Friday, October 16, 2009
Back again
So what has changed? A lot and a little I guess. ...wow, one line into this blog and I have hit a writers block. So be it. I'll still post this, maybe it will motivate me to continue.
Monday, June 8, 2009
the return of the...
Okay, show of hands. Who is surprised that I am not able to regularly update my BLOG? Well yeh, I guess many of you don't know me personally so there may have been some genuine surprise from yall. But hey, I have got a great excuse, and as soon as I think of it I will post it on this BLOG. (I promise!)
So, for those who are interested, let me summarize some of the high points of the last few weeks.
1. I went camping weekend before last, not much to say there tho. Shut of my cell phones, put away my watch, went fishing and completely lost myself in nature for three days. It was great, you guys should try it someday.
2. E3 came and left. I was absolutely in love with everything. Very excited by the promise Sony made. I am also looking forward to experiencing the "wand" and "natal" first hand as well.
3. Roger Federer won the French Open (Roland Garros). Well that isn't really a high point, I didn't want him too. I am not a big Federer fan. I respect his skill but there is something I just don't like about him.
4. I am still without a phone. I refuse to shell out any cash until I buy the phone of my dreams. By the time I can afford to do so I am sure the phone I currently want will move to second or third place in that race.
5. Wednesday came before Thursday. Yep, it's been weeks now and scientists don't seem to have an explanation for it. In fact it seems like they haven't even noticed. Go figure!
6. My locks have taken. (though they look rather messy and frightful) Well I haven't mentioned before that I am trying to lock my hair. With my kind of hair it was a difficult task but at last it has locked. It does however look like an abandoned bird's nest at the moment. So the next step is to visit the dear hairdresser and have her twist it to look like those lovely salon dreads you see on tv. I'll wear it for 3 weeks before I get bored of it and try something else. So far; afro(check), cornrows(check), bald head(check), mohawk(check), dreads( half a check)
7. My Girlfriend agreed to adopt a cat. I dislike cats.
8. Burn Notice is back on air. And a new show called Royal Pain looks very promising so far.
9. I sent my MSI Laptop in to get reformatted. I installed way too much stuff on it...had to get a fresh start.
10. Slowly realising that when I thought I wanted a career as a teenager, it was really the paycheck i desired. I hate work.
11. The Caribbean is HOT! I mean I was roasting on Sunday. If there is one positive about work it's that i work in air conditioned comfort.
12. Can't think of anything else, so.....
Well I guess that will do for a wrap up for now. Tune in at some random later date and hopefully I would have actually updated this BLOG by then.
Take care!
So, for those who are interested, let me summarize some of the high points of the last few weeks.
1. I went camping weekend before last, not much to say there tho. Shut of my cell phones, put away my watch, went fishing and completely lost myself in nature for three days. It was great, you guys should try it someday.
2. E3 came and left. I was absolutely in love with everything. Very excited by the promise Sony made. I am also looking forward to experiencing the "wand" and "natal" first hand as well.
3. Roger Federer won the French Open (Roland Garros). Well that isn't really a high point, I didn't want him too. I am not a big Federer fan. I respect his skill but there is something I just don't like about him.
4. I am still without a phone. I refuse to shell out any cash until I buy the phone of my dreams. By the time I can afford to do so I am sure the phone I currently want will move to second or third place in that race.
5. Wednesday came before Thursday. Yep, it's been weeks now and scientists don't seem to have an explanation for it. In fact it seems like they haven't even noticed. Go figure!
6. My locks have taken. (though they look rather messy and frightful) Well I haven't mentioned before that I am trying to lock my hair. With my kind of hair it was a difficult task but at last it has locked. It does however look like an abandoned bird's nest at the moment. So the next step is to visit the dear hairdresser and have her twist it to look like those lovely salon dreads you see on tv. I'll wear it for 3 weeks before I get bored of it and try something else. So far; afro(check), cornrows(check), bald head(check), mohawk(check), dreads( half a check)
7. My Girlfriend agreed to adopt a cat. I dislike cats.
8. Burn Notice is back on air. And a new show called Royal Pain looks very promising so far.
9. I sent my MSI Laptop in to get reformatted. I installed way too much stuff on it...had to get a fresh start.
10. Slowly realising that when I thought I wanted a career as a teenager, it was really the paycheck i desired. I hate work.
11. The Caribbean is HOT! I mean I was roasting on Sunday. If there is one positive about work it's that i work in air conditioned comfort.
