Water Cooler Ed 13

Welcome to the thirteenth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

Flopped Copenhagen

With millions of people being added to the world population it is a time bomb waiting to happen before we start destroying planet Earth. For many scientists, Al Gore and others we have started that process already. One would think that the researched data presented would be based on facts but the disparaging rumours of the skewed data cannot rest well when making policy decisions.

With this Copenhagen Summit surrounding Global Warming and the damages to the environment I do not think how positive an outcome can be if politicians from around the world meet to solve a world crises. They cannot even solve their local country issues (recession etc) so how can they solve a global problem.

The best way to resolve this issue is to have each country develop policies to protect their own country – their own piece of the world. Having world leaders all congregate and pander on a stage – some of them built on egos – they cannot solve or begin to attempt to solve the myriad problems that face us as global citizens. With each country having dialogue with their own manufacturers in their respective countries there and then we will begin to have real dialogue on how we can all help the world to become a better place.

What was not also encouraging was the fact that most of the world leaders flew personal and individual private jets to the summit in Copenhagen. This cannot be sending the right signal to the world that we are in a mode of crises when your intentions are to damage the planet. I am baffled that at all these international summits as well that the sole leadership seems to rest on the American President. It cannot be that we hold the American President to a different level and esteem than the other countries. Small islands, huge nations must see their role as important in saving the planet.

Entertainment

Buju Banton

Mark Myrie popularly known as Buju Banton is still behind bars in Florida, USA. This continues to memorize many Jamaicans who still do not believe that the international reggae artiste was able to commit such wrong – conspiracy to deal drugs (cocaine). As a Rastafarian, Buju Banton believes in the smoking of the controversial herb marijuana. They (Rastafarians) despise the use of cocaine. Jamaicans and the millions of fans internationally are upset he was found dabbling in this kind of drug. Some even say it was a set up by the homosexuals who want to see the mango down. I am not shocked by these developments surrounding Buju Banton. Below are lyrics from one of his popular songs called ‘ Driver”.

So driver, don’t stop at all, mi seh drop this Arizona round a Alba Mall
Driver, mi seh don’t even hitch, collect dat likkle food deh yah and come back quick
Driver, just rememba di damn speed limit
Cau if yuh, run in di Feds my friend dat is it

In English it reads:

Driver, Don’t stop at all, Drop this at Arizona around Alba Mall

Driver, I tell you do not stop, collect the food and come back quick

Driver, Just remember the speed limit

Because if you exceed the speed limit, the FEDS will come after you.

Although that’s a poor attempt at translating Jamaican patois, Buju Banton in his song Driver details clearly how to avoid the police in retrieving the drugs. A Grammy nominee for 2009 Buju Banton could see himself winning the reggae/dancehall category. If he does, the Grammy nominee prides themselves with his nomination. The organization states they support free speech.

Buju Banton is a real icon in Jamaican music. For many years he has toured Europe etc blazing the trail for reggae. For many people, this is a direct attack on reggae music and will reduce the popularity of the music in certain quarters of the world. This could be Banton’s darkest moments. If he was caught by Jamaican cops, he would have been a free man now. The fact that he was caught by American police Jamaicans are not hopeful he will leave lock up for anytime soon.

He is innocent until proven guilty.

Love and Relationship

Try this exercise and see how well you like it. With your partner his/her likes and dislikes. This can be fun. Try i!

Photo of the Week

Photo by Craig A. Bloomfield

Water Cooler Ed 12.

Welcome to the twelfth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

The speech at West Point was disappointing. Obama has pledged to send 30,000 more troops to the Afghan war. Here is a President who campaigned with his whole heart and who convinced many around the world that he would have ended the war. In his speech Obama mentioned he was against the war initially but with him being in office his actions shows the opposite.

There is no way anyone can support this war at this time. It has been going on for who knows when and no one knows for sure when it will all end because you don’t end a war in a night. The withdrawal of the thousands of troops is another war in itself and a new process. I support conservatives and Republican beliefs sometimes and support those issues important to Democrats alike. However, this decision to continue a war goes against everything Obama stands for. His support to continue the war pushes America in a deeper recession and those developing countries and developed ones that depend on the growth of the USA are also terrified about their future. The situation of skyrocketing unemployment figures and the housing sector is going to get worse. The fact is the trillions of dollars that could be spent on supporting national security (God Bless Lou Dobbs’ heart), generating small businesses, getting people back to work etc those monies are shipped overseas to support a losing war. No one expects the USA to win the fight against terrorism. They are fighting ideologies and a radical movement that will continue indefinitely. I would support a decision to end the war and secure your own borders because we all know, not even the borders of the USA are secure.

