. Now I just buy the basic items, certain things like fruits and cereal I cannot afford...", as I feel the same way when I see the prices of goods on the shelves every time I go to the supermarket.

The unfortunate thing is that while everything seem to be on a rapid increase except my salary! Instead it seems to be on a downward spiral with the ever devaluing Jamaican Dollar! I guess I just have to ban mi belly learn to live with less and try to think positive, because with all the increases in the price of gas, utilities and food, compounded by negligible salary increases I can still afford to gaze on things like these...

Click on the image to view it larger. See more at My World My Lens

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Overcharged!!!

Oh my, another weekend is upon us! It's so amazing how quickly this week flew by, and it's not because of the holiday weekend we just had, but seriously the time flying by fast star! But I don't mind the time flying by so quickly...but just for now! It can fly off as quick as it wants until the third week in November. Why? Well, I have my vacation in November, and trust me I can't wait for a break from work and to do some traveling!

On another note, I got quiet a scare today! Well you see I was at home today when I saw something slip threw under my front door. No it wasn't a deadly centipede, a killer scorpion or a disease carrying cockroach, it was my credit card bill! I have no fear opening my credit card statement, not because I am rich, although I wish I was. But because I already have a fair idea of how much I spent on it and also because I use my card responsibly. So you can just imagine the shock, the horror, the disbelieve when I saw a whopping JM$119,000 as the balance owing!

I almost got an heart attack...well not really as I am in good condition and have no history of heart disease personally or in my family...but I was so shocked and in disbelief! So I carefully went through and scrutinized my statement. Low and behold I found the culprit. I normally buy gas with my credit card and buy JM$1000 almost once every week. But on this occasion in question the gas station didn't charge me JM$1000, but US$1000, which works out to a whopping JM$71,000! What the hell! So immediately you know who called the credit card company. I called customer care and was told by the agent that I would have to speak to the gas station to have them sort it out. Hmm, just great! Anyway off I went to the gas station to get things sorted out. Thankfully that wasn't hard though, the manager actually told me they saw the mistake and that the had contacted the bank on the same day to make the correction. Also she said that they were trying to get my contact number from the bank to advise me of what happened but the bank would not release such info. Thank God that was sorted out, now I owe a much smaller figure.

Well, the weekend is here and I'm stuck at work again, so nothing interesting to do of such. Tomorrow I hope to go look for a new frame, as i am planning to get myself a new pair of spectacles. Yes my friends, that's an arm and leg and maybe a whole torso to buy that. Hopefully I get the time to go tomorrow. Anyway folks enjoy your weekend!

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Sexiest Woman Alive?

I dropped in on Princess Dominique's blog and found this post about Charlize Theron being dubbed as the Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Magazine. However, I fail to see why Esquire magazine came to this conclusion. I mean, she looks good, and her body does look nice, but sexiest woman alive! I clearly fail to see that part. I think the judges who came up with this verdict must by high on some serious seasoned coke-ass weed when they made this call. But then...

I thought to myself, maybe it's that my definition of sexy is on a whole different plane, something completely different from them, or mainstream media. Yeah, you know, curve-less, thin, no ass, big breasts, blond, etc.... Yes my definition differs a whole lot.

Well, my idea of sexy includes a woman with curves in the right places, curves a plenty! I like nice curvy hips, nice round basket ball, grab me please, apple bottom, well shaped legs and thighs. She has have got to have a nice pair of breasts, not to big and definitely not too small! A pretty face is a must, a lovely pair or irresistible lips and a walk that stops anyone in their tracks. But, sexy doesn't stop there, it involves how the woman projects herself, her confidence, her sexuality and how she carries herself. That about sums it up oh and for those who are imaginatively impaired the picture below may help.

Yeah, like she!

So I tried to give my impression of a sexy woman in a nutshell, what do you consider sexy?

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Why I Was Fired!

For the Annual Company Picnic, management had decided that because of liability issues, we could have alcohol, but only one (1) drink per person...

