El corazón delator (The Tell-tale Heart)

ON LOVE AND LONG DISTANCE COURTING

How many times have you been in love? I mean "in love". When you see or think of your object of affection and you start showing a series of patterns that aren't part of your usual daily comportment. You wake up early just so that you can speak to that person because it will make your day feel better. You have to tell each other goodnight or else falling asleep will take forever. The phone company now calls and offers you special international calling packages. Yup, that kind of love, loooong distance love.

Can it work? Couples live together in the same house and cheat on each other, yet there are couples who don't and they maintain a healthy and honest relationship. HMMM.

CORAZÓN DE CACTO

TWILIGHT

The best thing about my "Twilight" experience was that I never read any of the books in the series. I was aware of the hype about Robert Pattinson and I wasn't even phased. I didn't even know he was in one of the Harry Potter movies.

The film Twilight, or Crepúsculo (Spanish title) became an instant favourite of mine. Why? Because of the camera work, cinematography, special effects, and Pattinson's interpretation. All those elements made me forgive the sometime cheesy dialogue of some of the supporting cast. I'm a sucker for a good romance movie, but Bella's role was sort of awkward and desperate. Seriously, could she be any more annoying when she's begging for Edward's affection? Kristen Stewart did a really good job, she reminds me Alexis Bledel of the Gilmore Girls fame.

A GREAT SONG THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

I listen to this song almost everyday. I love it because of it's sincerity and earnest. Big ups to the artistes for making music that matters.

UN REPORTE

El Otro Yo
Mario Benedetti

Me parece confundido el cuento después del tercer párrafo puesto que el autor empieza a intercambiar el alterego y Armando Corriente.

El Otro Yo era su parte culta porque gozaba la poesía, los atardeceres, entre otras cosas. Se puede decir era su parte "femenina" pues a las mujeres les gozan estas cosas, y es por eso Armando se siente incómodo al presentar su Otro Yo enfrente de sus amigos.

Decidió cambiar su personalidad al "matar" el Otro Yo para que actúe más masculino entre sus maigos y siente "igual". El chiste es que lo hizo pero no valió la pena porque sus amigos ya le dejaron. Al quitar su Otro Yo, ya no es un ser entero.

UN REPORTE

El libro que vendrá
Joubert y el Espacio

En esta obra Maurice Blanchot nos presenta con teorías desde su perspectiva especial sobre el francés Joseph Joubert.

No sé cómo debo describir a Joseph Joubert porque no he leído ninguno de sus trabajos, pero desde la lectura que planteó Blanchot, es seguro decir que Joubert era un hombre quien escribía cartas documentando sus pensamientos cotidianos y la práctica duraba décadas. No me parece poeta, ni novelista, tampoco es filósofo, pero parece que tuviera las habilidades de ser cualquiera de ellos. Toma en cuenta esta frase que me parece tiene un estilo filosófico y poético “Yo soy, lo confesaré, como un arpa eolia, que produce algunos sonidos bellos, pero no ejecuta ninguna música”. Se puede interpretar que los sonidos bellos son sus pensamientos que nunca ejecuta un libro (la música). Es una manera de negarse el talento.

Joubert pasaba toda su vida poniendo retos y buscando pretextos para no terminar un libro, “… Y además, es necesario dejar que mis nubes se amontonen y se condensen”. Se preparaba para escribir una obra que ya sabía que nunca publicaría aunque tiene el talento de hacerlo, “En la madurez, casi todos sus amigos son escritores famosos con quienes vive metido en la literatura y quienes, además, conociendo sus confirmados talentos de pensamiento y de forma, lo incitan a salir de su silencio”. Guardó el libro en su mente, “¡Mis ideas! Me cuesta construir la casa donde alojarlas”. Llegar al producto final fue el reto. Se disfrutaba la jornada de escribir entonces seguía con el viaje sin pensar en llegar al destino; su jornada duraba muchos años. El reconocimiento o la riqueza que probablemente quería fue ser el amigo de muchos escritores reconocidos; las amistades le daban un placer personal. Le gustó el concepto del sufrimiento porque se hacía sentir vivo, “Pero prefirió ese fracaso al compromiso del éxito”. Joubert se contradice a sí mismo cuando dice “No soy de naturaleza paciente”. A lo mejor tuvo un gran ego “Aquí estoy, fuera de las cosas civiles y en la pura región del Arte.” ¿Se sentía como ser humano o como extraterrestre? ¿Es por esta razón que se preocupaba por el cielo? Su espiritualidad es evidente cuando habla del cielo, el espacio, y las estrellas. Es un genio que tuvo una imaginación impresionante que ha provocado tantas dudas a la inteligencia. Ser escritor es una tarea difícil porque el público criticará sus publicaciones, sean críticas negativas o positivas.

NEW OBSESSION

Even though my Youtube account lists my occupation as an "aspiring freeloading mogul", I still want to be many things. I am already many things, but I can be more. The sky is the limit. Greedy much? So Mommy, friends and freaks like me, I want to be a pundit.

Okay so maybe I won't be the best at punditry, but, it's worth a shot. Where is all this coming from? Blame it on Rachel Maddow goddamit! Why did she have to be charismatic, cute, intelligent and witty? Damn you too MSNBC! Now I have another unexpected goal added to my list of, you guessed it, list of unexpectations.

I am sorry Jon Stewart. I have been a fan of yours since Big Daddy (so hot in that movie), but as great as The Daily Show is, it didn't make me think of being a pundit. Stephen Colbert, you are a funny guy.



In other news, some losers, uhm I mean some of my acquaintances on MSN Messenger are all sporting "Barack Obama" references in their nicknames. Or, they have Mr. Obama's photo as their display picture. It's all good, but let's see how long they will keep it up.