The effects this will have on Obama will be disastrous. This week I read a report where Angelina Jolie spoke out against Obama being a one term President. When you have Jolie making a statement like that – things are bad. It’s not a statement that you laugh at, it may be reality. Obama needs to take stock of the situation. What we are seeing being played out is straight politics. Whether that will hurt Americans in the future, who knows? As a generation we need to make decisions that the future generations will look back and say they did the right thing.

Entertainment

What would we do without a Cheetah I mean Tiger Woods?

Red turns him on. Just do it!

The drama surrounding Tiger Woods gets deeper and deeper and wider and deeper and wider. This week was a roller coaster ride for the best golfer we have ever seen in our lifetime. Let me first start out by saying that Tiger Woods will go down. There is no way he can keep all of his endorsements. Tiger Woods is a brand and that brand in public opinion has been tarnished, dragged in the tabloids dirt and there is no way he can recover from this one. When you project an image of ‘the best’ and ‘refinement’ and when those qualities are questioned, you have a problem.

What a pity! To have everything the world could offer and live a nasty lie, it makes you look silly. I do not think she will come out supporting him. Instead, I hope she divorces his ass, receive the millions she is worth and then have those endorsement deals end. All of this is a sideshow. My concern is about the children because we never can underestimate the impact this will have on the kids for their entire lives. To have their father cheat on their mother not only once but the tens of mistresses that are coming forward and forward I want them to.

No matter how it’s sweet to hear how good and endowed he is and his freakiness in bed that does not comfort the many lives he has wrecked. His family must be hurt, not to mention his immediate. This is a message to all those who live a public life. You do not use the media to promote yourself and then blame it when you have suffered pain. I want the media to drench the internet with his messy lifestyle and ensure this guy does not benefit in the future.

I overheard people talking this week about how wicked the media is and they should all leave him alone. Leave him alone for what! I also blame his wife.

Love & Relationship

I blame his wife for not doing enough. Many men and women enter marriages and they are clueless. Through the mistresses that have come forward we are learning how freaky Tiger can be. I have no problem with someone being freaky and wanting to explore. If Tiger’s wife Elin is a holy-ghost, spirit filled, Christian, conservative in bed then we know why Tiger left the matrimonial home to satisfy his needs. The days are gone and times have changed, you better be willing to satisfy your partner or suffer like many other wives and husbands who leave their partners to satisfy themselves. One of the mistresses from Tiger’s past reveals he like red underwear and how he likes it in different places. It may be too much information but this whole story shows a man who is desperate for love or he loves a good time. My advice to dating and married couples are you better be willing to satisfy your partner, change things up, mix things up, go somewhere else, because God knows if you won’t someone else will. The world may come crashing in or cashing in when you find out.

HOLD ON! How could I have forgotten other cheaters. You remember Kobe who when he cheated on his wife bought a house for her finger – the ring. Well I have a suggestion for Tiger Woods. This song was leaked to the internet and I think it is so appropriate for Woods now. The song is by Alicia Keys feat Beyonce – Put it in a love song.

Extra

How could we foget? The hungry wanna be celebrities who crashed Obama’s party. I do not think they should be charged for anything. They should have been turned away and not allowed to enter the area. I like SNL’s take on the issue and who knows what you will see in the video could have gone down at the Whitehouse.

Inspiration

Be kind one to another. Sharing is caring.

Water Cooler Ed 10

Welcome to the tenth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

Palin

Oprah

Sarah Palin’s interview with Oprah Winfrey will be a hit. It will have the media talking for the next two weeks and beyond. The political pundits who spewed hate against this lady will cringe when their deepest fears are realized when she inevitably runs for President the next time around. Please clear the thought of a second term for Obama. The economic situation will change all those dreams. The fact is Sarah Palin represents to the ‘tee’ the ideal Republican Party candidate and could be a force to reckon with if she makes that decision to do the right thing. I am compassionate to those folks who today think Palin is not dignified or unqualified to serve as President. That would mean the others who served and is serving in that same position aren’t worthy themselves. The Palin brand will see traction in the coming years and it gives her more time to create the right image for the post. Do not forget a day in politics is a long time.