12. Can't think of anything else, so.....
Well I guess that will do for a wrap up for now. Tune in at some random later date and hopefully I would have actually updated this BLOG by then.
Take care!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
I have to be honest. In the years past, I used to look forward to the Jazz festival. Though, as I look back now I realise it was all for the wrong reasons. Jazz was just a lime, an image thing really. It was good for your image to be there. Although there were many great artistes, I hardly ever acknowledged their presence. Instead I would walk around seeing who was there and ensuring they saw that I was there too.
When it really came down to it, I had no interest in attending Jazz this year. First because no particular artiste attracted my attention (tho I wish I had gone to the Friday show to witness the Amy Whinehouse fiasco )and secondly because the price had got too rich for my pocket. Hey, you all may think EC$175.00 grows on trees but I have a baby to feed.
Luckily for me though (if you chose to see it that way) my GF got two (2) free tickets from her workplace. So we went to the Saturday show. So I saw George Duke with, Jeffrey Osborne, Bebe Winans, James Ingram,Teddyson John; Michael McDonald, Boo Hinkson & Friends, Estelle and Michel Aubertin. Not a bad package all things being said. Not necessarily to my taste but a good lineup none-the-less.
What did I learn though? Jazz isn't for me anymore, well at least not with the lineup they had this year. Don't get me wrong, my taste in music is pretty broad. I have an appreciation for a lot of different genres. I just have not been particularly impressed by this years lineup. However, Patti La Belle and Beres Hammond were set to perform the Sunday....that would be a good show I am sure.
I guess I really don't know what the point of this Blog is. I was so unmoved by the event i really can't find much to say though I walked with my camera with the full intention of writing a great blog. Sigh.... Such a disappointment. I think I will leave it as is and await some true inspiration for my next blog.
Friday, May 8, 2009
A star is born?
Well today I discovered something. I found out that people are actually reading this Blog. Amazing, I know. All this time I thought I was doing the equivalent of writing into a diary - thoughts go in and are never shared. Well, a good friend confirmed that as many as three (yes 3 whole persons) have read my blog. So ha! In your face Sydney Sheldon (or feel free to insert other famous writer here), I have a following. Thank you! Thank you!
All the little people, I thank you. My fans, my family, my entourage, I thank you all. I promise to continue providing this in-depth, prize-winning and timeless literature for your pleasure. Who knows, maybe my following will grow to four (4) or....dare I say it...even five (5). Think of the marketing potential.
Anyway, autographed portraits are now available for $1,000.00 a copy....oops sorry. that was a typo, I meant $10,000.00. Order now while they are still available.
P.S. : Seriously tho, I am glad to know that even just a handful of people take time to read my nonsense. Thank you!
All the little people, I thank you. My fans, my family, my entourage, I thank you all. I promise to continue providing this in-depth, prize-winning and timeless literature for your pleasure. Who knows, maybe my following will grow to four (4) or....dare I say it...even five (5). Think of the marketing potential.
Anyway, autographed portraits are now available for $1,000.00 a copy....oops sorry. that was a typo, I meant $10,000.00. Order now while they are still available.
P.S. : Seriously tho, I am glad to know that even just a handful of people take time to read my nonsense. Thank you!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Cellphone Craze
I have always been a bit of a tech junkie. Granted I don't have a large disposable budget, so I always scrutinized my purchases before rushing in to buy...(well most times anyway). My latest dilemma has been over the purchase of my next phone. The story began when my HTC 8925/Kaiser (AT&T Tilt) started to go bad (flex cable needed to change). The cost of repairing it was ridiculous in my opinion, so I opted to sell my phone and purchase a replacement.
There were a few factors I decided on. First, my new phone had to be a candy bar shape, no flip or slider. I just couldn't deal with flex cables anymore (also had the same problem with the older HTC 8525 I owned before the 8925). Second,the phone should preferably not be a full touch screen, given the likelihood of me cracking the screen. However, I was not completely against the idea of a touch screen. Finally, it should encompass all the features I want, I am willing to pay top dollar if the phone will provide everything I need. So that includes 3G, WI FI, GPS, a good camera,a videocall camera, a good browser and a music player with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
My original desire was the Blackberry Bold 9000. I really can't complain about what this phone has to offer. It remains one of the top contenders so far simply because it has all the features I want...well minus one or two which I could live without. It is also a good looking phone, for my tastes anyway. But before I rushed out to buy one, I decided to research some of the upcoming models to see if something better was on the horizon.