BOOK BOOK BOOK

Books I've read, or partially read.

Wuthering Heights
A Density of Souls
Secret Garden
Shane
Cry the Beloved Country
Call Me Crazy
El Túnel
La Muerte de Artemio Cruz
Wu Manual
Memoirs of a Geisha
The Bonesetter's Daughter
Lamb's Tale From Shakespeare
Miguel Street
Of Mice and Men
A Raisin In The Sun
Pray For Us
Oedipus Rex
Cry Wolf
Erotica Vampirica
The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen
Between Lovers
The Body Artist
The Narrows
Los Albañiles
Platinum Girl - The Life and Legends of Jean Harlow
Stupid White Men
Macario

THE HOUSE BUNNY

So I went to the cinema with some friends and we watched The House Bunny. My option was Burn After Reading, just because it had "reading" in the title. I never read the synopsis or any reviews about Burn After Reading so that made me want to watch it even more. My friends and I walked and joked around the mall. After that we headed for the snack counter; I eye flirted with the manager at the snack counter while my friends bought nachos, popcorn and soda. Inside the theater was packed!

The House Bunny eventually started and there was nothing but laughter and giggles coming from the audience from beginning to end. Anna Farris and the entire supporting cast did a great job. I must admit that Kat Dennings stole all the scenes that she was in. The music also had me dancing in my seat. Rihanna, The Ting Tings and Metro Station were artistes' music I immediately recognized.





Go see The House Bunny!

DOLLING AROUND

LYRICS THAT STAND OUT PT. 2

Second installment of lyrics that make some songs memorable. Check in April 2008 for the first installment.


"What's the difference between the wise and the fool?, when the wise live and die, likewise the fool'" - A Man Is Just A Man by Garnett Silk

"We made, touch more niggas than AIDS, bust my gun at the sun so I can sit in the shade" - Tommy's Theme by Made Men & The Lox

"Shoot at Big Ben like we got time to kill", "Put on my gasoline boots and walk through hell" - Method Man... Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off) by Wu Tang Clan

LA IRONÍA DE LA VIDA

ONLY JIGGA MAN CAN

My fave part from "Fade To Black".

THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART

Hilarious, yet worrisome, when you listen to what is being said by the interviewees.

RADIO UNINTER

UN REPORTE

Sobre verdad y mentira en sentido extramoral

por Friedrich Nietzsche

Epistemología o teoría de conocimiento es una rama de la filosofía que trata con la naturaleza del conocimiento. Mucho del debate es sobre el enfoque en analizar la naturaleza del conocimiento y cómo tiene relación con las nociones similares como la verad, la creencia, y la justificación; además, el escepticismo sobre los diferentes conocimientos. En otras palabras, la epistemología pregunta: ¿qué es el conocimiento?, ¿cómo se adquiere el conocimiento?, ¿qué sabe la gente? y ¿cómo sabemos lo que sabemos? En la mayor parte el ensayo de Nietzsche trata con preguntas epistemológicas sobre la verdad; en particular, la forma en que él critica la formación de conceptos, aplicando sus propias experiencias únicas.

Nietzsche rechaza la idea de constantes universales, y afirma que lo que denominamos "la verdad" solamente es "una hueste en movimiento de metáforas, mentonimias, antropomorfismos---" Su punto de vista en este momento es que el arbitraje prevalece dentro de la experiencia humana: conceptos que se originan por medio de la transformación de los nervios estimulados y se convierten en imágenes, y "la verdad" es nada más la invención de convenciones fijas para objetivos prácticos, especialmente los de consistencia, seguridad y tranquilidad. Para él la verdad es una ilusión y que los esquemas de nuestros intelectos abusan de cosas por medio del lenguaje, mientras que es útil, realmente es engañoso. El lenguaje siempre es metafórico, uno suele olvidarlo, imaginando que los esquemas conceptuales son instalaciones permanentes de la construcción propia del ser humano. Dice que la realidad es un flujo que el lenguaje no puede capturar.

Menciona que había una eternidad antes de la existencia de los seres humanos y él cree que después de la extinción de la humanidad, nada significativo cambiará en el gran esquema de las cosas. Parece que Nietzsche falta amor de la verdad. Se puede decir que "Sobre la verdad y mentira en sentido extramoral" es una obra contra los conceptos de verdades científicas que buscó la Ilustración.

THAT'S A LOT OF RIDES

THEIR VOICES:

59 or more new Hummers were said to be given by the Mexican government to the head honchos of the teacher's union who are suppose to be fighting for the rights of the protesting teachers in Cuernavaca, Morelos. WOW! That is a lot of rides! Justification? The Hummers are supposedly raffle prizes that the teachers have a chance of winning. Well that makes sense, stupid me, the majority of public school teachers (who aren't even university educated) that ride the ruta (public transportation) everyday can now use their paychecks to buy gas and insure their Hummers that will be parked outside their mansions. Spectacular!

This is a translation of the views of a young and concerned citizen of Mexico. The conversation took place on October 13, 2008.

UN REPORTE

Mi comentario sobre el ensayo "La edición como género literario" por Roberto Calasso.

Un género literario puede ser determinado por su técnico literario (el estilo del autor, la estructura, entre otros elementos), tono contenido y duración, entonces sería correcto decir que la edición es un género literario. ¿Cómo se relacionan un autor y un editor?

Técnico literario

El editor lee todo; libros, periódicos, y revista para que él no limite su rendimiento máximo. Un buen editor explora e investiga la parte artística como comercial en el mundo literario. Él platicaría con gente relacionada a su profesión en conferencias, presentaciones del libro, y con periodistas.

Tono

El editor debe entender las emociones y los sentimientos que quiere presentar a través de sus palabras al lector. Se puede equivocar la idea o el concepto, igual que el autor.

