FRAUD!!!

That's one of the several charges slapped on Kern Spencer, a.k.a Crying Spencer, a.k.a Bulbie! I was on my way home in traffic when it came across on the radio. Kern Spencer was arrested today and charged with with seven offences, which according to the police, included several counts of Conspiracy to Defraud, Corruption and Money Laundering! I guess Kern had a very good idea of the trouble he was in when he never held back the floodgates in Parliament and cried his heart out. As we all sleep in our beds tonight, Bulbie will be sleeping "on the cold concrete" behind bars singing, or should I say crying:

"Behind these prison walls Doing my paces Doing my time I am, Spending my restless nights Visioning faces Oh they all crying Cryyyyyyyyyying "

But at least Kern will have company as several of his accomplices were also arrested and charged for similar offenses.

It is interesting to note the stance of the then ruling party versus that of the government, as the opposition, who based on their "investigations", said Kern committed no breaches in the Cuban Light Bulb Scandal. However, the Auditor General's investigation found several irregularities and a clear indication of corruption. I hope this new clamor for accountability and reducing corruption in the government continues and that it is not one sided, but extends to both the opposition and the government. If government officials are given only a slap on the wrist or for engaging in corruption that robs the country of millions of tax payers money or if incidents of corruption are brushed under the carpet, then there will be no stemming of this raging beast which is destroying the fabric of our country.

It is too early to call the outcome of this case involving Kern Spencer and his associates as things can change as the investigations continue and the court case progress. But based on today's events the future of Crying Spencer looks dim, very dim.

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I Smell A Rat!!!

Literally! A gigantic killer rat has taken over my back porch! I was rudely awaken to the scent of ran excrement and the sight of rat feces all over my pack porch earlier this week when I was going to do some laundry. How dear this disease riddled criminal! As if invading my personal space without notice, this varmint has taken it upon itself to violate my residence with his filth! So you know Stunner will have none of that! This means war!

So off I went later in the day to arm myself for the war to protect my life and property from this reckless invader. I went to the supermarket and searched for the pest and insecticide isle where I picked my ammunition: Rat Glue Trap and some Farco Rat poison. Now it was time to set my traps and bait that little bugger! And so I did, rat poison and one glue trap, before retiring to bed within the confines of my base camp, AKA bedroom. The following morning I went out to see if I had been victorious! When I opened the door their was no sign of my glue trap and only a few crumbs of the rat poison was left! But there were still new feces all over my porch. So I decided I had to clean off my porch for health reason and for my own sanity. As I moved the washing machine, more feces was revealed and so was the missing glue trap, but not rat! Damn it!

Well, it was back to the gun store...I mean supermarket to stock up on some more rat poison, as obviously this rat is smart enough to break free of the glue trap. This time I didn't only buy Farco, but another brand. Yes two different types of poison in assorted flavours! This will definitely do some damage. So off I went back to the battle ground to set my traps. But this time I was ambushed, yes lay waited by the enemy! As I was tending to my plants that I had just outside the back porch I was attacked! That damn rat jumped out at me in ninja style! Well not exactly with marshal arts wielding a sword but that bugger ran over my foot! Oh so now the stakes are higher, this is a matter of honour!

So with even more determination I set my two flavours of rat poison side by side in strategic locations on my porch as well as the location from which the enemy lay waited me. I also set the last glue trap that I had in hopes of catching that bastard. The following morning I woke up to see the trap missing again and also two of the containers of rat poised devoured and also no feces. It seemed like my plan was working! But later that evening I saw that little varmint running past my porch like a soldier fleeing from an assault and also discovered the other glue trap abandoned outside.

I decided to leave the rest of the poison out on the porch and by yesterday morning all had been devoured, so maybe my plan is working. The directions on the rat poison said I should continue to use it until feeding stops, so since I am out I will have to restock and set more baits until. Hopefully I'll be victorious in my war to protect my property from this invader, or maybe it is not just one, but an army! Nevertheless, Stunner won't surrender, but will continue the fight and eradicate my porch from the enemy! The battle continues!!!

