Buying Jamaican

There is something to be said for the swell of pride one feels when cooking with provisions grown right here in Jamaica as opposed to the imported equivalent.

Atrophy

 
I am currently suffering from blogger's atrophy.
There a number of small ideas that are flitting about in my head, but I can't seem to be able to pin any down to get a proper post out of and I blame Micro blogging.

Although I have a twitter account (@jussoncypher) i really don't use it much. My real guilty micro blogging pleasure was BUZZ.
The thing is, when i go to work the first thing I log into is my gmail account, and Google, the geniuses they are/were, put Buzz right there... I mean Right in front of me!... what did they think was gonna happen!?

It was easy to access cocaine, just a click away and a post is off. Forget thinking through and organizing your thoughts, as it pops into your head, pop it on a page. As a result, my desire and ability to write a full post withered and almost died.
But then! the unthinkable happened. Google killed Buzz (*tear*). I mean i have nothing against Google plus, but i treat it like i treat facebook... i only go on it once in a very blue moon.

As a result my easy to use outlet for my intellectual fecal matter was lost and here i am... back to where i started trying to relearn how to use muscles that i had left languishing.

Sigh.

Intellectual Swagger

Last week i had the opportunity to watch TVJ's school challenge quiz.
This is one of the longest running television programs in Jamaica that pits high schools against each other in test of quick thinking and knowledge.

The match was Spanish Town High vs Manchester High. To be honest Spanish town was not bad, and against a newer non traditional  high school they might have done very well. But Manchester was packin.
Up until the middle of the second segment Spanish town was holding its own but in the final minutes Manchester asserted there dominance. By the time we got to the final round Spanish town crumpled under the weight of their own self doubt.

The truth is they were good enough to put up a good fight, but you saw when they lost faith. They knew the answers but they let the intellectual swagger of the Manchester team intimidate them. In some ways it was sad to watch, had they just kept believing they might have pulled an upset but the almost militant focus exhibited by the Manchester team as they systematically attacked each question was too much for them.

It is this display of mental fortitude and focus I call intellectual swagger.

To vote or note to vote?

Of course not!

I blame my reluctance to vote on a deep rooted fear that stemmed from the more violent days of Jamaica's more violent election campaigns. Some things you never forget or live down, added to that i have no real incentive to get over myself. I see some subtle differences in the parties but ultimately they are (in my eyes) all the same.
Inspite of this i asked myself if i were to vote who would i vote for, and to be honest i dont have a clue. I have always believed that the prime minister should be elected seperate and apart from my representative. I should be able to choose the person who is best for my constituency and the person best for my country without worrying about a conflict in interest. sigh... but who am i to say anything? I have no intention of ever voting.

On top this, i realize i do not know enough. Truth is,  if I were to vote, it would be on a vibe/feeling. I realize i really know nothing about these individuals their beliefs, history or plans. I have never even glanced on either party's manifesto much less. How can I in good conscience vote when i know not for which i vote?

Watered Down Religion

Yesterday I was having a discussion with a friend about the fact that her church frowns upon women wearing pants. Now it is my view that is well within the rights of a church to do so, but I personally think it is unwarranted.
This however led to an interesting observation. Churches found in rural or poor areas are often what we call more "traditional", while churches in more urban/upscale locals often are more "liberal".
My friend tried to make the argument that these "liberal" churches often practice a more "watered down" religion. I, of course, disagree with this sentiment. If we use change to indicate the "water to religion quotient" of a given church, then even the most traditional of churches are rather fresh tasting.
The reality is that churches/religions are comprised of people, and these people are are influenced by more than just the church. The mores of a society will always affect the values,norms and virtues of a given denomination.
In light of this, it is evident that churches will always change and adapt. In fact, I put it to you that the faith of a believer 100 years ago is the same as the faith of a believer today. In other words we should not pay attention to frills each denomination may display. Skirts, head gear and general behaviour are all things that will change over the years. The only thing that should be measured is the devotion to the primary tenants and directives of the given faith.

Dynamic Views

Ok guys, I know in my last post I was raving about how blogspot's new interface was the sh*t. but I spoke too soon.