Contenido

El editor repasa los manuscritos y adquiere aquellos que están de acuerdo con el perfil de la publicación. Negocia contratos y hace decisiones sobre diseños de la portada.

Duración

Me parece que la parte más difícil para el editor es tratar de presentar al lector una obra bien escrita que no tenga tantas páginas. La primera decisión que yo hago al comprar un libro es sobre el tamaño. Me encanta leer pero me da ansia pasar muchas horas, días, hasta semanas en terminar un libro. A menudo la sobresaturación de información en una obra provoca una parálisis en el lector.

En conclusión, los autores mencionados, Manuzio y Wolff, disfrutan ver una idea que se convierte en un manuscrito, después en un manuscrito desarrollado y al final en un libro. Imagínese la reacción de los autores desconocidos o poco conocidos como Kafka cuando oyeron la primera vez que su libro se publicaría. Si hay un mal en el papel de un editor, sería que es difícil leer para divertirse porque pasa todo su tiempo editando libros.

ASÍ SE HACE EN MÉXICO PENDEJO ¿NO SABÍAS?

¿Por qué tantas manifestaciones en México? Es una cuestión seria. Llegué a México el enero de 2006 y unos meses después empezó la manifestación de los maestros oaxaqueños. No me acuerdo los antecedentes, y me da hueva investigarlos, pero recuerdo algunos acontecimientos que leí en los periódicos. Hubo arrestos de maestros y sus alianzas. Me sentía mal por la situación. Yo pienso que Oaxaca es un lugar muy tranquilo cuando no haya molestias. Lástima que algunos edificios fueron arruinados con el grafiti y la basura en aquel momento. Tengo ganas de regresar y ver su verdadera belleza.

Llegó la manifestación al Centro de Cuernavaca, Morelos dos años después. Basura, bloqueos de las carreteras y algunas calles principales, perturbación y maestros echando el relajo (supuestamente están manifestando) son los elementos que enfrenté durante más o menos 43 días. Ah sí, sí, hay que apoyar cualquier causa social, especialmente si es contra del gobierno, pero me están molestando. ¡No mames! Tardo más tiempo en llegar a mi destino porque las rutas desvían. No hay espacio en las aceras. ¡Vaya con cuidado que camines por encima de las maestras tejiendo! No me entiendas mal. Estoy de acuerdo con la gente que lucha por sus derechos, pero los oprimidos no deben quitar los de los inocentes en el nombre de manifestar.

Fotos de Oaxaca que tomé en 2006

SUMMER BOUNCE

Ahhhh summer usually gives us hot days, flings, beach, sun and fun. Hmmm this summer only gave me 2 out of 5. I'll let you figure out which two they were. The Olympic Games was definitely the highlight of my summer. I was happy to wake up early in the mornings to catch the events and watch reruns of Married With Children and The Nanny. I even recently came up with the great idea that "channel hopping" should be an Olympic event. I would soooooooo be qualified for that. I mean since they want to get rid of softball (or one of those events I am really not sure) they are going to need a substitute. And I know, I really know that channel hopping would be a sold out event.

Uhm where was I? Yeah, so I visited my friend Belinda that lived in Tlaxcala. The 3 hour bus ride to Puebla was sucky because I didn't eat, it was raining and the it just felt like forever to reach. I saw an awesome mall that made me think of the ones in the United States while I was on the bus. The traffic was ridiculous in Puebla's Centro so I had nothing else to do but look through the window. I got tired of reading about elephants in the issue of National Geographic that I took along. I'm sure the mall has been there during my numerous visits.

So the bus from Puebla to Tlaxcala charges 16 pesos. WTF! I found the 16 pesos to be more than an affordable price since it took me a little over an hour to get to the final stop which was the Centro. I was worried during the journey because I passed through some really rural areas and I was HOPING that my friend did not live in any of these areas. By really rural I mean farm animals in the yards, narrow dirt roads, board houses and the like. HELLO I'M A CITY GIRL! **But not city girl enough to live in Mexico City. NO THANKS! Contamination much?!** I was more than ready to give Belinda a huge hug, chat for a while then find my ass back home if a rural lifestyle was her reality. When I started seeing lots of cars, buildings that have more than 4 stories and other city like characteristics I knew that all would be well :-) Tlaxcala has really small public buses. Taxco combi flashbacks anyone? But these buses have doors and weren't *gasp* white Volkswagen. The part of town that I saw has the quiet colonial vibe going on. Most buildings are of that typical burnt orange that the Mexicans apply to their art and surroundings. The streets are busy but not to the point of annoying me. Yeah I know a city girl like myself shouldn't mind the crowd but most foreigners I know that have spent at least a few days walking in any city-like area of Mexico get annoyed at the pace and manner in which they walk. I instantly thought of Oaxaca when I took a broader perspective of the Tlaxcala's setup. Belinda said that they are fast food restaurants and huge supermarket chains but I didn't get to visit that part. Of course I saw an Oxxo, and I didn't see that many stray dogs! All being said the nausea I suffered was totally worth it. Belinda was really hospitable and the city is beautiful.

I wrote this for your sake MM, miss you much.

ADVANCED BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Maybe I'm just think too much about certain practices, or maybe I'm the right on this one. What is it that has gotten your dear blogger in a puzzled state of mind? Nothing important really, just celebrating your birthday (as in having a huge shindig complete with family friends and food) in advance . Try 3 days or even a week in advance. SHOCK MUCH?! Seriously now! Worst case scenario said person dies before the actual birthday that has already been celebrated. I'm so not down with the negative vibes and thoughts (only when I'm planning how to harm someone, and that is for literary purposes only, I swear) but one has to be realistic. Am I making a big deal of something that's totally normal?

