The much touted day of December 25th has passed, and for some that is a good thing. I often wonder how many took the time to reflect on the origins of the day, or who tried to use the opportunity to do any good in this world we live.
I went to midnight mass last night, and it felt rewarding and uplifting. It was tinged with nostalgia, as I kept having memories of my childhood in St. Mary, and going to midnight masses.
In this country the Boxing Day hoopla is in full swing. The malls are packed with people buying "stuff" that they insist is "on sale". If anyone took the time to look at the prices of the item in October, they will notice that the "sale" price is not lower than it was in October. So why rush out to buy it? .... I refer to the attitude as a conditioned marketing reflex. I will not be in that crazy crowd today.
My phone has been ringing constantly. Receiving many calls from friends, family and extended family located in Jamaica. While we are wishing each other the best, they all say that they are living in fear. I have my own terms for it (living in a coffin or the culture of death), however, they all want to know when I will be arriving. They have more resilience than I can muster right now. One of my close friends, in Mandeville, has houses he wants to show me and telling me how wonderful the climate is in Manchecter. He will do anything to have me live in his adopted city and he is trying very hard, he is persuasive LOL.
To all who venture on this page, I hope you find peace.
"Comfort ye, my people; speak ye peace, thus saith our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning 'neath their sorrow's load. For the glory of the Lord now o'er earth is shed abroad; and all flesh shall see the token that His word is never broken."
Walk Good
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Be Careful on the Net
With the huge development of Web 2.0, we now have "social networking", however, there are some pitfalls that users must be aware and try to avoid.
This came across my desk recently, and I thought it wise to post it here.
A new report published by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of British Columbia says young people are exposing themselves to identify theft by posting personal information on the Internet, especially on social networking sites, such as Facebook.
by Marc Saltzman
If you, or your kids, are spending time on Facebook – and many millions of Canadians are – then take heed to the following tips on better protecting yourself or loved ones from online scams (and sexual predators). Much of the same advice can be used for other networking sites such as MySpace and MSN Spaces.
1. Never give out personal information. Posting your name on your Facebook profile page is perfectly reasonable, but you need not list your address, birth date, phone number, work details or any other private information a malicious person can use against you. Also be cautious about what kinds of photos your kids are posting, in case they reveal personal info such as a photo of them in front of their school sign. Remember to remind your kids to never ever meet a new Facebook "friend" in real life.
2. Close your network. Rather than making your profile public to everyone – meaning all your details pop up if someone types in your name or clicks on your name on someone else's site – you can choose to close your Facebook network to everyone except for a small group of friends. Further, when you accept a friend request, don't be afraid to click the box that says "limit my profile." On that note, don't feel obligated to accept a friend request from someone you don't know.
3. Watch your wall. You might do a good job keeping personal info off your main page but your friends or coworkers might blow it. Example: you're going on vacation and leaving your house vacant for a week, so you don't broadcast this information on the Internet. Except a dim friend or two writes on your public wall – for all to see -- something like "Dude, have fun in Mexico this week! Bring me home some tequila!" Sigh, be sure to remove these comments ASAP. You might be tempted to ask a friend to remove these comments while you're away -- but remember to change your Facebook password when you come back in case you ever get in a fight with this person.
4. Be wary of forms. Thousands of third-party Facebook applications can add to the site's functionality, be it trivia games, video posts, astrology, and so forth. While free, many of these companies like to collect names for marketing purposes, so be aware of forms you might be asked to fill out forms in order to use their application. Don't fill out every field if you don't feel comfortable about it (such as a residential street address) and if it's mandatory, consider another application or make up the information (123 Sesame Street).
5. Use email messages. Remember, someone's Facebook wall can be viewed by anyone, so before you post a comment or question to it, ask yourself if it's better as a private email, which only the Facebook user can read. Similar to tip #3 (above), you might upset the person you're writing if it contains personal information, but also be cautious of what information you're revealing about yourself, such as "Hey, here's my new cell phone number!"
Be careful out there on the Internet.
Peace
With the huge development of Web 2.0, we now have "social networking", however, there are some pitfalls that users must be aware and try to avoid.
This came across my desk recently, and I thought it wise to post it here.
A new report published by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of British Columbia says young people are exposing themselves to identify theft by posting personal information on the Internet, especially on social networking sites, such as Facebook.
by Marc Saltzman
If you, or your kids, are spending time on Facebook – and many millions of Canadians are – then take heed to the following tips on better protecting yourself or loved ones from online scams (and sexual predators). Much of the same advice can be used for other networking sites such as MySpace and MSN Spaces.
