Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? We have some of the usual stuff, but also lots of politics this time since it's election season in T&T. Enjoy!
TT politics can be messy and nasty, particularly in election season when the stakes are high. I'm glad though that it's not nearly as nasty as in poor Thailand.
PM Manning thinks he's a good guy, and so do a lot of us who are fans. He's running a campaign. What's the surprise in that? What did you expect? Wouldn't election be useless and dumb if candidates win or lose without putting up a fight?
And the rebuttal. I like the comments by Jumbie down below. I notice that the UNC/COP have yet to say anything in terms of their real plans, if they have any??
And Dookeran, if there's one guy I don't really trust, it's him. So, you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Well, it seems like the President of TT gets the short end of the stick. However, it’s good to see UDECOTT getting back to work under their new boss. I wonder where the swearing in ceremony will be?
I'm not sure if I'm for or against this story. The guy was in jail under false charges, but does he really deserve $200,000 in damages?
Sad but true. This is what the opposition is good at, being anti-everything :(
And so the election is actually on! I'm looking forward to the 'day after', when things are decided and I can go back to blogging and living in relative peace, relatively away from politics. Maybe that's too much to ask :(
Finally! A story about something other than politics! Making Tracks, the Red Bull Music Academy Films show, is coming to TT and willl profile the Road March 2010 champions: JW and Blaze, soca superstar Machel Montano, rapso sensation 3Canal as well as Carnival Band of the Year winner Brian McFarlane and Phase II Pan Groove.
For something a little...harder...Bees Bartoo is hosting a metal tribute tonight to legendary American heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio on his programme Rock Solid on 97.5 FM.
From the Express highlights of the PNM event, I'm most interested in the patent of the G-Pan....it’s been approved in the US. Go TT! At least this event has music and some class. Rowley was in fine form, practically causing riots!
Dude! making fun of your queen and telling people she's dead when she's alive and kicking is a sick joke!
Newly sworn in US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Beatrice Wilkinson Welters, gave her first public speech. She sounds and looks like a tough lady...I wonder what benefits or challenges will she bring to the table?
Last but not least in the treats is, as usual, food! This time we got several cool recipes, there's coucou, curry duck, and for meat lovers there's a BBQ item, and there's also a new salty and fishy "lazy man" dish :)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday Blog Treats
Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself). Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
Water shortages are a sad reality of these days--TT is thirsty! However, I, for one, am excited about WASA hiring Israelis--they have be best desalinization technology around, so they should be able to actually do something with these projects.
A must read if you care about politics, corruption and crime. It’s rare these times to see posts in our blogs or newspapers that are concise, yet cover so many hot political issues effectively and, as I see it, objectively too.
This article is practically kissing the ground Tobago Jack walks on...I personally want to avoid putting famously violent people in power. On a superficial note, his /awesome physique/ as described in the article could stand to hire a decent tailor...
Rowley makes a comeback to the PNM team...it will be interesting to hear what he has to say when he speaks for the first time (in the election campaign that is. I hear he's got no speech problems otherwise!) on Thursday.
More politics...with some pretty vitriolic commentators...apparently, not all is well in the UNC/COP/TOP/WTF house...
This story seems a bit skewed to me. I think there's more evidence that it's the other way around...disunity abounds...such as the protests against the COP. Seems like Kamla and crew are picking favorites--without much regard to who's actually the best for the job.
and finally, something not as political. TT students are making progress in the film world.
"The Concept of Mobility" Kinetic art exhibit...should be fun for all ages! Go see it quickly, cuz its on the move!
Cute little old lady. Looks like CEPEP is getting some well-deserved funding.
As usual, the treats are not complete without a bunch of cool recipes! This time we have an interesting cheese sticks recipe which I actually tried and was awesome! And then we also have a well-thought version of chicken soup, a classic!
I totally agree with BCPires, Green Day is awesome! Their 21st century breakdown album is a breath of fresh air in the world of rock. My favorite is know your enemy!
By the way, make sure to stop by GWTO for the music reviews project is still on! Check out a bunch of music videos and the cool stories behind why people love them, and best of all, contribute your own music and reviews!
Greece is another one of those countries that has just had a rough economic decade--seems like everything is going poorly for them. Hope the EU holds it together. Maybe we can help them out in exchange for gyros and dolma?
Twenty eight not-so-hard ways to make your footprint lighter on your-and indeed everyone’s- environment. It’s actually good to find that I’m already following many of these ways :)
Water shortages are a sad reality of these days--TT is thirsty! However, I, for one, am excited about WASA hiring Israelis--they have be best desalinization technology around, so they should be able to actually do something with these projects.
A must read if you care about politics, corruption and crime. It’s rare these times to see posts in our blogs or newspapers that are concise, yet cover so many hot political issues effectively and, as I see it, objectively too.
This article is practically kissing the ground Tobago Jack walks on...I personally want to avoid putting famously violent people in power. On a superficial note, his /awesome physique/ as described in the article could stand to hire a decent tailor...
Rowley makes a comeback to the PNM team...it will be interesting to hear what he has to say when he speaks for the first time (in the election campaign that is. I hear he's got no speech problems otherwise!) on Thursday.
More politics...with some pretty vitriolic commentators...apparently, not all is well in the UNC/COP/TOP/WTF house...
This story seems a bit skewed to me. I think there's more evidence that it's the other way around...disunity abounds...such as the protests against the COP. Seems like Kamla and crew are picking favorites--without much regard to who's actually the best for the job.
and finally, something not as political. TT students are making progress in the film world.
"The Concept of Mobility" Kinetic art exhibit...should be fun for all ages! Go see it quickly, cuz its on the move!
Cute little old lady. Looks like CEPEP is getting some well-deserved funding.
As usual, the treats are not complete without a bunch of cool recipes! This time we have an interesting cheese sticks recipe which I actually tried and was awesome! And then we also have a well-thought version of chicken soup, a classic!
I totally agree with BCPires, Green Day is awesome! Their 21st century breakdown album is a breath of fresh air in the world of rock. My favorite is know your enemy!
By the way, make sure to stop by GWTO for the music reviews project is still on! Check out a bunch of music videos and the cool stories behind why people love them, and best of all, contribute your own music and reviews!
Greece is another one of those countries that has just had a rough economic decade--seems like everything is going poorly for them. Hope the EU holds it together. Maybe we can help them out in exchange for gyros and dolma?
Twenty eight not-so-hard ways to make your footprint lighter on your-and indeed everyone’s- environment. It’s actually good to find that I’m already following many of these ways :)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The call for early election catches opposition by surprise
Election fever has taken over our politicians the moment PM Manning announced his call for early election. The past days were full of pre-campaigning efforts; passionate articles in the papers, exchanged polemics, and suddenly politicians care about the people! It’s even become normal to see them on the streets quite often, perhaps to show that they live with and among us!
By any standards, Manning’s call for election was a surprise, especially for the opposition. This probably made them wonder and think about this as a contradiction; why someone who craves power like Manning would call for early election? This makes us in turn wonder; does Manning really crave power the way his rivals say? Or is he confident that he can win the trust of the people once again?
I think Manning was smart about the timing, which I think has caught the under-prepared opposition by surprise. His government, despite the shortcomings, had made significant achievements compared to its predecessors—from the construction and architecture revolution we see everywhere we turn to the energetic foreign policy that granted this tiny country an important position in the Caribbean, but also in the world stage. More important is the ambitious vision the government has presented for the country’s future in the next years. These factors put him an advantageous position.
At the same time, the smart timing has put the opposition in the corner. The opposition apparently had not thought out a clear program for the nation. Instead they busied the society with lots of nonconstructive criticism and rhetoric without action. The main approach has been to focus on using the PNM government achievements against it, especially through udecott. However, the Uff report eventually embarrassed the opposition more than the PNM because after all the allegations, the report showed that this is case is about some mismanagement, not rampant corruption. Take NAPA for example, which the report confirmed that it was built to the highest standards!
What is the opposition going to do about this embarrassing situation? No vision, no strategic program, and no plan to present to the people to weigh against the current government!
And the opposition is making its mess even messier with more confused moves. For instance, instead of looking inside for solutions they went to the US seeking advertising and campaigning expertise. Instead of establishing a center for energy or development studies to understand the needs of the country and put together a comprehensive development strategy to implement should the party win the election, the opposition resorted to foreign campaigning experts. This in effect says that the opposition is not interested in developing a program that serves the people but in one that helps them get to office.
By any standards, Manning’s call for election was a surprise, especially for the opposition. This probably made them wonder and think about this as a contradiction; why someone who craves power like Manning would call for early election? This makes us in turn wonder; does Manning really crave power the way his rivals say? Or is he confident that he can win the trust of the people once again?
I think Manning was smart about the timing, which I think has caught the under-prepared opposition by surprise. His government, despite the shortcomings, had made significant achievements compared to its predecessors—from the construction and architecture revolution we see everywhere we turn to the energetic foreign policy that granted this tiny country an important position in the Caribbean, but also in the world stage. More important is the ambitious vision the government has presented for the country’s future in the next years. These factors put him an advantageous position.