A RASTA RUN DI WORLD!

Tepexicuapan, Estado De México was the place to be 29/8/08. Mexico-based Jamaican band Black Star accompanied Brinsley Forde (of Aswad, a famed British reggae band) in a performance that tore the place down. I've never inhaled so much weed smoke in my life, and that is credited to the Mexican Rastas. Yeah, Mexican Rastafarians! I kid you no. I never seen such appreciation for reggae, Rastafarian and Jamaican culture in a long while. I don't even think the Olympic pride of the Jamaicans worldwide can top the Mexican Rastafarian's love, better yet obsession, and support for the music. The dancing made me laugh to myself, they were just in their own world on the dance floor. Some danced in groups, some solo, some just blazed up the chronic and drank beer while busting a wicked move.

UNSUNG HEROES

Samia Yusuf Omar of Somalia reacts after a heat of the women's 200-meter during the athletics competitions in the National Stadium at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/track_field/news?slug=cr-somalirunners082408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns


Found this article on Yahoo and just thought that we should really recognize the struggle of many of the Olympians. My island for one has many Olympians that came from humble beginnings and that is why we treat them like heroes and burst with pride for just being able to participate.

THINGS JAMAICA

Nice pics huh? These are just a few of the pics that have been circulating the Internet in forward messages among the Jamaicans around the world. These ladies help make track and field much sexier. A female friend of mine also pointed it out before I even mentioned it. She said that it's great to see women, who look feminine in these events. Sometimes we end up watching masculine looking women, who are also beautiful, but as a woman it's just nice to see a female physique that you can relate to. These and other female Olympians have so far portrayed great "sportswomanship" and made my early morning waking up while on vacation worth it.

Oh there's also the famous yellow yam, a staple that is well-known in Usain Bolt's home parish of Trelawny, that is said to be the performance enhancing drug that our athletes have been using. It seriously put a huge smile and generated lots of loud laughter from me when I read about it. Yellow yam just happens to be my favourite ground provision. I'll work with the green banana if I'm having a nice plate of steam fish.

WEDDING BELLES & HOMOSEXUALITY

Ellen DeGeneres: "I can't wait to be married. I feel like it is long overdue. And I think someday people will look back on this like women not having the right to vote and segregation and anything else that seems ridiculous like we all don't have the same rights."

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi have tied the knot on August 16, 2008! When I heard the news on Thursday, I believe, that they were going to wed in an intimate ceremony I was so ecstatic. For me Ellen is one of the few coolest Hollywood celebrities because of the fun, zany and just plain oddball things she says and does on her talk show and comedic routines. I applaud her endeavours. WTF! She and the millions of American gays deserve equal rights too.

So America, why not make gay marriage legal in every state? Aren't you guys "the land of the free and the home of the brave"? Now I can't throw stones because I live in a glass house. Jamaica does not support anything homosexual. Gay club or community in Jamaica? FORGET ABOUT IT! Even Mexico has numerous gay clubs and they aren't harassed; even though in the world's eyes they are an extremely "macho" society.

I'm waiting for the change to come when we can all truly enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

THREE DI HARD WAY!

I knew that the ladies would have came through for us! I just knew it! I wanted to see a clean sweep in the men's 100m finals but that didn't happen. No worries! The fit and gorgeous island beauties did it! Shelly-Ann Fraser came in at 10.78 and won the Olympic women's 100m gold medal ahead of countrywomen Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart, who dead-heated for silver at 10.98. It was a beautiful sight to see the three women covering themselves in the black, green and yellow flag. I got on feet, I laughed, I cursed at the mexican asshole commentator who said that Jamaica was a poor country. His "rich" country only at this time eneterd in numerous events and only had a bronze medal and within two days we summed up 4 medals. Big ups to Trinidad and Tobago's Richard Thompson for his silver medal in the 100m. This Jamaican have love for you, not just because you are a hottie, but because are a Caribbean man.

FIRST WORLD IN OUR HEARTS

Click on the post's title to see CVM TV's promo video for the 2008 Olympics "The Moment" by Wayne Marshall






Jamaica might not be a first world country but we sure feel and act like it. We don't think much of challenges, except to overcome them. Thanks to folks like Bob Marley and Usain Bolt, Jamaica's name keeps rolling off the tongues of many. August 16, 2008 is a great day for me because I got to see a fellow Jamaican making his mark in 21st Century history. I woke up early enough to see the great race of men. This was my Olympic highlight. I hope that our female athlethes will also make history. Hey Sanya Richards even though you are wearing the American colours I'll still claim your success as our own because myself and other Jamaicans still support your endeavours.


Big ups to equestrian Samantha Albert. When I told a Jamaican native living in Cambridge, MA that we did well in the equestrian event, her reply was "we deh ride horse?" I had to laugh at her surprise, then begin explaining that Jamaicans and horses are peas in a pod. Caymanas Track anyone? Talk about the many betting shops people "live" at when they can't make it to the live races. I myself have bet a few times because of a tip. I won once. Years ago my dad took me to the stable near Caymanas Track and showed me a horse he owned.

Kudos to our swimmers for their efforts. 2012 we'll give our competitors the Michael Phelps treatment.

Shout out to the people in Mexico who have congratulated me on our performance: Zao, Alely, Gabriela, Johan, Yazmin. It was well appreciated ladies :-)

JAMAICA TO DI WORLD!!!!!!

BLEH

Nothing new to do and the weekend is here. Clubbing has been done before, it's the same music, beverages and people. I need to explore other activities, just don't know which ones are out there.

