Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Can ya help a brother out
I saw this on userfriendly.org which is a pretty cool site in my opinion (sorta like Dilbert but for techies). Thought I'd share. Go check out userfriendly yourself too, like I said its a cool site.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Winter Olympics
I've seen a few posts on the Winter Olympics amongst the regular sites I visit. I cant really say too much on these games as I've been a very infrequent viewer of the whole thing myself. Yea I love sports in general but I just never got with the winter thing. Yea ok you don't find a lot of blacks in this arena I guess that may be an issue but for me I think its more of a cultural thing. I wasn't raised in Canada or the cold so skiing, ice hockey, skating and the like are just rather foreign to me. So the same way I wouldn't expect most Canadians to follow cricket I just cant get with the Luge, speed skating or curling. I'll watch it if its exciting though, which completely rules out figure skating, so I did see a few events just never really invested any emotional or mental energy into following them.
Canada did really well in the Winter Olympics this year with a record 24 medals. I always wondered in the past why Canada was always so crappy at these Olympics. I mean its not like we don't have snow and cold and ice and the like so what gives? We should be like Winter Olympic superpowers because God knows we seriously struggle to win medals at the summer Olympics. Oh right I forgot Canada doesn't put much money into sports.
Anyway what limited viewing I did of these Olympics raised a few questions for me which I felt like sharing.
One. Who designed those medals at Turin? You know what I'm talking about. The medals that looked like huge donuts or rather bootleg dvds.
Two. How does one decide that one wants to be involved in something like the Luge? Not questioning it as a sport just wondering where on the earth I'd go to find a Luge track, doesn't seem like something you could easily put your kid into.
Three. (Stole this one from Amadeo). Why isn't snow shovelling an Olympic sport? For that matter why isn't running for the bus after a bout of freezing rain an Olympic sport too. How about driving on the highway in zero visibility in snow and slushy conditions. Now that ish deserves a medal!
Four. If it was anyone other than Wayne Gretzky in charge of Hockey Canada how much more critisism would one hear of the Olympic team and its failure to win a medal? Yea they took mucho flak but imagine if it wasn't Gretzky it would have been a straight crucifixion considering their showing.
Five. Why am I even doing this blog when I clearly don't care enough about the Winter Olympics.
Canada did really well in the Winter Olympics this year with a record 24 medals. I always wondered in the past why Canada was always so crappy at these Olympics. I mean its not like we don't have snow and cold and ice and the like so what gives? We should be like Winter Olympic superpowers because God knows we seriously struggle to win medals at the summer Olympics. Oh right I forgot Canada doesn't put much money into sports.Anyway what limited viewing I did of these Olympics raised a few questions for me which I felt like sharing.
One. Who designed those medals at Turin? You know what I'm talking about. The medals that looked like huge donuts or rather bootleg dvds.
Two. How does one decide that one wants to be involved in something like the Luge? Not questioning it as a sport just wondering where on the earth I'd go to find a Luge track, doesn't seem like something you could easily put your kid into.
Three. (Stole this one from Amadeo). Why isn't snow shovelling an Olympic sport? For that matter why isn't running for the bus after a bout of freezing rain an Olympic sport too. How about driving on the highway in zero visibility in snow and slushy conditions. Now that ish deserves a medal!Four. If it was anyone other than Wayne Gretzky in charge of Hockey Canada how much more critisism would one hear of the Olympic team and its failure to win a medal? Yea they took mucho flak but imagine if it wasn't Gretzky it would have been a straight crucifixion considering their showing.
Five. Why am I even doing this blog when I clearly don't care enough about the Winter Olympics.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Coincidence?
Have you guys heard about the huge bank robberies in Britain lately? On Thursday, a bunch of criminals kidnapped a bank manager and his family and forced him to help them steal 40 million pounds in some town in the Kent region. Check this link for more details.
Then today in Belfast, Northern Ireland using a similar M.O, criminals robbed another bank of around 200,000 pounds after kidnapping a manager and his family and forcing him to help them commit the crime.
Hey wait a second! Doesn't Harrison Ford have a movie out, released like last week, in which he plays a bank employee and part of the movie synopsis reads like "When a ruthless criminal mastermind (Paul Bettany) kidnaps his family, Jack (Harrison Ford) is forced to find a flaw in his system and steal $100 million."
Coincidence hmmmm!
All I have to say is that its a good thing that Firewall is a Harrison Ford movie and not something starring someone like say I don't know maybe umm the rapper 50 Cents. If this was a 50 cents movie ya dun know we would hear how the man promoting violence and he needs to be banned from entering Britain and how he influencing the yout and he need locking up and all sort of stuff like that.
I lie?
You're not going to hear that Harrison Ford need to be banned from entering Britain though. Why that would just be preposterous! Pure poppycock indeed!
And while I'm making these incredible, incendiary type comparisons just for the hell of it let me hit on another crime that caught my interest this week. A 50 something year old Canadian couple was killed in Mexico this week in what appears to be some sort of professional killing as they waited to go to their daughter's wedding the next day. Pretty sad story when you think of it.
Now I don't know all the details and to be honest the press has been kind of sketchy with info but I see their names, their photos, where they are from in the GTA and I see the words professional killing and well I could come up with one conclusion which its possible is way way off base but hey if they were black folk from Jane n Finch, or Malvern I would have seen as equally an invalid conclusion in the press so I wont feel too bad about my conclusion.
Which brings me to the point. When a crime involves black people up here even the innocent get painted as guilty. Ya dun know if it was a black couple who had been offed in Mexico somebody would have dropped the obligatory 'he/she was known to the police' even if it was just that the poor fellow accustomed to saying a regular good morning to Officer Browne when he see him on the road. I lie?
But if the crime doesn't involve black folk, even if it is a quote unquote professional hit you don't see the wild speculation and innuendo spreading in the press.
I dun wid dat I got diapers to change.
Then today in Belfast, Northern Ireland using a similar M.O, criminals robbed another bank of around 200,000 pounds after kidnapping a manager and his family and forcing him to help them commit the crime.
Hey wait a second! Doesn't Harrison Ford have a movie out, released like last week, in which he plays a bank employee and part of the movie synopsis reads like "When a ruthless criminal mastermind (Paul Bettany) kidnaps his family, Jack (Harrison Ford) is forced to find a flaw in his system and steal $100 million."Coincidence hmmmm!
All I have to say is that its a good thing that Firewall is a Harrison Ford movie and not something starring someone like say I don't know maybe umm the rapper 50 Cents. If this was a 50 cents movie ya dun know we would hear how the man promoting violence and he needs to be banned from entering Britain and how he influencing the yout and he need locking up and all sort of stuff like that.
I lie?
You're not going to hear that Harrison Ford need to be banned from entering Britain though. Why that would just be preposterous! Pure poppycock indeed!
And while I'm making these incredible, incendiary type comparisons just for the hell of it let me hit on another crime that caught my interest this week. A 50 something year old Canadian couple was killed in Mexico this week in what appears to be some sort of professional killing as they waited to go to their daughter's wedding the next day. Pretty sad story when you think of it.
Now I don't know all the details and to be honest the press has been kind of sketchy with info but I see their names, their photos, where they are from in the GTA and I see the words professional killing and well I could come up with one conclusion which its possible is way way off base but hey if they were black folk from Jane n Finch, or Malvern I would have seen as equally an invalid conclusion in the press so I wont feel too bad about my conclusion.
Which brings me to the point. When a crime involves black people up here even the innocent get painted as guilty. Ya dun know if it was a black couple who had been offed in Mexico somebody would have dropped the obligatory 'he/she was known to the police' even if it was just that the poor fellow accustomed to saying a regular good morning to Officer Browne when he see him on the road. I lie?
But if the crime doesn't involve black folk, even if it is a quote unquote professional hit you don't see the wild speculation and innuendo spreading in the press.
I dun wid dat I got diapers to change.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Race Card
"Racism still alive, they just be concealing it."
Never Let you down - Kanye West
Was reading an article on the new TV 'reality' show Black White created by Ice Cube. Remember Fox had/has a show called Wife Swap where families basically swap moms well this new show, apparently starting in March on FX, could be alternately entitled race swap.
The premise is one familiar to anyone who has read John Griffin's Black Like Me where a white dude somehow, on purpose, dyed his skin to appear black and used that to try to find out what it was like to be a black man. This show however doesn't use dye it uses Hollywood makeup artists to change the skin color of two families, one white and the other black, so that they can pose as the opposite race and experience what its like to be someone else.
And of course given its a reality show, both families have to live under the same roof for a given amount of time so we can watch some exaggerated interaction.
Sigh! Although the producers talk a good game with quotes from Cube like he hopes that the project "will expose the subtleties of racism, the layers of racism" I really cant see this show as anything more than your typical reality TV fodder which will play up the extremes for increased rating share.
Trivialize racism by reducing it to a reality TV series we can laugh and joke about at the water cooler why don't we. Ok so maybe we should be discussing racism at the water cooler and this is a good way to get a discourse started or so it may seem but in reality, well sorry in my opinion, racism really isn't that good at the water cooler cause some folks just never ever get it.
Oh well maybe I'm being too harsh, maybe there is a point to getting racism out in the open Hollywood reality style. Maybe it'll make discussion of racism cool.
Naa this show will gloss over the essence, stick to the predictable, the trite and the already known giving us a bunch of stereotypical behavior from both sides while introducing new hip phrases and trends into the public lexicon. Get ready for the n word debate, the typical so-called 'hip hop' behavior, the purse clutching, and the like while the deeper attitude issues get ignored.
Its good to read during Black History month that we are preparing to trivialize racism but maybe trivialization is the only way to start discourse who knows.
Never Let you down - Kanye West
Was reading an article on the new TV 'reality' show Black White created by Ice Cube. Remember Fox had/has a show called Wife Swap where families basically swap moms well this new show, apparently starting in March on FX, could be alternately entitled race swap.
The premise is one familiar to anyone who has read John Griffin's Black Like Me where a white dude somehow, on purpose, dyed his skin to appear black and used that to try to find out what it was like to be a black man. This show however doesn't use dye it uses Hollywood makeup artists to change the skin color of two families, one white and the other black, so that they can pose as the opposite race and experience what its like to be someone else.
And of course given its a reality show, both families have to live under the same roof for a given amount of time so we can watch some exaggerated interaction.
Sigh! Although the producers talk a good game with quotes from Cube like he hopes that the project "will expose the subtleties of racism, the layers of racism" I really cant see this show as anything more than your typical reality TV fodder which will play up the extremes for increased rating share.
Trivialize racism by reducing it to a reality TV series we can laugh and joke about at the water cooler why don't we. Ok so maybe we should be discussing racism at the water cooler and this is a good way to get a discourse started or so it may seem but in reality, well sorry in my opinion, racism really isn't that good at the water cooler cause some folks just never ever get it.
Oh well maybe I'm being too harsh, maybe there is a point to getting racism out in the open Hollywood reality style. Maybe it'll make discussion of racism cool.
Naa this show will gloss over the essence, stick to the predictable, the trite and the already known giving us a bunch of stereotypical behavior from both sides while introducing new hip phrases and trends into the public lexicon. Get ready for the n word debate, the typical so-called 'hip hop' behavior, the purse clutching, and the like while the deeper attitude issues get ignored.
Its good to read during Black History month that we are preparing to trivialize racism but maybe trivialization is the only way to start discourse who knows.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
8:21PM
The arrival of Jdid Jr. Told them he would come during the BBall all star game maybe I should name him Shaq or something. Mom and baby seem to be doing well. On my way back to the hospital to spend the night.
ps: A brother watched the whole thing and didnt faint or wasnt weirded out or anything.
ps: A brother watched the whole thing and didnt faint or wasnt weirded out or anything.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Ads gone wrong
Well imagine my surprise when I came home tonight and was told that the Alexander Keiths' guy had been arrested for child porn. I mean those beer ads were actually some of the funnier ones on TV. What's next? Nobody better say anything bad about the Canadian Tire dude who one of my friends says reminds him of Flanders from the Simpsons. lol.
Ok so yea unless you live in Canada you probably wouldn't get the jist of the comments made above so I'll quickly explain. The Alexander Keiths guy is this guy in an ad for the beer of that name who has a thick Scottish accent who sees himself as a defender and protector of the beer which he is promoting. The Canadian Tire guy is this guy who is always promoting some tool, or handy household gadget available at the Canadian Tire hardware stores. He's like a goody too shoes type, all happy smiley, friendly with the neighbors and all, sort of like Mr Rogers meets Tim the Tool man Taylor (if Tim actually knew tools that is).
Still that wasn't what this blog was to be about. I wanted to talk about how some ads work and some just don't. Well actually I just wanted to talk mostly about ads that don't work. An example are a couple for the same product which have been airing in Toronto lately.
Picture this. A yout out on a tandem bicycle with his chossel (girlfriend), they are all happy and smiling and its a lovely bright beautiful day. All is well la la la la la. All of a sudden they ride under a bridge/underpass or some sort of tunnel. As they emerge once more into the sunlight, the girlfriend is gone and in her place is this dude
(see accompanying photo), complete with royal robe and crown. The yout looks back, sees him and looks a bit alarmed, the robed man offers him a burger, he accepts and continues pedalling and smiling along the way. Clearly he and that girl were not as close as we thought because the woman disappear and he doesn't really seem to care.