With the new addition of Dynamic Views, blogspot has made there previous update look like a mild fart.
Let me just say Dynamic Views are not only "the sh*t", they are the COLOSSAL SH*T... I mean best blog experience ever... and I say that without apology.

FINALY!

This is my first time on Blogspot's new interface. Let me Say; I LOVE IT! IT MAAWD!!!!!!!

Its clean, simple and organized, it actually makes me want to post.
Well done Google.

What the...!

The Lakers got swept out of the playoffs!!!!!???

I am in shock, the world as i know it is no more, and i have entered the twilight zone. Don't get me wrong, I am no Laker Lover, but I wanted my Celtics to be the one to but the dagger in their hearts denying them the much anticipated 3peat...

Sigh, alas it was the Mavericks (a team i actually dislike more than the Lakers) and that leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth. As such the NBA title is truly up for grabs for the first time in years.

The truth is, as great as my Celts are, they are old and right now the athleticism of the Heats are giving them a run for their money. And even when they are done.. the sleeper of this tournament will be waiting on them... Reditum La BULLS

I am now just waiting with bated breath to see how this tournament will end.

Osama

Osama is Dead!

And a nation rejoiced.
Where as i do believe that was the best end for this man. I am somewhat disturbed at the celebrations at the death of a human being.

My feelings on the matter is one of sorrow, for the those that suffered at his hands, and for the fact that he was such a lost individual that he would be driven to such depths... there is nothing to rejoice about here... just reasons to mourn.

In light of this I marvel at the specie i belong to. We have been given much, and for all our joys and triumphs we are never far from proving our unworthiness of it all.

When will we, as the human race, ever grow up and be collectively responsible for ourselves. When? Will it ever happen?

Random Thoughts

Music:
As a Double seconds player I have found that what KGB told me is true "It's all in the chords"

Iran:
There is more going on there than meets the eye.

Barak:
Expectations too high for one who is not the second coming of Christ

Ipod Shuffle:

THE WORST THING EVER SOLD TO AN UNSUSPECTING VICTIM.... Wooooooooooohhhhhsssssaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh.

WOMEN:
Want a man who will stick and stay in spite of them.

MEN:
Sometimes don't know what they want.

Work:
My refuge

Pan:
?

Relationships:
Are hard.

Tuff Quote:
"Not in my cabinet". For some twisted reason my ratings for my prime minister went up after that.

20\20 Cricket:
Will be the most financially lucrative form of the game.

Fun Times

At practice Mark2 (hehehe) came by... didn't get say much to him but when we started playing again.. didn't need to say anything,,, It was good having him on the pans again (understatement)......

I could go on and on but Suffice it to say I miss those days...

Who is thy brothers Keeper?

"Where is the US, Where is the UK where is the United Nations?!"

This was a cry from a citizen of Somalia re the ongoing conflict there....
This cry has been echoed in Darfur and Zimbabwe and countless other nations that have been torn apart by war.
Valiantly, the almost impotent UN try to send aid... but it is either not enough or the sadistic rulers of countries such as Darfur try to block them at every turn.

Many times when I hear such pleas for help I wonder; why cant Africans save Africa? Why should the west take it upon themselves to save Africa from Africans? Why?
Of course the good book tells us why."Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
You never know when it will be your turn to be saved from yourself.
And so it is incumbent upon us, as citizens of the world to act......

But this leads me to a BBC program titled "Death To America" , where they explore the reasons behind the hatred many countries have for the United states.
In looking at a number of conflicts I have found that America serves its own self interest.... not democracy, or liberty or freedom like they would have you believe.... the are primarily interested in their own well being.
Having said this the next question one must ask one's self is; Is this wrong. Is it wrong for a country to look out for its own self interest first? is it crime to want the best for yourself and your family?
I put it to u that there are no truly benevolent countries on this planet. And each and every single nation has its own wellbeing as the highest of it's priorities... Why then should we expect the richest and most powerful to be any different?
What right do we.. or Darfur or Palistine or Zimbabwe or anyone for that matter, have to demand anything from anyone?

Dont get me wrong... I believe it is imperative for a country in a position to help to do so.. and I believe that when in need of help... But as much as it is incumbent on one nation to help another it is equally important for the nation requesting help to know that this is a request... It is not their place to demand.