Obama

So Obama faces a decision to send more troops to the war torn Middle East country. This decision will define his presidency and I can’t wait to what is going to come of it. Obama campaigned to end the war. I don’t know if this is a broken promise but I would have loved to see him with the balls to leave Afghanistan and really bring about that change he preached – campaign and joked about.

 

 

 

Entertainment

I got to watch The Kardashians yesterday – the one featuring the infamous wedding with Khloe and Lamar. I am a fan of the show – have always been. Don’t we love the drama? There is one thing I have noticed from the show. Of all the drama we have known the family to deliver you get the picture family values are at the foundation of this family. Of course, we can imagine the disgust and quarrels a family goes through when someone plans to get married after meeting the other under a month. We normally think the person is crazy because of the sudden decision. All in all, families are best when they come together and share the joy of others.

Many may think its another fake marriage and fake love. Who knows?

Photo & Inspiration

My friend took some pictures at the famous Rose Hall Resort & Spa. Enjoy some pictures below. They are lovely – hope you’ll like them.

What is this?

Love & Relationship

The tip for the week is “Do not nag your partner.” Quit it.

Water Cooler Ed. 9

Welcome to the ninth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

There is never a dull day in politics. I mean today you’re in; tomorrow you’re out with the possibility of getting in again. Just a few days ago republicans were celebrating their wins in the governor races, last night they lost the bid in reforming health care. This is a win for Obama and I’m sure he rested well on Saturday night. The fight isn’t over as yet though. The bill goes for a fight in the Senate and then we will see what becomes of the unread bill. I didn’t believe the bill would have been passed but congratulations for to the Democratic Party and to Nancy Pelosi for bringing on the fight.

I did not see the news coverage on the vote in its entirety but I certainly heard the cheers from the Democratic supporters who have wanted this for a long time. It may be good timing and it may a political disaster for politicians.

I am not going to fight the bill this week just to say that politicians owe it to their constituents to read the bill in its entirety. The lies that were told about this bill were outrageous. We cannot even trust news agencies anymore to provide the factual details on the bill. Moving on I only hope the truth about this bill, its effects on taxpayers will be told.

Entertainment

Rihanna Speaks

Below are videos that show the 20/20 interview by Sawyer. This interview was intimate, damning for Chris Brown, and it made Rihanna look amazing. From a PR point of view, this is what you want to accomplish in an interview like this. This interview outclasses the Oprah, Whitney Houston interview by far – made it look like a joke. This will give Rihanna the comeback she deserves from the battering Brown gave her on that night. It also makes Brown look bad, with his career in limbo.

Inspiration of the Week

Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. – Lord Byron, 1788-1824

Water Cooler Ed. 8

Welcome to the eighth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

What motivates you to vote for a political candidate?

Is his/her marriage really important to you?

Is marriage a prerequisite to serve at the highest level?

NO, if you ask me.

However, it appears that politicians have to be married to even start a campaign. While divorces are on an all time high, it would seem we have forced politicians in a life that they don’t personally desire and that makes everything a lie.

Most times in political commentaries we focus on family life; to say political marriages makes the candidate more normal and thus has the capacity to vote on legislations that matters to you as a citizen. Married politicians are projected to be more caring and family oriented in campaigns. Although that may be true; when it isn’t going well our ‘expectations’ force them to live a lie to remain where we have forced them to be. Being married doesn’t say you have higher moral standing than those who aren’t.  What is says is that you have decided to walk life’s journey with this special person.

What say you?

Business

In a bid to stimulate the economy, the Jamaica Observer organized Fashion Night Out where fashion/retail outlets slashed their prices by large percentages up to 70% to generate high sales. Weeks ago, I had a haircut in the capital city, Kingston and at around 6pm after leaving the barber salon it was like a ghost town outside. I wondered to myself why the city was so quiet. I blamed the current economy and the recession. I should have considered that we have cultured our habits this way and this was the result. More recently, I had an acquaintance who moved to Jamaica from New York (the city that never sleeps) and after a week here he returned because the city was dead by sunset. It struck me then that we have a major problem. I appreciate the efforts what Fashion Night Out promoted and anticipate more FNOs. Over in Barbados, our neighbouring Caribbean island they have introduced legislation to have retailers open 24-7. Talk about competition and new ways of doing things. Retailers claimed the night a success which can only be good at the end of the ‘night.’