I was fired for ordering the cups!!!

I won't say much today, I have a lot of catching up to do on your blogs. Enjoy the weekend and for all my non-weekend working Jamaican bloggers, enjoy the holiday weekend... that is if the rain ever stops falling!

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Bumper to Bumper Rain, Rain, Rain!

My fellow bloggers I have been a bad blogger, all this absence from visiting your blogs and posting regularly. But I can explain... Remember I told you all that I have made my return to the gym? Well I have been sticking to the plan and that is why I have been away from the blog scene somewhat. I have been working the day shifts regularly and after work it's straight to the gym, by the time I get home I'm so tired. Even now I am struggling to type this post, so it wont be long.

On another note, it has been raining like crazy since Sunday afternoon. Not extremely heaving downpours but good long showers punctuated by light drizzle and only a few minutes of just overcast conditions, but for the most part it has been just rain, rain, rain! Monday morning it was so hard to get up out of bed for work, not because I was tired, but because the damn bed feel suh ratid good with the rain falling and the nice cool morning temperature! But I pulled my ass out of the bed yesterday and this morning to face the extremely slow morning traffic in the nice "tan a yuh yard" rain.

On the topic of rain, I can't cant talk about rain without talking about the awful, disgusting, leg numbing, eye closing, miserable, traffic. I think the traffic is my motivation to go to the gym in such cozy weather, one look at the traffic I instantly made a detour to the gym. It's better I spend the time to work out, than make myself miserable sitting in the traffic. Even this evening when I left the gym minutes after eight this evening, and it still took me over half hour to get home and I only live 10 minutes away from the gym. It is crazy in the city of Kingston when it rains especially in the evenings, bumper to pumper traffic, cars stationary for several minutes, vehicles poring out from every crevasse and corner, turning in all kind of directions across the roads! Pure craziness! So just remember this formula when you are in Kingston and you see the rain starting to fall by 3 pm:

From experiments it is proven that traffic varies with the amount of rainfall,

Therefore, in Kinston,

K * r = T

where,
T= Traffic
r = Rain.
K= Kingston factor which is a very large number.

Ok, that's either the engineer in me talking or I'm typing pure foolishness because I'm falling asleep!

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Chef Stunner-Yardie Does I Again!

Yes folks your fellow blogger and chef extraordinaire has done it again, another exploit in the wonderful world of the culinary arts, a.k.a. the kitchen! So after failing miserably a long time go at making spaghetti and rounded meat...most commonly known as a spaghetti and meat balls (cause man nuh eat balls!), I decided to try it again. But this time! So on Sunday I was armed with a recipe from recipe.com and more years of experience. But of course being the famous Chef Stunner-Yardie, I had to add my special touch to it, yes those special herbs, spices and seasonings and of course my special touch. But this time the Stunner was victorious and the dish turned out great!

But the conquest didn't end there, Chef Stunner-Yardie did it again, but this time it was different dish. On Tuesday, it was back in the kitchen to make another stunneriffic dish. I made one serious piece of bar-b-que, chicken deh! It was finger licking good! But that was just a part of it, as I made some corn muffins with sweet corn and to go with it some steamed veggies: carrots, string beans and broccoli with my special butter sauce. Yes your boy Stunner was seriously going on bad in the kitchen. The left overs I had with lettuce and salad tomatoes.

It has been a really busy week for me, not only with work, but because I have started back at at the gym. After work in the days, it's stratight to the gym, and by the time I get home it's just enough time to eat some food and head to the bed for the next day. So that's why I have been to absent from the blogs scene this week. I'm off tis weekend, can you believe it! I actually have a weekend off...only problem I wish I was off on Hero's weekend (sigh). Nothing planned for the weekend at all, maybe just gym and relaxing.