At the same time, the smart timing has put the opposition in the corner. The opposition apparently had not thought out a clear program for the nation. Instead they busied the society with lots of nonconstructive criticism and rhetoric without action. The main approach has been to focus on using the PNM government achievements against it, especially through udecott. However, the Uff report eventually embarrassed the opposition more than the PNM because after all the allegations, the report showed that this is case is about some mismanagement, not rampant corruption. Take NAPA for example, which the report confirmed that it was built to the highest standards!
What is the opposition going to do about this embarrassing situation? No vision, no strategic program, and no plan to present to the people to weigh against the current government!
And the opposition is making its mess even messier with more confused moves. For instance, instead of looking inside for solutions they went to the US seeking advertising and campaigning expertise. Instead of establishing a center for energy or development studies to understand the needs of the country and put together a comprehensive development strategy to implement should the party win the election, the opposition resorted to foreign campaigning experts. This in effect says that the opposition is not interested in developing a program that serves the people but in one that helps them get to office.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday Blog Treats
Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself). Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
WASA just hired a new CEO…will Mr. Smith find a solution for the drought? I guess we expect too much from mortal humans! Anyway, I wish him good luck.
So much happened in the last couple weeks, including, well, the parliament has been dissolved! Here’s an insightful analytical and “dispassionate” look at the upcoming election from Robin Montano in which he explains the strengths and weaknesses of the main parties. Worth reading!
Speaking of that, maybe we will actually see a UNC/COP arrangement? COP is playing nice, will the UNC? Where's the Unity in UNC? I haven't seen much to speak of...If I were them i wouldn't be too excited about the elections.
Now time for the part of the treats that actually matters, yep, food! The Pot posted a whole bunch of new recipes since the last treats including recipes for orange cake fans, beef curry supporters, pumpkin soup proponents and, for the lazy man who doesn’t know what to do with that can of corned beef in the cupboard!
I am curious about some of these people--what's the story behind the trabago jack who may or may not have shot a girl?
Poor Poland. two tragedies, 70 years apart, same place...how sad and ironic.
Not to play devil's advocate, but is this the most important thing happening in the news? Hart is wearing a blue robe. his son likes the NYPD....and where their cars might be? How about we level the playing field? I say the board members of our newspapers should resign because their coverage sucks ;)
I think these Hitler parodies, while funny at times, are quite creepy!
You think I don't have damning evidence to support my claim that our media sucks? Our not-so-great media steals photos from bloggers, and I'm pretty sure they kick puppies too :D Seriously, shame on you Newsday.
Oh, and it turns out this was not a precedent…T&T media appears to have long history mooching off bloggers!
Well, another bloodbath as the hounds have the scent and are crazy with it...I’d like to point out that the projects they've done so far are actually pretty nice. it could be worse...it could be something like the Big Dig!
Now this is just depressing. poor girl tries to kill herself with bleach. I agree with the commenter that hopes that the leaders of this country stop their squabbles and focus on some real problems.
From the smallest individual, to the greatest nations, looks like there's a lot to think about with the nuclear summit put together by US President Obama.
Oh, and I just love it when jealous children try to imitate grownups!
Again, not much seems United about the United National Congress....and then Panday quits because of Warner, which is sad because he always reminded me of papa smurf!
And away from politics and back into the arts and real life. A movie/documentary debuts to create a tribute to Caribbean mothers and their strength. Looks interesting! I also agree with the directors comments about the Medea movies.
The tour! the tour! I want to go on the tour! Sounds pretty good so far!
title: The grand tour of NAPA
WASA just hired a new CEO…will Mr. Smith find a solution for the drought? I guess we expect too much from mortal humans! Anyway, I wish him good luck.
So much happened in the last couple weeks, including, well, the parliament has been dissolved! Here’s an insightful analytical and “dispassionate” look at the upcoming election from Robin Montano in which he explains the strengths and weaknesses of the main parties. Worth reading!
Speaking of that, maybe we will actually see a UNC/COP arrangement? COP is playing nice, will the UNC? Where's the Unity in UNC? I haven't seen much to speak of...If I were them i wouldn't be too excited about the elections.
Now time for the part of the treats that actually matters, yep, food! The Pot posted a whole bunch of new recipes since the last treats including recipes for orange cake fans, beef curry supporters, pumpkin soup proponents and, for the lazy man who doesn’t know what to do with that can of corned beef in the cupboard!
I am curious about some of these people--what's the story behind the trabago jack who may or may not have shot a girl?
Poor Poland. two tragedies, 70 years apart, same place...how sad and ironic.
Not to play devil's advocate, but is this the most important thing happening in the news? Hart is wearing a blue robe. his son likes the NYPD....and where their cars might be? How about we level the playing field? I say the board members of our newspapers should resign because their coverage sucks ;)
I think these Hitler parodies, while funny at times, are quite creepy!
You think I don't have damning evidence to support my claim that our media sucks? Our not-so-great media steals photos from bloggers, and I'm pretty sure they kick puppies too :D Seriously, shame on you Newsday.
Oh, and it turns out this was not a precedent…T&T media appears to have long history mooching off bloggers!
Well, another bloodbath as the hounds have the scent and are crazy with it...I’d like to point out that the projects they've done so far are actually pretty nice. it could be worse...it could be something like the Big Dig!
Now this is just depressing. poor girl tries to kill herself with bleach. I agree with the commenter that hopes that the leaders of this country stop their squabbles and focus on some real problems.
From the smallest individual, to the greatest nations, looks like there's a lot to think about with the nuclear summit put together by US President Obama.
Oh, and I just love it when jealous children try to imitate grownups!
Again, not much seems United about the United National Congress....and then Panday quits because of Warner, which is sad because he always reminded me of papa smurf!
And away from politics and back into the arts and real life. A movie/documentary debuts to create a tribute to Caribbean mothers and their strength. Looks interesting! I also agree with the directors comments about the Medea movies.
The tour! the tour! I want to go on the tour! Sounds pretty good so far!
title: The grand tour of NAPA
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happiness at the Hyatt
Never fear, my friends - the social scene lives at the Hyatt! You may have read something in the paper like I did about an issue with the rum license at Port of Spain's hottest night spot. So Yours Truly popped over there Friday night to see for myself.
Luckily for my friends and me, the rum was flowing - as was the gin, vodka, kahlua and more.
I'll keep my opinions of the TT news media to myself and simply say: try the Hyatt Pina Colada!
P.S. Do yourself a favor and get there early enough for sushi. The Dynamite rolls are... dynamite.
Luckily for my friends and me, the rum was flowing - as was the gin, vodka, kahlua and more.
I'll keep my opinions of the TT news media to myself and simply say: try the Hyatt Pina Colada!
P.S. Do yourself a favor and get there early enough for sushi. The Dynamite rolls are... dynamite.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Weekend Blog Treats!
Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself). Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
Some beautiful tracks and songs have come from these artists. I really hope to be there in the show. Will you?
Well, now that the cops are looking into things, no one seems to be satisfied and no one is finding anything. I guess can't please everyone. I just hope all these behind-closed-doors conversations are going to benefit TT more than the police...
Also, how is the new lady---John? going to do her job with all those files in boxes, rotting at the police station?
More UDECOTT news...There seems to be a lot on the police department's plate. more behind-doors conversations. Gotta wonder when transparency will be part of anyone's process...if you can understand all t hat is going on, please let me know.
And yet more UDECOTT goodness. The infamous UFF report will be submitted on Monday. Wonder if the pages are blank? That would add to all the silly drama, wouldn't it? Maybe we should turn the whole thing into a musical?
Metallica is amazing. They put on an amazing show. Congrats to this lucky B******, and I hope I have such luck sometime soon. Yes, yes, I love the pan, but some bands are just worth the worship :)
Well, here is some progress on NAPA and plans to figure out what to do about it. I hope to see some positive proposals in the next few days. Hope the artists make it onto the next tour.
Another NAPA story. Again, bringing the artists on board will be an important part of the rebirth of NAPA, if they keep their advice and recommendations objective.
And yet another NAPA story, Chutney soca at NAPA?
The case of the disappearing execs? Wonder why this story is getting less coverage than UDECOTT?
I'm a little confused by the Express' new layout, but I thought this article was interesting. I went to an all-boys school...and didn't really like it, but maybe it will provide more organizing and discipline?
Wow! A hawk surgeon! An article on the environment and a beautiful trained hawk named Star. I want a trained hawk to fly to my hand like that!
This is an older story that somehow escaped my gaze. The Sweet Sounds of Steel. Teaching our kids about our culture!
Sometimes better than words! Some neat pictures from around the world
"WELL CROSS DE ROAD LIKE YUH HAVE SOME LIFE NAH LADY!!!"...Indeed, many amongst us have serious manners issue, along with zero understanding, or say total disregard for the law :(
Neat! New technologies to turn yourself into your own...iPad?