Entertainment

This is it – Review

Michael Jackson

I watched the Michael Jackson documentary and thought it was stunning. The producers of the 50 minute documentary were able to capture the king of pop in his rehearsals before he passed away. I was impressed with the footage because it told the story we heard of Michael Jackson. Now we were able to relive the intimate moments of him without the screaming fans and blaring lights. We saw the perfectionist in action, directing the minute details of his to be last tour. There is a message within the documentary for every aspiring entertainer which must not be missed. Giving your best each time is of paramount importance and ensuring your delivery – the passion will be remembered by those who see it. That is what made MJ, what he was and so many artistes today. I sat and only imagined This is it with all the lights, screaming fans and Michael Jackson delivering his final set of shows stamping This is it into history; he never got the time.

Quote

“Readiness is all.” – William Shakespear

Water Cooler Ed 7

Welcome to the seventh edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

Reggae music is very popular worldwide and whilst it is known for its Rastafarian culture, Jamaican reggae artistes are also known for their homophobic attacks in their music. Recently, Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie – popular international reggae performer met with gay advocates in the United States of America (USA) to have dialogue on his violent lyrics targeted to the gay community. Back in Jamaica, because of its homophobic culture, Jamaicans were lamenting and began to hate Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie because of his meeting with the gay community. Some claimed they would not be listening to his music, while others were just disappointed. Yesterday in the newspaper here Sunday, October 25, 2009 an article declared the church finally agrees with the reggae performers; they support reggae acts who express their negative opinions on the gay community. However, the international gay community should know these facts about the operations in Jamaica – by no means it is perfect. Jamaicans claim to be a Christian society; with this the country sees a high murder rate – third in the world. No Jamaican is safe these days, not even tourists who are caught in the cross fires sometimes. In the entertainment industry rising reggae talents wanting to make an impact locally sing songs that incite violence towards the gay community and songs that sexualize young children. By doing this they become instant celebrities being played on radio stations and television programmes. Politicians get in the act as well bashing gay people even in the House of Parliament and some may bash gays to get votes. You see, the Jamaican society is not as educated as others, they are ignorant and are caught up defending Christian values but on the other hand the outcry against other crimes are not expressed with such disdain. No one living in Jamaica is shocked a 5 year old is snatched, raped and killed. Killing people and depriving legal abiding citizens on their rights have become so routine that you wonder who is next; praying you are not.

For Jamaica to change, it will take a new generation, one that is educated and see the world like a global village – accepting diversity. I share with you a perfect example, Barbados. Barbados is a Caribbean nation, 99% literacy rate, first world status and they accept fully people from different orientations.

In the House of Parliament, they have raised the issue of Charter of Rights – someone told me it includes fundamental rights for all WoW- and nowhere in the document have politicians on both sides acknowledge that they will be discussing the issue as it relates to one’s sexual orientation. Instead they have both offered early statements signaling their stance on the issue which they have ignored in the bill. Last year the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared in a BBC interview that no gay cabinet member will ever serve the Jamaican people under his leadership, while the Leader of the Opposition statements justified the position of the government. Politicians in Jamaica do not care about the Jamaican people, they are a set of corrupt, inefficient group whose main aim is to divide so long as they remain in their positions. They could not care less about the thousands of people who are affected by this decision. Instead to secure their votes they ensure that Parliament does not debate gay issues and they pander to the ignorant masses to get votes. Historically Jamaican voters do not vote on issues. Voters in the USA vote on issues such as health care, economic stability, securing the border, Foreign Policy – Wars in Iraq etc. Nooooo! In Jamaica for a politician to win, you better fork out the cash to fill those mouths with chicken, curried goat and lots of beer if you can give cash, then you are the big man able to represent the Jamaican people. Corrupt politicians run for new posts all the time, it’s the norm!

So the only, well not the only solution but the most powerful solution is to hit the artistes where it hurts most and its in their pockets. Fight and keep them from performing in your cities – the ones who support for the mass killings of gay people.There are local artistes who are trending on a new path one that does not incite violence, only if more will follow and they have been but there are a few bad apples still.

There is no way in 2009 that we can condone people supporting those heinous actions.

Inspiration

After several months of unemployment my quests to search for a job was drained. I was disappointed in myself because I think that I am an astute hard worker who would be a great asset to any firm. Realizing the reality that my small network failed I became uninterested in the professional workforce exploring entrepreneurial opportunities that could come my way. Although they are still open I landed a job recently.

I observed days after starting to work that it will take a few days or weeks to get into a work routine. It took a while because I was home doing nothing for months. Going from unscheduled days to a minute by minute schedule, reporting to a superior I became flustered because I was not in the frame of mind to work.