"NATURE IS JUST A FEW HOURS AWAY", SAID THE CITY GIRL

I visited the Laguna De Zempoala and climbed the pyramids in Malinalco in Esatdo de México over the weekend. Now I'm a 100% city girl who's down with the nature trail once in a while (too much clean air isn't good for you :-P) so the trip was just spectacular. You can't beat good food, interesting findings, beautiful surroundings, historical nourishment and reflection time. What made the outing extra special was the great company that I shared it with; Gina, Heather and Israel.

The view from on top of the pyramid was breathtaking. The sun fought with the clouds and it made for even better reflection. Talk about nostalgia. The surroundings are well kept and the climb isn't as painful and long like that of Tepoztlan. The workers were above to ensure the security of the archives. Can't allow an Indiana Jones type asshole to desecrate what's left of such a rich history.

Highlight of the trip would be when the State Police shafted us out of 300 pesos infront ofthe entrance of Laguna de Zempoala. Why did we have to stop and ask for directions. Gina, Heather and I pretended that we didn't speak nor understand Spanish so that we didn't have to converse with one of the policemen which by no surprise began speaking the little English that he knew. I was told by Heather that I didn't do a good job of "not knowing Spanish" granted that my pronunciation was on point :-) She suggested that I hang out with the gringos (folks from the U.S.A.) more often so I can copy their Spanish speaking accent. That was obviously a low blow to the Americans. I didn't care to defend the Americans because Heather is Canadian and I'm from the islands. Let the first worlders get it on!!!!

Gwaan hol' di faith and keep on keeping on.

UNINTENTIONAL

You know, my memory is definitely not what it used to be
I think that should be taken into consideration when my exam papers are being marked
Don't you?
It's only fair, if I can't remember, it's not my fault
Wishful thinking, right?
I have had such an off week
I literally felt like doing nothing
I really hope today is the last of it
My procrastination was at an all time high this week.
Not good at all.
It's funny with things like that,
How you know you need to get up and get stuff done even if you don't feel like it,
But that's where it ends,
I need to shake this.
Any suggestions?


A friend of mine sent this to me in an email on June 6, 2008. She wrote every word of it, I just set it in a way that it sounds like a.... what is the word? hmm a poem maybe? Well whatever you want to call it, I find it to be honest.

TO HAVE WRITTEN...

I'm sure most of us at one point wished they had written or came up with the idea for their favourite novel, song, poem, etc. In my case I listen to the string arrangement and lyrics of some songs and I'm in awe of their perfection. Talk about cathartic! Sometimes my heart beats fast when I hear the intro. At times I smile inside and out. I get anxious when I play them for virgin ears and hope that they'll understand my reason for being excited. If they don't feel the same way as I do I box them into the "you ain't know quality music section"....

Come on how can they not understand the honesty in the voices, the strong fusion of words that end up being lyrics, the instrumentation, and the experimentation with sounds and tones? The following have one or all of these elements aforementioned. I wish I was credited for their creation.

"Wonderwall" by Oasis - One of the best string arrangements. Liam Gallagher's voice induces pain and longing in the mind of the listener. The lyrics speak for itself.

"Hotel California" by The Eagles - The voice and lyrics take top prize.

"Crazy On You" by Heart - The Wilson sisters string arrangement and voice just makes you wanna do what the song says. They make the music weep.

"Underneath Your Clothes" by Shakira - Lyrics and honesty in the voice. I believed she really was in love when she sang this.

"Drive", "Pardon Me" by Incubus - The fact that Brandon Boyd sings with an offbeat delivery and the lyrics keep you guessing makes me appreciate these so much.

"Traffic Jam" by Stephen Marley & Damian Marley - Speaks the truth of how corrupt some members of the Jamaican security system are, I find it to be hilarious in some parts.

"Woman I Need You" by Sizzla - Have to appreciate a man yearning for the companionship of his significant other and trying to preserve their relationship.

"Set The Fire To The Third Bar" by Snow Patrol f/ Martha Wainwright - The featured singer's voice hooked me.

RADIO UPDATE

http://www.imeem.com/radiounivac now has recommended songs posted and new segment introductions :-)

RADIO UPDATE

The http://www.radio.uninter.edu.mx/ radio show is now on hiatus because my co-host is on summer vacations and the university's radio facilities are closed. Sorry for not informing earlier.

I've been busy with a class project "Radio Univac". Check out the page at http://www.imeem.com/radiounivac Within two weeks we should be posting podcasts if all goes according to plan. In the meantime enjoy the photos. Thanks for the continued support.

WELCOME TO THE CARIBBEAN INTERNET RADIO SHOW

Listen past shows by clicking on the title of this post. ENJOY!
Shows were broadcasted live on http://www.radio.uninter.edu.mx/ from the Universidad Internacional in Morelos, Mexico.

CABLE AD AND A FATAL ATTRACTION ALL IN ONE DAY

I shot cable spot for the language center of my university.... No I did not audition. I'm the only foreigner at my university, so of course I'ma stand out and they are gonna specially invite me to be a participate. I wasn't paid, but I'ma be on tv y'all!!!!

I also found out this chick from the high school section of my university has a crush on me. I got a note delievered to me by a friend of hers, lol. Won't get into much details, let's just say I'm a bit scared. For a few weeks now this girl has been screaming my name out whenever she saw me. Turns out she paid her classmate 10 pesos to find out what my name was... I found out who she is the following day, so that I can be on the look out.... Isn't Mexico grand?


20 Nov, 2006

MEXICO STUFF

Cuernavaca is hot as a motherfucker but I'll survive. I modelled for some photography students at an arts school two weeks ago. I went with my amiguita Johan to offer support and the students asked me to participate.

It was amazing! Can u say "Jamaica's Next Top Model"?... No way!! Not interested in modelling as a career!!! I don't even like posing for photos. Too much shit to do like makeup, hair, people all in your face, and oh my, taking off your clothes infront of complete strangers.