Gay?

Jamaicans do not distinguish between bi-sexual and being gay... in my head they are 2 different things...

To be gay I Believe you are only attracted to the same sex... to be 'Bi' U are just extremely open and freaky sexually.
Are these views incorrect?

War on Iran?

The Big question on allot of peoples lips now-a-days, is whether or not the US is going to bomb IRAN if it does not comply with its demands to halt its Nuclear development plans.

I am of 2 minds on this matter... I am (as i have indicated in previous blogs) DISGUSTED with Bush's FTWDAMFS policy

(FTWDAMFS -> "F*** The World Dont Ask Me For Sh*t")

As a result, his 'macho' posturing on this issue has me feeling that a war with Iran is inevitable....
In spite of this, to think that Iran is ONLY gonna use its nuclear plants for producing power would be behaving like a very naive school girl..... Iran is a Muslim state... home to many extremists.. the Govt might not plan to start a war... but the extremists do and I don't think the govt can, or even wants to, Stop them.

So the question then becomes, What do we do? neither side is strong enough to totally annihilate the other.. Albeit America can do considerably more damage... Iran's retaliation, I expect, would be a even greater support for radicals and extremists.... something that would not bode well for US citizens anywhere in the world......

Discrimination!

Yesterday I went to pay for my insurance... now amongst the million and one obscure reasons they find to tack on more money to your bill I noticed that there was a particular fee that was RIDICULOUS.

For inexperienced drivers Men are required to pay a extra 35% of the value of the car while women.... Check this....... have to pay 10%.

WTF!!!!


Why is it the inexperienced women can pay LESS than 1\3 of what inexperienced men are forced to pay.
No! I don't care what statistics say about who has more accidents... You don't go arresting every black person you see just because they commit more crime!

I'm just saying!

Look, I am not saying the insurance company should not take risk into account but if it was just double... i.e. 10% for women and 20% for men, I would chuckkle at it a bit... BUT MORE THAN 3 ******* TIMES the amount? that is just #$%^&#@!!!!!!!!!




Signed: A Victim of feminism

Why Nice Guys Make 'Not So Ideal' Boyfriends.

This Blog has been inspired by a number of my friends either from their experiences or Statements they have made.

Mummy Mel once said to me; “the thing about some guys is that the very thing that attracts you to them is the thing that makes a relationship with them difficult”

You see, the nice guy you know is the kind of guy you basically call on at any time and he will there for you. A Listening ear and an extra hand that is always on call, seemingly there to cater for your every need.In many cases he is also the perfect gentleman as well as personal body guard/Escort when you just want some one to go out with.

Now this makes him look really good in your eyes and the fact that all of his friends (which include a large number of females) can count on him makes him seem suitable to be your mate.

The catch 22 is only seen when you do manage to snatch this ‘close to perfect’ man. You begin to realize his ability to be on call for you and for all his other friends means that his personal life gets neglected. He’s such a great guy however that It isn’t really a problem, He’ll gladly sacrifice his personal life to suit your every whim… cool until you ARE apart of his personal life, and you begin to realize that you are now being sacrificed, for him to be on call.

Now what I find happening is that some women feel neglected and may go as far as to think he may not love them. But that is very much (usually) far from the case.

The problem really starts when you start to complain because you both realize that you essentially want him to become b*tch to his friends… sticky.
A lot of women put up with this abuse because they feel guilty about telling him he needs to cut his friends off, at the same time those who have no such reservations find that their S.O. may become more distant and hurt, thinking you are asking them to not only give up their friends but to also Become a cold hearted and calculating person… Very Sticky.

Solution? I don’t know.
What I have found Is that a compromise has to be made. The guy must realize if he wants to keep this girl he has to make her feel special period… easier said than done I know., but you have to let her know that the level importance she has in your life is above your other friends. On Her side, she going to have to realize that she should not try to change what she loved about him to begin with, Share a little, Don’t turn you man into soothing you’d hate, it may backfire.





Here endeth the reading of The Seeker Of Truth’s Infinite words of not so wise wisdom.