The first model I considered was the Sony Ericsson Idou. http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_idou-2683.php Apparently, Idou isn't the marketing name for the phone but rather a code used to ID it before release under a different name. This phone looks good. In fact it is probably the best looking phone of the four I am considering. And it certainly hasn't disappointed in terms of features. I won't go into details of the features as the links I have inserted should provide that data. But I will say that it's promised capabilities are certainly attractive. My only concern is that it has a rather hefty price tag attached to it and, like the two others I will mention later, i couldn't find information on a release day.
The second model is the LG GC900 Viewty Smart. This phone is another attractive contender. There are certainly a laundry list of interesting features. I like the slo-mo video recording and the tv out in particular. One thing I hesitated on was the brand. Most LG phones I heave heard or read up on have had issues with slow processors and resultant system crashes, slow-downs and glitches. From all accounts it seems this may not be an issue with this model, but I am unconvinced thus far. Again, I am unsure when this phone will be released if it hasn't been yet.
The third and final phone is the Samsung i8910 Omnia HD. So far, this phone is in the lead. In fact, I am very interested in this one. So after such a build up, what is so attractive about it? Well, it is beautiful, fast and feature rich. Aside from the fact that it has all the features I want (even a FM transmitter which I realise I didn't mention earlier), the document viewer is a plus for me, so that I can have access to my work on the go and the ability to record HD quality video. Now all this comes at a price, but I do not honestly feel that the price is too much, well given that those I have seen online are accurate. All in all, I think I have a winner.
Now I know some of you have probably noticed that all three of the Blackberry challengers are all full touch screen phones. I did indicate that I wanted to steer clear of those, but given the excellent features these phones have and the fact that I can't seem to find a non-touch screen phone with similar features. Maybe i haven't searched hard enough. Anyway, these are my thoughts, let me know yours.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
My B-Earth Day
Today marks a celebration of the Earth and personally it marks another year of my life passed.
As a young boy I imagined that I would be settled down with children at this age, funny how things work out even when you don't properly plan it out. But I am very happy where I am now (only need to get my Masters in Psych and I am complete).
So anyway, those wishing to send me a gift for my B-Earth Day can do so by recycling, planting a tree or anything else that makes a positive impact on our planet. And not just for today, but always.
Happy Earth Day everyone.
As a young boy I imagined that I would be settled down with children at this age, funny how things work out even when you don't properly plan it out. But I am very happy where I am now (only need to get my Masters in Psych and I am complete).
So anyway, those wishing to send me a gift for my B-Earth Day can do so by recycling, planting a tree or anything else that makes a positive impact on our planet. And not just for today, but always.
Happy Earth Day everyone.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Gaming on my PS3
I started playing Resident Evil 5 about 2 weeks ago. Whilst I must say I am a fan of the series I don't feel particularly compelled to complete this story. The graphics and story are fine but the actual game play is the problem. Moving around is good enough but the fighting is terrible. When aiming your gun or even readying your knife for an attack, your character cannot move. I mean he stands bolted to the ground as he uses his weapon. I mean, how difficult can it be to allow the character to move while aiming or shooting. This whole thing kills the experience for me so badly that I don't even feel like completing the story. Admittedly, the co-op is fun and everything else is fine as well...but that one aspect has totally destroyed the game for me. So sad.
Anyway, I find myself playing A LOT of Soul Calibur 4 online. I must admit it has turned into my favourite game. I play quite a bit online, though admittedly I am not the greatest fighter...but good enough. What I hate tho are those pompous asses online who are either sore losers, bad winners or both. Some of the losers I have faced have gone so far as to disconnect themselves from the net as soon as they lose just so that their loss doesn't register and my victory doesn't register as well. it has only happened twice so far but damn it, it is annoying.
On the flip side, there persons who win and even after you are defeated they continue to pound your character. I can appreciate if you accidentally let off one or two hits off after a KO but to pond the character after is too much. No need for that. And another thing, unless we are friends and you know I am OK with it...please keep the trash talk to yourself. I swear if I ever met some of these guys in person I would feel an immense urge to shoot them. If you have defeated me already what is the point of calling me "fag" and other names after.
Oh well. I am really looking forward to the next God of War game. I think I may also get a copy of COD. I have never really been a big fan of the series but I might give it a good old college try. My game list isn't that strong for now. I own, Assassins Creed, Heavenly Sword, Lego Star Wars, Gran Turismo - Prologue, Grand theft Auto, Metal Gear Solid 4, Prince of Persia, FIFA Streets, Street fighter 4, Soul Calibur 4, Madden NFL 09, Silent Hill: Homecoming, Warhawk and Resident Evil 5. I think that's all of em.