Again picture this. You are in the laundry mat washing some clothing. As you close the door to a dryer you see the said dude standing there with his robe and crown. He offers you a burger, you accept , the ad closes with you eating the burger and homeboy spinning around some of your underwear on his fingers.
Ok , hold up! Is it me or are both these ads highly questionable? First off the choice of spokesperson/symbol of the guy with a mask and crown is disturbing. Maybe I've watched one too many bank robbery movie but that mask makes me think homeboy is some sort of stick up kid looking to snatch your hard earned dollars.
Ok I mean yea imagine I man Jdid on a bicycle with a chossel, she disappear and in her place is a dude in a dress wearing a disturbing looking mask offering me a burger. Now ya dun know that couldn't work with me. First off bicycle stop pedalling, I hollaring out fa blue murder and I running or I at least asking where the woman gone. Then if I don't get a satisfactory answer again I'm either running, shouting for the police or the fella with the crown getting two big rocks in he head cause I would feel that he kidnap or attack the woman that was with me on the bike. Dares not he offer me a burger either cause first the woman disappear and now he coming to drug me. Not me and that! I cant even give the police a proper description of him since he is wearing a mask. No bosie, not me, my mudda say ya shouldn't eat from strangers and I wasn't going to be eating no burger from him regardless of how hungry I was at that point. No star that no mek it.
Second ad, again same thing. Who are these lickerish people that if an unknown man, out of the blue, offer them a burger they accepting and yamming it hard. Where ya duz find these sort a people? These are the sort of people that duz get things do to them an then complain that somebody put something in them food, drug them and had their way with them.
I mean first off look at the way the man dress. He look like he could be in his right mind? I could understand if it was a fella looking a certain way, sorta trustworthy or something and you take the burger from him (mind you I aint telling wunnah tek no food from nobody ya aint know cause them trustworthy ones might drug ya the same way quick enough too) but when you look at this man face and see that mask the first thing you should be wondering is who he is that hiding from me. Then you look and see the robe and crown and you should be thinking this fella head like it bad, I wonder which madhouse he get away from.
No way you taking even a sweetie (piece of candy) from he.
Then now he twirling around the fella underwear. What! These people like dem mad of something. From the time that man touch my bividees lashes sharing. If I cant get close enough to hit he some sorta soap powder or clorox throwing in he direction but he is not to touch my underwear.
cause see me, anytime a man come up to me in a mask and a dress, ok fine a bath robe or a royal robe in public something wrong. He up to some sort of deviant behavior and I aint want no part of he or that. No way I accepting any burger, hot dog, ham cutter, pork chop, or even pieca shirley biscuit from he. I aint want nothing to do with he and he better not try to trouble me. lol
Anyway I just want to know who are the geniuses that came up with this ad and if a fella in a mask wearing robes , that kidnap my girlfriend and then playing with my underwear supposed to be encouraging me to eat food from this place.
Ok so yea unless you live in Canada you probably wouldn't get the jist of the comments made above so I'll quickly explain. The Alexander Keiths guy is this guy in an ad for the beer of that name who has a thick Scottish accent who sees himself as a defender and protector of the beer which he is promoting. The Canadian Tire guy is this guy who is always promoting some tool, or handy household gadget available at the Canadian Tire hardware stores. He's like a goody too shoes type, all happy smiley, friendly with the neighbors and all, sort of like Mr Rogers meets Tim the Tool man Taylor (if Tim actually knew tools that is).
Still that wasn't what this blog was to be about. I wanted to talk about how some ads work and some just don't. Well actually I just wanted to talk mostly about ads that don't work. An example are a couple for the same product which have been airing in Toronto lately.
Picture this. A yout out on a tandem bicycle with his chossel (girlfriend), they are all happy and smiling and its a lovely bright beautiful day. All is well la la la la la. All of a sudden they ride under a bridge/underpass or some sort of tunnel. As they emerge once more into the sunlight, the girlfriend is gone and in her place is this dude
(see accompanying photo), complete with royal robe and crown. The yout looks back, sees him and looks a bit alarmed, the robed man offers him a burger, he accepts and continues pedalling and smiling along the way. Clearly he and that girl were not as close as we thought because the woman disappear and he doesn't really seem to care.Again picture this. You are in the laundry mat washing some clothing. As you close the door to a dryer you see the said dude standing there with his robe and crown. He offers you a burger, you accept , the ad closes with you eating the burger and homeboy spinning around some of your underwear on his fingers.
Ok , hold up! Is it me or are both these ads highly questionable? First off the choice of spokesperson/symbol of the guy with a mask and crown is disturbing. Maybe I've watched one too many bank robbery movie but that mask makes me think homeboy is some sort of stick up kid looking to snatch your hard earned dollars.
Ok I mean yea imagine I man Jdid on a bicycle with a chossel, she disappear and in her place is a dude in a dress wearing a disturbing looking mask offering me a burger. Now ya dun know that couldn't work with me. First off bicycle stop pedalling, I hollaring out fa blue murder and I running or I at least asking where the woman gone. Then if I don't get a satisfactory answer again I'm either running, shouting for the police or the fella with the crown getting two big rocks in he head cause I would feel that he kidnap or attack the woman that was with me on the bike. Dares not he offer me a burger either cause first the woman disappear and now he coming to drug me. Not me and that! I cant even give the police a proper description of him since he is wearing a mask. No bosie, not me, my mudda say ya shouldn't eat from strangers and I wasn't going to be eating no burger from him regardless of how hungry I was at that point. No star that no mek it.
Second ad, again same thing. Who are these lickerish people that if an unknown man, out of the blue, offer them a burger they accepting and yamming it hard. Where ya duz find these sort a people? These are the sort of people that duz get things do to them an then complain that somebody put something in them food, drug them and had their way with them.
I mean first off look at the way the man dress. He look like he could be in his right mind? I could understand if it was a fella looking a certain way, sorta trustworthy or something and you take the burger from him (mind you I aint telling wunnah tek no food from nobody ya aint know cause them trustworthy ones might drug ya the same way quick enough too) but when you look at this man face and see that mask the first thing you should be wondering is who he is that hiding from me. Then you look and see the robe and crown and you should be thinking this fella head like it bad, I wonder which madhouse he get away from.
No way you taking even a sweetie (piece of candy) from he.
Then now he twirling around the fella underwear. What! These people like dem mad of something. From the time that man touch my bividees lashes sharing. If I cant get close enough to hit he some sorta soap powder or clorox throwing in he direction but he is not to touch my underwear.
cause see me, anytime a man come up to me in a mask and a dress, ok fine a bath robe or a royal robe in public something wrong. He up to some sort of deviant behavior and I aint want no part of he or that. No way I accepting any burger, hot dog, ham cutter, pork chop, or even pieca shirley biscuit from he. I aint want nothing to do with he and he better not try to trouble me. lol
Anyway I just want to know who are the geniuses that came up with this ad and if a fella in a mask wearing robes , that kidnap my girlfriend and then playing with my underwear supposed to be encouraging me to eat food from this place.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Valentines Day
Always have to preface my Valentines greetings with 'Even though I don't celebrate Valentines day' but yes I'm just here to wish everyone who celebrates it a happy valentines. Enjoy yourselves. To tell the truth I've come far in recent years in that I actually acknowledge the day these days.
don't know what its like in the other Caribbean countries but when I was growing up in Barbados some folk just took it overboard with everyone wearing red on Valentines day. Lets just say it was interesting.
Regarding Valentines day though one of my issues with it, and I have many much to de wife's chagrin, is the way it makes some single persons feel. This day can really drive some single folks into depression and I just don't like that. I can somewhat understand a day to celebrate relationships or love but the day seems geared to making you feel like less than a success if for some reason you are single at that time. To me that's just wrong.
So to any feeling depressed by this day please don't get caught up in the hype.
Anyway Valentines day is significant to me because its ironically like my year and a half blogversary. One and a half years writing this crazy stuff, who knew. Will keep it short, just want to thank all those who put up with my ramblings. Respect!
don't know what its like in the other Caribbean countries but when I was growing up in Barbados some folk just took it overboard with everyone wearing red on Valentines day. Lets just say it was interesting.
Regarding Valentines day though one of my issues with it, and I have many much to de wife's chagrin, is the way it makes some single persons feel. This day can really drive some single folks into depression and I just don't like that. I can somewhat understand a day to celebrate relationships or love but the day seems geared to making you feel like less than a success if for some reason you are single at that time. To me that's just wrong.
So to any feeling depressed by this day please don't get caught up in the hype.
Anyway Valentines day is significant to me because its ironically like my year and a half blogversary. One and a half years writing this crazy stuff, who knew. Will keep it short, just want to thank all those who put up with my ramblings. Respect!
Monday, February 13, 2006
This and that
Been pretty scarce the last few weeks and I may become scarcer just getting ready for the baby's arrival and all that but thanks to the folks who continue to read here and to all my fellow bloggers whose sites I check sorry about not being a frequent visitor of late. Between work and painting, putting together stuff and just getting prepared at home. In general its been hectic.
Oh and to all those who checked out TTC drama hoped you liked it, thanks for the motivation to finish.
"That Jdid he's so hot right now!"
On another note the line above was supposed to be a take from the Zoolander movie because somehow or the other a brother like me got nominated as one of the ten hot bloggers of 2005. The wife say "hot wha? man dem really doan know you cause you aint even lukewarm den, chupse!" Boy all I have to say is a good thing they never ask for a picture before the nomination or they would take me off the hot blogger list immediately and give me the ugliest blogger alive crown cause some people say I duz mek Shabba look like Denzil.
But seriously hot blogger? What me going do with that now? I going have to start dressing different now, get me an entourage and stand around street corners going "wha gwan daughter, come check de I. ya neva know say me a hot blogger fe real!" I actually tried that this weekend and it somehow just didn't really work. Oh well back to the drawing board!
Anyway all jokes aside it was/is kinda cool being nominated. Makes a brother feel appreciated plus I'm in such wonderful company as Brother Buck who has one of the coolest blogs out there and some other cats who actually write for a living. Wow! Much love to Princess Dominque and whoever it was that nominated me. I'm just trying to hold it down for the T-dot and my West Indian bredren dem seen! p.s: Princess wunnah sure, sure there aint a monetary prize involved cause you know I could always send Theophilus to pick it up. If ya think the man had nuff chat in the TTC drama wait till ya hear him give acceptance speech, Wuhloss! :-)
And oh before you ask a brother is not a terrorist, you'll get the joke when you see the nomination photo lol.
On another level must say that we're missing the sistren Dorna and the bredren Shotta and my man Luke Cage from the blogworld lately. Not sure what's up with any of them but I hope they are all safe and return to us soon.
In other news yes the baby is due this month. Will keep you guys updated.
Oh and after a pretty mild December and January, February in the T dot is looking to put things straight for winter and bring the cold, the snow and the ice. Yea just when I thought winter was going to peter out a bit, February has brought the -15s type temperatures and the snow along with it. Just waiting to see how it all plays out but seeing as how mild the past two months were I really shouldn't complain that much if February reverts to true form. Of course really shouldn't doesn't translate into will not cause it still will always be too cold here for my comfort.
Finally, got to say Rest in Peace to Chantel Dunn, a 19 year old York University student who was murdered here last week. Looks like the shooters were after her boyfriend and she got the deadly bullets instead. Its pretty sad to see a young black sister go out like that and its even sadder to see the apathy displayed by Toronto. Oh wait election times done and she was after all just a black girl and it didn't happen downtown so who really gives a damn. Anyway my home girl Urban Sista breaks it down quite well on the whole topic so I wont repeat it here just check out her site. Rest in peace Chantel you'll be remembered and you'll be missed!
Oh and to all those who checked out TTC drama hoped you liked it, thanks for the motivation to finish.
"That Jdid he's so hot right now!"
On another note the line above was supposed to be a take from the Zoolander movie because somehow or the other a brother like me got nominated as one of the ten hot bloggers of 2005. The wife say "hot wha? man dem really doan know you cause you aint even lukewarm den, chupse!" Boy all I have to say is a good thing they never ask for a picture before the nomination or they would take me off the hot blogger list immediately and give me the ugliest blogger alive crown cause some people say I duz mek Shabba look like Denzil.
But seriously hot blogger? What me going do with that now? I going have to start dressing different now, get me an entourage and stand around street corners going "wha gwan daughter, come check de I. ya neva know say me a hot blogger fe real!" I actually tried that this weekend and it somehow just didn't really work. Oh well back to the drawing board!
Anyway all jokes aside it was/is kinda cool being nominated. Makes a brother feel appreciated plus I'm in such wonderful company as Brother Buck who has one of the coolest blogs out there and some other cats who actually write for a living. Wow! Much love to Princess Dominque and whoever it was that nominated me. I'm just trying to hold it down for the T-dot and my West Indian bredren dem seen! p.s: Princess wunnah sure, sure there aint a monetary prize involved cause you know I could always send Theophilus to pick it up. If ya think the man had nuff chat in the TTC drama wait till ya hear him give acceptance speech, Wuhloss! :-)
And oh before you ask a brother is not a terrorist, you'll get the joke when you see the nomination photo lol.
On another level must say that we're missing the sistren Dorna and the bredren Shotta and my man Luke Cage from the blogworld lately. Not sure what's up with any of them but I hope they are all safe and return to us soon.