After weeks in my new job I have recognized that I may not be enjoying this job. Keep in mind that I am not lazy or have a bad attitude on the job. It will take a toll on any employee who doesn’t have job security or even a scope for growth and improvement. I have been approached by other firms for new employment opportunities. Although nothing is in black and white yet, I am excited!

I can understand anyone who at this moment is unemployed. I have not celebrated my employment yet because personally I do not consider myself in a real job yet. I hope when the other opportunities materialize I can. For those who are unemployed, stay focused by applying, remain motivated and patient, things must change.

Mine took six months to, your time will come.

One advice, please keep your mind active. Read a book, read newspapers online or even read works in your particular field. Employers want you to be on top of things as you step through the door. I’m just saying!

Photo of the Week

A 70-foot female blue whale that officials believe was struck by a ship is seen washed ashore on the Northern California coast on Oct. 20 near Fort Bragg.

Water Cooler Ed 6

Water Cooler Ed. 6

Welcome to the sixth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

Whitehouse vs. Fox News

Winner: To be Announced

Obama

The Obama administration got off to a blistering start. They delivered on fixing the economy, the debt is down, American citizens are back on the job, manufacturing is good, no worries about the new levels of unemployment, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are successful and the next move is to pull all the troops and the vote to secure health care reform is on the way. Barack Obama is also seeing great favourable figures and most of his critics are visioning a double term for the current President.

That is far from the truth and Obama faces more issues locally than he is fighting internationally. The Obama administration has been a failure in regards to lies about the stimulus package, the new rates of unemployment never seen, the rising debt and now a fight with a news organization. How clever of Obama?

First Obama ignores FOX NEWS on his media run to push health care reform (remember that) and one would think that this disrespect would continue because after all who watches Fox News. Annita Dunn, a member of Obama’s communication team said this in a CNN interview about Fox News saying Fox is like “a wing of the Republican Party”.

Now, all good thinking, objective media junkies may agree that Fox News’ coverage on major issues may lean to the Republican Party. There is nothing wrong with that conclusion, after all, all the major networks CNN, MS NBC etc are all in favour of a particular position. So to go all out against Fox News is rather cynical and makes the Obama administration looks immature and afraid of the opposition’s views. Obama’s war with Fox News will see his image diminish more and his policies will be scrutinised more.

This is the reality with the news media in the 21^st Century. No longer are they objective, fair, balanced, the most trusted name in news or a world leader in breaking news. They have become so invested in presenting opinions that most of their coverage is twisted along these lines misleading millions in the way they present news. So instead of airing 100% opinions on issues (if they like that version) they have mixed journalist reports with their opinionated pieces which blur the real purpose of journalism.

The news media can be good and it can be bad. Certainly Obama isn’t benefiting in any way from the right winged reporting of Fox News, so to hit them where it hurts, Obama sends his communication team to bash Fox News saying they are not a real news organization. Like CNN etc are. I wished the Obama team could talk about health care reform like how they bash news agencies that does not support their socialist thinking.

I am disappointed in Obama. I expected much better from the Noble Prize Winner who is becoming more of a warrior than a ‘Mother Theresa’. For Obama to claim that Fox News isn’t a legitimate news agency is simply playing politics. Will he succeed with an all out war against Fox? He cannot, people should see this as him not being able to accept the truth.

TV & Entertainment

Do you know the Heene family? No. I’m sure you know them, they are the ‘balloon hoax team’, now you know the Heene family.

I will not go over what happened with the family in the past week but just to say that it takes nothing to be a celebrity these days. I was watching cable news recently and they covered a car chase for hours on end. I am not surprised that they were obsessed with this story. Don’t we love crazy families with interesting stories? This just makes my point that ridiculous behaviour will always be rewarded, this was just hot air. The world is so crazy that most people immediately thought of this family having their own reality show. J I think they should get their own show, why not?

With the drama they created I think they would make great reality t.v. The dad gets crazy when he’s upset and the boys are used to the screen.

Photo

Portland, Jamaica

Water Cooler Ed. 5

Welcome to the fifth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Others in the Series:

Water Cooler, Water Cooler Ed. 2, Water Cooler Ed. 3, Water Cooler Ed. 4

Politics

On Friday October 2, 2009 the Obama administration traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark to encourage the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to choose Chicago, USA for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Competing with Chicago were Madrid, Tokyo and Rio. With local issues behind and pundits crying out for him to stay and focus on the problems affecting the country, Barack Obama flew to Denmark to make the case for Chicago his home state.

