Pain on the Streets

On a bus going home from class, passing a church I overheard a couple arguing on the streets in busy Kingston, the capital. As the bus accelerated I heard the guy who turned out to be in his early twenties blurted an expletive to the younger female who he was talking to. His angry tone rang sirens in my head and as I stepped off the bus I ran around the corner to see what was going down. To tell the truth the journalist in me was at its highest and I literally ran until I was there. I took out my blackberry to record the final moments of the argument but because of the darkness I couldn’t. I hope the next blackberry model will have an embedded light to record in the dark. When I reached an area near this couple they continued to argue while the girl started to cry.

I love relationships. I love the stability and balance it offers for people who decide to share their lives with others. There is a glow that shines on those who share a bond. A glow so beautiful and loving that it makes onlookers jealous. Whether it is your soul mate or your best friend, a relationship with someone can make a friend’s life fulfilling.

Relationships are like living things, they go through stages and their own challenges. My friends can admit (I hope) that they have never heard me arguing with people. Writing this now a moment in time flashes across my mind where I totally went bizarre on my friend who had hurt me so bad. That is one in a million times that I can go out on someone. I do not like arguments with anyone. If I see a crises coming on I literally ignore it. If that is not possible I just zone out, if I can’t step away from your presence. I know this in particular is true and it comes from my childhood experiences. My father would have disagreements and his way of expressing his dissatisfaction or grievance would be to argue and think that would be satisfying or solving the situation. From back then I have not liked arguing with people. I think they are better ways to solve issues that affect each other and that involves sitting down like adults and speaking through issues and seeking the best solutions.

Can you imagine having to discuss disagreements on the streets? It is the most vulgar thing I can imagine someone doing. It is crude and shoddy because you are bringing your most private moments to the public arena and I do not want to be subjected to listen or see you pollute the environment with your antics. If I am not availing myself to discuss what is pertinent to you it means I am not ready to do so. It does not in any way give you the right to step in front of me on the street to make your point be known. Not only will I ignore you but I might act like I don’t know you.

Tips to deal with people who you have a disagreement with:

1. Before you have a fit. Ask yourself if this is something to be upset about?
2. If it is big enough and you have reasons to justify it. Attempt to have dialogue with the person about the issue.
3. Speaking with the other individual does not include shouting, expletives, and offensive remarks and so on. Speak in a relaxed tone and air your issues.
4. If a meeting is not forthcoming, and you genuinely need to speak with this person it may be time to have others intervene (close pals, professionals) to help you if forgetting this person is not an option.

Relationships die and you will have challenges. There is no way a face off on the street is the way to go about doing it. Sorry! Friendships and relationships will never go perfectly fine. You are two separate individuals, with two priorities, two different outlook on life and the aim is to make that one. If I am sure about one thing you will have mountains to climb with that diversity. But it can work. Next time you have a disagreement, count to ten and talk it through.

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30,000 HITS STRONG

Welcome everyone,

This blog has receive over 30,000 hits. When I passed my first 10,000^th mark I received a comment from Ken who said “This is an awesome milestone. But you reach 20,000 even faster.” That appears to be so true and today we add 10,000 more.

If you’re a faithful viewer of my blog you will know we celebrate each milestone. This one is no different and we are launching an exciting contest.

BLOG CONTEST – WRITE OF THE GUEST BLOGGER

Two individuals will be awarded the opportunity to appear as Guest Bloggers on February 8 and February 9, 2010.

Entry Requirements:

1. Leave a comment on this post (that will award you one entry). Your blog name will appear on the entry form.
2. If you do not own a blog, you may still participate by leaving a comment. The notification I receive will provide your email address, which I will save and that will be on your entry form.
3. To double your entry, RETWEET this: I just entered Write of the Guest Blogger on https://corvedacosta.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/30000-hits-strong/ Enter by clicking on the link.
4. To triple your entry, you will have to comment three times on the post.

It is as simple as A, B, C.

Entries are now open and will be closed on Saturday, January 30, 2010 midnight.

Being the winners of this competition, you will have exclusive rights and authority on what is posted for the assigned days. In addition a widget with your blog/image will be posted at the top right position on the blog from February 1, 2010 to February 12, 2010 linking the photos to your blog (if you have one).

***Corve DaCosta has the right to reject any inappropriate post from the winners.

The Grand Draw of the winners will be posted on January 31, 2010 on this blog via a YouTube video.

All the best and May the best blogger win. Let the games begin.

I am excited about this and I hope you will enter.

Let’s celebrate 30,000 HITS.

10,000 Hits!