In other news yes the baby is due this month. Will keep you guys updated.
Oh and after a pretty mild December and January, February in the T dot is looking to put things straight for winter and bring the cold, the snow and the ice. Yea just when I thought winter was going to peter out a bit, February has brought the -15s type temperatures and the snow along with it. Just waiting to see how it all plays out but seeing as how mild the past two months were I really shouldn't complain that much if February reverts to true form. Of course really shouldn't doesn't translate into will not cause it still will always be too cold here for my comfort.Finally, got to say Rest in Peace to Chantel Dunn, a 19 year old York University student who was murdered here last week. Looks like the shooters were after her boyfriend and she got the deadly bullets instead. Its pretty sad to see a young black sister go out like that and its even sadder to see the apathy displayed by Toronto. Oh wait election times done and she was after all just a black girl and it didn't happen downtown so who really gives a damn. Anyway my home girl Urban Sista breaks it down quite well on the whole topic so I wont repeat it here just check out her site. Rest in peace Chantel you'll be remembered and you'll be missed!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Dilla's dead
J Dilla died yesterday at the age of 32 from complications related to Lupus.James Yancy aka Jay Dee aka J Dilla first came to my attention as a part of the Umma collective of producers who worked on a Tribe Called Quest's farewell album back in 1997.
Over the years he has been one of the many influential hip hop producers on the underground scene but never seemed to become one of the big names. Dude was strictly underground, raw, not commercial. He was never a top 10 radio producer like Dr Dre, Jazze Pha, Timbaland or Pharrell or those guys you see in the limelight but he was just one of the guys who the guys in the know checked for. He brought that head nodding vibe without the glamour and glitz. To paraphrase Tip he was in the cut call him incognito, Busy makin joints that will bump for the people.
Cant say that I checked for all his work (although some of my boys are big Slum Village fans I never really felt it that deeply) but just going through liner notes or seeing his name mentioned as producer on some obscure track on some obscure underground mc's album was somehow cool like oh this cats got Jay Dee producing maybe he's worth a listen.
He has produced for such notable artists as Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe called Quest, Black Star, Pharcyde, De La, Common with whom he did some of his best work on the Like Water for Chocolate album and he released the Champion Sound lp along with fellow underground artist/producer Madlib a few years back.
He was a former member of Slum Village (those cats with the new General Motors ad that runs like a music video), in fact their most well known member until he left the group a few years back, and produced most of their earlier work including Fantastic Vol 1 and 2. Heads be always comparing that Slum Village work to the old Tribe stuff (much like they are doing with Little Brother today) but you got to give Dilla his props cause he had his own sound.
Kind of funny just this week I was telling my wife that I was trying to find homeboy's album. Well not trying to find since I knew where to get it, its just I was trying to find it at a price that appealed to me which had led to a foray into numerous record stores in an effort to find the best deal (Still haven't bought it yet actually).So I know that most, the average person when they think Hip hop thinks 50, Jay Z, Eminem or whatever else is popular on BET and the radio these days but cats like Dilla that was where the real hip hop resided and why cats like me could still say without it being a lie that Hip hop aint all that bad. Yea the fun stuff, the non-aggressive, non obscene, non-shake your tailfeather, non-hard out there for a pimp, non-20 video girls in tiny bikini stuff may not get the airplay or the public attention but it does exist and in greater abundance than one may think. J dilla represented that. Not the gangsta, thug machismo aesthetic, but as my man Obi would say just beats, rhymes and life.
Rest in Peace Dilla.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
TTC drama Part 3
Finally! Sorry for the wait folks.
In case you just tuned in and missed part 1 and part II.
Theophilus Adolphus Bourne: Crunk? Well I thought um was drunk cause listen let me tell you then I would gotta be DRUNK ta listen to dat CRUNK. Dat is bare noise den! Barely confuse a fella head. But anyway ya did want me to tell ya the story.
Rufus E Smith: Yes sir Please continue.
Theophilus Adolphus Bourne: So yea we gone down the road now and pass a few stations everything operating as usual. I deyso listening, enjoying the vibes, (gives Rufus a look daring him to say anything) just minding me own business like most people and I did still a lil tired so I start nodding off cause I find that the subway duz always send me ta sleep. Dat duz happen ta you too? Oh I faget wunnah so big up posh reporters doan tek the subway. chupse!
So my head deyso nodding. Boy I was tired fa true. It remind me a de day I fall sleep and wake up at Kipling (end of the subway line) instead a getting off at Yonge and Bloor. I did suh late fa work dat day that is a wonda de boss din fire me on the spot den.
I see.
Anyway, I dozing off and the lil "ping ping pong!" sound that the subway duz mek when the doors open and a whole heap a people rush on the train was waking muh up at every station. Nothing out a de ordinary happening though till all a sudden at Donlands this big able two tonne woman try an squeeze sheself between me an anudda fella.
OK
OK?? How you mean ok? Man dat did far from ok ya! Chupse! Looka Ah mean the woman was bout suh broad so den (opens arms to full length to show lady's girth)! BIG! Wuhloss, she did suh big TTC shudda mek she pay two fares den. BIG! I aint exaggerating den but the wuman was bout the size a ona dem delivery trucks from The Brick! I aint lie man! And she get in look an see it din nuh big lotta space between me an de odda fella, a average size body might barely fit but she squeezing she big boxie self in between two a we widout summuch as an excuse me please. chupse!
Dat sorta behavior duz get pun my nerves ya kno! I mean she had muh squeeze up in a lil corner ketching a hernia den!
but to be honest I juss glad she boxie sumhow manage ta fit cause I aint de biggest fella bout the place an if she did miss an sit down pun me wuhloss boy I probably wun be here to tell you this story.
Then what happened sir?
Hol on I gettin to that! So she got me squeeze up now worser dan anything I ever experience in ona dem Cave Hill Zr vans and I real real uncomfortable. We pass Pape and now get to Chester. I deyso trying to protect wha lil space I got before the woman kill muh ta death cause I almost start feeling like I ketchin a bad feels. I mean de wuman had muh squeeze up so tight I couldn't even get up ta get way from she den. I did just deyso barely praying that she was getting off before me cause if we did get to Yonge and Bloor an she din get off yet I doan think I wud be able ta move. I might juss gotta sit down deyso and wait fa she ta get off first before I cud get off.
ok.
Anyways all a sudden juss before the bad feel ketch muh an I loss 'way I think I hear the "ping pong ping" again an den I hear sumting like sumbody holla out 'you push me!' in a real real loud unmarley sounding voice. Well I was deyso struggling against this wuman that trying ta crush muh so I din pay that much attention until I hear anudda lil high up voice holla "No um is you dat push me"
Then what sir?
That is then I look up I see dat said girl dat juss leff hayso pun the stretcher stannin up near the door and she face all up in anudda wuman face.
Then what happened?
I getting to that. Then she say 'you push me' again and she bounce the odda wuman.
Bounce sir?
yes man bounce ya kno like chuck she den. (sees clueless look on reporters face) I gotta spell it out fa you or wah? She shove the odda wuman wid she body den. Cheese on bread! You like you went school punna Saturday or sumting so ya kno.
Ok.
And the odda wuman push back the said same way, um was tit fa tat!
Can you describe the assailant sir?
Yes she did big and fat and thick just like Captain Sawyer say he like dem, she had on a red flower dress look like she bring a whole garden in the train den and like I said before she boxie was real real big and she had muh squeeze in the ....
What! No no sir, I'm talking about the two ladies fighting.
So why ya ask me about assailant then cause the only assailant I see is the wun dat assault me wid she deadly behind. That thing almost do me permanent damage boy. You play you aint kno den! Looka you like you aint understand me when I tell you she almost kill me ta death, ya!
Can we stick to the two ladies who were fighting sir. I'm just trying to get the details.
Details? Well looka if you did wanta know wha "de assailant" look like suh bad ya wudda been on the train. And anudda thing besides. whapart you get this assailant ting from doah? You is a undercover policeman or wha? You trying ta mek the wuman inta sum sorta criminal now? Ya know what was really criminal?
No Sir.
That fat wuman dat almost squeeze muh ta within a inch of muh death. Now dat was criminal. Sumbody shudda get lock up den! Looka I did deyso ready ta call the priest ta issue last rites cause lemma tell ya boy if.....
Well sir one person's nose was broken. Assailant is just....
I know wha assailant mean but you aint even hear the full story an you labeling the woman one assailant. See dat! I did know from looking at you that you is ona dem fellas duz mek up news.
No sir, that's not it at all, my apologies. Please continue with your story.
Which story?
The one about the ladies fighting?
Oh dat wun. Alright then!
Please continue sir
Alright, well like I say the two a dem start bouncing up one anudda and then the odda wuman...
the assailant?
Chupse, looka I gine dun this story if you doan stop wid dat nonsense ya kno.
Sorry sir please continue
The odda wuman did look real vex and cruel that this wun that just leff on the stretcher bouncing she.
What happen next?
Well this same girl dat get she nose brek push she hand in de odda girl face.
Did you see all this occur sir?
Well from my lil vantage point squeeze up against the partition almost loss way from the squeezing that the wuman giving muh in de seat I din seeing tummuch but I think I hear the odda girl holla out "tek ya hand out my face, I warning ya."
Then what.
Well sum odda fella in the train say sumting like "um is a new year cant we just all get along". chupse but I aint know why he wait till then ta say all dat cause he cudda say dat from evasince when he see me getting squeeze kill by the fat wuman. Anyway the wuman holla out "I tell ya tek ya hand out muh face" again an next thing I know it was like baccanal in de Savannah. Sumbody swing a lash and let go two belly searchers and whax palax next thing I know the woman was holing she nose and running fa de emergency button.
Belly searchers? So there was some sort of weapon involved?
No man a belly searcher is a cuff in ya belly man. See you you like you aint ready atall ya kno
But if she got hit in the stomach how did her nose get broken?
Wait wha you asking me all dat fa, You feel I hit she?
No sir I never said.....
I aint hit she ya, looka doan try ta pin this pun me cause I know you lookin fa assailants an de first body wunnah duz look at is a black man. Looka I aint assail a fella, the only a sale I know bout is the wuns dat Sears and de Bay duz got pun weekends ya. 50% off this dat an de third.
Looka I was getting crush ta death in de corner why you doan investigate dat instead a tryin ta pin things pun me uh. I musse look like a scape goat ta you nuh but ya lie, miss Bourne fourth chile din born neitha poppit.
No sir you've got me mistaken. I'm not accusing you of any wrong doing.
Oh ya got dat right cause I aint do a fella a pang !
I'm just querying how it was that the victim's nose was broken if she got hit in the stomach.
Well I aint investigate all dat man but I hear dem say the elbow bone connected ta de kneecap bone an the finger bone connected ta de shoulder bone so maybe de nose bone connected ta de belly bone. I doan know an doan ask me eidda cause I aint a doctor.
So you are saying you didn't actually see the specifics of the altercation then? But when we started I asked if you had seen the event take place.
Well looka you ask if I witness it, an I witness it fa true ...from a distance an wid me face squint up in pain from the squeezing that the big wuman was puttin on muh but ya neva ask me bout no specifics an in what detail I see um.
So you didnt see the actual events?
Well I see sum a it but I hear more dan I see cause that woman had me near pass out from the squeezing till muh eyeballs was watering so I couldnt see summuch but I hear.....
Rufus E Smith:(very upset now) But I asked...... (sees Theoplilus getting upset and sighs) Well that was a waste of mine and the viewers time.
Theophilus Adolphus Bourne: Waste a time? looka you got me a fella dat doan talk nuff stannin up hayso talkin ta you a good half hour, telling you all this big lotta long story an now you tellin me is a waste a time? Chupse, looka I know from evasince I shudda gi you a good ............
Wait dat is the time fa true. Oh shoot I late! You lucky boy cause if I din late you woulda see who God ya serving taday.(Theophilius stalks off angrily muttering under his breath turning to give Rufus some angry looks)
Rufus E Smith: Well folk sorry to have wasted your time this morning back to the studio, Bob?
Cameraman: Bob! Waste time? Ya mekkin sport boy I cut he off wid all dat lotta foolishness bout 20 minutes ago. I was just pointing the camera so he wun start cussing we.
In case you just tuned in and missed part 1 and part II.
Theophilus Adolphus Bourne: Crunk? Well I thought um was drunk cause listen let me tell you then I would gotta be DRUNK ta listen to dat CRUNK. Dat is bare noise den! Barely confuse a fella head. But anyway ya did want me to tell ya the story.
Rufus E Smith: Yes sir Please continue.
Theophilus Adolphus Bourne: So yea we gone down the road now and pass a few stations everything operating as usual. I deyso listening, enjoying the vibes, (gives Rufus a look daring him to say anything) just minding me own business like most people and I did still a lil tired so I start nodding off cause I find that the subway duz always send me ta sleep. Dat duz happen ta you too? Oh I faget wunnah so big up posh reporters doan tek the subway. chupse!
So my head deyso nodding. Boy I was tired fa true. It remind me a de day I fall sleep and wake up at Kipling (end of the subway line) instead a getting off at Yonge and Bloor. I did suh late fa work dat day that is a wonda de boss din fire me on the spot den.
I see.