An insightful look from a veteran blogger at blogging and social media, along with some interesting questions to mull about the future of blogging.
Some beautiful tracks and songs have come from these artists. I really hope to be there in the show. Will you?
Well, now that the cops are looking into things, no one seems to be satisfied and no one is finding anything. I guess can't please everyone. I just hope all these behind-closed-doors conversations are going to benefit TT more than the police...
Also, how is the new lady---John? going to do her job with all those files in boxes, rotting at the police station?
More UDECOTT news...There seems to be a lot on the police department's plate. more behind-doors conversations. Gotta wonder when transparency will be part of anyone's process...if you can understand all t hat is going on, please let me know.
And yet more UDECOTT goodness. The infamous UFF report will be submitted on Monday. Wonder if the pages are blank? That would add to all the silly drama, wouldn't it? Maybe we should turn the whole thing into a musical?
Metallica is amazing. They put on an amazing show. Congrats to this lucky B******, and I hope I have such luck sometime soon. Yes, yes, I love the pan, but some bands are just worth the worship :)
Well, here is some progress on NAPA and plans to figure out what to do about it. I hope to see some positive proposals in the next few days. Hope the artists make it onto the next tour.
Another NAPA story. Again, bringing the artists on board will be an important part of the rebirth of NAPA, if they keep their advice and recommendations objective.
And yet another NAPA story, Chutney soca at NAPA?
The case of the disappearing execs? Wonder why this story is getting less coverage than UDECOTT?
I'm a little confused by the Express' new layout, but I thought this article was interesting. I went to an all-boys school...and didn't really like it, but maybe it will provide more organizing and discipline?
Wow! A hawk surgeon! An article on the environment and a beautiful trained hawk named Star. I want a trained hawk to fly to my hand like that!
This is an older story that somehow escaped my gaze. The Sweet Sounds of Steel. Teaching our kids about our culture!
Sometimes better than words! Some neat pictures from around the world
"WELL CROSS DE ROAD LIKE YUH HAVE SOME LIFE NAH LADY!!!"...Indeed, many amongst us have serious manners issue, along with zero understanding, or say total disregard for the law :(
Neat! New technologies to turn yourself into your own...iPad?
An insightful look from a veteran blogger at blogging and social media, along with some interesting questions to mull about the future of blogging.
Friday, March 26, 2010
An Opportunity to Build
I’m a big fan of Rachel Price. This young lady has passion and sincerity in her voice. She stands out among other media figures for her dedication and thoughtfulness.
Her recent show about the National Academy for the Performing Arts was sentimental, sad, and really touching.
I agree with Rachel that the government has yet to sell its vision to the people and this void has created a great gulf between the dreams and ambitions of the government and what the people see, or how the people perceive what they see.
It is said that a successful leader makes his followers live his vision—this is not the case in T&T. the people here are victims of a political struggle between a government defending its performance and a hungry opposition hunting for the slightest hint of a flaw in that performance. A lot of facts are lost in between and the struggle diverts national debate away from actual work and construction to focus on the office.
In spite of this confusion, I still have not lost hope and still believe that tangible progress is being made, although overshadowed by political fighting.
Here is where I disagree with Rachel who appears to have lost all hope in the future of T&T. The chance to fix things still exists if we seize the historic opportunity in NAPA as the Artists Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) report suggested.
The report says that the great artists in T&T have been waiting for four decades to see their dreams about art academies and centers come true. The report says clearly that the creation was missing something, it didn’t say that nothing was created. In fact a lot of opportunity and success has been created, but the distance between politicians and the people and their indulgence in political fights indulge made them miss details that could have made the work more than perfect.
The artists did not say that 560 million was lost but said NAPA needed another 80 to make it better. NAPA is like a beautiful model who only needs a few accessories. In fact, some of the suggested alterations are not only unnecessary but also would do more harm than good. With all due respect for the people who wrote the report, they’re wrong on a couple points! For instance most of that 80 million dollar worth of alterations is for changing the sound and light controls from analogue to digital. People seem to have forgotten that this facility’s primary purpose is training students, and similar facilities in most parts of the world use analogue, not digital for this purpose. I think the engineers took that into consideration when they planned the work.
The experts are saying let NAPA be a lesson we learn from, and let’s not turn it to ruins we mourn. I would like to see UDeCOTT’s new leadership put together clear mechanisms for accepting constructive criticism and using objective consulting from experts in T&T.
I am a proponent of the idea of constructive opposition and I don’t like those who criticize just to look different and who always look back instead of forward. I wish that the efforts and the publicity that were used to criticize NAPA were instead used in a campaign to raise funds to add something useful to NAPA. Now that would’ve been a great initiative that shows that these journalists and opposition politicians actually care about building things right, but unfortunately I doubt this is the case. All we saw this far is a lot of yelling and tons of wasted ink and paper.
Let’s not pick our axes to tear down NAPA…let’s think about how we can be a part of something to make it better.
Her recent show about the National Academy for the Performing Arts was sentimental, sad, and really touching.
I agree with Rachel that the government has yet to sell its vision to the people and this void has created a great gulf between the dreams and ambitions of the government and what the people see, or how the people perceive what they see.
It is said that a successful leader makes his followers live his vision—this is not the case in T&T. the people here are victims of a political struggle between a government defending its performance and a hungry opposition hunting for the slightest hint of a flaw in that performance. A lot of facts are lost in between and the struggle diverts national debate away from actual work and construction to focus on the office.
In spite of this confusion, I still have not lost hope and still believe that tangible progress is being made, although overshadowed by political fighting.
Here is where I disagree with Rachel who appears to have lost all hope in the future of T&T. The chance to fix things still exists if we seize the historic opportunity in NAPA as the Artists Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) report suggested.
The report says that the great artists in T&T have been waiting for four decades to see their dreams about art academies and centers come true. The report says clearly that the creation was missing something, it didn’t say that nothing was created. In fact a lot of opportunity and success has been created, but the distance between politicians and the people and their indulgence in political fights indulge made them miss details that could have made the work more than perfect.
The artists did not say that 560 million was lost but said NAPA needed another 80 to make it better. NAPA is like a beautiful model who only needs a few accessories. In fact, some of the suggested alterations are not only unnecessary but also would do more harm than good. With all due respect for the people who wrote the report, they’re wrong on a couple points! For instance most of that 80 million dollar worth of alterations is for changing the sound and light controls from analogue to digital. People seem to have forgotten that this facility’s primary purpose is training students, and similar facilities in most parts of the world use analogue, not digital for this purpose. I think the engineers took that into consideration when they planned the work.
The experts are saying let NAPA be a lesson we learn from, and let’s not turn it to ruins we mourn. I would like to see UDeCOTT’s new leadership put together clear mechanisms for accepting constructive criticism and using objective consulting from experts in T&T.
I am a proponent of the idea of constructive opposition and I don’t like those who criticize just to look different and who always look back instead of forward. I wish that the efforts and the publicity that were used to criticize NAPA were instead used in a campaign to raise funds to add something useful to NAPA. Now that would’ve been a great initiative that shows that these journalists and opposition politicians actually care about building things right, but unfortunately I doubt this is the case. All we saw this far is a lot of yelling and tons of wasted ink and paper.
Let’s not pick our axes to tear down NAPA…let’s think about how we can be a part of something to make it better.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The prettiest building in T&T
Perhaps no building is more controversial in T&T than the national academy for the performing arts. From a government that takes pride in the project, to an opposition that consider it wasteful spending, to artists who find it the prettiest and most spectacular structure in the country, but also one that needs modifications to meet their practical needs.
In the midst of this controversy the ordinary people must be confused. Nevertheless we see them pose for photographs in front of that building, including newly wedded couples who like to have NAPA in the background of their special days.
The recent report in which the Artists Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) Critique the project seemed motivated by the sincere desire to serve the public, which really touched me.
We often have negative attitudes. When we see something wrong we either say it’s not our business, or at best, criticize without offering solutions, so I found this particular report different in an encouraging way.
The report acknowledges that NAPA is the prettiest and most significant in T&T, which is something we all agree with. I think the report was right in pointing out that the beauty and unique characteristics of the building could make it a source of national income. The opera house in Australia is a good example of a building that failed to serve its original purpose-as an opera house-yet that failure was turned to huge success in the form of billions of dollars in revenue from tourism activities that specifically target that building. At the end of the day the failed opera house became an Australian icon.
There are certainly good things about the report. I completely agree that the artists of the country should have a say in planning art-related projects. I disagree with the authors of the report on the idea of addressing technical issues. The report for example says the main theater should hold 5,000 instead of 1,500 viewers. I think this kind of criticism shows that there are some serious misunderstandings regarding the purpose and scope of the project by the authors of the report. NAPA is only one piece in a larger picture that will involve a number of art centers and institutes that complete one another—NAPA is not a place for everything!