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So Busy...These Days

No not me, I'm not busy at all right now, just relaxing on the first of my two consecutive days off! After working such a long weekend, I do need to take a break and relax. But I ended up on the road the entire day, helping out my friend who got her vehicle towed away by the dreaded harbour shark traffic cops. Yeah, they are out on he roads on the first of every month like hungry vultures to snatch up anyone with expired motor vehicle registrations, even if you are on your way to do it.

Anyway that's not the reason for this post, as the title said, "Busy", and that's who I'm talking about, the new artiste on the block, busy Signal. Well he is not so new, but he is new compared to the well known Dancehall artistes. But he has quiet a few hot songs on the market and has shown himself to be a very promising Dancehall artiste. Hopefully he keep it up and makes it on the international scene. I recall MB making mention, in one of his posts, of one of his latest song that is certainly rocking the airwaves here in Jamaica, so I decided to give you a look and listen to the song. I too like it (the radio version), even though the unedited version has more than it's fair share of the 'F' word. But it does pack a powerful message and comments on the very tragic state of our society here in Jamaica and also to a larger extent the world. The title of the song is "These Days". Listen carefully and tell me what you think of it.

Warning: The song contains offensive language (I couldn't find a clean version).

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I wish I was...

The Beach at the Riu Resort Ocho Rios

I have been stuck once again working an entire weekend. I have been working since Thursday and I all I can think, is that I wish I was not here, but somewhere else like the picture above! Why can't I be rich? Sometimes it just seem pointless to work when you are not getting payed as you should, being underpaid sucks! But one has to pay the bills, so until I can afford to chill on the beach and gaze at the endless horizon, I'll be here staring at the computer screen on a weekend to pay the bills. How has your weekend been going?

For more of my photos go to My World My Lens.

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Back to the Gym

I had plan to drop a post yesterday evening and run through my blog roll, but that just did not happen. Why you ask? Well after feeling very discontent with my physical features and feeling extremely lousy and lazy most of the time I thought to myself that it was time to change from my wayward path and return to the gym. So yesterday evening even after washing a tonne load of clothes and cleaning my entire apartment I dragged my tired lazy ass to the gym.

I know the first day of going back to the gym is hard, but I didn't expect that it would be such a steep hill! So first thing is first, I have to get the muscles warm in an attempt to prevent any injuries. So it was on the treadmill to do a little 15 minutes warming up, but let me tell you I could barely run for three minutes! Within one minute of running I was blowing like a steam train, my heart was racing like a 100 horse power engine and I was struggling to keep myself from falling on my face. Damn I am so unfit! So after that awful experience, I pulled myself up to the weights room. That was no better at all, I was struggling to bench press my warm up weights and was at the point of collapse at the end of the sets.

So today I braved the odds and headed back to the gym once again. Fortunately, even though today was rough as hell, it wasn't not as bad as the first day back. I actually did 5 minutes of running, 2 more minutes more than the previous day! So I am slowly getting back into the groove. Hopefully this time I will be able to keep it going and see some good results. I'll keep you posted on my progress as the weeks go by.

Apart from that, there is nothing all that exciting going on. Just another long weekend at work. Well at least I mustered up the strength to drop a post, but I'll have to visit your blogs tomorrow. I have still been busy with my camera, so you can check out my photos at my photoblog My World My Lens. Enjoy your weekend!

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Little Joseph

For his birthday, little Joseph asked for a 10-speed bicycle. His father said, "Son, we'd give you one, but the mortgage on this house is $280,000 & your mother just lost her job. There's no way we can afford it." The next day the father saw little Joseph heading out the front door with a suitcase. So he asked, "Son, where are you going?" little Joseph told him; "I was walking past your room last night and heard you telling mom you were pulling out. Then I heard her tell you to wait because she was coming too. And I'll be damned if I'm staying here by myself with a $280,000 mortgage & no bike!

Just giving you a little smile for the day.

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Random Post I Can't Believe I Ate That?

For some strange reason I had something to post today and I just can't get it together. Maybe it will come to me tomorrow or over the weekend. My sinus is giving me hell, draining in the back of my throat. Maybe it's causing a brain drain too, cause I just nuh know what I was going to post. Or maybe it's old age catching up with me!