Anyway, I dozing off and the lil "ping ping pong!" sound that the subway duz mek when the doors open and a whole heap a people rush on the train was waking muh up at every station. Nothing out a de ordinary happening though till all a sudden at Donlands this big able two tonne woman try an squeeze sheself between me an anudda fella.
OK
OK?? How you mean ok? Man dat did far from ok ya! Chupse! Looka Ah mean the woman was bout suh broad so den (opens arms to full length to show lady's girth)! BIG! Wuhloss, she did suh big TTC shudda mek she pay two fares den. BIG! I aint exaggerating den but the wuman was bout the size a ona dem delivery trucks from The Brick! I aint lie man! And she get in look an see it din nuh big lotta space between me an de odda fella, a average size body might barely fit but she squeezing she big boxie self in between two a we widout summuch as an excuse me please. chupse!
Dat sorta behavior duz get pun my nerves ya kno! I mean she had muh squeeze up in a lil corner ketching a hernia den!
but to be honest I juss glad she boxie sumhow manage ta fit cause I aint de biggest fella bout the place an if she did miss an sit down pun me wuhloss boy I probably wun be here to tell you this story.
Then what happened sir?
Hol on I gettin to that! So she got me squeeze up now worser dan anything I ever experience in ona dem Cave Hill Zr vans and I real real uncomfortable. We pass Pape and now get to Chester. I deyso trying to protect wha lil space I got before the woman kill muh ta death cause I almost start feeling like I ketchin a bad feels. I mean de wuman had muh squeeze up so tight I couldn't even get up ta get way from she den. I did just deyso barely praying that she was getting off before me cause if we did get to Yonge and Bloor an she din get off yet I doan think I wud be able ta move. I might juss gotta sit down deyso and wait fa she ta get off first before I cud get off.
ok.
Anyways all a sudden juss before the bad feel ketch muh an I loss 'way I think I hear the "ping pong ping" again an den I hear sumting like sumbody holla out 'you push me!' in a real real loud unmarley sounding voice. Well I was deyso struggling against this wuman that trying ta crush muh so I din pay that much attention until I hear anudda lil high up voice holla "No um is you dat push me"
Then what sir?
That is then I look up I see dat said girl dat juss leff hayso pun the stretcher stannin up near the door and she face all up in anudda wuman face.
Then what happened?
I getting to that. Then she say 'you push me' again and she bounce the odda wuman.
Bounce sir?
yes man bounce ya kno like chuck she den. (sees clueless look on reporters face) I gotta spell it out fa you or wah? She shove the odda wuman wid she body den. Cheese on bread! You like you went school punna Saturday or sumting so ya kno.
Ok.
And the odda wuman push back the said same way, um was tit fa tat!
Can you describe the assailant sir?
Yes she did big and fat and thick just like Captain Sawyer say he like dem, she had on a red flower dress look like she bring a whole garden in the train den and like I said before she boxie was real real big and she had muh squeeze in the ....
What! No no sir, I'm talking about the two ladies fighting.
So why ya ask me about assailant then cause the only assailant I see is the wun dat assault me wid she deadly behind. That thing almost do me permanent damage boy. You play you aint kno den! Looka you like you aint understand me when I tell you she almost kill me ta death, ya!
Can we stick to the two ladies who were fighting sir. I'm just trying to get the details.
Details? Well looka if you did wanta know wha "de assailant" look like suh bad ya wudda been on the train. And anudda thing besides. whapart you get this assailant ting from doah? You is a undercover policeman or wha? You trying ta mek the wuman inta sum sorta criminal now? Ya know what was really criminal?
No Sir.
That fat wuman dat almost squeeze muh ta within a inch of muh death. Now dat was criminal. Sumbody shudda get lock up den! Looka I did deyso ready ta call the priest ta issue last rites cause lemma tell ya boy if.....
Well sir one person's nose was broken. Assailant is just....
I know wha assailant mean but you aint even hear the full story an you labeling the woman one assailant. See dat! I did know from looking at you that you is ona dem fellas duz mek up news.
No sir, that's not it at all, my apologies. Please continue with your story.
Which story?
The one about the ladies fighting?
Oh dat wun. Alright then!
Please continue sir
Alright, well like I say the two a dem start bouncing up one anudda and then the odda wuman...
the assailant?
Chupse, looka I gine dun this story if you doan stop wid dat nonsense ya kno.
Sorry sir please continue
The odda wuman did look real vex and cruel that this wun that just leff on the stretcher bouncing she.
What happen next?
Well this same girl dat get she nose brek push she hand in de odda girl face.
Did you see all this occur sir?
Well from my lil vantage point squeeze up against the partition almost loss way from the squeezing that the wuman giving muh in de seat I din seeing tummuch but I think I hear the odda girl holla out "tek ya hand out my face, I warning ya."
Then what.
Well sum odda fella in the train say sumting like "um is a new year cant we just all get along". chupse but I aint know why he wait till then ta say all dat cause he cudda say dat from evasince when he see me getting squeeze kill by the fat wuman. Anyway the wuman holla out "I tell ya tek ya hand out muh face" again an next thing I know it was like baccanal in de Savannah. Sumbody swing a lash and let go two belly searchers and whax palax next thing I know the woman was holing she nose and running fa de emergency button.
Belly searchers? So there was some sort of weapon involved?
No man a belly searcher is a cuff in ya belly man. See you you like you aint ready atall ya kno
But if she got hit in the stomach how did her nose get broken?
Wait wha you asking me all dat fa, You feel I hit she?
No sir I never said.....
I aint hit she ya, looka doan try ta pin this pun me cause I know you lookin fa assailants an de first body wunnah duz look at is a black man. Looka I aint assail a fella, the only a sale I know bout is the wuns dat Sears and de Bay duz got pun weekends ya. 50% off this dat an de third.
Looka I was getting crush ta death in de corner why you doan investigate dat instead a tryin ta pin things pun me uh. I musse look like a scape goat ta you nuh but ya lie, miss Bourne fourth chile din born neitha poppit.
No sir you've got me mistaken. I'm not accusing you of any wrong doing.
Oh ya got dat right cause I aint do a fella a pang !
I'm just querying how it was that the victim's nose was broken if she got hit in the stomach.
Well I aint investigate all dat man but I hear dem say the elbow bone connected ta de kneecap bone an the finger bone connected ta de shoulder bone so maybe de nose bone connected ta de belly bone. I doan know an doan ask me eidda cause I aint a doctor.
So you are saying you didn't actually see the specifics of the altercation then? But when we started I asked if you had seen the event take place.
Well looka you ask if I witness it, an I witness it fa true ...from a distance an wid me face squint up in pain from the squeezing that the big wuman was puttin on muh but ya neva ask me bout no specifics an in what detail I see um.
So you didnt see the actual events?
Well I see sum a it but I hear more dan I see cause that woman had me near pass out from the squeezing till muh eyeballs was watering so I couldnt see summuch but I hear.....
Rufus E Smith:(very upset now) But I asked...... (sees Theoplilus getting upset and sighs) Well that was a waste of mine and the viewers time.
Theophilus Adolphus Bourne: Waste a time? looka you got me a fella dat doan talk nuff stannin up hayso talkin ta you a good half hour, telling you all this big lotta long story an now you tellin me is a waste a time? Chupse, looka I know from evasince I shudda gi you a good ............
Wait dat is the time fa true. Oh shoot I late! You lucky boy cause if I din late you woulda see who God ya serving taday.(Theophilius stalks off angrily muttering under his breath turning to give Rufus some angry looks)
Rufus E Smith: Well folk sorry to have wasted your time this morning back to the studio, Bob?
Cameraman: Bob! Waste time? Ya mekkin sport boy I cut he off wid all dat lotta foolishness bout 20 minutes ago. I was just pointing the camera so he wun start cussing we.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Raptors trade
Raptors traded Jalen Rose for Antonio Davis. I get the feeling its my fault because last week I defended Davis for going into the stands to protect his wife or is that to protect the other fan from his wife. Note his wife got arrested this week for throwing coffee at a motorist. (lawd ave mercy I hope she doan kno where I live)
Goodbye to Jalen. I'll miss ya. All in all Jalen is still one of the players in the league I will continue to regard pretty highly. Loved his game from the Fab Five days and his NBA offense is pretty nice, no need to spoil it by speaking of his D. I also like the way that he publicly handled being on the trading block for so long. Yes last year he pouted when they put him on the bench but this year he's been all class with regards to his playing time.
The Raptors made this trade for purely financial reasons because Jalen actually had value as a player to them at the moment. Jalen however was ridiculously overpaid for his value and had two years and about 30 million on his contract left while Antonio Davis has one year and about 16 mil so the Raptors free up some cap space when Davis comes off the books this summer. Hopefully it will help in the long run. At the least we give Joey Graham some run now and see if he can turn into a solid NBA player.
The Knicks made the trade because the Knicks are clueless and have deep pockets. Larry Brown didn't know what he was getting into and cant coexist with his players but hey at least he's got 10 Mil a year to keep him happy. Another non-playoff year for the Knicks.
Of course I'm hearing whispers that Davis, who so distrusted our metric system, may not return to the Raptors but may ask for a buyout. If that happens I would be very upset. That is absolute B.S!. Too many players over the years have refused to play for the Raptors, must be something about crossing the border to play where the money isn't green and the accents are different. If its any consolation our murder rate is going up, anything to make you spoilt, overpaid brats feel at home right.
I say the Raptors should insist that Davis shows up, he doesn't have to play, park him on the inactive list and make him sit on the bench in his suit for the rest of the season but don't buy him out so he can get part of his money and then go and sign on with another team.
We did that crap with Alonzo Mourning and look at him now playing for the Heat. Ridiculous.
Plus I mean how wrong is that buyout stuff. Hey I have a job that sometimes I don't feel like going to. I don't have the right to call the boss and say I'm not showing up can we arrange to give me a buyout. Nope they just fire me without compensation if I do that. I think the same should hold for the NBA.
(p.s for those waiting for part III my apologies, I just didnt have the time to finish it up. Will aim for next week, have a good weekend)
Goodbye to Jalen. I'll miss ya. All in all Jalen is still one of the players in the league I will continue to regard pretty highly. Loved his game from the Fab Five days and his NBA offense is pretty nice, no need to spoil it by speaking of his D. I also like the way that he publicly handled being on the trading block for so long. Yes last year he pouted when they put him on the bench but this year he's been all class with regards to his playing time.
The Raptors made this trade for purely financial reasons because Jalen actually had value as a player to them at the moment. Jalen however was ridiculously overpaid for his value and had two years and about 30 million on his contract left while Antonio Davis has one year and about 16 mil so the Raptors free up some cap space when Davis comes off the books this summer. Hopefully it will help in the long run. At the least we give Joey Graham some run now and see if he can turn into a solid NBA player.
The Knicks made the trade because the Knicks are clueless and have deep pockets. Larry Brown didn't know what he was getting into and cant coexist with his players but hey at least he's got 10 Mil a year to keep him happy. Another non-playoff year for the Knicks.
Of course I'm hearing whispers that Davis, who so distrusted our metric system, may not return to the Raptors but may ask for a buyout. If that happens I would be very upset. That is absolute B.S!. Too many players over the years have refused to play for the Raptors, must be something about crossing the border to play where the money isn't green and the accents are different. If its any consolation our murder rate is going up, anything to make you spoilt, overpaid brats feel at home right.
I say the Raptors should insist that Davis shows up, he doesn't have to play, park him on the inactive list and make him sit on the bench in his suit for the rest of the season but don't buy him out so he can get part of his money and then go and sign on with another team.
We did that crap with Alonzo Mourning and look at him now playing for the Heat. Ridiculous.
Plus I mean how wrong is that buyout stuff. Hey I have a job that sometimes I don't feel like going to. I don't have the right to call the boss and say I'm not showing up can we arrange to give me a buyout. Nope they just fire me without compensation if I do that. I think the same should hold for the NBA.
(p.s for those waiting for part III my apologies, I just didnt have the time to finish it up. Will aim for next week, have a good weekend)
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Why no photo?
"If you needed a .40-caliber Glock handgun, Jeffrey Tuck was your man.
A sawed-off shotgun? No problem." quoted from the Toronto Star's article on a local gun runner who is facing 12 years in jail.
Also quoted: "Toronto prosecutors yesterday portrayed the clean-cut and seemingly polite Tuck as a major gunrunner who was responsible for fuelling gun violence on city streets."
I'm not saying much here just wondering why the newspapers wont show me a picture of this seemingly mild mannered citizen who was in fact a major criminal? I'm guessing it's cause he doesn't live at Jane and Finch or Malvern or Rexdale or any communities troubled by gun violence over the past year. Probably a 905 (suburban) cat, probably a rich dude, probably not black. There I said it! Maybe I'm thinking too much conspiracy but whenever I see cats portrayed as Joe average, cant believe he's shady types and there is no photo first thing that comes to my head is that dude aint black.
I don't have any proof, I could be dead wrong but hey black men have been draped over the front page for their violent crimes why isn't this dude. Is the gun seller less responsible that the trigger man? Gotcha!