Anyway, I still agree with the report on the idea that there’s a chance to turn the building to a great cultural and financial opportunity for the country. Giving more architects and artists the chance to contribute their thoughts to the project will not only make the outcome better but also foster the sense that such projects belong to the whole society.
What was frustrating to read in the report was how the press ignored the letters artists had sent when NAPA was still under construction. The press evidently started paying attention to the subject only after work was completed. If the press really cared about getting the project done right they should have paid attention to the artists’ letters long time ago. Unfortunately the press seems more interested in writing about what’s politically controversial. The damage cynicism can do to NAPA, and any of the other ambitious works in T&T, can indeed be greater than that done by engineering mistakes. The second could break a stone, the first breaks spirits.
Now what do you think?
In the midst of this controversy the ordinary people must be confused. Nevertheless we see them pose for photographs in front of that building, including newly wedded couples who like to have NAPA in the background of their special days.
The recent report in which the Artists Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) Critique the project seemed motivated by the sincere desire to serve the public, which really touched me.
We often have negative attitudes. When we see something wrong we either say it’s not our business, or at best, criticize without offering solutions, so I found this particular report different in an encouraging way.
The report acknowledges that NAPA is the prettiest and most significant in T&T, which is something we all agree with. I think the report was right in pointing out that the beauty and unique characteristics of the building could make it a source of national income. The opera house in Australia is a good example of a building that failed to serve its original purpose-as an opera house-yet that failure was turned to huge success in the form of billions of dollars in revenue from tourism activities that specifically target that building. At the end of the day the failed opera house became an Australian icon.
There are certainly good things about the report. I completely agree that the artists of the country should have a say in planning art-related projects. I disagree with the authors of the report on the idea of addressing technical issues. The report for example says the main theater should hold 5,000 instead of 1,500 viewers. I think this kind of criticism shows that there are some serious misunderstandings regarding the purpose and scope of the project by the authors of the report. NAPA is only one piece in a larger picture that will involve a number of art centers and institutes that complete one another—NAPA is not a place for everything!
Anyway, I still agree with the report on the idea that there’s a chance to turn the building to a great cultural and financial opportunity for the country. Giving more architects and artists the chance to contribute their thoughts to the project will not only make the outcome better but also foster the sense that such projects belong to the whole society.
What was frustrating to read in the report was how the press ignored the letters artists had sent when NAPA was still under construction. The press evidently started paying attention to the subject only after work was completed. If the press really cared about getting the project done right they should have paid attention to the artists’ letters long time ago. Unfortunately the press seems more interested in writing about what’s politically controversial. The damage cynicism can do to NAPA, and any of the other ambitious works in T&T, can indeed be greater than that done by engineering mistakes. The second could break a stone, the first breaks spirits.
Now what do you think?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Weekend Blog Treats!
Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself). Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
Congratulations to the winners of the Music Festivals' first set. Some amazing shows! Hope you made it! If you did, let me know what you thought.
It’s really amazing how people sometimes manage to do so much using so little…check out this gifted street drummer (hat tip: Dr. Dave)
For the meat lovers, more mouth-watering recipes from the Pot. This time we have a rich-looking pig tail soup and fry-dry sardines!
Lots of animal blogging recently and not all of it ends well for the animals in questions. We have on one hand the good great iguana catch but on the other the green monkey road kill and the mysterious feathery murder!
Oh, yeah and we also have a story about “hounding” which is a political reference though. I think I disagree with this idea. Ad hoc witch-hunt measures are not the right kind of protection for democracy. A stable, functional and enduring democracy needs better institutional processes and more faith in these institutional processes by the people…the latter actually is what we need to nourish in T&T.
Speaking of that,poor Mr. Hart! Seems like the hounds have scented blood and can't hold back. Maybe he just got tired of all the BS. Either way, I think he did some good things for TT, esp in my field of music, by building NAPA.
Seems like the UNC and the opposition has no shame---saying nasty things to widows, then denying it, even though there are witnesses. I say that the UNC needs to find better things to do with its time than harass the bereaved.
Mr. London is keeping it real with an upcoming calypso album. He wrote 52 songs for 52 weeks! Wow!
In more light hearted news...taichi and salsa will keep you from aging...I've got the salsa part...not sure if I've centered my Chi yet...
So, Kamla is pretty cocky...selecting her Cabinet. This lady can't wait to get her handson power! Slow down, lady, you're gonna hurt someone...
I really hope this turns out to be just a bad joke. The NAPA building looks so perfect and the design looks so complicated that it seems very unlikely for the designers to mess up things the way this report suggests. I hope they’re wrong about it!
This is just awesome. All around. Awesome.
Performance art! The infighting! MUCH more interesting than TT infighting, really.
Another neat video, much closer to home.
Congratulations to the winners of the Music Festivals' first set. Some amazing shows! Hope you made it! If you did, let me know what you thought.
It’s really amazing how people sometimes manage to do so much using so little…check out this gifted street drummer (hat tip: Dr. Dave)
For the meat lovers, more mouth-watering recipes from the Pot. This time we have a rich-looking pig tail soup and fry-dry sardines!
Lots of animal blogging recently and not all of it ends well for the animals in questions. We have on one hand the good great iguana catch but on the other the green monkey road kill and the mysterious feathery murder!
Oh, yeah and we also have a story about “hounding” which is a political reference though. I think I disagree with this idea. Ad hoc witch-hunt measures are not the right kind of protection for democracy. A stable, functional and enduring democracy needs better institutional processes and more faith in these institutional processes by the people…the latter actually is what we need to nourish in T&T.
Speaking of that,poor Mr. Hart! Seems like the hounds have scented blood and can't hold back. Maybe he just got tired of all the BS. Either way, I think he did some good things for TT, esp in my field of music, by building NAPA.
Seems like the UNC and the opposition has no shame---saying nasty things to widows, then denying it, even though there are witnesses. I say that the UNC needs to find better things to do with its time than harass the bereaved.
Mr. London is keeping it real with an upcoming calypso album. He wrote 52 songs for 52 weeks! Wow!
In more light hearted news...taichi and salsa will keep you from aging...I've got the salsa part...not sure if I've centered my Chi yet...
So, Kamla is pretty cocky...selecting her Cabinet. This lady can't wait to get her handson power! Slow down, lady, you're gonna hurt someone...
I really hope this turns out to be just a bad joke. The NAPA building looks so perfect and the design looks so complicated that it seems very unlikely for the designers to mess up things the way this report suggests. I hope they’re wrong about it!
This is just awesome. All around. Awesome.
Performance art! The infighting! MUCH more interesting than TT infighting, really.
Another neat video, much closer to home.
Friday, March 5, 2010
A not-so-constructive type of opposition
Time has proven that I was right when I wrote that I was not excited about the UNC election or the results. Actually when I went back to read that piece again I realized it spoke of the worst scenario I thought of.
The opposition, instead of working to build something new, is bordering on trying to bring down what we had built in the past! I'm talking about the ridiculous debate about the Legal Affairs tower project.
The opposition has pulled this country to a mess that has nothing to do with the interest of the people. They strayed away from thinking and working on the main problems facing the country, and chose to distract the public by a campaign of anti-government propaganda. Even worse, this propaganda campaign focused its attack on the positive things the government had done, instead of trying to fix actual problems.
Where is the change Kamla sold us? Does criticizing a project that was completed and has been in service for years qualify as change?
The legal Affairs Tower was built years ago. It doesn’t belong to Hart or Manning. It belongs to the people and will be used by the people and by governments long after Hart and Manning are gone.
Despite all the clamor and whistle blowing, no one has explained at all what damage or harm—if any—was caused by UDeCOTT or the project. Was the project over-budget? Were there defects in the engineering or execution of the project? If the answer is YES, and I doubt it, then I want to hear about that. If the answer is NO, which I think is the case, then what’s the problem!? The opposition should spare us the headaches and try to make themselves useful!
And once again I pose this question to the opposition; what is your alternative plan? What solutions do you offer if you think everything being done now or done in the past was wasteful expenditure?
These are the questions for which Kamla and colleagues don’t have answers. And this is what makes me think that this propaganda is all about undermining the government for pure political purposes.
An opposition that doesn’t care about the real problems of the people now, is not to be trusted, nor expected to bring about change when in power.
The opposition, instead of working to build something new, is bordering on trying to bring down what we had built in the past! I'm talking about the ridiculous debate about the Legal Affairs tower project.
The opposition has pulled this country to a mess that has nothing to do with the interest of the people. They strayed away from thinking and working on the main problems facing the country, and chose to distract the public by a campaign of anti-government propaganda. Even worse, this propaganda campaign focused its attack on the positive things the government had done, instead of trying to fix actual problems.
Where is the change Kamla sold us? Does criticizing a project that was completed and has been in service for years qualify as change?
The legal Affairs Tower was built years ago. It doesn’t belong to Hart or Manning. It belongs to the people and will be used by the people and by governments long after Hart and Manning are gone.