1. Never give out personal information. Posting your name on your Facebook profile page is perfectly reasonable, but you need not list your address, birth date, phone number, work details or any other private information a malicious person can use against you. Also be cautious about what kinds of photos your kids are posting, in case they reveal personal info such as a photo of them in front of their school sign. Remember to remind your kids to never ever meet a new Facebook "friend" in real life.
2. Close your network. Rather than making your profile public to everyone – meaning all your details pop up if someone types in your name or clicks on your name on someone else's site – you can choose to close your Facebook network to everyone except for a small group of friends. Further, when you accept a friend request, don't be afraid to click the box that says "limit my profile." On that note, don't feel obligated to accept a friend request from someone you don't know.
3. Watch your wall. You might do a good job keeping personal info off your main page but your friends or coworkers might blow it. Example: you're going on vacation and leaving your house vacant for a week, so you don't broadcast this information on the Internet. Except a dim friend or two writes on your public wall – for all to see -- something like "Dude, have fun in Mexico this week! Bring me home some tequila!" Sigh, be sure to remove these comments ASAP. You might be tempted to ask a friend to remove these comments while you're away -- but remember to change your Facebook password when you come back in case you ever get in a fight with this person.
4. Be wary of forms. Thousands of third-party Facebook applications can add to the site's functionality, be it trivia games, video posts, astrology, and so forth. While free, many of these companies like to collect names for marketing purposes, so be aware of forms you might be asked to fill out forms in order to use their application. Don't fill out every field if you don't feel comfortable about it (such as a residential street address) and if it's mandatory, consider another application or make up the information (123 Sesame Street).
5. Use email messages. Remember, someone's Facebook wall can be viewed by anyone, so before you post a comment or question to it, ask yourself if it's better as a private email, which only the Facebook user can read. Similar to tip #3 (above), you might upset the person you're writing if it contains personal information, but also be cautious of what information you're revealing about yourself, such as "Hey, here's my new cell phone number!"
Be careful out there on the Internet.
Peace
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Snowstorm
What winter looks like (Ottawa Style).
On December 17, 2007 we received 37cm of snow, This is a picture taken from my window , looking up the street, during the storm. According to the calendar, it is not yet officially winter ... go figure.
PS. I would like to express my thanks to this blogger http://mobaydp.blogspot.com/, as after reading that blog, I got the method on how to post pictures in my blog. This is my first time, and it is not perfect, so I will hone my skills along the way.
Thanks for being so forgiving.
Peace
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Those were the days
Memories are made of this.
I read this article in the Gleaner dated December 15, 2007, it was penned by Hartley Neita. Let me state clearly, that I am not referencing the headline “We were Ladies and Gentlemen”, of that I am not at liberty to put myself in that vaulted level. When I read it, I was taken back to those days.
Please take the time to read the article.
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20071215/cleisure/cleisure2.html
Boarders had to be seated before the master-on-duty entered the dining room for breakfast, lunch, 'tea' and supper, and stand with bowed heads for prayers. Those who were late found themselves locked out of the dining room. They had to eat in the tuck shop if they had money.
I was one of the boys in STGC boarding school (now long ago dismantled) that suffered the pain of going without supper because I was late. I couldn’t go to Father Fuchs and ask him to give me any of the monies that my parents had left with him, for me to get something at the tuck shop. That was unthinkable.
My parents were not rich, but in those days two shillings and sixpence went a long way. At the end of each term, I owed a few people a lot of 2 and six.
Although North Street was “just there”, we as borders could not be seen or thought to be seen, going out into North Street without a written permission.
Yes we had friendly rivalry (both in academics and sports) with our friends at KC, but we would never make the mistake of going over there without permission. The jeers we received for wearing our “washout blue and white” epaulets were hard to swallow, but you were NEVER allowed to remove them. The “blue and white” epauletes (in hindsight) was a proud symbol to wear, but what did we know in those times.
I was never the perfect student. Many times I was in detention because I sneaked out to visit some of the girls at Alpha, and invariably I got caught, and of course the girls also got punishment. Typical male testosterone, but what did I know then. I have since apologized to them later in life, and we all had a good laugh, but it was not funny at the time.
Our time was structured and regimented. Learning was the main focus, sports second.
Those were the days we thought would never end.
I read this article in the Gleaner dated December 15, 2007, it was penned by Hartley Neita. Let me state clearly, that I am not referencing the headline “We were Ladies and Gentlemen”, of that I am not at liberty to put myself in that vaulted level. When I read it, I was taken back to those days.
Please take the time to read the article.