In other news, in mid February I shot another television commercial for my university. So that'll be two commercials under my belt. Last week I was asked to host a tourism segment on their tv station. I guess I would be travelling to cool places and do reports, also get to wear cool clothes from the mall. I didn't have any interest in doing it neither, I didn't go to the casting, but the casting came to me. I did a mini interview during class on my teacher's camcorder. It's not so bad being on tv (haven't got paid for any of this). People recognize me from the commercials but they don't say anything (must be my don't fuck with me attitude). I'm still one of the few foreign students at my university. They recently got another girl from Chicago to teach english, she's Jamaican by birth. I wanna take guitar lessons so I gotta buy a guitar. Recently found out that my dad plays a few instruments (he owns 2 guitars). Hoping we can have a jam session in the future.

Así es la vida folks!


March 5, 2007

SEMANA SANTA 2007 IN TAXCO

During Semana Santa vacations in Taxco my friend Heather was on the potty and came up with a great idea for a scavenger hunt. We were 2 teams of 3 folks each. Her and Meredith made the lists, I have nothing to do with this list people. I only participated so damn anyone if they are offended while reading this. We used digital cameras for proof of some our findings.

ITEMS:-
- business card (non silver shop related)

- ticket stub de estrella blanca

- bum a cigarillo from someone

- corona bottle cap

- a flower

- chopsticks

-gratitude rock

- rolling paper

- a blue-tipped match

- un beso de un taxista en a VW (picture)

- picture of street poop

- picture of a camel toe (not your own or team members' own)

- picture of an extranjero (unknown)

- picture (of your whole team) drinking in the Zócalo

- picture of one team member with a police officer

- picture with an/or of an Asian

- picture of someone soaking their feet in the fountain

- picture of team drinking at Las Fuentes (final detsination)


It was odd to see a bunch of foreign girls running around wild during the holy processions, poor taxqueñans. Shout out to Dahlia, Erika, Heather, Israel and Meredith!

¿QUÉ?

Now what issue is bugging me today? Right, people who don't think independently. I've met a few of them in my few years on earth. Seriously, don't you just hate when someone always steals your ideas? Then what makes it even worst, it seems as if they are not even aware of what they are doing. GRR!!!!

JALISCO

Monday night I took a bus to Cuernevaca which is the capital of the state of Morelos. From there, another bus to Guadalajara which is in the state of Jalisco. That ride was like 10 hours. Travelled all night. Arrived in Guad around 7:30 am. Took another bus to the university. The view was that of NYC but cleaner. There is a fast food restaurant every square mile. The fashion there is amazing. Like the O.C. meets Laguna Beach meets Paris Hilton. The men are gorgeous. Ocotlan is an hour via bus outside Guad. Visited the other university campus. It is a bit more laid back but nice as well. The friend's house we stayed reminded me of a pathway house in Portmore, but with more space. Came back on Thursday morning. Spent the night in the bus station at Mexico city cuz we missed the last bus home. Very interesting, adventurous and tiresome experience. Most bus stations charge between 2-3 pesos to use the restroom. Trip was great and I am glad it was with my amiga Georgina.

March 5, 2006

ACAPULCO

Went to Acupulco Friday morning. That is 4-5 hours via bus from where I live in the state of Guerrero. I was so excited when I saw the Pacific Ocean from the bus. The Acupulco natives are mostly dark skinned. First stop in the afternoon was Playa Caleta, took a glass bottom boat to the island of Roqueta. On the ride over I saw a statue of the Virgin Of Guadalupe below the sea. The Virgin is very popular in Catholicism here. I think she was the virgin weeping at Christ's crucifixion. There is a rock altar in the ocean, where her statue is also placed in the middle. You pass houses and see her posted up outside or inside with lit candles. People climb up and view her on that rock and write on the rocks. Roqueta island was fun. The water was pretty cold and the locals kept trying to get us on banana boat rides and scuba diving. We ate at an amazing beach side restaurant back on Playa Caleta. I ate shark for the first time as an appetizer with tortilla chips. It tasted like tuna. Visited the Papagayo Park where I saw an ostrich for the first time, and a whole bunch of other jungle animals I can not remember. We walked the hip strip, drank exotic alcoholic beverages, watched 'Bandidas' with Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz at the Cinepolis, viewed streetside art for sale, and then searched for a hotel to crash. Saturday morning had great breakfast, walked to the park where we rented cuatricylces and raced the Guyanese. We won ofcourse. Had tasty Fettucine Alfredo for lunch at an Italian restaurant in the Zocalo. Went to La Quebrada where people dive from a really high cliff into the ocean near huge rocks. If you hit the water when the tide is low, that's your ass. Alot of people died while diving. You should see the view. I did not want to leave there. The breeze felt so good and the scent of the ocean and the sound of it crashing against the rocks was just so tranquil.


March 5, 2006

MSN NAMES

Goodness! Gracious! Great Balls Of Fire! Okay let me just clarify something, I use MSN screen names to reflect my mood at times. Sometimes I just think of something random. Right now I am missing Wu Tang songs like crazy so I drop lines from various songs. 'Bust shots at Big Ben like we got time to kill' and 'Put on my gasoline boots and walk through hell' is from 'The Jump Off'.

And previously I was feeling Kanye West's 'Diamonds Are Forever' joint with Jay-Z, therefore I used 'Difficult takes a day impossible takes a week' and 'I had to get off the boat so I could walk on water' as screen names. I hope that the people who were asking got the drift. Screen names should reflect who you are or aren't. It's also a way of putting information out there. I see some of you people dropping in advertisements for events and stuff. That is being creative, and cheap hahahahah Take care of you. Hol' di faith.