Despite all the clamor and whistle blowing, no one has explained at all what damage or harm—if any—was caused by UDeCOTT or the project. Was the project over-budget? Were there defects in the engineering or execution of the project? If the answer is YES, and I doubt it, then I want to hear about that. If the answer is NO, which I think is the case, then what’s the problem!? The opposition should spare us the headaches and try to make themselves useful!
And once again I pose this question to the opposition; what is your alternative plan? What solutions do you offer if you think everything being done now or done in the past was wasteful expenditure?
These are the questions for which Kamla and colleagues don’t have answers. And this is what makes me think that this propaganda is all about undermining the government for pure political purposes.
An opposition that doesn’t care about the real problems of the people now, is not to be trusted, nor expected to bring about change when in power.
Monday, March 1, 2010
MPs, or News Stringers?
The press is the fourth authority and it plays an influential role in shaping the public opinion. However, it must not take over the roles of the other authorities, which is what’s happening in our country these days. The Heights of Guanapo church case is plagued by an overlap in the roles of authorities that I believe is not in the interest of the country.
I always say that we lack constructive opposition. The existing opposition poses many allegations that are rarely backed by evidence, and this is probably why the opposition chose to fight the government on the pages of newspapers instead of the halls of justice.
Healthy opposition in advanced countries use many different tools to scrutinize governments and monitor their conduct. The media there is only one of the tools, but in T&T it is becoming the only tool. There are many more practical and legal frameworks for accountability, and on top of which are the constitution and the judiciary.
The church case is nothing but a press war. Even though virtually every single person in T&T has heard about the controversy, we don’t see the opposition seek due process to fix what went wrong, if any…why?
Another important question that the opposition should address is that if this case started five years ago, why did they choose to raise it now? Where were they five years ago?
It all makes me think that the goal behind this fuss is totally political and has nothing to do with protecting public interest or enforcing the law.
I wish that our press stops being a puppet in the hands of politicians, whether in the government or opposition. The press has already done more than its share in this case, and if this trend continues, maybe soon our journalists will become MPs, since they do all the work of the opposition. And maybe our MPs will become news stringers, since it looks like all they care about is feeding rumors to journalists!
I always say that we lack constructive opposition. The existing opposition poses many allegations that are rarely backed by evidence, and this is probably why the opposition chose to fight the government on the pages of newspapers instead of the halls of justice.
Healthy opposition in advanced countries use many different tools to scrutinize governments and monitor their conduct. The media there is only one of the tools, but in T&T it is becoming the only tool. There are many more practical and legal frameworks for accountability, and on top of which are the constitution and the judiciary.
The church case is nothing but a press war. Even though virtually every single person in T&T has heard about the controversy, we don’t see the opposition seek due process to fix what went wrong, if any…why?
Another important question that the opposition should address is that if this case started five years ago, why did they choose to raise it now? Where were they five years ago?
It all makes me think that the goal behind this fuss is totally political and has nothing to do with protecting public interest or enforcing the law.
I wish that our press stops being a puppet in the hands of politicians, whether in the government or opposition. The press has already done more than its share in this case, and if this trend continues, maybe soon our journalists will become MPs, since they do all the work of the opposition. And maybe our MPs will become news stringers, since it looks like all they care about is feeding rumors to journalists!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday Blog Treats
Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere(greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself). Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
New sports centres...I like the local community ones...but what are we going to do about improving our cricket team? We're getting killed out there!
T&T Coast Guard receives 6 shiny and modern patrol boats and more ships are to be delivered soon. Good boost for T&T defenses against drug and arms trafficking—the two main elements that fuel violence and crime.
Speaking of that! Major drug bust and information on the drug trade in Las Cuevas. I'm not surprised about the involvement of the Coast Guard...look for drugs hanging in the trees!
I think these are the best kinds of riots. Happy Phagwa! Happy Holi! What a great display of color!
Best of luck to the people of Chile and President Bachelet in their recovery efforts. Also good to see that TT isn't due for a similar one.
PM Manning’s statement in response to allegations regarding the Heights of Guanapo of church (hat tip: Keith Francis). It’s a long statement but I believe people ought to listen to it before making judgments or taking sides.
People have so many questions about this case. Some of them bordering on being stupid…the (non) logic is that, as long as we don’t know what’s really going on, let’s blame it on Manning!
This one, also from Francis, is a little more exciting…you guessed right! A whole bunch of awesome Carnival photos! Also check out some fun post-carnival thoughts—-post 2010 carnival depression and anticipation for 2011 carnival!
Well, there had to be one more story about the whole Church debacle, right? I don't see what everyone's problem is...I think it's probably just an effort by Warner to distract us from how much of a circus the UNC has become.
Another church story--it seems to be everywhere in the news anyway!--from the other side, looks like the UNC likes to play God with their money..."Marrain explained that he received a grant and lease for land from the Government when the UNC was in power."
Oh, and it looks like the UNC has some other and current serious financial transparency issues to deal with! Let’s see what the new leadership is going to do about it.
Progress, even though it hurts for some. So, I guess I'd better start on my taxes...
The heat is on! You're weather forecast for the next few months--its going to be hot! hot! hot!...which means...girls!
Apparently, contrary to what our local press had reported, T&T has actually received praise for making progress towards preventing money laundry and terror financing. Bloggers again demonstrate that they are better than traditional journalists in reading, and understanding what they read :D
New sports centres...I like the local community ones...but what are we going to do about improving our cricket team? We're getting killed out there!
T&T Coast Guard receives 6 shiny and modern patrol boats and more ships are to be delivered soon. Good boost for T&T defenses against drug and arms trafficking—the two main elements that fuel violence and crime.
Speaking of that! Major drug bust and information on the drug trade in Las Cuevas. I'm not surprised about the involvement of the Coast Guard...look for drugs hanging in the trees!
I think these are the best kinds of riots. Happy Phagwa! Happy Holi! What a great display of color!
Best of luck to the people of Chile and President Bachelet in their recovery efforts. Also good to see that TT isn't due for a similar one.
PM Manning’s statement in response to allegations regarding the Heights of Guanapo of church (hat tip: Keith Francis). It’s a long statement but I believe people ought to listen to it before making judgments or taking sides.
People have so many questions about this case. Some of them bordering on being stupid…the (non) logic is that, as long as we don’t know what’s really going on, let’s blame it on Manning!
This one, also from Francis, is a little more exciting…you guessed right! A whole bunch of awesome Carnival photos! Also check out some fun post-carnival thoughts—-post 2010 carnival depression and anticipation for 2011 carnival!
Well, there had to be one more story about the whole Church debacle, right? I don't see what everyone's problem is...I think it's probably just an effort by Warner to distract us from how much of a circus the UNC has become.
Another church story--it seems to be everywhere in the news anyway!--from the other side, looks like the UNC likes to play God with their money..."Marrain explained that he received a grant and lease for land from the Government when the UNC was in power."
Oh, and it looks like the UNC has some other and current serious financial transparency issues to deal with! Let’s see what the new leadership is going to do about it.
Progress, even though it hurts for some. So, I guess I'd better start on my taxes...
The heat is on! You're weather forecast for the next few months--its going to be hot! hot! hot!...which means...girls!
Apparently, contrary to what our local press had reported, T&T has actually received praise for making progress towards preventing money laundry and terror financing. Bloggers again demonstrate that they are better than traditional journalists in reading, and understanding what they read :D
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday Blog Treats
Greetings! The carnival is over and the Blog Treats are back! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself).
To keep my dear readers informed, I will deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
aah! I knew engineers could come in handy somewhere…get to work and get those shiny steelpans tuned!
Jack Warner controls the FIFA?? I never like it when politicians stick their noses in sports…they tend to screw things up!
farming, 5,000 BC style!
Don’t forget to feed your hunger! There are always new and great recipes and food tips here! Though they misspelled the key ingredient of one recipe! It’s Boc Choy dudes, not Pak Choi :)
It’s true!…anything, and I mean anything can be a soca smash…hilarious!
I wasn’t exactly a keen observer of T&T politics back in 1986, so I found this post to be quite a good and informative read.
What’s the best thing about carnival? Photos of the hot ladies ;) it’s them and the good memories of fun times that keep us going until the next carnival arrives, no?
This is really cool! Playing Drums (via robotics) with Wii Remotes! I love technology :)
Beyonce "I AM..." Concert - Trinidad and Tobago – Opening
Check out some of the performance photos too!
eh, it looks like driving slowly is not only safer, it’s also cheaper! I'm not making this up, I swear!…the numbers speak for themselves and they don’t lie.
They say taxi fares are going up…still not as bad as places like New York…people who’ve been there know that. It’s crazy over there man!
“They complain about unsavoury characters being allowed to live amongst them and point to increased criminal activity among other building maintenance issues.” Err. What’s that got to do with a story about water? Some journalists can’t get a 50 word story right!
there seems to be no end in sight for the UNC mess…opposition to Kamla inside the UNC is not fading, and poor old Panday thinks he can win by digging his teeth into the throne! No wait! other reports say he’s packing!