It's another weekend, and I actually have one day off this weekend! Yeeaahhhh! Yes I know I sound a bit over excited for just one day, but when you work a shift job and you hardly get a weekend off, getting even one day is cause for a celebration! So you can just imagine how I behave when I actually get the entire weekend off! Head nuh good! I would probably end up at Ward 21 if I get an entire holiday weekend off! So what do I have planned for this special day? Well nothing much. I need to get the phone line extended to the other corner of my tiny living room so I can do a little redecoration. So I'm having it done tomorrow and commence the redecoration as soon as it is done. Then it will be off to the barber to cut off my locks and look decent...well it's mainly to hide these damn premature gray hairs in my head! Damn them! Arrggh!

Well, they say you must try something new, explore what life has to offer. So Stunner decided to do exactly that. No I didn't drive a formula four racing car nor jump off the cliff at Rick's Cafe. I ate something I never ate before or thought I would never have the guts to eat.... No nuh dat, unnuh mind too dyam corrupt! Anyway as I was saying, before I was rudely...and I stress rudely...interrupted, I has Octopus! Yes, I actually ate one of the little baby sized ones. I was at a buffet and they had what seemed to be some fried ones, so being the adventurous little Stunner that I am I threw one in my plate. I must admit it didn't look all that gross as I thought it would be, so I tried it. So I sat down at the table looked at it, said a little prayer, breathed deeply and sunk in my fork. I closed my eyes and opened my mouth and in it went! How can I describe it? I'll say it's like nothing I have ever had, somewhat rubbery in texture, but soft enough to chew and I honestly don't know how to describe the taste, but it was seafood. I figure the sauce and seasoning masked the true taste, although I could taste a unique taste of the octopus meat. At one point I almost decided to spit it out when I remembered what I was eating. Hmmm, maybe I'm now ready for Survivor or fear Factor! What do you think? Hey question for you all... What is the weirdest thing you have even eaten?

Oh my, I didn't do too bad for someone who forgot what to post....or maybe that octopus thing was what I had intended to post...hmmmm. Anyway, it's another weekend so enjoy yourselves. Here is a little something to start your weekend off on a good note! Click on this link and wait for it to load: http://www.ffk-wilkinson.com

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Hmmm....I Guess I Could Be

There's a Chance You Could Be Violent

Overall, you're a pretty chill person - and you have a good handle on your emotions. Sometimes your anger gets the best of you, and end up regretting how you act. Try to curb your temper more often. It only has to get out of control once to do some damage.

Could You Be Violent?

I saw one of these blog quizes on GC's blog and decided to do one myself. So I went to Blogthings and found the above quiz and gave it a try. So the above is my result, but how about you? Could You Be Violent?

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2008 Accord Is Here!

2008 Accord Coupe

2008 Accord Sedan

Yes the 2008 Honda Accord has been launched, a whole new look and whole new attitude! It has a mean look and has more bulky build than the previous shape and really looks like it can take on the road. The new innovative and alluring styling is not the only thing different about the new Accord, but for those who think size matters, it is the largest Accord that Honda has ever manufactured. Which mean a whole lot more room inside it's plush luxury interior for one to feel like a king on the road. But size and style doesn't matter if the is nothing under the hood! The Accord has an optional 268-hp V6 engine, to push all the large styled luxury on the open road.

The new Accord Boasts:
Style
(Sedan)
Commanding full-size sedan presence
Performance-inspired lines and details
Rich new color choices
Wide-opening doors for ease of entry and exit
(Couple)
Completely redesigned with an aggressive, sportier stance
Available 18-inch alloy wheels (V-6)

Performance
Available 268-hp engine (V-6)
Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®)offers both brisk acceleration and fuel efficiency (V-6)
Choice of 5-Speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission

Luxury
Supple leather-trim (EX-L) and ample passenger space
Available navigation system and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® capability
Dual-zone automatic climate control (EX-L)

I went through the gallery pictures and it has me dreaming of how good it would feel to be driving one of these. I even went as far as configuring my Accord, adding all the spoilers and fan dangles! Sigh... Even though I crave one of these cars with my every being, it's another one of my fantasies. I won't be able to afford such comfort, style and power... not on this salary at least. But a man can dream can't I?