Here's a thought: hand out assists on crimes. If dudes were giving out assists on shootings (an assist is given to the guy passing the ball in basketball or the puck in hockey to the guy who scores) this cat could potentially be the John Stockton of Toronto shootings. (in case you didn't get it John Stockton is the NBA all time assist leader, mind you I could have said Jason Kidd to keep it more current but whatever)
Anyway to me this Tuck guy is a major criminal with his and again I quote "one-stop shopping" and "purchase-to-order" operation selling guns and drugs"
Why cant I see what he looks like? Just cause he appears and I quote again "bookish" doesn't mean he's any less of a criminal.
Oh my bad its called keeping us in the dark. I'm still supposed to believe that these black kids are manufacturing their own glocks and uzis in their apartments and no one outside the community is supplying it. Gotcha!
Yea that's what those photos of black criminals tell us don't they and no I'm not saying that black criminals don't deserve to be shown up for their crimes. I'm just saying fair is fair and if the dude is rich and a gun runner and not black I want to see his photo too.
Well who knows I may be completely wrong, wont be the first time, wont be the last time. Maybe Jeffrey Tuck is black but until I see a photo I wont believe that.
A sawed-off shotgun? No problem." quoted from the Toronto Star's article on a local gun runner who is facing 12 years in jail.
Also quoted: "Toronto prosecutors yesterday portrayed the clean-cut and seemingly polite Tuck as a major gunrunner who was responsible for fuelling gun violence on city streets."
I'm not saying much here just wondering why the newspapers wont show me a picture of this seemingly mild mannered citizen who was in fact a major criminal? I'm guessing it's cause he doesn't live at Jane and Finch or Malvern or Rexdale or any communities troubled by gun violence over the past year. Probably a 905 (suburban) cat, probably a rich dude, probably not black. There I said it! Maybe I'm thinking too much conspiracy but whenever I see cats portrayed as Joe average, cant believe he's shady types and there is no photo first thing that comes to my head is that dude aint black.
I don't have any proof, I could be dead wrong but hey black men have been draped over the front page for their violent crimes why isn't this dude. Is the gun seller less responsible that the trigger man? Gotcha!
Here's a thought: hand out assists on crimes. If dudes were giving out assists on shootings (an assist is given to the guy passing the ball in basketball or the puck in hockey to the guy who scores) this cat could potentially be the John Stockton of Toronto shootings. (in case you didn't get it John Stockton is the NBA all time assist leader, mind you I could have said Jason Kidd to keep it more current but whatever)
Anyway to me this Tuck guy is a major criminal with his and again I quote "one-stop shopping" and "purchase-to-order" operation selling guns and drugs"
Why cant I see what he looks like? Just cause he appears and I quote again "bookish" doesn't mean he's any less of a criminal.
Oh my bad its called keeping us in the dark. I'm still supposed to believe that these black kids are manufacturing their own glocks and uzis in their apartments and no one outside the community is supplying it. Gotcha!
Yea that's what those photos of black criminals tell us don't they and no I'm not saying that black criminals don't deserve to be shown up for their crimes. I'm just saying fair is fair and if the dude is rich and a gun runner and not black I want to see his photo too.
Well who knows I may be completely wrong, wont be the first time, wont be the last time. Maybe Jeffrey Tuck is black but until I see a photo I wont believe that.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Bajan Poli-tricks
Well most of you wont care about this one way or the other but .......
Over the past few weeks there has been a bit of political turmoil going on in Barbados. No we didn't have any uprising, or coup or civil insurrection or anything of the nature but Clyde Mascoll, the leader of the opposition DLP party resigned his post and then promptly joined the ruling party.
Now it is not a strange proceeding in these days to see members of parliament in various countries (even Canada) switch sides but the leader of the opposition, the top dog, the man in charge of the opposition switching sides? That's pretty much unheard of in my opinion.
Anyway I'm all the way over here in the T.dot so I'm sure I don't have the inside scoop on what actually happened but from reports it appears that Mr Mascoll was about to face a vote of no confidence from his troops in Parliament and before that move could be orchestrated he resigned and promptly switched sides.
Now initially I must say that I was very much in favor of his resignation because it appeared as though he was being bullied by others in his own party out of the top spot. Former Opposition leader David Thompson who stepped down after leading the DLP to another election loss in 1999 was coming back for the position as leader of the Opposition. It seemed a bit unfair to me because Thompson had taken his leave when things seemed at their worse leaving the rebuilding task to Mascoll. Mascoll rallied the troops won a few more seats in the last election and seemed to have the party on an upward swing and now here he was getting the shaft when things started to look a bit brighter. It was sort of like a dude who ditches the wife who saw him through the hard times to pick up with some new lady once things were getting better (and yes I'll resist the opportunity to quote Kayne's Golddigger here).
Still regardless of the situation what is disturbing here, from my exiled perspective, is that the opposition in Barbados has become a toothless opponent for the ruling party.
In order for democracy to work effectively one needs an effective opposition and I believe that Barbados has been without one for quite some time now.
Over the years, Prime Minister Arthur has initiated quite a brilliant coup on his part as his favored 'politics of inclusion' has seen his enemies drawn to his side, putting down their barbs and attacks and joining his party. This has left us with no strong voices in opposition. In true West Indian statesman form Arthur also appears to have the force of character and the charisma of a Barrow, Adams, Manley or Eric Williams which seems to have endeared him to the local populace and in fact some voters vote for his party simply because he is the leader. Arthur's mere presence as BLP head honcho has ensured votes and seats in the house of Parliament for his candidates.
The DLP on the other hand lacks a man of Arthur's standing it appears. Many said they couldn't see Mascoll leading the country so they are glad to see him go. His replacement Thompson was the former golden boy of the party but his election results left his image tarnished and one wonders if he can regain his former luster.
This opposition has lacked effective leadership, with power struggles erupting at some of the most inopportune times. Where they might have the opportunity to shore up their support and capitalize on the government's missteps instead they have become bogged down by ineffectiveness, argument and controversy amongst their ranks not putting up a united front with the small number of members they have in parliament. That's pretty sad because with their strength absent it really doesn't leave the average bajan with much choice at the polls. The country is fast becoming a one party state.
From the inception of Arthur's reign back in the mid 90s promising opposition members like Kerry Simmonds and Hamilton Lashley amongst others have crossed the floor to be at Mr Arthur's side and one wonders how the opposition DLP will handle another prominent defection.
Not that I'm complaining about the job which Mr Arthur is doing in Barbados. I'm neither yea or nay on that and will leave that to the Bajan based to analyze as I really haven't lived in Barbados under his regime that much and I feel myself unqualified to judge his accomplishments. Still he has been in power over 10 years now so that must say something for his achievements although maybe it just says as much for the weak opposition he faces.
Now a third party has entered the fray recently which might actually be a good thing as it appears that the opposition DLP, founded back in the day by Barbados' father of Independence Errol Barrow is pretty much a spent force. One even wonders if they are indeed capable of governing the country in the unlikely event they should be elected.
Another issue is that all of these defections to the ruling party really does nothing to enhance the views of politicians in the eyes of the public. Ok maybe they all aren't money hungry, power starved, looking out for # 1 types but that's the impression that one gets when the floor is crossed so regularly. What happened to loyalty, what happened to standing for something? One day you are regularly cursing the other party, their members, their policies and their principals and the next you are embracing and being embraced by those same former political enemies? (And mind you I am not naive enough to think that political enemies cannot be actual friends in reality) That just doesn't sit right with me. Pure poli-tricks that.
And there is no need to say well what do you expect they are after all politicians. However the action of defection just affects the general populace, especially the youth, and leaves them not really caring as they come to the belief that all are birds of a feather and that the seeming ideological gaps between party manifestos and principals is no longer an actual gap since one can so easily jump ship.
Maybe I'm wrong here. Maybe its just that politicians can change policy and what they stand for at the drop of a dime. Whatever it is it affects the voters when they realize that their choices at the polls really aren't so much a choice as they would. No wonder voter turnouts are so low the world over these days.
Over the past few weeks there has been a bit of political turmoil going on in Barbados. No we didn't have any uprising, or coup or civil insurrection or anything of the nature but Clyde Mascoll, the leader of the opposition DLP party resigned his post and then promptly joined the ruling party.
Now it is not a strange proceeding in these days to see members of parliament in various countries (even Canada) switch sides but the leader of the opposition, the top dog, the man in charge of the opposition switching sides? That's pretty much unheard of in my opinion.
Anyway I'm all the way over here in the T.dot so I'm sure I don't have the inside scoop on what actually happened but from reports it appears that Mr Mascoll was about to face a vote of no confidence from his troops in Parliament and before that move could be orchestrated he resigned and promptly switched sides.
Now initially I must say that I was very much in favor of his resignation because it appeared as though he was being bullied by others in his own party out of the top spot. Former Opposition leader David Thompson who stepped down after leading the DLP to another election loss in 1999 was coming back for the position as leader of the Opposition. It seemed a bit unfair to me because Thompson had taken his leave when things seemed at their worse leaving the rebuilding task to Mascoll. Mascoll rallied the troops won a few more seats in the last election and seemed to have the party on an upward swing and now here he was getting the shaft when things started to look a bit brighter. It was sort of like a dude who ditches the wife who saw him through the hard times to pick up with some new lady once things were getting better (and yes I'll resist the opportunity to quote Kayne's Golddigger here).
Still regardless of the situation what is disturbing here, from my exiled perspective, is that the opposition in Barbados has become a toothless opponent for the ruling party.
In order for democracy to work effectively one needs an effective opposition and I believe that Barbados has been without one for quite some time now.
Over the years, Prime Minister Arthur has initiated quite a brilliant coup on his part as his favored 'politics of inclusion' has seen his enemies drawn to his side, putting down their barbs and attacks and joining his party. This has left us with no strong voices in opposition. In true West Indian statesman form Arthur also appears to have the force of character and the charisma of a Barrow, Adams, Manley or Eric Williams which seems to have endeared him to the local populace and in fact some voters vote for his party simply because he is the leader. Arthur's mere presence as BLP head honcho has ensured votes and seats in the house of Parliament for his candidates.
The DLP on the other hand lacks a man of Arthur's standing it appears. Many said they couldn't see Mascoll leading the country so they are glad to see him go. His replacement Thompson was the former golden boy of the party but his election results left his image tarnished and one wonders if he can regain his former luster.
This opposition has lacked effective leadership, with power struggles erupting at some of the most inopportune times. Where they might have the opportunity to shore up their support and capitalize on the government's missteps instead they have become bogged down by ineffectiveness, argument and controversy amongst their ranks not putting up a united front with the small number of members they have in parliament. That's pretty sad because with their strength absent it really doesn't leave the average bajan with much choice at the polls. The country is fast becoming a one party state.
From the inception of Arthur's reign back in the mid 90s promising opposition members like Kerry Simmonds and Hamilton Lashley amongst others have crossed the floor to be at Mr Arthur's side and one wonders how the opposition DLP will handle another prominent defection.
Not that I'm complaining about the job which Mr Arthur is doing in Barbados. I'm neither yea or nay on that and will leave that to the Bajan based to analyze as I really haven't lived in Barbados under his regime that much and I feel myself unqualified to judge his accomplishments. Still he has been in power over 10 years now so that must say something for his achievements although maybe it just says as much for the weak opposition he faces.
Now a third party has entered the fray recently which might actually be a good thing as it appears that the opposition DLP, founded back in the day by Barbados' father of Independence Errol Barrow is pretty much a spent force. One even wonders if they are indeed capable of governing the country in the unlikely event they should be elected.
Another issue is that all of these defections to the ruling party really does nothing to enhance the views of politicians in the eyes of the public. Ok maybe they all aren't money hungry, power starved, looking out for # 1 types but that's the impression that one gets when the floor is crossed so regularly. What happened to loyalty, what happened to standing for something? One day you are regularly cursing the other party, their members, their policies and their principals and the next you are embracing and being embraced by those same former political enemies? (And mind you I am not naive enough to think that political enemies cannot be actual friends in reality) That just doesn't sit right with me. Pure poli-tricks that.
And there is no need to say well what do you expect they are after all politicians. However the action of defection just affects the general populace, especially the youth, and leaves them not really caring as they come to the belief that all are birds of a feather and that the seeming ideological gaps between party manifestos and principals is no longer an actual gap since one can so easily jump ship.
Maybe I'm wrong here. Maybe its just that politicians can change policy and what they stand for at the drop of a dime. Whatever it is it affects the voters when they realize that their choices at the polls really aren't so much a choice as they would. No wonder voter turnouts are so low the world over these days.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Well tired
This week was a blur hence the lack of blogs. I've been tired since last weekend and finally crashed last night.
Weather been real up and down +7C one day -18 the next. Enough to make a fella sick. Been doing some getting ready for this baby thing plus work just crazy at the moment so no rest for the wicked I guess. Anyway baby classes done so I may chat about that next week along with the whole TTC drama thing.
Raptors fired their GM. Not sure that was the best move as it seems like he was finally getting over the dumb moves he made last year. Last year he traded Vince for a bag of magic beans, he drafted Rafael Arajoa and gave Rafer Alston too much money which were terrible moves but this year he traded Mike James for Alston, picked up Calderone, send Sow to the D league where he seems to have developed a bit and picked up two decent draft picks. Just because his coach wouldn't double team Kobe and allowed him to pour in 81 last weekend isn't reason to fire the guy.
Ok well maybe that's not the reason but come on, the guy had a plan, we cant become the Detroit Pistons overnight, it takes time to develop a team out of the mess that was left here two years ago.