Later in the afternoon, the first round of voting eliminated Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 games. Many people especially Americans were shocked and flabbergasted by their early elimination. The energy surrounding Chicago’s bid and information that the media reported was that the decision would have been between Rio and Chicago. Oh how they were wrong?

When I heard the words “Rio de Janeiro” to host the 2016 Olympic Games I had mixed emotions. I am happy that the South American country will be able to host the games of such magnitude there and it shows great leadership and planning on the part of the Brazilian team. The twitter world was lit up by this announcement with IOC, Chicago and Rio as trending topics. What also struck me was that many people seemed happy that Chicago had lost the bid. Were these sentiments ‘un-American’? Were theses feelings driven by conservatives?

In this post I want to share the information that was presented to the International Olympic Committee. I am doing this to give readers a front row seat in the presentations that were delivered. Below are the video presentations and speeches of Chicago and Rio to host the 2016 games.

I must say hands down the presentation by the Rio team was concrete. It articulated a phenomenal approach to the games. The video presentation outlined to the delegates was unique and displayed quality images to show voters what they would expect from Brazil hosting such a game. The video presentation made you believe that this would be spectacular; it challenged your imagination and made you believe that athletes would live their passions in Brazil. This was followed by a moving speech that was delivered with such emotion and one that would make the delegates move to action to choose Rio as the perfect destination.

The Chicago bid was different from the Rio presentation. In that it presented the information but was low on substance – imagery.  The presentation would be what my lecturers accuse my classmates of having – it was all over the place. It was not compelling and not believable. As we saw in the Rio presentation a focus was on sporting activities and the athletes; I did not see that in Chicago’s bid. I got the impression that they (the athletes) would be spread across the city like nomads. In Rio’s presentation, although they (the athletes and games) are in four areas, it had an aim in mind. I watched the videos carefully and nowhere in Chicago’s video do you see people. They talked about humanity and friendship and one would have liked to see two people laughing or sharing something. The video showed buildings, google earth graphics and animations the entire time.

Speeches by the Obama’s and the others didn’t help. Michelle Obama before her trip to Denmark said the Obama team would be taking the bid as the Iowa primary. What was their focus? Clearly they thought these delegates would have been bought by their fame and shared ignorance of what the Olympic Games are all about or they are still in campaign mode. The Chicago team sent the wrong signal expecting everything to change with Obama’s presence; in their words “to put it in the bag.” With Michelle Obama lies and a groggy President Obama the speeches clearly made the delegates cringe. Michelle Obama stated that she sat on her father’s lap cheering on Carl Lewis etc. Which 20 year old sits on a father’s lap at that stage of their life watching the Olympics? Barack Obama’s speech didn’t help. He focused on his ego and him winning the election, this is not what the speech should have surrounded. He should have emphasized more the decision that they had to make and how Chicago is the best option. Obama wants to step a few blocks from his home with Michelle and his girls to welcome the world. Wouldn’t it have sounded better if he stated that Chicagoans and Americans want to welcome the world to their shores?

Who would you have voted for? What do you think?

Love & Relationship

Many people would agree that compromises are the hallmark of all relationships. Sharing an environment like a home isn’t always easy for couples; living together or dating. Couples who face this challenge face a real divide especially when pets are at the heart of the issue. A dating partner may compromise on one pet, but what should be done when the other keeps adopting more animals? Surely, pets should be cared for and deserve a home. Should your partner keep adopting pets ignoring your preference of having none at all? Or shouldn’t it be an issue once you are not allergic to one?

Having pets is surely a rewarding experience for those who love them but it should never be at the expense of your partner’s happiness or experience.

Inspiration

This week’s inspiration has to deal with taking care of our bodies. We have one life to live and one body to experience it with. Eating the right foods and exercising regularly should be everyone’s focus as we get older. We are busier than ever these days with family obligations, our own education pursuits, workplace issues etc. We should however take some quality time in taking care of ourselves. If it means taking a well needed check-up at the doctor, a massage at a spa, that visit to the dentist, for women – that pap smear test and for men prostate exam. You have one body; take care of your health this week and on.

Water Cooler Ed. 4

Welcome to the fourth edition in the series of the Water Cooler. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

A section below is titled Photography. This section will be interactive for all my visitors. Your images with your credits (linked to your blog) can appear on the next edition of the Water Cooler. If you have taken photos (artistic, unique, related to travel, scenery, landscapes etc) that people will find interesting to look at, share it with us every Sunday on the Water Cooler. Your images may be emailed to blog.corvedacosta@gmail.com Go ahead send in those images your photo could be featured here.