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20071215/cleisure/cleisure2.html
Boarders had to be seated before the master-on-duty entered the dining room for breakfast, lunch, 'tea' and supper, and stand with bowed heads for prayers. Those who were late found themselves locked out of the dining room. They had to eat in the tuck shop if they had money.
I was one of the boys in STGC boarding school (now long ago dismantled) that suffered the pain of going without supper because I was late. I couldn’t go to Father Fuchs and ask him to give me any of the monies that my parents had left with him, for me to get something at the tuck shop. That was unthinkable.
My parents were not rich, but in those days two shillings and sixpence went a long way. At the end of each term, I owed a few people a lot of 2 and six.
Although North Street was “just there”, we as borders could not be seen or thought to be seen, going out into North Street without a written permission.
Yes we had friendly rivalry (both in academics and sports) with our friends at KC, but we would never make the mistake of going over there without permission. The jeers we received for wearing our “washout blue and white” epaulets were hard to swallow, but you were NEVER allowed to remove them. The “blue and white” epauletes (in hindsight) was a proud symbol to wear, but what did we know in those times.
I was never the perfect student. Many times I was in detention because I sneaked out to visit some of the girls at Alpha, and invariably I got caught, and of course the girls also got punishment. Typical male testosterone, but what did I know then. I have since apologized to them later in life, and we all had a good laugh, but it was not funny at the time.
Our time was structured and regimented. Learning was the main focus, sports second.
Those were the days we thought would never end.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
A Drastic Viewpoint
I had various topics in my head; however, this one seems to have a yearning to be posted.
I have often said that the diaspora sees things through “rose coloured glasses”, when it comes to making suggestions. They are also misguided by nostalgia, which tends to cloud the mind. However, some things need to be said, and in this case I am speaking about the crime and violence in Jamaica.
My friends (living in Jamaica) keep telling me that the crime is not a problem, and I should not believe what I read in the media. Well, that is all good for them to say that, but the figures speak for themselves. The last time I checked, the murders in 2006 were 1400+ and in 2007 it is already at 1500, and counting.
Let us see this as what it really is …. it is a WAR. It must be treated as a “war” and stop the “culture of death”, living in a coffin, environment.
In the past few years, all the best intentioned protocols put into place to stem the murder rate, has not been successful.
IT HAS NOT WORKED.
My suggestions should not be viewed in isolation, but taken as a whole and implemented in parallel and simultaneously.
1. Human Rights must be suspended for 6-12 months.
The “bleeding hearts” will oppose this, and other countries will also be against such action. But wait a second, the savages who are killing other human beings (their own Jamaicans) are not giving the law abiding people ANY rights, they are killing randomly for no reason. The “bleeding hearts” and other countries do not have to tolerate this wanton savagery.
2. Any person found with an illegal firearm gets 5 years mandatory sentence, no parole. If they use that firearm for any illegal purpose then they will be tried for that, and if found guilty, then sentenced to serve it consecutively.
3. Flogging must be instituted for anyone using an illegal firearm.
4. There must be a curfew (6pm – 6am) established in the violence prone areas. This must be rigidly enforced.
5. The police should be given the resources and the JDF must be actively involved.
6. The justice system must be fixed, so that ALL accused be brought to trial within 12-24 months. That is the only “rights” they are going to get..
7. The education system should be fixed, so that it becomes mandatory for children to be and stay in school.
8. Vocational schools must be established, so that young adults leaving school, who have no desire to further their academic standard, can be channeled into the these schools to learn a trade. The trade will be beneficial to them in getting meaningful employment.
9. If these young adults refuse (bona fide reason) to attend the established vocational schools, they must join and STAY in the JDF for a minimum of 6 years.
10. Professionals trained in Jamaica, must agree to stay in the country and practice their profession for a minimum of 3 years before they can emigrate.
11. Law abiding citizens must collectively “take back” their country, one inch at a time. Out of many, one people.
These are drastic suggestions; however, we must take our head out of the sand to see that these are drastic times. The criminals have declared war on the rest of the country.
If the stigma of “number one murder country” in the world is acceptable, then keep on doing what has never worked or do nothing.
If the crime rate does not decrease, then investments will not be forthcoming and the economy will suffer. Jamaica and Jamaicans will be the worse off if nothing is done.
Anyone, living in Jamaica, reading this, may become outraged and so you should. As a Jamaican resident, you may object to the suggestions, and that is your right. However, I respectfully ask you to think of what YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY, to stop this war.
Speak up.