I don't play Street Fighter 4 much, as much fun as the game is, I really despise its input system. The moves require too much "rubbing" of the directional pad for my liking (and I am no good with the joystick). Just frustrates me when I try and pull a move of 5 times to no avail.
Madden is fun tho, but to much of a learning curve. Well, actual game play is easy it just the actual knowledge of the sport it is based on. In my country, American football isn't very popular. We play traditional football (where players actually use their feet). So the strategies in the game often are beyond me. By that I mean the ability to choose a defense best suited for a presented play or an offensive audible best suited to the defense..etc, etc, etc.
But to top it all off, my 40GB PS3 is filled. I have no space for demos or even new games. So I am desperately in need of a larger drive. I am holding off now for a 500GB model...I figure if I am going to go bigger I may as well go really big.
Anyway, I find myself playing A LOT of Soul Calibur 4 online. I must admit it has turned into my favourite game. I play quite a bit online, though admittedly I am not the greatest fighter...but good enough. What I hate tho are those pompous asses online who are either sore losers, bad winners or both. Some of the losers I have faced have gone so far as to disconnect themselves from the net as soon as they lose just so that their loss doesn't register and my victory doesn't register as well. it has only happened twice so far but damn it, it is annoying.
On the flip side, there persons who win and even after you are defeated they continue to pound your character. I can appreciate if you accidentally let off one or two hits off after a KO but to pond the character after is too much. No need for that. And another thing, unless we are friends and you know I am OK with it...please keep the trash talk to yourself. I swear if I ever met some of these guys in person I would feel an immense urge to shoot them. If you have defeated me already what is the point of calling me "fag" and other names after.
Oh well. I am really looking forward to the next God of War game. I think I may also get a copy of COD. I have never really been a big fan of the series but I might give it a good old college try. My game list isn't that strong for now. I own, Assassins Creed, Heavenly Sword, Lego Star Wars, Gran Turismo - Prologue, Grand theft Auto, Metal Gear Solid 4, Prince of Persia, FIFA Streets, Street fighter 4, Soul Calibur 4, Madden NFL 09, Silent Hill: Homecoming, Warhawk and Resident Evil 5. I think that's all of em.
I don't play Street Fighter 4 much, as much fun as the game is, I really despise its input system. The moves require too much "rubbing" of the directional pad for my liking (and I am no good with the joystick). Just frustrates me when I try and pull a move of 5 times to no avail.
Madden is fun tho, but to much of a learning curve. Well, actual game play is easy it just the actual knowledge of the sport it is based on. In my country, American football isn't very popular. We play traditional football (where players actually use their feet). So the strategies in the game often are beyond me. By that I mean the ability to choose a defense best suited for a presented play or an offensive audible best suited to the defense..etc, etc, etc.
But to top it all off, my 40GB PS3 is filled. I have no space for demos or even new games. So I am desperately in need of a larger drive. I am holding off now for a 500GB model...I figure if I am going to go bigger I may as well go really big.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Watchmen
I finally went to see the Watchmen movie on Saturday. I must say all the Hollywood hype had me hooked. Sometimes I fall too easily for the glitter they produce. I had never read the Watchmen graphic novels and in some sense I thought this to be a good thing. Very rarely have I read a book and followed with a movie that seemingly did justice to the original story. Lord of the Rings was a fairly decent movie adaptation I felt, but Harry Potter was not.
Anyway, the Watchmen movie is long. Two hours and forty five minutes long if I am not mistaken. Too lazy to verify that right now so let us just assume I am right like I usually do. Some of my friend said it was too long, but I disagree. The movie flowed very well, it didn't feel as long as it was. Ample time was given to develop the characters' stories. Which was needed for the viewer to become involved and interested in the story. The movie in itself was a satirical look at society and mankind. It focused on Rorschach, Night Owl II, Silk Spectre II, Dr. Manhattan and Ozymandias and their relationships to the death of the Comedian.
There was plenty of lovely action, a few erotic scenes and quite a bit of conversation. It all melded together seamlessly however, giving and overall enjoyable feel. I didn't feel that I wasted my EC$15.
In fact, I would recommend the movie to anyone who is an action/adventure fan. It was a visually beautiful work with a good, well developed story. And I loved how they inserted the music into the movie, a very well used soundtrack that heightened the feel of the movie. All in all, a 7 out of 10.