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The Eye Candy Returns!

I haven't done this in a while, so I decided it's time enough I posted a Eye Candy! I hope the ladies don't feel to bad that there is not a sexy photo of a male Indian chief scantily clad, flexing his muscles and showing off his washboard abs. No Stunner don't play Indian that way, so it has to be a sexy Indian chieftess.... I doubt that word exist! One thing for sure that's one stroonnnggg body girl! An Indian costume never looked so good!

Nothing special this weekend, just another work-filled weekend! So this eye-candy is just what I need to keep my spirits up at work... hehehe, yuh now mi have to tek a peek!

Oh for all those persons who subscribe to my rss via Feedblitz, there is this cool feature provided by Talkr which reads the post to you. So if you have subscribed and you don't have the time to read my post, or just too plain lazy this would be just for you! If you haven't subscribed yet and want to, you can look for the Subscribe me! button just under the archives list. You may also have noticed I added a Google search to the page, so you can use that to search the blog or the internet.

Anyway enjoy your weekend!

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Gaucho's Rocks

Gaucho's Kingston Jamaica 2007
(Update: 20A South Avenue Kingston 10-As requested by Bobby)

So I finally decided to go check out what Gaucho's had to offer to the pallets, and I was certainly not disappointed at all. The atmosphere was wonderful and relaxed, with several tables arranged around a nicely lit swimming pool that occupied the centre of the dining area. There were strategically placed torches which complemented the warm yellow glow of the candle lit tables as they both made shadows sway to the voices of friendly chatter that filled the atmosphere. There were tables for two, for four and even for large groups. I was impressed thus for, but you know pretty looks alone nuh cut it, the proof of the pudding is in the taste!

The menu boasted a wide array of seemingly sumptuous dining items covering the three main courses, appetizers, entrees and desserts. For, a moment I was totally confused, I had no idea what to choose, but I finally decided on what to eat. I will have to admit, there food is quite decent, I was not disappointed with the taste and the presentation.The price wasn't too bad, it's not somewhere I will afford to go eat every weekend much more every day of the week! But the price is manageable for a treat. A dinner for two will on average cost you in the J$1800 depending on what you order (Appetizers and dessert not included... yuh know Stunner have to watch the belly!). I actually wet to Gaucho,s twice, the first time I went I had the BBQ spare ribs which was not too bad. However, on the second time I tried the Coconut Curried Chicken, and that was great! I would have certainly devoured some more of that meal if they gave me another serving that night!

Overall Gaucho's is a cool place to go on a date or to just have dinner with your friends. The ambiance is lovely, the food is good and it's not too pricey.

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Does It Matter?

I was on my way to Ochie last week and was driving through Fern Gully when I saw the carvings on the road side. You know those cravings, yeah those big hood carvings. So I decided to take a photo and to get a little creative with it. It seems there is a fascination with overly large male reproductive organs, especially here in the western hemisphere. I know the ladies must be tired oh hearing this question, but I have never asked it on my blog and I want to hear what the Caribbean women say.So ladies does the size of the plank matter? Have a great weekend everyone.

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Course Changed!

The preliminary results are in and from all indications Bruce Golding and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has squeezed power from the hands of the People National Party (PNP) after some eighteen years of being in power. It seems a certain pastor and self proclaimed prophet will have to think seriously about a career change! I use the word squeeze intentionally as this was indeed a closely contested election. The preliminary results last night announce by the director of elections was a 31-29 match up in the favour of the JLP. Also the margin between some seats were extremely close, withe even once seat being termed by the returning officer of the cluster saying it was too close for him to call.