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Flowing Along To Monopoly Land

Another major cable company bows to the might of the ever growing Flow cable network. The latest to surrender and pledge allegiance to this conquerer of cable TV companies is one of the big boys in the Kingston and St. Andrew metropolitan area, Entertainment Systems Limited (ESL). It was the lead story in the Business section of the Sunday Gleaner, "Flow Acquires Entertainment Systems Ltd." This may be a good stride for Flow in it's aggressive campaign to dominate the cable TV market in Jamaica. However, this dream becoming reality is somewhat an ominous sign for the many customers who will have to feed Flow's appetite.

Since Flow came on the scene it was given to power to conquer by the then ruling party, when it was given an all island license to operate a a cable TV company. This was like giving it a tanker to do battle with the existing cable companies whose license to operate only in a designated area is comparable to a pistol. With this in mind Flow not only grew it's network by actively seeking customers, but also by devouring these smaller cable companies by means of several regular acquisitions. Flow started out by acquiring the smaller cable companies, but it was not long before the grew and could digest the larger cable TV operators. These cable companies included SAUCE and D&L in the city of Kingston, JACS in St. Catherine and Northern Cable and Communication in Ocho Rios which made a total of five in 2007.

ESL, is one of the largest cable companies here in the city of Kingston and St. Andrew and serves some of the most affluent communities in the city including those at the cream of the crop: Norbrook, Cherry Gardens, Beverly Hills, Stony Hill and Hope Pastures. This is a big boost for Flow as those in these communities can afford to pay for their premium packages thus fueling the growth of the emerging monopoly bringing their total acquisitions to . It is only a matter of tie before Flow will be able to topple the thrones of the the other major cable companies such as Logic One and Telstar.

Yes I said the word monopoly, and that is what Flow will become if they are allowed to continue on their campaign to devour the Cable TV market. This can only mean that Jamaicans will soon be at the mercy of another monopoly. Soon we will not have a choice as to who will provide us with cable TV services, we will be subjected to the service level the company chooses to deliver with little or no power to demand more and of course we will have to fork out the money they demand for their service or do without.

I'm not saying that this is what Flow will do, but having experienced a monopoly in the communication sector and still being oppressed by the current power company monopoly, the JPS, I can't expect anything good. According to The Sunday Gleaner, ESL, one of the higher priced cable TV companies charged a basic fee of $2000 for 100+ channels, while Flow ranges from $750 for it's basic, very basic, cable only package to $7,900 for special bundles. And already they have started to increased their appetite for their customer's money as the prices quoted for Flow was a sixteen percent (16%) increase effective the beginning of this month.

I am not hitting out against Flow, but I am wary of the monopoly that it is quickly becoming as it absorbs the cable companies both small and large, not only in the metropolitan area but also island wide as Flow now operates in six of the fourteen parishes in Jamaica. In a monopoly, customer's becomes slaves, cash cows as they have lost the freedom of choice if they want the specific product. Where there is no competition the consumer/customer only looses.

References:
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080217/business/business1.html
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080110/business/business1.html
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20070907/business/business2.html

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Red, White and Valentine's

Love is in the air they say. It's a time to show that special someone how much you care. A time to let that crush know you have a romantic interest in them. As early as two weeks ago I stepped in a pharmacy only to be greeted by an overwhelming display of red and white signaling the beginning the romantic season. There is definitely no escape from it especially on the TV as various stores try to entice your pockets with an endless supply of Valentine's gifts.

I don't celebrate Valentine's Day, it's just another one of those commercialized time of the year that puts pressure on people's pocket. I don't think I have to choose this one special day to let that special lady know how much I care for her, I do that as often as possible. Furthermore, if your partner is keen on Valentines day then, he or she will be expecting you to give them a gift of to do something special. I think if I am giving a gift it should come from the heart and not because I have to as the other person is expecting it. Furthermore, a spontaneous treat of gift is more special as it gives an element of surprise. On another note, enough of the red and white already!