T&T scores big at WICB, so does Guyana…I’m honestly not big on this particular sport but it’s always to see our boys play well and kick some butt :)
To keep my dear readers informed, I will deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
aah! I knew engineers could come in handy somewhere…get to work and get those shiny steelpans tuned!
Jack Warner controls the FIFA?? I never like it when politicians stick their noses in sports…they tend to screw things up!
farming, 5,000 BC style!
Don’t forget to feed your hunger! There are always new and great recipes and food tips here! Though they misspelled the key ingredient of one recipe! It’s Boc Choy dudes, not Pak Choi :)
It’s true!…anything, and I mean anything can be a soca smash…hilarious!
I wasn’t exactly a keen observer of T&T politics back in 1986, so I found this post to be quite a good and informative read.
What’s the best thing about carnival? Photos of the hot ladies ;) it’s them and the good memories of fun times that keep us going until the next carnival arrives, no?
This is really cool! Playing Drums (via robotics) with Wii Remotes! I love technology :)
Beyonce "I AM..." Concert - Trinidad and Tobago – Opening
Check out some of the performance photos too!
eh, it looks like driving slowly is not only safer, it’s also cheaper! I'm not making this up, I swear!…the numbers speak for themselves and they don’t lie.
They say taxi fares are going up…still not as bad as places like New York…people who’ve been there know that. It’s crazy over there man!
“They complain about unsavoury characters being allowed to live amongst them and point to increased criminal activity among other building maintenance issues.” Err. What’s that got to do with a story about water? Some journalists can’t get a 50 word story right!
there seems to be no end in sight for the UNC mess…opposition to Kamla inside the UNC is not fading, and poor old Panday thinks he can win by digging his teeth into the throne! No wait! other reports say he’s packing!
T&T scores big at WICB, so does Guyana…I’m honestly not big on this particular sport but it’s always to see our boys play well and kick some butt :)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Great Times in T&T
I’ve been taken away from blogging by the wonderful times we’re living these days in T&T…isn’t our carnival the best ever!
I’m writing these words just because I felt I wanted to share the moment and feelings with friends, and anyone who cares to read my words!
Ever felt someday that life is good and everything around you looks beautiful? That people are good and evil is not only the exception? Well, I’m having one of those moments today!
I felt this way when I looked around and saw smiles on everybody’s faces…
Then I looked over the horizon and saw the football stadium and the symbol of our nation flying high…it just felt good inside…I felt proud that I’m part of something great and beautiful, T&T!
I’m writing these words just because I felt I wanted to share the moment and feelings with friends, and anyone who cares to read my words!
Ever felt someday that life is good and everything around you looks beautiful? That people are good and evil is not only the exception? Well, I’m having one of those moments today!
I felt this way when I looked around and saw smiles on everybody’s faces…
Then I looked over the horizon and saw the football stadium and the symbol of our nation flying high…it just felt good inside…I felt proud that I’m part of something great and beautiful, T&T!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Carnival Blogging Hiatus!
Dear readers!
Blogging will be understandably light for the next week or so as yours truly will be partaking in our national pride and tradition--Carnival!!
Would love to hear of your adventures, fetes, mas plans and more! Feel free to share info about the best fetes, post pictures, link videos, etc.
Blogging will be understandably light for the next week or so as yours truly will be partaking in our national pride and tradition--Carnival!!
Would love to hear of your adventures, fetes, mas plans and more! Feel free to share info about the best fetes, post pictures, link videos, etc.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday Blog Treats
Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself).
To keep my dear readers informed, I will deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
Well, Hunt made an important turn around. Sometimes making a giant $2 million flag, even if it is our flag, isn't worth it. Congrats on apologizing--he's doing better than most ministers or even people!
Comments section at the Guardian in response to the Hunt story is going crazy! The thread this morning was full of obscenities, homophobic vulgarities, and murder threats! The Guardian has got to do something about their moderators, immediately!
And from inmates to police officers! Proof that everyone loves music! The 5 time winner, used his song to criticize 'rogue cops'. A useful use for political music!
Phase II Panorama 2009, (hat tip Dr. Dave)..Awesome performance!
Sorry for all the politics, but it's what's in the news! Its a rough couple of weeks for Panday...more signs of bad feeling and political bickering in the UNC--but what's new about that?
Don’t forget to check the Caribbean Pot more delicious and easy recipes. This time there are ideas for ideas on comfort food, rice and peas and bhaji with spinach and coconut cream...Enjoy!
This week Jumbie takes us on a photo tour of the Buckingham Palace, shares videos of the Bombay Vikings and, debates the definition of a hero.
Be careful people! A new wave of scammers is attacking us! Remember, there’s no such thing as free lunch, let a lone $50,000!
Several brief introductions to the TT Carnival, music, bands and fetes, useful for beginners and first timers who want to know what this carnival thing is all about and how to enjoy it!
’GUSTINE GUSTINE GUSTINE!’ St. Augustine rightfully wins the Junior Pan competition. They won $27,000 big ones and bragging rights for a year. Good job, guys! Always love to see the little panners...Is this another competition? More young winners!
From kids to felons! The Carrera Island Prison inmates showed their stuff at their annual Calypso King competition. I was not there--and am happy to have led a relatively crime-free life--but props to these guys.
sooo...more expectations of expensive valentine's plans.. if any ladies want to hang out with me on such a day, please let me know...
More fall-out from the Dimanche Gras. De Fosto gambles with politics and moves on to the next round. He'll be number 14! Let's see what he comes up with next week!
More heroic cops! A gun battle! gangs! Miracles! It should be made into a movie.
After all the drama about favoritism, CRo CRo and Sugar Aloes are out of the competition! Dimanche Gras, keeping us on our toes! Down to 13!
To keep my dear readers informed, I will deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
Well, Hunt made an important turn around. Sometimes making a giant $2 million flag, even if it is our flag, isn't worth it. Congrats on apologizing--he's doing better than most ministers or even people!
Comments section at the Guardian in response to the Hunt story is going crazy! The thread this morning was full of obscenities, homophobic vulgarities, and murder threats! The Guardian has got to do something about their moderators, immediately!
And from inmates to police officers! Proof that everyone loves music! The 5 time winner, used his song to criticize 'rogue cops'. A useful use for political music!
Phase II Panorama 2009, (hat tip Dr. Dave)..Awesome performance!
Sorry for all the politics, but it's what's in the news! Its a rough couple of weeks for Panday...more signs of bad feeling and political bickering in the UNC--but what's new about that?
Don’t forget to check the Caribbean Pot more delicious and easy recipes. This time there are ideas for ideas on comfort food, rice and peas and bhaji with spinach and coconut cream...Enjoy!
This week Jumbie takes us on a photo tour of the Buckingham Palace, shares videos of the Bombay Vikings and, debates the definition of a hero.
Be careful people! A new wave of scammers is attacking us! Remember, there’s no such thing as free lunch, let a lone $50,000!
Several brief introductions to the TT Carnival, music, bands and fetes, useful for beginners and first timers who want to know what this carnival thing is all about and how to enjoy it!
’GUSTINE GUSTINE GUSTINE!’ St. Augustine rightfully wins the Junior Pan competition. They won $27,000 big ones and bragging rights for a year. Good job, guys! Always love to see the little panners...Is this another competition? More young winners!
From kids to felons! The Carrera Island Prison inmates showed their stuff at their annual Calypso King competition. I was not there--and am happy to have led a relatively crime-free life--but props to these guys.
sooo...more expectations of expensive valentine's plans.. if any ladies want to hang out with me on such a day, please let me know...
More fall-out from the Dimanche Gras. De Fosto gambles with politics and moves on to the next round. He'll be number 14! Let's see what he comes up with next week!
More heroic cops! A gun battle! gangs! Miracles! It should be made into a movie.
After all the drama about favoritism, CRo CRo and Sugar Aloes are out of the competition! Dimanche Gras, keeping us on our toes! Down to 13!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday Blog Treats
Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself).
To keep my dear readers informed, I will deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
There seems to be a lot of hooligan behavior in the UNC camp these days. They spend more time harassing their own party members instead of doing anything useful.
More adventures in the water shortage! Seems like some citizens were trying to make a buck off of other peoples' needs.
This is an outrage! A patient arrived at the San Fernando Hospital at 3pm complaining of chest pain and vomiting blood, and he is seen by a doctor at 11:30 pm…that’s a full 8 hours! It gets better…the patient says he was among at least 20 people who spent the night in the hallway.
Despite some huffing and puffing and suspicion at who was drawn to go first at the Calypso semis, Sugar Aloes is going first. I'm still stuck on pan, but we'll see what happens at the calypso show-down! Check the Guardian article for some really nasty debates!! The Newsday one has a more sedate line-up.
Overall, I think the Guardian gave the best coverage of Panorama with several heart-felt articles. What a great picture--the ones in the story above are great too. The food was good. The music was great! Even the bathrooms were clean!! Nothing to complain about here!