Sista P, was not in any mood to concede a JLP victory last night due to the close tally and the citizenship issue surrounding one of the JLP's victorious candidate. And has indicated that she and her party will be seeking legal action as well as a magisterial recount. However, I just read on The Gleaner's website, that yesterday evening the PNP and its leader has conceded victory to the JLP. They will still however continue with legal action and a recount but it seems from all indications that the JLP has won the election, however narrow the margin is as The Gleaner indicated a 32-28 victory for the JLP this evening.

Eighteen years has been a long time, and although the PNP has done a lot for the country over their tenure ship, they have also done a whole lot of crap and have wasted a lot of my money...I mean tax payer's money. I guess the majority of the voting Jamaican population thinks it is time for a change and have indicated that from their votes. The JLP has made a lot of promises, and they have a tough job ahead of them to rescue this ailing country. Will they make a difference? Will jamaica be better off under the governance of the JLP? Or will things only get worse? It this the winds of change that Jamaica needs? Only time will tell, only time will tell.

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Elections Jamaican Style!

Elections, Jamaican style is certainly here. No one can mistake this season, there isn't even any way one can try to ignore or deny it. The campaign ads have infiltrated every programme on the local TV stations and radio stations. It seems that campaign ads are the main programming and are only punctuated by a small piece of regular shows. I must admit that I find some of the ads quiet amusing, but that has now faded and have been replaced by annoyance. They are just too many ads now and too frequently! I recall driving in my card and a string of campaign ads started, so craving for some music I decided to change the station only to be slapped in the face with another string of campaign ads! I can't wait to see the end of election.

The disruptive and annoying motorcades is another piece of the Jamaican election campaigning period. An endless line of dangerously overloaded vehicles with widows blocked by protruding bodies adorned in party colours. Campaign songs ring out of speakers as the compete with the pro-party shouts of the supporters. But this is not all, the drivers of these vehicle seem to have their own interpretation of the the road rules as they have no regard for other road users, traffic signs or even stoplights. My advice to anyone is to avoid these motorcades at all costs, as having even a fender bender with one of these vehicles could end up your last. The danger is not limited to the innocent users of the road, who are going by their daily business, but also to these idiot who feel they must hang half of their bodies through the windows of these vehicles. A few weeks ago, one supporter who got killed when his head got entangled with some bamboo stalks. but this has not stopped them from protruding their bodies from the fast moving and reckless driven vehicles of the motorcades.

But the ads and motorcades are only the milder sides of elections, Jamaican style. There is a much darker, sinister side of elections. The wave of political violence that sweeps across the country like a terrible tsunami, claiming lives and leaving a trail of tears and blood. Since the announcement of the date for general elections and its subsequent postponement due to hurricane Dean political violence has certainly made itself obvious. Since then over ten lives have been claimed allegedly by the hands of political violence. And, at the rate at which these murders have been occurring, it seems as if there will definitely be more bloodshed in the few days leading to election, on election day and after the announcement of the winning party. This senseless violence always seem to be a part of Jamaican election season and it seems it will never be separated. The politicians condemn it, yet they seem to do very little to bring it to an end, but then again when the endless supply of tax payers money is at stake, it about winning at all cost.

I was hoping I wouldn't be in Jamaica for elections, I wanted to be somewhere else, but unfortunately I am stuck here. My day off is on election day and it certainly will be a day off, as I will not be leaving my house, not even opening the door to let in fresh air. I think I will watch the events unfold on my TV and hope that the violence and foolishness will die down after election day. I know some of you will be voting, or may be at work on election day, so try to be careful and stay safe whatever you do. In the meantime you can vote here on the Stunner's Election Poll below.