Anyway, the Watchmen movie is long. Two hours and forty five minutes long if I am not mistaken. Too lazy to verify that right now so let us just assume I am right like I usually do. Some of my friend said it was too long, but I disagree. The movie flowed very well, it didn't feel as long as it was. Ample time was given to develop the characters' stories. Which was needed for the viewer to become involved and interested in the story. The movie in itself was a satirical look at society and mankind. It focused on Rorschach, Night Owl II, Silk Spectre II, Dr. Manhattan and Ozymandias and their relationships to the death of the Comedian.
There was plenty of lovely action, a few erotic scenes and quite a bit of conversation. It all melded together seamlessly however, giving and overall enjoyable feel. I didn't feel that I wasted my EC$15.
In fact, I would recommend the movie to anyone who is an action/adventure fan. It was a visually beautiful work with a good, well developed story. And I loved how they inserted the music into the movie, a very well used soundtrack that heightened the feel of the movie. All in all, a 7 out of 10.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Cellphone Addiction
Hi. My name is Rocky and I am a cellphone addict.
I can't help myself. I always need to have the latest technology at my disposal. I am a tech geek. My obsession stems far beyond just cellphones, but today I feel like discussing phones because I am currently looking for a new one.
My previous phone was the HTC Kaiser/TYTN II/8925 also known as the AT&T Tilt. I also had the HTC TYTN aka the Cingular 8525. Both phones started to have issues with their flex cables, manifesting itself as a blank white screen. I sold the Tilt recently but kept the 8525 for my GF. I just received the replacement flex cable for it last weekend so it should work fine once I replace it.
Currently I am using the Huawei ????....I have no idea. I practically got it free from my phone company. All it does is make/receive calls and texts. Nothing more. As you may well imagine, using this phone has left me feeling somewhat incomplete. So I want to mention some of my dream phones and then focus on the one or two that meet my standards at an affordable price.
My first pick? The Sony Ericsson Xperi X1. Out of sheer laziness to be honest I won't list the specs but I well post a link to it. http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_xperia_x1-2246.php Let's just say however that this phone has everything I need. Except an affordable price. It is a gorgeous phone. My only concern is that it is a slider phone with a full keyboard which raise issues about the whole flex cable thing again. Since my problems with the flex cables on my previous phone I am hesitant to get involved with any phone which relies on one.
Other lovely but pricey picks include the Nokia N96 http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_n96-2253.php, the HTC Touch HD http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_touch_hd-2525.php and the Iphone 3G http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_3g-2424.php Yes, I know, it has hardly any features to match the others I named but it just looks cool. Though to be honest I don't think I would ever buy one. But I wouldn't turn down one as a gift however.
Now, I wanna mention those phones I like that are reasonably priced even if still a bit much sometimes. However they seem worth the cost in my point of view. First on this list is the Blackberry Bold http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_bold_9000-2370.php (I'm not a big fan of the Storm, my feelings are the result of reviews I have read, never held or seen one myself), the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_5800_xpressmusic-2537.php and the Samsung i8510 INNOV8 http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i8510_innov8-2471.php
What are the features that interest me you ask? Good question, thank you for asking. First and foremost I need a large enough screen to watch videos and surf the web. I really dislike small screens. The phone must have 3G and EDGE, WLAN is a plus but not a necessity. Bluetooth is a must as well, preferably with A2DP. The phone must also be able to sync with my PC whether via usb or bluetooth. Cameras aren't a big deal for me but would be a plus to have, so would the video call camera. The phone would have to be a world phone, capable of functioning at all the GSM frequencies so that I can travel with it. And last but not least, I don't want any phone that will likely need replacement parts like flex cables often...I just seem to have bad luck with these.
Well that's it in a nutshell. Right now I trying to find a good phone at a reasonable price. I am not going to buy it in my home country for sure because after taxes and profit margins, buying a good cellphone is like putting down a mortgage on a house.
I can't help myself. I always need to have the latest technology at my disposal. I am a tech geek. My obsession stems far beyond just cellphones, but today I feel like discussing phones because I am currently looking for a new one.
My previous phone was the HTC Kaiser/TYTN II/8925 also known as the AT&T Tilt. I also had the HTC TYTN aka the Cingular 8525. Both phones started to have issues with their flex cables, manifesting itself as a blank white screen. I sold the Tilt recently but kept the 8525 for my GF. I just received the replacement flex cable for it last weekend so it should work fine once I replace it.