A couple awesome Creed videos… All of my friends think Creed is lame for some reason, but I don’t give a rat’s a$$ what they think! Oh, and here’s one more so off-topic thing Jumbie and I seem to agree on today…yep! The right not to wallow in your own crap!
I dunno who taught this old man politics but he or she was certainly a terrible teacher. Attacking the same people from whom you want support is not smart politics.
I think I agree with Manning…there’s nothing wrong about bringing foreign labor to fill skill gaps in the domestic workforce. I can see why people get irritated by jobs going to foreigners but the only way to end the need for foreign labor is by developing our own skilled labor, and this takes time! So go take a class or something instead of complaining :D now that's mean!
Well, when something begins, it always runs into trouble. The Panorama show was amazing and as another write said, I'll put my money where my love is--and support the pan.
There goes a $ million to Rowley! I just don’t get it. If I understood the news piece right then it looks like it’s the taxpayers who always end up paying while lawyers and people like Rowley always end up getting paid. The integrity commission caused damage to Rowley…why should we pay for that!?
Sweet sweet pan! Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, PCS Silver Stars, TCL Skiffle Bunch! So many great performances. Also, send me any links you find to Junior Saldenah radio pan cast...I want to hear more!
Another story about the Pan Trinbago fee. Money keeps things running. $60 is not too bad. These are master panners, with costume fees and everything. Were you at the show? It was amazing! My heart is still racing from all the pan 'love'.
As you can see, the world of TT is filled with beautiful, talented ladies. I gave props to Fia--can't wait to see you on stage, love! Did you see my comment on the bottom? I am still available to be her manager!
To keep my dear readers informed, I will deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
There seems to be a lot of hooligan behavior in the UNC camp these days. They spend more time harassing their own party members instead of doing anything useful.
More adventures in the water shortage! Seems like some citizens were trying to make a buck off of other peoples' needs.
This is an outrage! A patient arrived at the San Fernando Hospital at 3pm complaining of chest pain and vomiting blood, and he is seen by a doctor at 11:30 pm…that’s a full 8 hours! It gets better…the patient says he was among at least 20 people who spent the night in the hallway.
Despite some huffing and puffing and suspicion at who was drawn to go first at the Calypso semis, Sugar Aloes is going first. I'm still stuck on pan, but we'll see what happens at the calypso show-down! Check the Guardian article for some really nasty debates!! The Newsday one has a more sedate line-up.
Overall, I think the Guardian gave the best coverage of Panorama with several heart-felt articles. What a great picture--the ones in the story above are great too. The food was good. The music was great! Even the bathrooms were clean!! Nothing to complain about here!
A couple awesome Creed videos… All of my friends think Creed is lame for some reason, but I don’t give a rat’s a$$ what they think! Oh, and here’s one more so off-topic thing Jumbie and I seem to agree on today…yep! The right not to wallow in your own crap!
I dunno who taught this old man politics but he or she was certainly a terrible teacher. Attacking the same people from whom you want support is not smart politics.
I think I agree with Manning…there’s nothing wrong about bringing foreign labor to fill skill gaps in the domestic workforce. I can see why people get irritated by jobs going to foreigners but the only way to end the need for foreign labor is by developing our own skilled labor, and this takes time! So go take a class or something instead of complaining :D now that's mean!
Well, when something begins, it always runs into trouble. The Panorama show was amazing and as another write said, I'll put my money where my love is--and support the pan.
There goes a $ million to Rowley! I just don’t get it. If I understood the news piece right then it looks like it’s the taxpayers who always end up paying while lawyers and people like Rowley always end up getting paid. The integrity commission caused damage to Rowley…why should we pay for that!?
Sweet sweet pan! Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, PCS Silver Stars, TCL Skiffle Bunch! So many great performances. Also, send me any links you find to Junior Saldenah radio pan cast...I want to hear more!
Another story about the Pan Trinbago fee. Money keeps things running. $60 is not too bad. These are master panners, with costume fees and everything. Were you at the show? It was amazing! My heart is still racing from all the pan 'love'.
As you can see, the world of TT is filled with beautiful, talented ladies. I gave props to Fia--can't wait to see you on stage, love! Did you see my comment on the bottom? I am still available to be her manager!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Leak is Us!
Setting restrictions on the use of water will become a reality as WASA announced the restrictions will be implemented by Wednesday midnight. In addition to the restrictions, WASA has a plan to spend $336 million to extend new water pipelines and fix more than 400 leaks in older pipes. These leaks caused wastes in the millions of gallons of clean water.
It is said that conflicts in the 21st century will change from fighting over energy sources to fighting over freshwater. This is a natural consequence of the great increase in human populations and the gradual worldwide depletion of freshwater sources. Rich countries today spend billions of dollars on expensive water desalination plants. Until we can find affordable technology, the water crisis will continue in the world, and our country is not exempt.
When I look at the report about 400 leaks I can only imagine the situation but the real leak I see every day is us! We have an endless supply of ways to waste water. Most of us don’t mind a dripping faucet or leaving a faucet open longer than what is absolutely necessary. We also take our time washing our cars or watering our yards. These activities are not just household tasks…we in fact find them entertaining and relaxing!
Developed countries spend lots of money and effort to educate their people about the efficient use of water and energy. This is what we need to plug the leaks in us! We can start by ourselves and family and neighbors and friends. True patriotism begins when we start to feel that waste and inefficiencies are not the problems of the government or authority…these are our resources and our problems first.
I think WASA’s plan is a step in the right direction. We, the people should also take steps to rationalize consumption. However, I also think the WASA statement was vague, it says “and those restrictions involve not using hose pipes, washing vehicles, watering lawns, etc.” …now what exactly is in that “etc”?
I wish the campaign would focus more on educating the people and creating awareness against wasteful use of water. Honestly, I don’t expect to see many of us change their behavior overnight, nor that many people take this matter seriously. Maybe this is because we often tend to challenge and oppose anything that comes from the government as some sort of negative resistance to authority. We regrettably forget that water belongs to all of us…we all use it and we all need it, and we all get affected when it’s wasted.
I remain hopeful that the people will take an active role in addressing this problem. Like I said in the beginning, the leak in us is bigger than the 400 leaks that WASA is trying to fix.
It is said that conflicts in the 21st century will change from fighting over energy sources to fighting over freshwater. This is a natural consequence of the great increase in human populations and the gradual worldwide depletion of freshwater sources. Rich countries today spend billions of dollars on expensive water desalination plants. Until we can find affordable technology, the water crisis will continue in the world, and our country is not exempt.
When I look at the report about 400 leaks I can only imagine the situation but the real leak I see every day is us! We have an endless supply of ways to waste water. Most of us don’t mind a dripping faucet or leaving a faucet open longer than what is absolutely necessary. We also take our time washing our cars or watering our yards. These activities are not just household tasks…we in fact find them entertaining and relaxing!
Developed countries spend lots of money and effort to educate their people about the efficient use of water and energy. This is what we need to plug the leaks in us! We can start by ourselves and family and neighbors and friends. True patriotism begins when we start to feel that waste and inefficiencies are not the problems of the government or authority…these are our resources and our problems first.
I think WASA’s plan is a step in the right direction. We, the people should also take steps to rationalize consumption. However, I also think the WASA statement was vague, it says “and those restrictions involve not using hose pipes, washing vehicles, watering lawns, etc.” …now what exactly is in that “etc”?
I wish the campaign would focus more on educating the people and creating awareness against wasteful use of water. Honestly, I don’t expect to see many of us change their behavior overnight, nor that many people take this matter seriously. Maybe this is because we often tend to challenge and oppose anything that comes from the government as some sort of negative resistance to authority. We regrettably forget that water belongs to all of us…we all use it and we all need it, and we all get affected when it’s wasted.
I remain hopeful that the people will take an active role in addressing this problem. Like I said in the beginning, the leak in us is bigger than the 400 leaks that WASA is trying to fix.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday Blog Treats
Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself).
To keep my dear readers informed, I will deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
Chairman of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) Howard Chin Lee announced yesterday they were able to save $3.5 million from their allocated $121 million. Nice! Usually they go over budget, not under. Also, tomorrow's Panorama semi-finals should be amazing!
Lots of great percussion videos on this blog. I find the ones from NYC particularly cool. NYC is awesome!
Okay, so I was hungry when I compiled these stories and decided to go with the food one---Thai food is pretty great and has a level of spice that I think we islanders can appreciate. So, Thai ladies, feel free to show me a thing or two!
Activism and music have always gone hand in hand in my mind. Savannah Party plugs for the environment--making it easy to party AND promote a cause--protecting our beautiful TT! Although this one is to protect Africa's savannahs--the lands of our ancestors!
BCPires mourns the political demise of Panday and shares an interview he did with Panday from 2002. It’s long so I didn’t read much but I believe the doctrine of reacting to losing power by calling for unrest and civil disobedience does not reflect commitment to law and democracy. And seriously BC, is asking a politician whether he wears briefs or boxers the best way to start a useful interview?