“When good men/women do nothing, evil triumphs”
Monday, December 3, 2007
Times are a Changing
IS CANADA BECOMING A LESS TOLERANT SOCIETY
This was in MacLean’s Magazine on December, 2007.
http://www.macleans.ca/article.jsp?content=20071022_110249_110249&source=srch
I find it interesting and disturbing that the society in this country are now coming to the realization that the times are changing.
Let me try to provide a perspective from the eyes of an immigrant, meaning me.
In the US, they promote a “melting pot” approach to immigrants. That is you arrive in that country and you follow their rules, laws and culture. If you want to preserve your own culture, you do so in the privacy of your home, but the Government (federal, state or local) does not provide any resources for your individual expansion of your culture.
In Canada, they choose to promote a “mosaic” approach. This encourages the individual culture to be promoted and all levels of Government provide resources to assist in that promotion. So the Caribana Festival is subsidized by Governments, and the newspapers (representing ANY culture) are also subsidized by all Governments. So that leads to situations like the Sikh wanting to join the RCMP, is given permission to wear a red turban, instead of the red hat, and the rules are changed.
So to maintain the “mosaic”, the Canadian society has changed its own rules to accommodate the immigrants.
Let me go further and explain a situation that is unique to the Canadian culture. In Quebec, they see their language as an integral part of their culture. So in some parts of that province you MUST speak French. Now bear in mind that Quebecois French is not the same as Parisian French, so any immigrant who speaks French (Parisian or taught proper French), is not totally accepted in the Quebecois culture.
Put the “mosaic” approach and the Quebecois attitude together, and we have a potential problem looming.
You will notice that I never used the word “racist”, because the backlash is not based on race; it is based on the erosion of a culture and tradition. Canada is built on the expertise of immigration, hence the “mosaic” approach.
In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, immigration to Canada was from Europe. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, the influx was from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, and at that point the change began. This massive shift became more noticeable in late 80’s, 90’s and 00’s when Asia and the Middle Eastern immigrants started to have an impact.. Most of the so called immigrants in Canada are no longer immigrants, as they are now “born” in this country, their parents came to Canada in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.. Most refuse to speak or learn both the official languages because they are in the “mosaic”.
Canada is changing, and its traditions will soon be no longer a viable status quo.
The only question remains to be asked is:
Will Canadian Society remain Tolerant?
Peace
The responsibility of tolerance lies in those who have the wider vision.
This was in MacLean’s Magazine on December, 2007.
http://www.macleans.ca/article.jsp?content=20071022_110249_110249&source=srch
I find it interesting and disturbing that the society in this country are now coming to the realization that the times are changing.
Let me try to provide a perspective from the eyes of an immigrant, meaning me.
In the US, they promote a “melting pot” approach to immigrants. That is you arrive in that country and you follow their rules, laws and culture. If you want to preserve your own culture, you do so in the privacy of your home, but the Government (federal, state or local) does not provide any resources for your individual expansion of your culture.
In Canada, they choose to promote a “mosaic” approach. This encourages the individual culture to be promoted and all levels of Government provide resources to assist in that promotion. So the Caribana Festival is subsidized by Governments, and the newspapers (representing ANY culture) are also subsidized by all Governments. So that leads to situations like the Sikh wanting to join the RCMP, is given permission to wear a red turban, instead of the red hat, and the rules are changed.
So to maintain the “mosaic”, the Canadian society has changed its own rules to accommodate the immigrants.
Let me go further and explain a situation that is unique to the Canadian culture. In Quebec, they see their language as an integral part of their culture. So in some parts of that province you MUST speak French. Now bear in mind that Quebecois French is not the same as Parisian French, so any immigrant who speaks French (Parisian or taught proper French), is not totally accepted in the Quebecois culture.
Put the “mosaic” approach and the Quebecois attitude together, and we have a potential problem looming.
You will notice that I never used the word “racist”, because the backlash is not based on race; it is based on the erosion of a culture and tradition. Canada is built on the expertise of immigration, hence the “mosaic” approach.
In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, immigration to Canada was from Europe. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, the influx was from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, and at that point the change began. This massive shift became more noticeable in late 80’s, 90’s and 00’s when Asia and the Middle Eastern immigrants started to have an impact.. Most of the so called immigrants in Canada are no longer immigrants, as they are now “born” in this country, their parents came to Canada in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.. Most refuse to speak or learn both the official languages because they are in the “mosaic”.
Canada is changing, and its traditions will soon be no longer a viable status quo.
The only question remains to be asked is:
Will Canadian Society remain Tolerant?
Peace
The responsibility of tolerance lies in those who have the wider vision.
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