Currently I am using the Huawei ????....I have no idea. I practically got it free from my phone company. All it does is make/receive calls and texts. Nothing more. As you may well imagine, using this phone has left me feeling somewhat incomplete. So I want to mention some of my dream phones and then focus on the one or two that meet my standards at an affordable price.
My first pick? The Sony Ericsson Xperi X1. Out of sheer laziness to be honest I won't list the specs but I well post a link to it. http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_xperia_x1-2246.php Let's just say however that this phone has everything I need. Except an affordable price. It is a gorgeous phone. My only concern is that it is a slider phone with a full keyboard which raise issues about the whole flex cable thing again. Since my problems with the flex cables on my previous phone I am hesitant to get involved with any phone which relies on one.
Other lovely but pricey picks include the Nokia N96 http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_n96-2253.php, the HTC Touch HD http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_touch_hd-2525.php and the Iphone 3G http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_3g-2424.php Yes, I know, it has hardly any features to match the others I named but it just looks cool. Though to be honest I don't think I would ever buy one. But I wouldn't turn down one as a gift however.
Now, I wanna mention those phones I like that are reasonably priced even if still a bit much sometimes. However they seem worth the cost in my point of view. First on this list is the Blackberry Bold http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_bold_9000-2370.php (I'm not a big fan of the Storm, my feelings are the result of reviews I have read, never held or seen one myself), the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_5800_xpressmusic-2537.php and the Samsung i8510 INNOV8 http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i8510_innov8-2471.php
What are the features that interest me you ask? Good question, thank you for asking. First and foremost I need a large enough screen to watch videos and surf the web. I really dislike small screens. The phone must have 3G and EDGE, WLAN is a plus but not a necessity. Bluetooth is a must as well, preferably with A2DP. The phone must also be able to sync with my PC whether via usb or bluetooth. Cameras aren't a big deal for me but would be a plus to have, so would the video call camera. The phone would have to be a world phone, capable of functioning at all the GSM frequencies so that I can travel with it. And last but not least, I don't want any phone that will likely need replacement parts like flex cables often...I just seem to have bad luck with these.
Well that's it in a nutshell. Right now I trying to find a good phone at a reasonable price. I am not going to buy it in my home country for sure because after taxes and profit margins, buying a good cellphone is like putting down a mortgage on a house.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Are you for SCUBA Reuben?
Well today is a slow day as far as interesting events go. I have a meeting this afternoon which I have already prepared for. So now I find myself with time to kill and unfortunately nothing current to blog about. As a result, I decided to spend some time talking about one of my favourite past times....SCUBA.
Well firstly let me give props to the girl who trained me and got me through the certification process, Miss Jemima Lorde, Dive Master at Island Divers of St. Lucia ( http://www.islanddiversstlucia.com/ ).
Previous to my first SCUBA experience I was an avid snorkeler, I always enjoyed seeing the underwater world and looked forward to one day being able to take a closer look. Luckily my long time friend Jem, convinced me to get some friends together and join her class. Well, I took her advice and rounded up my two good friends Ryan and Jade and we hit the water as soon as was possible.
I always felt it was a shame that we live in the Caribbean, surrounded by all this beauty and opportunity that others paid lots of money to take advantage of and yet we locals took for granted. So I made it a point to do all the typically "tourist" activities because they were not "tourist" activities they were ours. It is sad when outsiders get more out of the natural beauty of our country than we do. So I vowed to learn SCUBA, Skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing, horseback riding, to do the ATV tours, climb mountains, visit waterfalls and take advantage of the sulfur baths.
But I am losing focus. Today's topic is SCUBA. I can tackle the others another time. Today I want to share with you the experience of an underwater world. A world we "fly" through. Surrounded by fishes, crabs, lobster, sea-snakes and other underwater creatures. Where light works differently, where sounds are not experienced in a way we are used to. A world where fear adds to the excitement and beauty, where wonder fills with every twitch of the eye.
As you descend you can feel the wight of the ocean on top of you. Slowly you realize you are the intruders into the home of the aquatic creatures. At the same time you feel safe and welcomed. Ironically the last dive I went on was a night dive which was immediately followed by a stop at a local festival in a fishing village. We went from admiring how beautiful the fishes looked by the light of our flashlights to how wonderful they tasted.