Today, October 9, 2009 marks a huge milestone for the Corve DaCosta Blog.

To date you have given the blog more than 10,000 hits. This calls for a huge party celebration and for this I am grateful to every viewer and everyone who took the time to give feedback and comments on the posts here.

This celebration is not for my blog alone, it’s for all the other bloggers who visit these pages that feel inspired, entertained and challenged in someway.

I know the congratulatory comments will be submitted. Thank you.

To make the 10,000 Hits celebration interesting I want you to plug your blog in the comment section. Why should visitors click to your blog?

Share it below.

I look forward to the next 10,000 hits and hope you will ‘click’ post after post after post. Spread the word.

Merci, Gracias, Thank you, Thanks y’all!!!

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.

Grip on that Self Esteem

What is self esteem? Self Esteem reflects a person’s overall evaluation of appraisal of his or her own worth.

This article was birthed out of a discussion I had with someone. They approached me with a question that I did not see coming. The person asked: “Am I attractive?” This question was never asked to seal the individual’s convictions of his/her level of attractiveness. Instead it was asked because I think this individual was insecure about it.

What was intriguing about this situation was that the individual who asked the question personally, I thought they were crazy. Because they are attractive, not even average – above it. The person has attractive skin tone, quality hair, great features, and a wonderful personality to go with all of that. If you are looking someone to settle down with they would be on your list because they lead a balanced life and is incredibly smart. One can imagine my shock. After the conversation ended I thought deeply that there is a bigger issue here. Many times we hear of young girls and boys being insecure, more so girls. Many times as well the media, internet, advertising and magazines are blamed for glamorizing images that are not Main Street.

People who find that they are insecure about anything; it typically becomes a major issue hindering emotional growth among other things.

Improving your self worth is no easy feat especially when you have reached certain levels. However, I believe with certain steps, tips, guidelines whatever a therapist may call it, they can be helped.

1. Find things to love about yourself

This is critical because if we do not find something to love and adore within ourselves someone will point out one and it may not be all that good. As young people we are embedded in the latest gadgets, technology, and media that we forget the human side of our lives. We need to take time out from all those phones, televisions and internet to have personal time for ourselves. We may not see the importance but can we start looking in the mirror and loving what we see. Be in awe. The fact is, the celebrities who we think have a perfect life and who we look up to also find themselves being insecure about many things.

1. Surround yourself with positive thinking people.

I think this one is mostly underestimated because we think sometimes we can combat negative people. Newsflash, most times we can’t! If you surround yourself with people who watch their calories to the tee, always pointing out other people’s faults, always degrading others, finding imperfections on their body etc. you might want to change your circle of friends. Surround yourself with people who appreciate and celebrate their lives, people who in a moment will encourage you than fight or tear you down.

1. Challenge yourself

This will be a task. If you are like me, then you do not have a huge following of friends. J Nothing wrong with that, just treasure the ones you have today. I would tell you to challenge yourself. Test your abilities to find and appreciate things that you will begin to love about yourself. For example: if you hate your weight, get out there and do something about it. Do not try quick fixes; buying tighter fitting clothing to make you look smaller or liposuction. That will not work. Sign up for a gym or work out at home. Yes! Bring the gym home. You do not need a personal trainer. Be cost effective and find videos on Youtube that will challenge you to fight your weight.

1. Celebrate you!

To overcome your insecurities you must begin to celebrate what have kept you down. I am sure you have seen those public service advertisements on television that have expressed people living under $1 a day, or something to that effect. We have homes to live in, access to the internet, clean air to breathe, food to eat and all these things. To be burdened down with our insecurities are not worth our time. Get out there and celebrate your uniqueness and change what you can change naturally. We have one life to live and living it sad, insecure and bewildered is not an option.

Love your life today and live your best life now! Go!

President: Meet the Voters

Obama

Health care reform is taking on new heights, more town hall meetings and the tension just seems to be rising. For those Republicans, health care reform is a nightmare. They build their ideology on proper financial maintenance and fewer government interventions in citizen’s lives promoting the private sector. The Democrats however, have another thinking on health care reform; they intend to provide public health care while allowing tax payers (Americans) to pay for it through the payment of taxes to the government.

This is causing a huge debate especially at this time when the economy is in a recession and most plans are failing because of lack of funds. This has resulted in all the sides going in a brawl with persons from the left, the right and all independents fighting at it. Most persons have their own plans as it relates to how the President should approach health care reform. Most people will agree that the system needs drastic reform to provide equality in the system.