Stunner's Election Poll Who do you think will win the 2007 Jamaica General Elactions? The JLP The PNP Too close to call Don't give a shit! view results

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Powerless Yet Romantic

Well one week has past and things are slowly getting back to normal...well at least here in Kingston. The few days after hurricane was rough! No light and for some people no water. These couple of days surely made you appreciate how much we are dependent on the comforts of modern civilization, that we often take for granted. I had water even right after the hurricane, but definitely no light.

It took me about two days to get power after the hurricane, and those few nights were hell. I said nights as things were OK in the days, since I was basking in the fluorescent light and air conditioning at work. But When I got home it was a different story, no power, which means no fan, no lighting, no cool drink, no hot water and no meat! Trying to sleep was not easy at all as I had to endure the heat of my apartment which was compounded by an onslaught of some serious hungry belly mosquitoes! These damn mosquitoes attack you even while you are moving, it's as if Dean had cut off their food supplies.

Cooking was definitely no fun. Trying to cook with candle light is not something desirable, as you can hardly see what you are cooking and the candles take up all the space on the counter top. But I did manage to do some cooking one of the evening though. Oh yes I had a nice romantic setting, dinner by candle light! Of course it was by myself, but the candle light did give a nice feeling as I ate my Grace tin mackerel and flour dumplings, with some syrup served at room temperature. What did you expect? Beef sirloin, creamed potatoes and tossed salad with freshly blended fruit juice? It's post hurricane time! Anyway here is a picture of my romantic dinner for one.

So you can just imagine my excitement when I got home form work a few days later to see the light radiating through out the complex and when I got inside my apartment and flicked the switch! It was such a relief to get back my light, oh yes, my bulbs filled the room with fluorescent light, cable was back, the Internet was sitting and waiting and I dashed to plug in the fridge. Things are certainly getting back to normal as time goes by.

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Hurricane Dean Video Clip

Since the approach of Dean Jamaica has been without power and still is in some areas...including mine. I wont be writing much as I have to stay back a little at the office to post this and check up my email. I recorded a few video clips during the hurricane, it's not much...in act they are very crappy... I was working during the hurricane. I have posted them below. The first video has a lot of talking, me and my co-workers. Hope all in the path made it through the hurricane ok.

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Close Shave! (Bye Bye Dean)

The sun is once again shining through the partly cloudy skies here in Kingston, Jamaica and hurricane Dean has passed! We got a pounding by endless rain, lashes by powerful winds but still standing. Thank God Dean changed course and traveled south of the island instead of plowing straight through!

I am not sure of the extent of the damage, as I am still at work and have not ventured out or seen any news updates. But it seems things are not as bad as with Ivan. Now I need to head home after work and examine my place and take a good shower! Yes there is still water in my part of the city, just hope it is clean enough to bathe. This is just a quick post but I hope to post some pics and videos in my next post. I don't have much as I was at work the whole time. Hope all the Cayman posy is hanging in there and will be OK as well as the folks on the Yucatan Peninsula. Thank you all for your best wishes and prayers.

You can still track hurricane Dean on my previous post. I will replace it with a snapshot after Dean dies out.

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Crunch Time (Hurricane Update)

Well, the beautiful weather that Jamaica experienced yesterday has given way to the dark, rainy conditions associated with the outer bands of the hurricane system. Dean has changed course a little and the track is projected south of the island. But this can always change, but we hope it moves even further southwards, thus lessening the impact of the hurricane force winds. I have not seen any strong winds here in Kingston so far and we have not experienced any heavy showers, but things will deteriorate as time goes by. The most we can do now is just pray and hope the system continues to move south of us.

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Worst Nightmare!

Yes folks, even though this morning is a bright sunny beautiful morning, Jamaica's worst nightmare has just been realized! within a few hours Jamaica will begin to feel the first impacts of the Cat 4, or even possible Cat 5 Hurricane Dean. I have not been on the road since this morning, but I can just imagine how bus it must be with the frantic last minute shoppers, buying and preparing fo the horrible tempest ahead.