Sigh, I just can't seem to focus. I think I will stop here. There is so much to say really on the topic of SCUBA. I don't know if my words thus far have succeeded in selling the idea of SCUBA to anyone but I certainly hope you try it at least once. It is a remarkable experience.
Well firstly let me give props to the girl who trained me and got me through the certification process, Miss Jemima Lorde, Dive Master at Island Divers of St. Lucia ( http://www.islanddiversstlucia.com/ ).
Previous to my first SCUBA experience I was an avid snorkeler, I always enjoyed seeing the underwater world and looked forward to one day being able to take a closer look. Luckily my long time friend Jem, convinced me to get some friends together and join her class. Well, I took her advice and rounded up my two good friends Ryan and Jade and we hit the water as soon as was possible.
I always felt it was a shame that we live in the Caribbean, surrounded by all this beauty and opportunity that others paid lots of money to take advantage of and yet we locals took for granted. So I made it a point to do all the typically "tourist" activities because they were not "tourist" activities they were ours. It is sad when outsiders get more out of the natural beauty of our country than we do. So I vowed to learn SCUBA, Skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing, horseback riding, to do the ATV tours, climb mountains, visit waterfalls and take advantage of the sulfur baths.
But I am losing focus. Today's topic is SCUBA. I can tackle the others another time. Today I want to share with you the experience of an underwater world. A world we "fly" through. Surrounded by fishes, crabs, lobster, sea-snakes and other underwater creatures. Where light works differently, where sounds are not experienced in a way we are used to. A world where fear adds to the excitement and beauty, where wonder fills with every twitch of the eye.
As you descend you can feel the wight of the ocean on top of you. Slowly you realize you are the intruders into the home of the aquatic creatures. At the same time you feel safe and welcomed. Ironically the last dive I went on was a night dive which was immediately followed by a stop at a local festival in a fishing village. We went from admiring how beautiful the fishes looked by the light of our flashlights to how wonderful they tasted.
Sigh, I just can't seem to focus. I think I will stop here. There is so much to say really on the topic of SCUBA. I don't know if my words thus far have succeeded in selling the idea of SCUBA to anyone but I certainly hope you try it at least once. It is a remarkable experience.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Real Issues
What I really want to talk about today; I can't. Is it the sign of a bad blogger that he doesn't share everything with an anonymous public? I certainly hope not but honestly, I don't care. I dealt with some personal issues today that i feel may still not be fully resolved. Issues that can affect the very quality of my life. As much as I want to share it with someone I am starting to feel that sometimes some things are better dealt with on your own.
Never fear, this isn't a suicide rant or even depression, I'm just finding sadness where there was happiness. Uncovering white lies and half truths.I will continue to forge on. Well even that was too much information.
Whatever.
I did my best, and that's all I can do. The ball is in the other court all I can do is see how things play out.
"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don't trust enough." Frank Crane
Never fear, this isn't a suicide rant or even depression, I'm just finding sadness where there was happiness. Uncovering white lies and half truths.I will continue to forge on. Well even that was too much information.
Whatever.
I did my best, and that's all I can do. The ball is in the other court all I can do is see how things play out.
"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don't trust enough." Frank Crane
Monday, March 9, 2009
Violinist in the Metro
I took this from the website http://www.egodialogues.com/general/violinist-in-metro.php all credit goes to them. I simply thought it was worth sharing.
"This is an incredibly sad story which gave me chills. It is a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people.
A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning.
He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.
A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.
A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace.
He collected $32.
When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it.
No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.
Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.
Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?
One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?"
He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.
A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.
A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace.
He collected $32.
When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it.
No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.
Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.
Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?
One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?"
New Ride
Well it has been a while now that I have opted to sell my Daihatsu, Terios and purchase a new vehicle. After some looking around and discussion I settled on a Hyundai Getz. DOHC, 1600cc engine in a small car. Seems to have a decent reputation as far as cars go and its at a price I can't complain about. The thrilling part of this for me is the fact that I can use this oppurtunity to purchase a motorcycle. Something I have wanted for a long time.
I got the chance to test ride it on Sunday at the Beausejour Cricket Grounds. Oh, silly me, it's a 1993 Yamaha Virago 535. In good condition. Still needs work though...such as a new rectifier, a new front tyre, a new back rim (though the current owner has a spare rim he will give me so I just need to respoke it), new rear brakes, new front fork seals and some rust that I will need to clean up and put some protectant over. Otherwise she is a beauty. the overall costs of the repair parts are surpisingly cheap. Most of them being in the range of 20 - 80 US Dollars.