March 2, 2006

ROCK MUSIC

My cousin Sulan and I are of the opinion that one needs a higher level of understanding and intelligence to appreciate rock music. I believe the same for hip hop also; I would have to get her input on that genre another time. Our grandmother thinks that we are devil worshippers because we played 'Chop Suey' by System Of A Down repeatedly. And Sulan is a huge Rob Zombie fan. "Living Dead Girl" anyone?

We were raised to have free will. So even though we're from the land of Reggae, we never hid the fact that rock music is so fucking awesome and that you suck if you don't like at least one rock song! We are hardcore so grandma can think and say whatever. We still played Chop Suey every night annoying the neighbours and we played it loud. (I now apologize for your sleepless nights Maxine, NOT!!) I will do it again, even though I am older and know better. ROCK ON!!!

TAXCO CLUB NIGHTS

Club nights are one of the reasons I love life. I must admit partying is a good way to enjoy your existence in this morbid world. Having a few beers, dancing, wilding out and being in good company is what life is about when you are trying to unleash stress, worries and all the negative vibes. Yo I'm down for anything so bring it on folks!!!

MOMENT OF WEAKNESS

Have you ever had someone just graced your presence and then they just leave you alone at the drop of a dime? That person brought nothing but bliss and enjoyment. Then ya! Just when you started getting to know them better. AHHHH!!! Such is life.

May 14, 2006

LOS MEJORES

Date Founded: January 2006

Place Founded: D.F., Mexico

Members: Omar, Georgina, Melissa and me ofcourse

Mission: To be leaders

Motto: We don't give a fuck about what anyone thinks, we strive for the best, we appreciate the finer things in life, and when it's time to party we will always party hard!

MY NEW CRIB AND OTHER STUFF NO ONE CARES ABOUT

I am now moving to my third crib since I've arrived in Mexico. But this one is the best so far!Talk about just getting better and better! WOW! I room with two girls from Chicago, otherwise called 'The Windy City' for those who not in the know. I'm the oldest, hehehehe, so I'm the boss! Just joking, I am the oldest but we're all cool. Oh, their names are Katie and Carli, and they love to party, so you know them in my good book for sure. Yup yup, my landlords are pretty cool. Talk about kind people. Anyway, I'm just killing time writing this entry cuz the taco place open in the next 25 minutes and I can't be bothered to go home and come back out. Just had to let y'all know. Last time I had tacos was Tuesday, and is now Sunday, so I'm doing good where the weakness is concerned.

June 11, 2006

PICNIC AT SANTA ROSA

Wow, I had the best Saturday ever! I spent the day by the pool, socializing and playing football with the most amazing company you can ever imagine. So adorable. I went to my landlady's house in Santa Rosa, that is like 15 minutes drive outside of Taxco. The property was so huge and beautiful. They had a goat, wanted to curry his scunt goddammit. lol. The girls spent most of the time tanning, swimming and taking photographs. I was mostly drank beer and whatever. The menu was great: beer, fruits, tortilla, guacamole (shout out to Eric), salsa, potato chips, soda, cheese and the tastiest grilled chicken. WOW! Everything was so delicious. For the most part, we all felt like a bunch of spoil brats just chilling by the pool and having everything being done for us. But we totally appreciated it.

June 17, 2006

FEEDBACK FROM THE READERS - AUG 2006

One of my cousin's named Gillian says this blog is interesting but I have issues. Friends' opinions: Gina thinks it can corrupt one's mind. Sherrick thinks it's cool. Lisa thinks I have alot of time on my hands to be able to have a blog. Hhahahaah

I'M A STAR IN MY OWN RIGHT

So I'm a fucking STAR, and I have reasons to feel that way. In Mexico I was in 2 commericals and modelled for photography students ( wasn't paid for the gigs by the way). It was done a local level, but dat nuh matter, cuz people come up to me saying they recognize me from tv. Nuff people wish they could be in that position. Next stop? I was a guest on my sistren's internet radio show. We gabbed about Jamaica and played reggae music. Now I'm her cohost and I'm getting paid with experience and exposure. Just congratulate a sistah on doing something positive...

Keep it pimping and shake it easy my good folks.

RENALDO'S QUOTABLES

Yup I'm talking bout dat same Renaldo, di same dude that likes fronting like a criminal. He's a sweetheart don't mek him fool yuh hehehehe.... So anyways El Rey and I chatting online as usual and he just keeps dropping funny quotables. I'm now logging them. Look out for our collaborative efforts in the years to come. Dude is a literature head like myself so u can imagine the witty and articulate ways in which we express ourselves. And we "always" read between the lines so we'll be accepting your bullshit after analyzing it....I move in my own way!!

Click on the title to go to Rey's blog.

TAKE NOTE

I'm content as long as:
1. My family and loved ones are ok.

2. My needs are taken care of: bills are paid, beers, tacos

3. I get good grades

4. I still have the ability to readIn other words just avoid me if u coming wid any complications or negative vibes.


I DON'T DO DRAMA! So don't bring it near my aura.

POETRY RULES!!!

I've been preoccupied with doing nothing for a week or so now. Poetry makes me happy. How cool is it to just jot down your feelings (they could be good or bad) and transfer all that energy onto the paper? You feel so relieved after all the debacle.

ADVICE: It doesn't always have to rhyme hahahaha :=)Yeah so try going the poetry route when:
a) your coworker/boss pisses you off
b) you wanna praise someone special in your life
c) when your best friend needs cheering up
d) when u secretly wanna harm someone but then you realize that being incarcerated suckse) the list goes on........

Remember to be good if you can't be bad!