I have not done much preparation for this hurricane. I think what I have done so far is sufficient. I bought myself some bottled water, tin food, easy to cook non-perishables, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions. I did this from Thursday, yes I know it was early, but I did it to avoid the mad rush the few hours before the hurricane, and also because...

I will be at work! What the hell! Yes I have been forcibly drafted in the hurricane team and will be at work for quiet a long time. During the entire pre-hurricane, hurricane and post-hurricane periods. So I will spend the rest of my day securing the home front, then later it will be off to work. I guess some of us have to make sure vital services like communication remains up during such a critical time. I would rather not be at work and at home to somehow protect my property... or at least feel like I am... somehow!

This hurricane is the strongest to hit Jamaica in such a manner in a long time. I am just hoping that by some miracle Dean decides to dip southwards and spare Jamaica the carnage! I know for a certain that our already limping economy and substandard facilities cannot handle a Cat 4 much more a Cat 5.

You may visit this blog later in the night as I may be able to post a short update on how Dean is affecting the island. I will be busy at work, but I'll try to give a quick updates for as long as the internet connection stay up. To my fellow Bloggers in Jamaica and Cayman, stay safe and those not affected, keep us in your prayers.

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War Path!!!

I was going to give you a review of the Borne Ultimatum, but I think I have more pressing issues to deal with! You must be wondering what I'm taking about. But if you take a look at the picture below then you will know what I'm taking about.


The first real hurricane threat of the season is a reality and is quickly approaching. Hurricane Dean is is projected to be on a direct path to Jamaica. Although the eye is actually projected to pass just south of Jamaica, it's too close for comfort! It seems this weekend is going to be a rough one! Lightning, thunder, torrential rain and the dreaded gale force hurricane winds. The kind of winds that make trees bend and bow before it. Wind that mercilessly toss roofs, violently hurl objects wildly as it howls a deafening ominous cry. But the rain cannot go without mention, rain that pours and pours without end, swells gullies and valleys, devour the plains with no remorse, sweeping away houses, cars and valuables.

However that is still a few days away and thing might change by then. However the small islands of the Eastern Caribbean do not have that luxury, as Hurricane Dean is right at their doorsteps! Although Dean is still a Category 1 hurricane, it can still do much damage. All we can do is keep them in our prayers and hope the ride out the storm OK. I hope it does not strengthen at all, as this would mean disaster for those islands and Jamaica. And Jamaica with it's every slipping dollar and declining economy definitely can't handle a hurricane right now, much more a stronger one.

So brace yourself and stay tuned to Stunner's Affliction, Caribbean Hurricane Central. OK, the Hurricane Central thing did just sound cool, so I had to say it! But I will be providing updates as the hurricane crosses the Caribbean. Batten up, stock up and be safe!

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Rush Hour Jam

OK, this movie was going to be a "watch on DVD movie", but due to the lack of interesting movies at the cinema and the fact that my date and I wanted to see a movie together, I decided that Rush Hour 3 would be the movie of choice. I don't normally think sequels are really worthy of cinema time and money when the reach part 3 (except for Lords of the Ring). I believe that some movies are just wonderful staying at part one and only. So I decided to watch it against my better judgement.

But I will have to say Rush Hour 3 did not disappoint me! Yes it was actually decent! It certainly had its fair share of laughs and had the entire theatre auditorium laughing and giggling from the start. Chris Tucker was his normal, crazy self from the beginning of the movie certainly kept command of the comical side of the movie. While, Jackie Chan's amazing fighting scenes kept the action pulsing throughout the movie, although I had hoped to see more from him. I will have to admit they make a good action comedy movie combination. I really enjoyed the movie as it did keep me laughing the majority of the time.

As usual I won't tell you anything about the movie, as I think you should experience it for yourselves and also because I hate when people chat out di movie before or while mi watching it! So I will end this post by saying that the movie was a pretty decent movie, and although I wasn't eager to go watch it, I did not regret going to watch it at the cinema. I give it a Stunner's Rating of 3.5 out of 5.

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