Makes the Raptors look dumber than usual. The clock is ticking on NBA franchises in Canada is all I'm saying.
Anyway everyone have a great weekend.
Weather been real up and down +7C one day -18 the next. Enough to make a fella sick. Been doing some getting ready for this baby thing plus work just crazy at the moment so no rest for the wicked I guess. Anyway baby classes done so I may chat about that next week along with the whole TTC drama thing.
Raptors fired their GM. Not sure that was the best move as it seems like he was finally getting over the dumb moves he made last year. Last year he traded Vince for a bag of magic beans, he drafted Rafael Arajoa and gave Rafer Alston too much money which were terrible moves but this year he traded Mike James for Alston, picked up Calderone, send Sow to the D league where he seems to have developed a bit and picked up two decent draft picks. Just because his coach wouldn't double team Kobe and allowed him to pour in 81 last weekend isn't reason to fire the guy.
Ok well maybe that's not the reason but come on, the guy had a plan, we cant become the Detroit Pistons overnight, it takes time to develop a team out of the mess that was left here two years ago.
Makes the Raptors look dumber than usual. The clock is ticking on NBA franchises in Canada is all I'm saying.
Anyway everyone have a great weekend.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
TTC drama part 2
Much love to those who read Part I and left comments, haven't had a time to respond but glad you enjoyed it
In case you missed Part I here it is.
Rufus E Smith: No sir, that's not what I meant. (sighs!) Could you just tell the viewers at home what happened on the train.
Theoplilus Adolphus Bourne: Oh yea, I almost faget bout that. Yea so like I was sayin I get to Kennedy Station and get on the train. Now this marnin was a good marning cause de train din full like usual so I was able to get a seat. Plus we din had nuh delays nor breakdowns like sumtimes. Cause ya know sumtimes soon as ya reach Warden station the train fella duz come over the loudspeaker and say "this train is outta service" an then ya gotta get up and wait pun dat cold cold platform fa anudda train. An ya kno summa dese unmannerly people doan even let ya get a seat when ya get back on always pushing ya at the door an ting so. Boy de people in this city aint got nuh manners ya kno.
But wait you kno wha I juss juss realize?
No sir.
You ever realize that the only time ya duz ever hear dem train fellas properly is when dem tellin ya dat the train out of service? Any other time at all at all, all ya duz hear is like two words and then bare crackily sounds coming through the loud speaker.
I never noticed that sir.
Fa true you sure?
No sir I've never noticed that phenomena.
You sure, sure?
Yes sir.
You sure sure sure?
(Face starting to look upset.) I'm POSITIVE sir
But wait, tell me sumting. You duz ride de train though?
Not usually.
Chupse! Wait so why you aint juss say so instead a trying ta mek me look like a poppit or a liar uh? All you had ta say was I got a big motta car an I duz drive work. Simple so. Instead you got people feel like I hayso mekkin up things an you tryin ta mek me look like I aint got nuh sense. Talking bout you POSITIVE and this an dat. Chupse! See how all wunnah big up people duz treat the poor man. Looka you aint kno if this so n so camera wasn't pointing at me I wudda .............
Just calm down sir, My sincere apologies I didn't mean to offend you.
Ya lucky I in a good mood ya cause you getting me vex!
I'm sorry sir it wasn't my intention. Now sir could we please go back to the story. Tell the viewers what happened on the train.
Alright lemma finish this off quick then.
So like I did saying. So I ketch the train an I sit down, plug in the Ipod and start listening to some serious vibes juss trying to hol a lil breeze before work.
Did you say Ipod?
Wait wha wrong wid you? You deaf or wha? Yes I say Ipod. Wha happen now? I look like I cann own a iPod? Or you tryin ta say dat I look too stupid to be able to work ona dum? Which wun you trying ta say uh?
(starting to sweat) I wasn't implying anything of that nature sir, I apologize profusely if that was the impression that......
Ya betta had cause you, you threading pun real thin ice ya! I warning ya. Looka I will have it known dat I up on all the latest technologies; iPods, mp3s, DVDs, PsPs, beeveedees all dem sorta things man. I in touch an in tune boy. So doan get uppity wid me.
Sorry sir.
Anyway like I was saying I plug in the iPod an was listenin to some serious vibes man.
Serious vibes?
Yes man, ya kno I gettin the feeling that you like you aint got tummuchy tummuchy sense ya kno! Wait how you get this job? You know sumbody dat did work at de station?
Music, man, dat is what I talking about. (clears throat. Starts singing again) 'I'm too experienced to be taken for a stro-o-oooooll! Too experienced for someone to rock 'n' ro-o-o-o-olll!" How ya like dat singing boy? ha ha, I cud still carry a tune. Ya kno boy dem real lucky dem put a age limit on Canadian Idol cause if I did lil younger I wudda mash down that show den.
Ok! Well Sir we are running out of time here so you've got to speed up the story a bit.
Cheese on bread den! You in real nuff rush man. Wha happen you from Rush-ia or wha?
Its not me sir but my producers are telling me to speed things up.
Speed things up? Speed things up? See dat is wha I doan like bout wunnah young people, always in tummuch rush. Dat is why summuch blood pressure, hypertension and heart attack and cancer stirring bout the place. Wunnah neva hear tekkin time aint laziness?
I agree sir, but could we get back to the details of what happened. And just for our viewers, the paramedics have just finished removing the injured passenger and she is on her way to the hospital with what is being reported as a broken nose.
Cuhdear, poor she, she aint had nuh right messing wid de odda girl though.
So continuing sir, what exactly happened here?
Well looka you really wanta kno fa true? Alright well lemma tell ya. Ummm amm but remind me how far I did get cause I like I faget.
You were on the train listening to some 'serious vibes.'
Wait you mocking me now?
No sir, not mocking just repeating what you said.
well um soun like you mocking me an I doan like dat at all.
No sir believe me I was not mocking you.
Alright but I watching you close cause you starting ta ar-ga-vate me.
No need to get upset sir. (changing topic) So you were listening to music on the train.
Yea man serious vibes boy, serious vibes! (clears throat starts singing again) "I'm too exp..."
Sir you sang for us already.
So wait ya saying ya doan like my singing now?
No Sir, not at all you have a lovely voice.
Oh so um is the song you doan like den?
No sir, not at all.
So if um aint the singing um gotta be the voice.
Not at all sir but (pointing to watch) ....
Well if um aint the voice um gotta be the music. Chupse! See I tell ya wunnah young people doan know good music at all den. Dat tune is a classic man, a classic! Looka last week I did home an I hear sum foolish loud ruck tuck music pun the radio and the man on the radio say dat is all the latest thing dat popular. Call um sum sorta ammm ammmm drunk music or sumting so.
You mean crunk sir.
Crunk? Well I thought um was drunk cause listen let me tell you then I would gotta be DRUNK ta listen to dat CRUNK. Dat is bare noise den! Barely confuse a fella head. But anyway ya did want me to tell ya the story.
Yes sir Please continue.
--------------------------------------------
I'm going to stretch it out Part III so stay tuned to the ( maybe not so) stunning conclusion of TTC drama same bat time same bat channel.
In case you missed Part I here it is.
Rufus E Smith: No sir, that's not what I meant. (sighs!) Could you just tell the viewers at home what happened on the train.
Theoplilus Adolphus Bourne: Oh yea, I almost faget bout that. Yea so like I was sayin I get to Kennedy Station and get on the train. Now this marnin was a good marning cause de train din full like usual so I was able to get a seat. Plus we din had nuh delays nor breakdowns like sumtimes. Cause ya know sumtimes soon as ya reach Warden station the train fella duz come over the loudspeaker and say "this train is outta service" an then ya gotta get up and wait pun dat cold cold platform fa anudda train. An ya kno summa dese unmannerly people doan even let ya get a seat when ya get back on always pushing ya at the door an ting so. Boy de people in this city aint got nuh manners ya kno.
But wait you kno wha I juss juss realize?
No sir.
You ever realize that the only time ya duz ever hear dem train fellas properly is when dem tellin ya dat the train out of service? Any other time at all at all, all ya duz hear is like two words and then bare crackily sounds coming through the loud speaker.
I never noticed that sir.
Fa true you sure?
No sir I've never noticed that phenomena.
You sure, sure?
Yes sir.
You sure sure sure?
(Face starting to look upset.) I'm POSITIVE sir
But wait, tell me sumting. You duz ride de train though?
Not usually.
Chupse! Wait so why you aint juss say so instead a trying ta mek me look like a poppit or a liar uh? All you had ta say was I got a big motta car an I duz drive work. Simple so. Instead you got people feel like I hayso mekkin up things an you tryin ta mek me look like I aint got nuh sense. Talking bout you POSITIVE and this an dat. Chupse! See how all wunnah big up people duz treat the poor man. Looka you aint kno if this so n so camera wasn't pointing at me I wudda .............
Just calm down sir, My sincere apologies I didn't mean to offend you.
Ya lucky I in a good mood ya cause you getting me vex!
I'm sorry sir it wasn't my intention. Now sir could we please go back to the story. Tell the viewers what happened on the train.
Alright lemma finish this off quick then.
So like I did saying. So I ketch the train an I sit down, plug in the Ipod and start listening to some serious vibes juss trying to hol a lil breeze before work.
Did you say Ipod?
Wait wha wrong wid you? You deaf or wha? Yes I say Ipod. Wha happen now? I look like I cann own a iPod? Or you tryin ta say dat I look too stupid to be able to work ona dum? Which wun you trying ta say uh?
(starting to sweat) I wasn't implying anything of that nature sir, I apologize profusely if that was the impression that......
Ya betta had cause you, you threading pun real thin ice ya! I warning ya. Looka I will have it known dat I up on all the latest technologies; iPods, mp3s, DVDs, PsPs, beeveedees all dem sorta things man. I in touch an in tune boy. So doan get uppity wid me.
Sorry sir.
Anyway like I was saying I plug in the iPod an was listenin to some serious vibes man.
Serious vibes?
Yes man, ya kno I gettin the feeling that you like you aint got tummuchy tummuchy sense ya kno! Wait how you get this job? You know sumbody dat did work at de station?
Music, man, dat is what I talking about. (clears throat. Starts singing again) 'I'm too experienced to be taken for a stro-o-oooooll! Too experienced for someone to rock 'n' ro-o-o-o-olll!" How ya like dat singing boy? ha ha, I cud still carry a tune. Ya kno boy dem real lucky dem put a age limit on Canadian Idol cause if I did lil younger I wudda mash down that show den.
Ok! Well Sir we are running out of time here so you've got to speed up the story a bit.
Cheese on bread den! You in real nuff rush man. Wha happen you from Rush-ia or wha?
Its not me sir but my producers are telling me to speed things up.
Speed things up? Speed things up? See dat is wha I doan like bout wunnah young people, always in tummuch rush. Dat is why summuch blood pressure, hypertension and heart attack and cancer stirring bout the place. Wunnah neva hear tekkin time aint laziness?
I agree sir, but could we get back to the details of what happened. And just for our viewers, the paramedics have just finished removing the injured passenger and she is on her way to the hospital with what is being reported as a broken nose.
Cuhdear, poor she, she aint had nuh right messing wid de odda girl though.
So continuing sir, what exactly happened here?
Well looka you really wanta kno fa true? Alright well lemma tell ya. Ummm amm but remind me how far I did get cause I like I faget.
You were on the train listening to some 'serious vibes.'
Wait you mocking me now?
No sir, not mocking just repeating what you said.
well um soun like you mocking me an I doan like dat at all.
No sir believe me I was not mocking you.
Alright but I watching you close cause you starting ta ar-ga-vate me.
No need to get upset sir. (changing topic) So you were listening to music on the train.
Yea man serious vibes boy, serious vibes! (clears throat starts singing again) "I'm too exp..."
Sir you sang for us already.
So wait ya saying ya doan like my singing now?
No Sir, not at all you have a lovely voice.
Oh so um is the song you doan like den?
No sir, not at all.
So if um aint the singing um gotta be the voice.
Not at all sir but (pointing to watch) ....
Well if um aint the voice um gotta be the music. Chupse! See I tell ya wunnah young people doan know good music at all den. Dat tune is a classic man, a classic! Looka last week I did home an I hear sum foolish loud ruck tuck music pun the radio and the man on the radio say dat is all the latest thing dat popular. Call um sum sorta ammm ammmm drunk music or sumting so.
You mean crunk sir.
Crunk? Well I thought um was drunk cause listen let me tell you then I would gotta be DRUNK ta listen to dat CRUNK. Dat is bare noise den! Barely confuse a fella head. But anyway ya did want me to tell ya the story.
Yes sir Please continue.
--------------------------------------------
I'm going to stretch it out Part III so stay tuned to the ( maybe not so) stunning conclusion of TTC drama same bat time same bat channel.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Reacting on Instinct
Antonio Davis, of the New York Knicks, got suspended by the NBA for 5 games this past week. His crime was running into the stands during a game which is a definite no no and a very worrying sight for NBA officials especially after the whole Ron Artest debacle at the Palace of Auburn Hills last year.
But lets look at why Mr Davis ran into the stands. Apparently Davis was running to the aid of his wife Kendra who was up there watching the game. She was in an argument with another fan and from where Antonio was standing on the sidelines of the game it appeared as if a physical altercation was about to take place or his wife was being threatened. Davis ran to his wife's assistance and things de-escalated as security arrived and removed the offending fan. I'm guessing they also de-escalated because no average size fan is ready to scrap with anyone who can call a 6'10" 200+ big black dude to support them in a battle.