In recent times angry and supportive voters have been showing up at these town hall meetings to express their feelings on the issue. What is disingenuous about the process is that citizens who disagree with health care reform are being demonized. This is not correct and this does not add any value to the discussion if you’re going to make voters who are genuinely upset or unhappy about such a policy appear to be horrible people. I believe Obama who campaigned on an open policy of respect for all and bipartisanism should take hold of this conversation. But he can’t! His administration is promoting this backlash and they should be ashamed of themselves. If the Obama administration does not accept people who will be disapproving of some of his policies then public administration is a bad area for him.

Town Hall

There are however some things right about this health care reform plan. Certainly there are millions of people in America who are without a health care plan and they should be given the opportunity to have a good health care system. That is a human right I believe. The problem arises now where you will increase taxes to cover these new people and also illegal citizens which is absolutely wrong. Obama is getting flogged and his ratings are taking a beating. Will there be health care reform? We do not know the answer yet but if there is a law to overhaul the system then the government better put all the steps in place to make it work. You would not like what happened to the stimulus package to happen to the health care system where people who are in dire need are not receiving the benefits; or to the cash for clunkers system where government had to pay out more money for the system to work efficiently.

Do we need health care reform? Absolutely and we need it now. Anything you do Obama, do not tax stressed Americans.

Salute to the Cheesecake!

Today, July 30, 2009 is Cheesecake day.

Cheesecake

If you have not had cheesecake, half of your life is gone. Today is dedicated to cheesecakes, oh how we love them. Whatever the type you like cheesecakes have brought families together and many special moments. There is something special about this wonderful and divine cake.

If you want to be my friend, let’s have an evening out and have cheesecake. Many people associate cheesecakes with gaining weight, breakouts on the face (zits), fat, calorie intake etc. All of this may be true but there is something very appealing about the presentation and aesthetic of a cheesecake.

They come in a variety of flavours and once you try one that you like. You will forever be having them as desserts.

My top five flavours are:

1. White Chocolate
2. Vanilla
3. Cherry
4. Blueberry
5. Run and Raison

Sound off. What is your favourite flavour and what makes a cheesecake special to you?

Obama Care

“Nothing is more fatal to health care than an over care of it” – Benjamin Franklin

In many parts of the world, health care is operated by the government. Such countries include: Cuba, Canada and UK among others. Although they are advantages and disadvantages of universal health care the government will end up playing a huge role in the health care those citizens receive.

There is a health care debate rather war raging on in the USA. Politicians of course on issues like this all take their sides with some not contemplating or refuse to negotiate on the issue. Even the government’s party that is expected to support an issue like this even find disagreements to squabble over. All citizens deserve a proper and quality health care system. Quality health care systems will determine the expected life for citizens in a country.

Many will agree that the American system is expensive for some. With over 40 million uninsured persons the government has a right to tackle health care reform. They need to tackle health care reform because equity should permeate in a society. It cannot be that only the rich, working class or the educated are allowed to proper health care treatments. It is absurd and changes must be made, I think all can agree on that.

However, covering that many people is the problem. Where will the funds come from? Someone has to pay for a system like that. Universal health care is a great idea. Those viewing the issue from a Utilitarian point of view will forever think that this is the best thing to do. Obama’s plan is constantly changing since debates are currently going on and the quest to please as many people remains the viable option.

We all know the benefits of having universal health care but what about the cons. We have heard of the Canadian and UK experience where patients take forever to get proper care. In one area in Canada the nurse shakes a box and picks out four names. Those four names will be able to see the doctor. I do not think that this is the way to run a health care system for all. You will have people dying because of lack of treatment when the purpose of the program was to provide that needed health care for all.

Another disadvantage we hear of is the quality patients will receive. The quality may not be an issue since hospitals in the USA provide a good service. It is also good to note that health care treatment and drugs will also be rationed by the government. Can you imagine this?

Patient information will never be private as the government will control all the information. We all know that when private information is in a database, it will be compromised. I already see media houses, tabloids having spies to search the database exposing people’s private information. It is crazy what can happen with Universal health care.

The story gets better. There are advantages having a universal health care plan. The most popular is that those who could not afford health care will now be covered. Patients with pre-existing conditions are also covered. Along with this a database is created to make things work efficiently.

I believe in a universal health care plan. I do not believe in a one time roll out plan as this can damage a country. One has to take into consideration the costs. If America puts in place this plan their taxes will be increased and the debt will rise.