In arts and history news, the National Museum will move into the Knowsley building--where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently. It'll be near the National Academy of the Performing Arts--so visitors can see all of them at once. Wonder if they'll find any historical treasures or secrets when they move all those filing cabinets!
This is a decent recap of some changes in Carnival and of events of the past week--although I think this guy was more coherent than myself. I can't remember all of these date and times--its just one continuous celebration!
The iPad is NOT a tampon…funny post, man!
This is an issue dear to my heart---where is the pan music on the radio. Obviously we love it, we go to the shows, the amazing turnout at Panorama, the show tomorrow, I could go on forever--when will we get more pan on the radio??
Transistors that have memory!! We’re doomed…the robots are going to take over, and, despite all the sci-fi shows and stories we read, we will give them the power to do it.
Shurwayne Winchester, looking pretty stylin with an especially awesome bike. He seems to be doing well for himself and is over booked! Good luck catching a glimpse!
Well, you'd have to be REALLY out of it to not notice some of the nastiness falling out of the UNC election results. I think some of it has shown people's true colors. Let's play nice, shall we?
And in a moment of sad news, Roland Gordon, chief judge of Soca Monarch passed away early Friday morning. He will be missed.
Robin Montano sheds light on the aftermath of the UNC election. His conclusion: The UNC is weak, divided and will lose the next election!
Conspiracy theory? Maybe, maybe not! I too have my suspicions about the relentless attacks on EDeCOTT…Something about Bagoo’s little crusade just doesn’t smell right!
To keep my dear readers informed, I will deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
Chairman of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) Howard Chin Lee announced yesterday they were able to save $3.5 million from their allocated $121 million. Nice! Usually they go over budget, not under. Also, tomorrow's Panorama semi-finals should be amazing!
Lots of great percussion videos on this blog. I find the ones from NYC particularly cool. NYC is awesome!
Okay, so I was hungry when I compiled these stories and decided to go with the food one---Thai food is pretty great and has a level of spice that I think we islanders can appreciate. So, Thai ladies, feel free to show me a thing or two!
Activism and music have always gone hand in hand in my mind. Savannah Party plugs for the environment--making it easy to party AND promote a cause--protecting our beautiful TT! Although this one is to protect Africa's savannahs--the lands of our ancestors!
BCPires mourns the political demise of Panday and shares an interview he did with Panday from 2002. It’s long so I didn’t read much but I believe the doctrine of reacting to losing power by calling for unrest and civil disobedience does not reflect commitment to law and democracy. And seriously BC, is asking a politician whether he wears briefs or boxers the best way to start a useful interview?
In arts and history news, the National Museum will move into the Knowsley building--where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently. It'll be near the National Academy of the Performing Arts--so visitors can see all of them at once. Wonder if they'll find any historical treasures or secrets when they move all those filing cabinets!
This is a decent recap of some changes in Carnival and of events of the past week--although I think this guy was more coherent than myself. I can't remember all of these date and times--its just one continuous celebration!
The iPad is NOT a tampon…funny post, man!
This is an issue dear to my heart---where is the pan music on the radio. Obviously we love it, we go to the shows, the amazing turnout at Panorama, the show tomorrow, I could go on forever--when will we get more pan on the radio??
Transistors that have memory!! We’re doomed…the robots are going to take over, and, despite all the sci-fi shows and stories we read, we will give them the power to do it.
Shurwayne Winchester, looking pretty stylin with an especially awesome bike. He seems to be doing well for himself and is over booked! Good luck catching a glimpse!
Well, you'd have to be REALLY out of it to not notice some of the nastiness falling out of the UNC election results. I think some of it has shown people's true colors. Let's play nice, shall we?
And in a moment of sad news, Roland Gordon, chief judge of Soca Monarch passed away early Friday morning. He will be missed.
Robin Montano sheds light on the aftermath of the UNC election. His conclusion: The UNC is weak, divided and will lose the next election!
Conspiracy theory? Maybe, maybe not! I too have my suspicions about the relentless attacks on EDeCOTT…Something about Bagoo’s little crusade just doesn’t smell right!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday Blog Treats
Greetings! The Blog Treats are here! What’s happening in the world and blogosphere (greater than the world!)? Lots of politics, art (mostly arts because that’s my scene), and people talking about themselves (including me talking about myself).
To keep my dear readers informed, I will *try* to deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
The moment we've all been waiting for! PANORAMA! Pan Tribago says 10 bands qualified for each category! Time is at 6 instead of 7. Competitions for small to medium bands will be Feb 13 at the Queen's Park Havana. See you there!
An almost record number of top performers to compete at the Chutney Soca Monarch--just going to show the growing popularity of chutney. Wild times!
Extensive coverage of the UNC elections and the aftermath from Jyoti Communication...again, I'm not excited!
Jamaica Jazz Festival is set to start next weekend! Should be a blast! Hope we can hear the crooning of the horns from over here.
Well, apparently the US wants to 'help' the Haitians--as long as the Haitians stay on their side of the water--they are mistaking desperate for opportunist. Paranoid and xenophobic, I'd say.
Caricom is having a tough time with Haiti. But then, so is everyone. Everyone also made important and heartfelt strides. I think that counts for something.
This is just too funny and sad at the same time. Socialist soap operas? Soap operas aren't about politics (although sometimes politics are like soap operas with all the drama). Soap operas are about sex.
Tunks wonders “Why do we become afraid of loosing something we don't even have? Why do we become afraid of having something we always wanted? Is it self sabotage or self preservation?”
I think the answer for the second question is that we simply get bored fast. It’s the anticipation and uncertainty about getting something that keeps us excited, but once we have that thing there’s no anticipation anymore. That’s when we start looking for something new, or alternatively become afraid of having the thing in the first place. I dunno! Lol
Pineapple is the theme of the week at the Caribbean Pot! Two cool recipes…A spicy pineapple salad, and the formidable homemade burger…I tried to make it and that burger tasted GREAT…the bold toppings do make a difference!
Hypnotic's lead singer, Chinee, celebrates 20 years. The breeding grown for good music is TT.
For anyone who wanted to join the circus--a TT native did. Kafi Pierre now dances for the famed Cirque du Soliel. I always liked the contortionists, myself.
Tons of roadmixes and remixes, at the TT blogosphere’s music store, aka the ban-d-wagonist!
Making 'true mas,' hand made, old school, the way it should be. Wish I had that kind of gift. Wire benders!
Something of an overview of Montano. A Star of Soca, revealed...altho i already knew most of this stuff.
Soo...the cops are going to follow the law...maybe?
To keep my dear readers informed, I will *try* to deliver the 'Treats' twice a week. Some of it good, some of it bad, so I posted just the ones that I liked or thought worthy of your time. Enjoy!
The moment we've all been waiting for! PANORAMA! Pan Tribago says 10 bands qualified for each category! Time is at 6 instead of 7. Competitions for small to medium bands will be Feb 13 at the Queen's Park Havana. See you there!
An almost record number of top performers to compete at the Chutney Soca Monarch--just going to show the growing popularity of chutney. Wild times!
Extensive coverage of the UNC elections and the aftermath from Jyoti Communication...again, I'm not excited!
Jamaica Jazz Festival is set to start next weekend! Should be a blast! Hope we can hear the crooning of the horns from over here.
Well, apparently the US wants to 'help' the Haitians--as long as the Haitians stay on their side of the water--they are mistaking desperate for opportunist. Paranoid and xenophobic, I'd say.
Caricom is having a tough time with Haiti. But then, so is everyone. Everyone also made important and heartfelt strides. I think that counts for something.
This is just too funny and sad at the same time. Socialist soap operas? Soap operas aren't about politics (although sometimes politics are like soap operas with all the drama). Soap operas are about sex.
Tunks wonders “Why do we become afraid of loosing something we don't even have? Why do we become afraid of having something we always wanted? Is it self sabotage or self preservation?”
I think the answer for the second question is that we simply get bored fast. It’s the anticipation and uncertainty about getting something that keeps us excited, but once we have that thing there’s no anticipation anymore. That’s when we start looking for something new, or alternatively become afraid of having the thing in the first place. I dunno! Lol
Pineapple is the theme of the week at the Caribbean Pot! Two cool recipes…A spicy pineapple salad, and the formidable homemade burger…I tried to make it and that burger tasted GREAT…the bold toppings do make a difference!
Hypnotic's lead singer, Chinee, celebrates 20 years. The breeding grown for good music is TT.
For anyone who wanted to join the circus--a TT native did. Kafi Pierre now dances for the famed Cirque du Soliel. I always liked the contortionists, myself.
Tons of roadmixes and remixes, at the TT blogosphere’s music store, aka the ban-d-wagonist!
Making 'true mas,' hand made, old school, the way it should be. Wish I had that kind of gift. Wire benders!
Something of an overview of Montano. A Star of Soca, revealed...altho i already knew most of this stuff.
Soo...the cops are going to follow the law...maybe?
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