Anyway the fan says he wasn't threatening Mrs Davis and she was the one who hit him so he is demanding an apology and is actually suing the couple as well.
Ok its probably going to get more news coverage than it deserves and who knows what the actual truth is. Maybe its somewhere in between Davis' claim and the dude's claim. Davis however has been suspended for five games without pay which is actually a pretty lenient sentence in the NBA for his "crime".
Ok as an aside let me just say I'm not a big Antonio Davis fan. He got big cash in Toronto a few years back, then made a jackass of himself with comments saying he doesn't want to play here because amongst other things he doesn't like his family being in Canada because our schools teach his kids strange things like the metric system. Comments like that showed me homeboy was kinda dumb.
So he was traded away from the Raptors as all spoilt pouting petulant child-like players are eventually (that means you Vince) but I just found his attitude and effort, after his silly comments, really fell off and he put in a half assed effort at best for the Toronto team his last year here.
Anyway this is not about my liking him or not. I understand him being suspended as the NBA rules leave no grey areas for interpretation. He broke the rules, he was punished. However the question is are the rules right?
I just think the NBA rules don't follow a lot of common sense. Why? 9 Times out of 10 any man seeing his wife or another family member in that situation will respond by running to their assistance. Your brother staring down two bullies, you got his back, some jerk messing with your parents you are in there ready to scrap. That's not true?
Is only if the person involved is somebody like Aunt Gertrude second boy that still owe ya money, Cousin Steve that tief all ya matchbox cars from ya when ya was a lil boy or ya inlaws or somebody so that ya might decide I aint getting involved in that but otherwise the average guy is looking to go and support whoever in his family he perceives to be in need of assistance.
Another similarly silly NBA rule is the no tolerance one that says if your teammate gets into a scrap on the floor you cant get off the bench and get involved. In fact if a player takes one step onto the court he is automatically suspended at least one game so anytime some altercation occurs and players on the bench stand up you normally see one or two of the assistant coaches trying to push them back to their seats so they wont violate this rule.
Ok these are your teammates involved in a battle on the court. I'm not arguing for the right for a player in such a situation to run out there and start a full out fist of fury, throwing bows, melee but these are the dudes you spend 7-8 months a year playing with, traveling with, hanging out with becoming a team sometimes even a family. These are your boys! And you are not allowed to even take one step onto the floor when they are in potential trouble? Come on now! Instinct alone will get you up off the bench and taking that step to where the incident is occurring so it seems silly to me to punish someone for that. Zero tolerance gone wrong in my opinion. I mean the players are men not robots, instinct will move them to respond.
Ok so the argument is that the folks getting up from the bench will escalate the altercation which is possible but maybe some of them might be going to intervene to try to pull the combatants apart and cool things down. You could argue that too.
Oh well, NBA commish David Stern knows best. I'm just saying humans have certain instincts to respond .... react to certain situations. Yes human instinct can be wrong but what does it say when right is considered sitting back passively and watching as your family or friends are involved in a situation while wrong is considered going to their assistance.
And no I'm not crying boo hoo for Mr Davis and his 5 game suspension which costs him 700Gs in lost salary (thats 140,000 per game, or 2916 dollars per minute damn!!) which shows you how ridiculously paid he is. I just think the principle behind the rules may be slightly flawed.
But lets look at why Mr Davis ran into the stands. Apparently Davis was running to the aid of his wife Kendra who was up there watching the game. She was in an argument with another fan and from where Antonio was standing on the sidelines of the game it appeared as if a physical altercation was about to take place or his wife was being threatened. Davis ran to his wife's assistance and things de-escalated as security arrived and removed the offending fan. I'm guessing they also de-escalated because no average size fan is ready to scrap with anyone who can call a 6'10" 200+ big black dude to support them in a battle.Anyway the fan says he wasn't threatening Mrs Davis and she was the one who hit him so he is demanding an apology and is actually suing the couple as well.
Ok its probably going to get more news coverage than it deserves and who knows what the actual truth is. Maybe its somewhere in between Davis' claim and the dude's claim. Davis however has been suspended for five games without pay which is actually a pretty lenient sentence in the NBA for his "crime".
Ok as an aside let me just say I'm not a big Antonio Davis fan. He got big cash in Toronto a few years back, then made a jackass of himself with comments saying he doesn't want to play here because amongst other things he doesn't like his family being in Canada because our schools teach his kids strange things like the metric system. Comments like that showed me homeboy was kinda dumb.
So he was traded away from the Raptors as all spoilt pouting petulant child-like players are eventually (that means you Vince) but I just found his attitude and effort, after his silly comments, really fell off and he put in a half assed effort at best for the Toronto team his last year here.
Anyway this is not about my liking him or not. I understand him being suspended as the NBA rules leave no grey areas for interpretation. He broke the rules, he was punished. However the question is are the rules right?
I just think the NBA rules don't follow a lot of common sense. Why? 9 Times out of 10 any man seeing his wife or another family member in that situation will respond by running to their assistance. Your brother staring down two bullies, you got his back, some jerk messing with your parents you are in there ready to scrap. That's not true?
Is only if the person involved is somebody like Aunt Gertrude second boy that still owe ya money, Cousin Steve that tief all ya matchbox cars from ya when ya was a lil boy or ya inlaws or somebody so that ya might decide I aint getting involved in that but otherwise the average guy is looking to go and support whoever in his family he perceives to be in need of assistance.
Another similarly silly NBA rule is the no tolerance one that says if your teammate gets into a scrap on the floor you cant get off the bench and get involved. In fact if a player takes one step onto the court he is automatically suspended at least one game so anytime some altercation occurs and players on the bench stand up you normally see one or two of the assistant coaches trying to push them back to their seats so they wont violate this rule.
Ok these are your teammates involved in a battle on the court. I'm not arguing for the right for a player in such a situation to run out there and start a full out fist of fury, throwing bows, melee but these are the dudes you spend 7-8 months a year playing with, traveling with, hanging out with becoming a team sometimes even a family. These are your boys! And you are not allowed to even take one step onto the floor when they are in potential trouble? Come on now! Instinct alone will get you up off the bench and taking that step to where the incident is occurring so it seems silly to me to punish someone for that. Zero tolerance gone wrong in my opinion. I mean the players are men not robots, instinct will move them to respond.
Ok so the argument is that the folks getting up from the bench will escalate the altercation which is possible but maybe some of them might be going to intervene to try to pull the combatants apart and cool things down. You could argue that too.
Oh well, NBA commish David Stern knows best. I'm just saying humans have certain instincts to respond .... react to certain situations. Yes human instinct can be wrong but what does it say when right is considered sitting back passively and watching as your family or friends are involved in a situation while wrong is considered going to their assistance.
And no I'm not crying boo hoo for Mr Davis and his 5 game suspension which costs him 700Gs in lost salary (thats 140,000 per game, or 2916 dollars per minute damn!!) which shows you how ridiculously paid he is. I just think the principle behind the rules may be slightly flawed.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
A new day dawns
Well in case anyone isn't aware (meaning in case anyone actually cares) Monday is election day in Canada.
The advanced polls say that the Conservative party should win the election handily, or at least with enough seats to form a majority government, meaning we wont have to endure another quick poll in a year or so like this one coming just on the heels of our last election a year ago. Its just a little tough to watch all my hard earned tax dollars go down the drain on nonsensical elections while decent projects fall through for lack of funds.
The Liberals who have ruled Canada since the mid 90s will be on their way to being the opposition much to the chagrin of many.
Well what can one say. I got a few thoughts not necessarily coherent but I'll post them nevertheless.
What I find interesting about this election is how low key the real issues have been. In fact what are the real issues anyways? Is it gun violence, is it health care, gay marriage, is it money for transit, is it child care, is it relations with the US, is it relationships with Quebec (our foreign county within the country)?
It just seems like the focus has been on the fact that the Liberals have been in power for a number of years and are corrupt. Its not like most people, at least in the T-dot, want the Conservatives to win but a prevailing thought is that the Liberals must lose in order to regroup and come again. They have lost their way and hence must be tossed into the wilderness in order to find their compass and true north (holy mixed metaphors batman!). They must wheel an come agin!
Its interesting how folk are voting. Either they are voting Liberal because they are scared of the Conservatives and what they may do to the country (especially after the Mike Harris common sense revolution messed up Ontario) or they are voting Conservative or NDP because they are tired of the Liberal corruption. Is this the way democracy is supposed to work? Its like the whole lesser of two evils debate. All options you're screwed its just who do you think will screw you less. But then that seems to be the choice in most elections these days worldwide. There doesn't seem to be a movement that truly encompasses your ideals or strives to achieve what you really want to see happen so we do risk assessment to see who is the lesser risk.
I also find it amazing that the Reform party now dressed in Conservative clothing have been able to shed their smell. Remember Reform, remember their anti-immigrant, anti-Ontario sentiment from back in the day, well only a few years ago actually before they merged with the former Tory party. Well hey, wasn't Stephen Harper the leader of Reform? Do people remember that? Do you still want him for PM. Or maybe he's changed his spots since those good old days.
I find it hilarious that our current PM Paul Martin is losing/may lose/will lose this election. If he does its all his fault. The bickering between him and former PM Chretien is probably the biggest cause of the fall of the Liberals. Martin, like Luda wanted the number 1 spot but now he basically split the party, dumped the Chretein backers and threw out some of the old guard that helped keep it strong. If he loses it all on him.
I also think it ironic that the NDP helped to bring about this latest election by going against the Liberal minority government in the house of parliament. Memo to Jack Layton in the immortal words of Big Daddy Kane "Put a quarter in ya ....... cause ya played yourself!' After actually having some clout in this regime your party is about to go back to its former role of irrelevant fringe party.
Anyway come Monday night all will be revealed. If you can vote go out and let your voice be heard or your X counted. Vote for whoever you feel will do the best job. If you can and you don't you cant complain if things fall apart.
The advanced polls say that the Conservative party should win the election handily, or at least with enough seats to form a majority government, meaning we wont have to endure another quick poll in a year or so like this one coming just on the heels of our last election a year ago. Its just a little tough to watch all my hard earned tax dollars go down the drain on nonsensical elections while decent projects fall through for lack of funds.
The Liberals who have ruled Canada since the mid 90s will be on their way to being the opposition much to the chagrin of many.
Well what can one say. I got a few thoughts not necessarily coherent but I'll post them nevertheless.
What I find interesting about this election is how low key the real issues have been. In fact what are the real issues anyways? Is it gun violence, is it health care, gay marriage, is it money for transit, is it child care, is it relations with the US, is it relationships with Quebec (our foreign county within the country)?
It just seems like the focus has been on the fact that the Liberals have been in power for a number of years and are corrupt. Its not like most people, at least in the T-dot, want the Conservatives to win but a prevailing thought is that the Liberals must lose in order to regroup and come again. They have lost their way and hence must be tossed into the wilderness in order to find their compass and true north (holy mixed metaphors batman!). They must wheel an come agin!
Its interesting how folk are voting. Either they are voting Liberal because they are scared of the Conservatives and what they may do to the country (especially after the Mike Harris common sense revolution messed up Ontario) or they are voting Conservative or NDP because they are tired of the Liberal corruption. Is this the way democracy is supposed to work? Its like the whole lesser of two evils debate. All options you're screwed its just who do you think will screw you less. But then that seems to be the choice in most elections these days worldwide. There doesn't seem to be a movement that truly encompasses your ideals or strives to achieve what you really want to see happen so we do risk assessment to see who is the lesser risk.
I also find it amazing that the Reform party now dressed in Conservative clothing have been able to shed their smell. Remember Reform, remember their anti-immigrant, anti-Ontario sentiment from back in the day, well only a few years ago actually before they merged with the former Tory party. Well hey, wasn't Stephen Harper the leader of Reform? Do people remember that? Do you still want him for PM. Or maybe he's changed his spots since those good old days.
I find it hilarious that our current PM Paul Martin is losing/may lose/will lose this election. If he does its all his fault. The bickering between him and former PM Chretien is probably the biggest cause of the fall of the Liberals. Martin, like Luda wanted the number 1 spot but now he basically split the party, dumped the Chretein backers and threw out some of the old guard that helped keep it strong. If he loses it all on him.
I also think it ironic that the NDP helped to bring about this latest election by going against the Liberal minority government in the house of parliament. Memo to Jack Layton in the immortal words of Big Daddy Kane "Put a quarter in ya ....... cause ya played yourself!' After actually having some clout in this regime your party is about to go back to its former role of irrelevant fringe party.
Anyway come Monday night all will be revealed. If you can vote go out and let your voice be heard or your X counted. Vote for whoever you feel will do the best job. If you can and you don't you cant complain if things fall apart.
Monday, January 16, 2006
TTC drama Part I
Remember two weeks ago I told you I saw a fight on the subway? Well took a bit of artistic license with that and here it is TTC drama part I (trapped in the closet aint got nothing on us!)
Its about to be a what! A GIRLFIGHT!
The following takes place around 8:20 am on the Bloor Danforth Line at Castle Frank Station. Tick Tick Tick Tick!
Based on a true story (loosely based that is).