That's just my conservative view, on St. Valentine's Day. What are your thought's on this romantic, red and white, filled day called Valentine's Day?

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They Call Him Lil Superstar

Ok this video is funny!





Ok I have no idea what the hell they were saying at the end of the video. But I guess Lil Superstar was busting a move fi some a di high grade!

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WD-40, Miracle Product?

I always have a can of WD-40 around, as I find it very useful, not only for my car but also around the house. But I never knew it has so many uses! I got this in an email with a little history of WD-40 and some of its uses. I'm not too certain about some of the uses listed but I have found a lot of the uses to be true. Take a read and let me know what you think.

A man had bought a new pickup. Very early one Sunday morning someone had spray-painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). He woke up, saw the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do -- probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open. A neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his paint job that was on the truck.

I'm impressed! WD-40 -- who knew?

Water Displacement #40. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the SaniegoRocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.

When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top... Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed. Here are just some of it's uses:

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.

2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.

3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings .

4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.

5) Keeps flies off cows.

6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.

7) Removes lipstick stains.

8) Loosens stubborn zippers.

9) Untangles jewelry chains.

10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.

11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.

12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.

13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.

14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.

15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.

16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.

17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes

18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those

nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish

and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to
open some windows if you have a lot of marks.

19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly!

20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.

21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on

riding mowers.

22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.

23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.

24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.

25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl
bumpers.

26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.

27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.

28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy
handling.

29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running

smoothly.

30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.

31) Removes splattered grease on stove.

32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.

33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.

34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

35) Removes all traces of duct tape.

36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve

arthritis pain.

37) Florida's
favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills

and bumpers.'

38) The favorite use in the state ofNew York-- WD-40 protects the Statue of
Liberty from the elements.

39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will

be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the

chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind

though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in
some states.

40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and

stops the itch.

41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe
with a clean rag.

42) Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and

dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots

with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!

43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the

moisture and allow the car to start.

P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.

P. P. S. Keep a can of WD-40 in the kitchen. It is good for oven burns or any
other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO
scarring.

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Hectic Weekend at River Bottom

I had a pretty hectic and eventful weekend which took me as far as Montego Bay. On Friday I drove the south coast to Montego Bay as I had to make a pickup and then it was off to Montego Bay, but I drove through New Market which only took about an hour and a half, compared to the almost 3 hours if I drove the Negril route. The road was winding, but it was good! I don't mind the winding road as it adds some thrill to the driving, shotting it while hugging the corners over the hills and valleys without the fear of potholes. I attended a little party in Montego Bay and by the next day it was time to head back, however, even though I decided to drive back the New Market Route, I somehow took a wrong turn and ended up on some serious country road! Lost nuh ratid! But after driving on roads barely wide enough for my car, roads with craters and precipice on one side, over hills and valleys and through no ends of green bush and stopping to ask directions of trustworthy looking persons (old people), I finally made it to Santa Cruz, where I attended another little party. Then it was time for the long night drive back to Kingston.

On Sunday night I went to watch the talked about and always booked play, River Bottom. I have been trying to get tickets to watch this play for some time, but was told it was sold out every time. However I managed to get ticket for the 8:00pm show on Sunday from about Tuesday. Although the tickets cost $1000 per person, it was worth the money, as it had all the patrons laughing from the start to the finish. The comedy's cast boast some of Jamaica's biggest names in theatre including Oliver Samuels and Glen Campbell and is written by the gifted Trevor Brown. The setting of the comedy River Bottom is based on a fictional poor deep rural community (which fits in quite well with my adventure the previous day) called River bottom with no running water or electricity, except for one resident who is their Member of Parliament (MP), religious leader, so-called healer and prophet called Cappo, played by Oliver Samuels. I would tell you more about the play, but that would just spoil the fun for you. So if you haven't seen it as yet than you should! River Bottom guarantees a bellyfull of almost nonstop laughter and never a dull moment. It is playing at the Centre Stage Theatre in New Kingston.

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