Here we go.

Others in the series: Water Cooler, Water Cooler Ed. 2, Water Cooler Ed. 3

Politics

This week a video uploaded to YouTube showing children singing a tribute to the American President Barack Obama was very contentious. The children who were of all races by my eyes sang two songs dedicated to Barack Obama – one done to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with anyone showing their love for their Prime Minister or President. However, this tribute that was done to commemorate Black History Month took a turn for the wrong; it was on the borderline of worshiping Obama. We cannot ignore that Obama has made his presidency all about him. He has taken a lot of time to create an image that is respected by millions. So respected he is that opposing Obama is seen to be racist. The position he has as the leader of the free world must be respected. I get the impression from Obama that he wants to be talked about and wants to be seen as the greatest of all – the saviour. He works so hard creating an impression that with this video you cannot forget the speech he made to the children in schools recently.

Below are words the students chant to Obama:

He said that we must take a stand

To make sure everyone gets a chance

Barack Hussein Obama

He said red, yellow, black or white

All are equal in His sight

Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Mmmmm

Barack Hussein Obama

The lyrics in the video are not only shocking but to see underage children without the consent of their parents sing to Obama in this way makes you flabbergasted. This tribute or act of worship does not in anyway congratulate or give credit to the black people who fought for what we have today. It serves to worship; sing the praises and rhetoric that Obama spews on the networks daily. I am saddened that these children were misled by lunatics who are not appreciative of democracy and prefer personalities over substance. I would rather here the children sing of how much the country has grown to elect a black president than to sing “All are equal in His sight”. Do we realize these children are being indoctrinated? This is what we see of Hitler and North Korean leaders and it makes us cringe in our seats. So why doesn’t this make us wonder?

We have all been ‘Obamarized’. We have fallen in love with Obama where to oppose him is racist and to disagree with him makes you a supporter of the right. What those kids did in that video is wrong. Singing Obama’s ideologies to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic makes me disturbed, a little. It does. I am not sure the President would approve it but parents for the most part should be outraged especially if you support Obama and found the video okay. It is given that mainly republican parents are going to be annoyed by it and they should. Supporters of this video should imagine their child singing praises to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. I think then you will understand how crazy and absurd it is of teachers to be directing such an activity.

Love and Relationship

Have you ever seen a couple together and wonder how cute they look together? Uhhhh. When we say they are perfect for each other is it because we love their interactions and chemistry or is it that we love how attractive they are together, how well they compliment each other?

Rihanna & Justin

Rihanna and Justin

It is something that I have noticed with myself. More so, because sometimes I am asked to find potential partners for people – my own circle of friends. I do not know if it should be called judging but we tend to have our own conclusions based on one look. It is true first impression lasts but do we need to step back and observe couples longer before making our own final predictions.

They say opposites attract. I am not sure how people respond, but what if you saw a couple out and you think they don’t match. Are we ending a couple’s relationship in our psyche before giving them the time to date – before finding our own conclusions?

Julie Henderson & Simmons

Rihanna is making the news again and it is rumoured that she is secretly hooking up with beau Justin Timberlake.  These are some photos taken on a video shoot recently. What do you think, what makes two people right for each other – keeping in mind we are looking in from the outside? The jury is out on this one.

Inspiration of the week

Last week I had an encounter that I will always remember. I went on an interview for a job in my field. After the interview session I had the opportunity to have a discussion that really moved me. For this week the inspiration has to deal with focusing on what others say. This is tricky because people will tell you things that will hurt you in the future. As an individual you have to discern between what is good for you and what is bad. Sometimes people tell us good things and because we have a mental block against taking corrections or suggestions we totally ignore what they have to say – for our own detriment. This week we are going to think on the positive suggestions we get. You may not think they are good for you but consider them, evaluate the ideas and see if they make your life better or worse.

Photography

We start this week with photography from Craig A. Bloomfield from Jamaica. Click here to view his blog.

Sunset in Negril Jamaica

Caribbean Sea

Scene from Mikuzi - Portland, Jamaica

Water Cooler Ed. 3

Welcome to the third edition in the series of the Water Cooler. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion. Here we go.

Politics

Last week politics in the USA was great for a news story. I mean Jimmy Carter – the gift that keeps on giving, the Rep. Joe Wilson story got a run and Obama not granting FOX NEWS an interview. Oops how could we ignore ACORN?