A FEW ECONOMIC RESOLUTIONS FOR THE CARIBBEAN

One of the major issues that hinders Caribbean integration is the economic capability/stability of each island. People should ease up on buying/importing products that are not Caribbean made. I for one buy mostly local and Caribbean made products when I'm home; example: instead of buying Heinz ketchup I buy Grace ketchup. I do the same when buying sodas, coffee, cheese, rice, spring water, snacks, tin products, among many other items. They taste better anyway.

Non governmental organizations should help the unemployed to start farming in all areas. Ginger sells for a lot of money in some countries, England being one of them, but not many local farmers grow it (I plan on going into the ginger farming business in a few years). In Jamaica for example we should renovate the textile factories and start making quality clothing that we can export and stop spending an arm and a leg on foreign designer clothes. We have so many local designers that need more distribution. The clothes are worthy of a space in any of the fine department stores situated in the fashion capitals of the world.

I'm basically trying to say we should create/support Caribbean owned businesses and keep as much money as possible flowing within the islands.

LYRICS THAT STAND OUT

As I stated on my Mspace page, I will be posting more frequently because I am home between semesters. So I'm going to mention lyrics from songs that stand out, or made the song memorable and gives it a constant place in my playlists. A few words might be off in the citations, forgive me.


"I'm a hustler's hope, I'm not his pipe dream, so when they speak of success, I'm what they might mean" - Jay-Z... featured on Mr. Me Too Pt. 2 by The Clipse

"Addiction needs a pacifier" - Loser by 3 Doors Down

"I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now" - Wonderwall by Oasis

"I mean fucking you is strange and enjoyed by me throughout" - Stitches by Orgy

"I'm taking rock and roll to another level, iced out skull heads"... Juelz Santana featured on We Fly High Beef Mix by Jim Jones

"Gang of Jamaican Al Pacinos drinking Blue Mountain cappuccinos" - Hey Girl by Damian Marley

"I remind them so much of who they are supposed to be, I'm of royalty" - Dem A Wonder by Sizzla


"I'm not going to write you a love song, because you ask for it" - Love Song by Sara Bareilles

"I love to fall asleep with her in arms, I love to feel her skin against my palms... Her body is mine and I can get it anytime" - China Doll by Panic & the Rebel Emergency

"I'm not guessing, you are a blessing in disguise" - Juvenile by Panic & the Rebel Emergency

"Life is good and the girls are gorgeous" - These Streets by Paolo Nutini

"Lauryn baby use your head, but instead I chose to use my heart" - To Zion by Lauryn Hill

"We'll share the shelter of my single bed" - Is This Love by Bob Marley

"So much cuts on your wrist they'd think you tried suicide" - Jimmy Choo by Shyne & Ashanti

"I'm screaming fuck the world on my victory lap" - 300 Bars by The Game

"Don't worry if I write rhymes, I write cheques" - Bad Boy For Life by P. Diddy

"I got my own crib so you can't kick me out, I'll call one of your friends to come twist me out" - Jadakiss, Day & Night by Isyss f/ Jadakiss

"He doesn't look a thing like Jesus" - When You Were Young by The Killers


Anyways I can't think of anymore right now because my brain is shutting down. It's 2:25am


.... hol' di faith

WHO AM I? GO FIGURE!

Born in Kingston, Jamaica. Lived in many different houses, my real home is that of my grandparents. My maternal grandma is my heroine, her name is Cinderella (no kidding!). Hope she'll live to be a 100+ years old and see how succesful I'll become. I'd like to take her on various trips, she seems to enjoy being on airplanes but hates elevators and escalators. Go figure!

I was the only grandchild she taught how to read, supposedly I was 3 years old. Hence my being such a nerd. Cindy is strong as an ox and looks younger than her 80+ years. We both have a petite frame and resembled each other when I was a youngster. I look more like my dad last time I checked. Hence my being mistaken for a boy a few times during my childhood. Go figure!

What I am getting at is that I am who I am because of who my grandmother is. Go figure!



..........if you can't be good be bad :-)

Blaaah

I am totally unabale to focus on what it I need to get to done, which at this moment is reading a novel for a class. A number of factors are the cause of my lack of enthusiasm. Here goes in no particular order:-

1. The freakishly hot weather in Cuernavaca. The mexicans think I'm lying when I tell them that Cuernavaca is hotter than my neighbourhood in Jamaica! WTF! I can breathe easily in Jamaica and I hardly ever sweat; even when I walked in the afternoon sun to get lunch.

2. I'm adapting too much to my environment. Honestly, I sometimes feel like blowing off doing work because no one else in class does it. Like I stay up at nights or wake early in the before morning to complete projects and then when it's time for presentation I am the only person who has it done. WTF x 10!............ But that'll never happen. I feel like blowing it off but I never do :-)

3. I have no interest in certain subject matter that I'm being taught.

4. Personal issues just keep my mind occupied.

5. Daydreaming

6. Television

7. Online conversations, ie. like being in contact with everyone.

8. Random research/investigation online about topics that I'm interested in.

9. Reading the news online

10. My iTunes playlist.

11. End of the 5th season of The L Word. What the heck else am I going to watch that is half as entertaining?

Ok so I am going to read that darn book right now. It's called Los Albañiles by Vicente Leñero. I'm on page 16 and I still don't know what's going on :-(

FILMING FUN

ANNNDDDDD ACCTIIOONNN!!!!!

I recently teamed up with my classmate Alely and produced a commercial for a class project. Talk about fun!! Don't get me wrong, our characters were dolls, and that was what made it so much fun. We provided the voices and moved them around. The hardest part was avoiding the damn bugs in the park and the annoying groundsman that chose to cut the grass while we were filming... A piece of stone flew and hit me on the right side of my face.

So the product is a condom. Concept of the commercial is two women in the jungle who shared a sexual experience using the condom. The park is located in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Anyways we did ditch Señor groundsman and had some huge acorazados for lunch. YUMMYY!!!