I prefer a system where the government takes steps in rolling out Universal health care. For example, prepare legislation to cover a segment of society – children. This will make the opposing parties have fewer disagreements. The advantage of taking on universal health care in stages is that the effect covering all would have on the economy is different than just taking on a segment. That’s the approach I would take. Since I’m not Obama lets have one go at this, one shot. We should not be in a rush to pass health care reform when most of the legislators will never read the bill in its entirety or inform the public of what changes will be made.

As the debate roars on people will constantly be divided. As republicans, they believe that there should be less of government and more of private sector. The democrats believe in providing health care for all. Years ago, health care reform was stalled as the debate didn’t materialize in a bill to be passed. The President came out saying that a bill should be on his desk by August. Legislators told him bravely no bill till September. Will there be any other delay? It appears this time around that a bill will be passed. A bill to cover all – called Universal health care plan.

Tweet @ World: I’m so nervous at this Interview

If you happen to be working in an organization, the chance you entered the firm completing an interview is very likely. Interviews can be daunting, and nerve racking, I know the jitters people feel. I happen to be on an interview today and it went well I must say. I love the interview process because some people make it seem harder than it is. The fact you got call for an interview means you have passed the initial stage of the process. You have your foot in the door.

Interviewers are not horrible employees; most times they are pleasant corporate employees who just want you to do well. Today, the other candidates beside me were nervous; they even expressed this fear towards the interview. On the contrast I was beside them waiting for this moment to come. I do understand the feeling especially if you are shy (I have been there), and if you haven’t prepared well for the interview.

There are no 1, 2, 3 steps to use to remove the nervous feeling a candidate may have. But you can surely follow some tips to help you to remain calm. There are some tips below that might help you in the next interview, in the event you feel nervous.

Be confident

The battle is almost won, you were granted an interview. All left for you to do is to prove you really want this job. Everything you do will affect your confidence level. Personally, I have positive thoughts. I think I am the best, am the right person for this job and think you will be able to communicate this to the interviewers.

Relax

Take it easy. You have arrived early for the interview and most times you might be sitting in the lobby or a waiting area. If there are magazines, read one. Look around and observe your surroundings. The moment you begin to get ahead of yourself, you have placed your mental thinking in another place. If you do not feel the need to read a magazine, review yours notes and ensure you are ready for the questions. Most interviews always follow a certain pattern, so get ready for it. For example: expect a Tell me about yourself question, greatest weakness etc.

Pace yourself

Everything you do today is a dance. It should be beautiful. Watch your timing. When the questions are asked, don’t rush. Take it easy and answer the question. I am sure none of the interviewers will be rushing for an answer. While your answering your questions, do not think that the interviewer is your worst enemy. Make friends, be pleasant, have energy and show you care about the organization.

Be Confident

I am not in any way trying to say that you should never feel nervous. I am nervous heading into the interview because you really do not know what to expect. However, it should never be the case your nervousness takes the best of you. Your nervousness should never have you crippled, not being able to come across as the confident, charming personality and wonderful person you are. This will take time, the more you get out there and express yourself and feel confident in your skin the easier this process will become.

The Quest to find love?

If you live in the world (which we all do), we are bombarded with advertisements surrounding the topic of finding love. Nowadays, people search in various places to find love. More than ever individuals are going online to search for the perfect one. Whether it is on e-harmony or match or MySpace we are desperate for the ultimate one. But how far would you go to find perfect love?

Reality television has highlighted the fact that people go on quests to find the real one and have created these amazing shows some incredible some fall flat but the main aim is to highlight the extreme levels of finding love.

Recently, I saw a promo for a new program showing fabulous plus size girls seeking love. What was interesting is that the person I was watching television was grossed out because the person didn’t want to see fluffy girls seek love in this format on television. I made the point quickly that obese girls need love too. What made it unique was traditionally we only see slim, size zero girls on these reality shows seeking love. It makes it very weird for some people now seeing plus size girls on their quest on main stream media.

How far is too far?

Would you go in a dark room to find love? Would you join a dating site to find love?

A new program to hit the ABC network will have couples move in a house and the dating process would all take place in the dark. However, what happens in the dark would be revealed in the light as the couples would see each other for the first time. Some would be grossed out; I guess the others would like what they see.

I like the fact that people are getting out there to find love. I like the fact that we are finding unique ways to do so. Traditionally, people date by being introduced to friends and date by networking in your own circle. Things and times are changing and people are getting with it. It is no longer weird to date in a dark room, on the job, on the internet or even speed dating. Finding love is now the focus of most people. Individuals want to share their lives with someone special and unique.

To find that unique person, how far would you go? Is finding love on the internet weird for you or we all have come to accept this form of dating?

Share your views!