I am pretty excited about this. I always loved cruisers, the idea of just sitting back and coasting up the street at 20 mph or less is just fantastic. I was never a fan of dirt bike or sport bikes. I think the former is unattractive and the latter offers an uncomfortable riding position.
I can't wait till it is in my hands and ready to run.
Friday, March 6, 2009
The News Today
Well yesterday a lady had a child in her care, I think the child was around 2 years old, and she killed the child. Well let me explain, she claims to have forgotten the child in the vehicle when she went in for work. So that little girl stayed in a locked car from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. parked in the hot St. Lucian sun.
News like this used to just make me sad, but believe me, until you have a child you cannot appreciate how this type of news can be disturbing. I mean I often check my car seat even when I know my daughter isn't there...just to make sure.
I wonder how the lady reacted when she walked to her car that afternoon and saw the dead child, i wonder how the parents of the child are dealing with this. I wonder why people still believe in a GOD who allows these things to happen.To quote the philosophy of Epicurus
"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?"
But let's leave the religious debate for another blog. I would just like to say that this news saddens me. I offer my most sincere condolences to the family of that child, and wish the best of psychological help for the guardian to deal with what she has done.
News like this used to just make me sad, but believe me, until you have a child you cannot appreciate how this type of news can be disturbing. I mean I often check my car seat even when I know my daughter isn't there...just to make sure.
I wonder how the lady reacted when she walked to her car that afternoon and saw the dead child, i wonder how the parents of the child are dealing with this. I wonder why people still believe in a GOD who allows these things to happen.To quote the philosophy of Epicurus
"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?"
But let's leave the religious debate for another blog. I would just like to say that this news saddens me. I offer my most sincere condolences to the family of that child, and wish the best of psychological help for the guardian to deal with what she has done.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
ANTM
America's Next top Model. Seriously, why is this show so popular. As a guy I can appreciate the occasional bikini clad pseudo-models parading on my television but there is absolutely no depth to this show. Every season has a drama queen, someone with some sad story about how they overcame cooties as a child, a black girl willing to fight with anyone who gets in their way and most annoying of all, those oversensitive girls who cry when ever someone tells them boo or whenever Tyra walks into the room.
Sigh, maybe if there was nudity and they aired the inevitable lesbian encounters (I am sorry, as far as I am concerned, with so many girls in one house someone must be lezzing out.) this show would be more entertaining. Otherwise it has as much depth as a kiddie pool and is as interesting as a snail race.
Anyway, I can't judge. It is like the cliche says "let he is without sin throw the first stone". I know I watch some pretty idiotic tv so I really can't judge those who watch this show. And to be honest I get caught up in the show as well....albeit to catch a glimpse of the models in underwear or a bikini...but still.
Ahh to hell with it, I'm probably just pissed this damn show has made my GF seize the tv so I can't play my video games. Come to think of it that's probably the case.
More power to the airhead, random beauties on ANTM. Make that money however you can.
Sigh, maybe if there was nudity and they aired the inevitable lesbian encounters (I am sorry, as far as I am concerned, with so many girls in one house someone must be lezzing out.) this show would be more entertaining. Otherwise it has as much depth as a kiddie pool and is as interesting as a snail race.
Anyway, I can't judge. It is like the cliche says "let he is without sin throw the first stone". I know I watch some pretty idiotic tv so I really can't judge those who watch this show. And to be honest I get caught up in the show as well....albeit to catch a glimpse of the models in underwear or a bikini...but still.
Ahh to hell with it, I'm probably just pissed this damn show has made my GF seize the tv so I can't play my video games. Come to think of it that's probably the case.
More power to the airhead, random beauties on ANTM. Make that money however you can.
A first time for everything...
Well today I read someone's blog and decided to start my own. Not that I feel I have so much to share really, just for the joy of writing. For those that don't know me very long, you may be surprised to learn that I used to do a lot of writing before. I guess I miss it and this is my attempt at rekindling that old flame.
So I am asking you not to expect any Nobel Prize winning material here. I expect I will probably just post my game reviews here (I co-host a video game review segment on a tech show and write for their magazine), rant about work and anything else I can think of.
Well I guess that's it for today....I really should get back to work.
So I am asking you not to expect any Nobel Prize winning material here. I expect I will probably just post my game reviews here (I co-host a video game review segment on a tech show and write for their magazine), rant about work and anything else I can think of.
Well I guess that's it for today....I really should get back to work.
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