Jimmy Carter

Carter’s presidency is no way to be admired. He ended his political career with one of the lowest approval rates in history and has not been admired by many even after leaving office. His statement on Obama may have some truth to it but is not entirely what Obama wants to be hearing at this moment. If you recall, Obama did a speech on racism earlier in his presidency – which he got high points for doing, well executed. After months of that speech, Obama wants to think that his race is behind him. The fact is racism will always be present. We cannot ignore the colour of ones skin although we would want to think that we are going to start judging people by their heart and not their skin. Even Obama is wary to agree with Carter on this issue. The fact is Obama is pursuing political ideologies that are unpopular with republicans. They have deemed it fit to express themselves with tea parties etc. However, when you have a wide scale opposition march on Obama it makes people riled up and we have seen the various racial images that are present at these rallies.

The media is so driven by sensationalism that these images allow us to discuss and major in the minority ignoring the elephant in the room. The major issue that republicans and others are having is that the president wants government to take over health care. No matter what Obama does, he will have opposition. It is nonsensical to think that those who will not side with Obama are racist and have racial thoughts. Sorry Jimmy Carter we would rather agree with you on another issue, not this one.

ACORN

So if you lived on Mars for last week you would have missed the ACORN story driven by the most trusted name in news CNN. Oops if you were tuned in to CNN you would most likely have missed the story of the week but thanks to fair and balanced FOX NEWS they drove the story home when the other networks didn’t see it fit to cover it. This story is huge because of many reasons and most democrats are not seeing the significance of it. ACORN is a group that is supported by the government – taxpayers monies and provide homes for the less fortunate. A pretending thug and a prostitute went into the offices of ACORN across the USA to peddle a child prostitution ring and instead of being challenged by the ACORN employees; they opted to give these undercover journalists tips on how to carry out their illegal activities. If this isn’t news tell me what is. I try to be objective and when I see a wrong I call it by its name. News networks who claim they are charged to deliver what is important to people must refocus their organizations. Hint – CNN.

Obama TV

Obama’s presidency is currently lukewarm. He is bent on being popular but will pay the price for appearing so many times on television. The position of being President is by no means an easy task especially when you want to pass health care reform. Today, September 20, 2009 Obama is appearing on 5 networks to push his health care reform except the top rated network FOX NEWS. The FOX network isn’t taking the snub likely and went after Obama calling his administration “cry baby” and “petty.”

Obama certainly had a choice of where he wanted to place his message but opting to cut FOX and including an unrated network was brave. Obama at this moment needs to be convincing the same people he is snubbing, those who follow FOX News. A recent poll showed that FOX has a more balanced viewership than CNN etc. Obama snubbing FOX is huge; it might be interpreted to be snubbing the American people.

I think Obama needs to relax a bit. He is so focused on being the face of the administration which he is but it will begin to affect him. He needs to send Gibbs and VP Biden etc to do talk shows. When he sells himself so cheaply people will not care to tune in when he needs them most.

Love & Relationship

Couples today have to juggle work and creating a balance at home in their relationships. The Water Cooler this week is suggesting an idea that will have both partners engaging in effective communication while rekindling that love at home. Most working couples find it hard after a long day at work to arrive at home to cook dinner and do all the home chores that one needs to do.

It is true, couples need to spend quality time with each other. One way they can achieve this is by cooking together. This is simple, easy and shares the stress of fixing the evening’s meal. Sharing the duties in the kitchen will enable both partners to become aware of what happened in their individual days and allow them to share experiences. You will be so surprised how far this discussion will take you. It will also get you to know things about your partner that will allow your bonding and relationship to grow.

Inspiration of the week

The weekend is already over and wow aren’t we ready for the week? Do you ever have a perfect day? Well most of us don’t. Something are always off and sometimes things go pretty well. For this week try your best to keep a positive thought. Activities and duties may not be perfect, a supervisor may get on your nerves and you may be pressed to meet that deadline. Think about the positive in the situation – you are blessed with life, a job and a home – not to mention lunch.  The moment you break away from your momentum other things will get off. You may begin to give a little attitude to your co-workers which may never be a good thing. I am not saying you will never face reality and notice the file isn’t opening or the report you thought you had finished is incomplete but hey, think of a solution and move on. Are you going to be stuck on the file not opening or beat yourself up for not finishing the report?

To view others in the series:

Water Cooler Ed. 2

Water Cooler