Are we on the air? Oh ok!
Uh ummm, This is Rufus E. Smith reporting to you live from Castle Frank subway Station, just moments ago the scene of a brutal assault which has seen one passenger left in the care of paramedics who just rushed onto the scene. We're here trying to find an eyewitness to the entire episode. (Spotting man in the crowd) Sir, sir can we get a minute of your time? What is your name and did you witness the altercation?
Wait who is you? Time in short supply this marnin wid all this foolishness dat juss happen ya kno cause I trying ta get ta work. Boss man aint gine tek no "subway was delayed" excuse agin. I use dat wun three times this week already...... an I only went work twice.
This is Rufus E Smith reporting live for channel Zero.
Channel Zero? Wha is dat? Wha I neva hear bout wunnah ya kno. Wha numba dat is in Scarborough?
Umm that would be zero sir.
Oh! Ok. Well I still neva hear bout wunnah. I duz watch Breakfast TV wid dat girl Jennifer and the odda wun Tracy, boy two a dem real nice ya know. You shud watch them punna marnin when you aint wukkin fa channel nero. I aint too fond a de one Lisa or Liza or whateva she name but dem odda two real real nice.
Thats channel zero. Sir what is your name and did you happen to see the brutal assault that just took place?
Brutal assault? chupse oh you mean the woman dat get de lash in she face? Chupse! Yea man I see when dat happen. Dat din no brutal assault ya hear! You like you tryin ta stir up controversy an mek up news. Looka I aint tekkin part in nuh mek up news fa wunnah ratings fa channel zerox.
Thats zero sir
Well zerox or zero whatever wunnah name I doan feel wunnah shud be mekkin up news.
We at channel ZERO are not in the habit of either "making up" or fabricating news stories sir. Take that from me, Rufus E Smith. Now sir again what is your name.
I is Theoplius Adolphus Bourne, better known as SweetChile, driver of X246, born October 7th 1959, brother of 7, father of 3. That one in Brampton aint mine ya hear, I did only mess wid she mudda one time an de chile doan look nuttin like me or nunna my family so if ya feel I paying chile support well ya can carry ya .......
Ummm sorry to interrupt you Mr Bourne but since you seemed to have seen the entire episode could you please tell us what occurred?
Episode? Wait you think this is CSI Miami or sumting? You feel I mekkin up episodes fa you ta get ratings and increase advertisements? Looka I duz only tell de truth, the whole truth and nuttin but the truth.
Please continue sir
Wait! I juss notice dat camera light blinking. we on the air fa true?
Yes Sir we are live on air.
Oh shoot! Why you aint tell muh nuttin. (Taking off hat and running hand over head to pat down hair) Well in that case where my manners. lemma say hello ta de wife an ta muh grandmudda Lottie and Auntie Mabel, cousin Charlie and to my bredren Mad Bull, Dr D, Obi, Buck, Amadeo and de resta de fellas and doan let me faget Bajansistren, Kami, Soli, Lene, Bajanqueen and Urban.....
Sir is this necessary?
Oh yea ya right cause nuhbody I know duz watch wunnah poo poo station anyways. chupse!
Sir the story...
Story? man I doan like wha you insinuating ya know. First ya say I giving wunnah episodes now ya sayin I tellin stories. Looka I doan tell nuh stories, my mudda raise me betta dan that. (Starts singing) "Teacher Percy say if ya tell a lie ya going ta hell as soon as ya die!" I is sweetchile not Lion de Liar ya kno.
Alright then sir. I apologize but could you please continue.
Alright well let muh start at the beginning.
Please do.
Well dis marnin I wake up bout 6 o clock roll over an say muh prayers. I think I ketching sum sorta cold though cause I had more yampie in me eye dan usual. Anyway um did real foggy outside like sumting from one a dem horro movies. Friday de 13th, jason, freddy and dem sorta fellas. I doan understand why outside duz gotta be suh dark in the marnin like the sun doan wanta wake up cause the place suh cold or sumting so.
Anyhow I get out muh bed, went in de bath and went downstairs fa breakfast. The wife mek muh favorite .....Bakes. You know anything bout bakes young fella?
Sir I really don't see how this has anything to do with ....
See wha I tell wunnah. Chupse! Man wunnah young people aint know nuttin bout propa food like bakes, and ground provisions and big flour dumplings in soup. All wunnah duz eat is French fries and all dat greasy fast food.
(ignoring Sweetchile) So when did the altercation occur?
Wait wha you interrupting me fa? You in a very much of a rush doah?
Sorry sir.
(cutting eye at Rufus E Smith) So after the bakes and a good cuppa green tea ta wake up the stomach I leff home roun 730, tek the bus down to Kennedy and get on the subway. One time I use-ed ta tek the (Scarborough) RT but nowadays de RT duz got people fa days den. I talkin bout people ram off like a ZR van then! An summa dum like dem duz leff home widout bathing. Wuhloss boy! Talk bout smelling frouzy! Last time I was pun the RT a fella get on an I almost pass out immediately. Lawd ave mercy boy, I almost thought I was a goner. In fact if the ride was anudda two minutes dem wudda had ta call the para amm amm .
The Paramedics?
No de orderlies and dem fellas wid de smelling salts too cause I woulda been unconscious.
I see
Yea man de RT duz be really too crowded pun marnings. Wait you think dem gine gi we a subway in Scarborough?
Umm I'm not sure sir.
You not sure? chupse! Wha I thought wunnah reporter fellas used to know evating. You aint got nuh big up politician friends? Wha you like you aint nuh real reporter, you musse a reporter friend.
I don't see how this is relevant sir. If you could just kindly tell us about what transpired on the subway.
Who ya say perspire? Looka behave yaself, I put on deodorant before I leff home so if anybody on the subway perspire um wasn't me. You musse smelling yaself ya.
No sir, that's not what I meant. (sighs!) Could you just tell the viewers at home what happened on the train.
Stay tuned for part II and possibly III coming soon.
Its about to be a what! A GIRLFIGHT!
The following takes place around 8:20 am on the Bloor Danforth Line at Castle Frank Station. Tick Tick Tick Tick!
Based on a true story (loosely based that is).
Are we on the air? Oh ok!
Uh ummm, This is Rufus E. Smith reporting to you live from Castle Frank subway Station, just moments ago the scene of a brutal assault which has seen one passenger left in the care of paramedics who just rushed onto the scene. We're here trying to find an eyewitness to the entire episode. (Spotting man in the crowd) Sir, sir can we get a minute of your time? What is your name and did you witness the altercation?
Wait who is you? Time in short supply this marnin wid all this foolishness dat juss happen ya kno cause I trying ta get ta work. Boss man aint gine tek no "subway was delayed" excuse agin. I use dat wun three times this week already...... an I only went work twice.
This is Rufus E Smith reporting live for channel Zero.
Channel Zero? Wha is dat? Wha I neva hear bout wunnah ya kno. Wha numba dat is in Scarborough?
Umm that would be zero sir.
Oh! Ok. Well I still neva hear bout wunnah. I duz watch Breakfast TV wid dat girl Jennifer and the odda wun Tracy, boy two a dem real nice ya know. You shud watch them punna marnin when you aint wukkin fa channel nero. I aint too fond a de one Lisa or Liza or whateva she name but dem odda two real real nice.
Thats channel zero. Sir what is your name and did you happen to see the brutal assault that just took place?
Brutal assault? chupse oh you mean the woman dat get de lash in she face? Chupse! Yea man I see when dat happen. Dat din no brutal assault ya hear! You like you tryin ta stir up controversy an mek up news. Looka I aint tekkin part in nuh mek up news fa wunnah ratings fa channel zerox.
Thats zero sir
Well zerox or zero whatever wunnah name I doan feel wunnah shud be mekkin up news.
We at channel ZERO are not in the habit of either "making up" or fabricating news stories sir. Take that from me, Rufus E Smith. Now sir again what is your name.
I is Theoplius Adolphus Bourne, better known as SweetChile, driver of X246, born October 7th 1959, brother of 7, father of 3. That one in Brampton aint mine ya hear, I did only mess wid she mudda one time an de chile doan look nuttin like me or nunna my family so if ya feel I paying chile support well ya can carry ya .......
Ummm sorry to interrupt you Mr Bourne but since you seemed to have seen the entire episode could you please tell us what occurred?
Episode? Wait you think this is CSI Miami or sumting? You feel I mekkin up episodes fa you ta get ratings and increase advertisements? Looka I duz only tell de truth, the whole truth and nuttin but the truth.
Please continue sir
Wait! I juss notice dat camera light blinking. we on the air fa true?
Yes Sir we are live on air.
Oh shoot! Why you aint tell muh nuttin. (Taking off hat and running hand over head to pat down hair) Well in that case where my manners. lemma say hello ta de wife an ta muh grandmudda Lottie and Auntie Mabel, cousin Charlie and to my bredren Mad Bull, Dr D, Obi, Buck, Amadeo and de resta de fellas and doan let me faget Bajansistren, Kami, Soli, Lene, Bajanqueen and Urban.....
Sir is this necessary?
Oh yea ya right cause nuhbody I know duz watch wunnah poo poo station anyways. chupse!
Sir the story...
Story? man I doan like wha you insinuating ya know. First ya say I giving wunnah episodes now ya sayin I tellin stories. Looka I doan tell nuh stories, my mudda raise me betta dan that. (Starts singing) "Teacher Percy say if ya tell a lie ya going ta hell as soon as ya die!" I is sweetchile not Lion de Liar ya kno.
Alright then sir. I apologize but could you please continue.
Alright well let muh start at the beginning.
Please do.
Well dis marnin I wake up bout 6 o clock roll over an say muh prayers. I think I ketching sum sorta cold though cause I had more yampie in me eye dan usual. Anyway um did real foggy outside like sumting from one a dem horro movies. Friday de 13th, jason, freddy and dem sorta fellas. I doan understand why outside duz gotta be suh dark in the marnin like the sun doan wanta wake up cause the place suh cold or sumting so.
Anyhow I get out muh bed, went in de bath and went downstairs fa breakfast. The wife mek muh favorite .....Bakes. You know anything bout bakes young fella?
Sir I really don't see how this has anything to do with ....
See wha I tell wunnah. Chupse! Man wunnah young people aint know nuttin bout propa food like bakes, and ground provisions and big flour dumplings in soup. All wunnah duz eat is French fries and all dat greasy fast food.
(ignoring Sweetchile) So when did the altercation occur?
Wait wha you interrupting me fa? You in a very much of a rush doah?
Sorry sir.
(cutting eye at Rufus E Smith) So after the bakes and a good cuppa green tea ta wake up the stomach I leff home roun 730, tek the bus down to Kennedy and get on the subway. One time I use-ed ta tek the (Scarborough) RT but nowadays de RT duz got people fa days den. I talkin bout people ram off like a ZR van then! An summa dum like dem duz leff home widout bathing. Wuhloss boy! Talk bout smelling frouzy! Last time I was pun the RT a fella get on an I almost pass out immediately. Lawd ave mercy boy, I almost thought I was a goner. In fact if the ride was anudda two minutes dem wudda had ta call the para amm amm .
The Paramedics?
No de orderlies and dem fellas wid de smelling salts too cause I woulda been unconscious.
I see
Yea man de RT duz be really too crowded pun marnings. Wait you think dem gine gi we a subway in Scarborough?
Umm I'm not sure sir.
You not sure? chupse! Wha I thought wunnah reporter fellas used to know evating. You aint got nuh big up politician friends? Wha you like you aint nuh real reporter, you musse a reporter friend.
I don't see how this is relevant sir. If you could just kindly tell us about what transpired on the subway.
Who ya say perspire? Looka behave yaself, I put on deodorant before I leff home so if anybody on the subway perspire um wasn't me. You musse smelling yaself ya.
No sir, that's not what I meant. (sighs!) Could you just tell the viewers at home what happened on the train.
Stay tuned for part II and possibly III coming soon.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Music: Fan un-appreciation
Its music Friday again.
Over the past few years we have all become familiar with comments from the RIAA and various musical artists featuring complaints about their loss of income due to rampant pirating of music on the internet and in the streets. Bootleg cds, napster, Kazaa, bit torrent downloading and the like have all been alleged as the cause for the decrease in record sales and the shortfall in profit projections in the record industry.
Cant really say I disagree with their analysis and sometimes I do feel sad for a recording artist who has put his soul on wax only to see his music 'leaked' to the internet before its official release date or whose cd is being sold in large amounts on the bootleg market but he can barely go aluminum with his legit album. Poor guys.
isn't that terrible the way how the fans treat the artists? Mind you most cds are overpriced coasters these days anyways.
I'm sure we could argue that point quite a bit but I wanted to focus on something else today. The way the artists treat the fan.
The music fan is truly unappreciated by musical artists these days. I'm basing my argument on just one fact today although there are many others.
Exhibit A. Recording artist "Johnny Got Lucky" releases "Lukewarm the cd" in August. On the strength of previous releases, promotions and a maybe sort of hot first single 'Blah blah blah' his album selling for 14.99 moves quite a bit of product and he makes the top 40 list going maybe even Gold or Platinum. The album is possibly solid and he has a nice group of core fans from previous releases who are willing to buy his stuff as soon as it hits the street. From there, Word of mouth, he say she say and just hearing your boy or girl play it 10 straight times in their car convinces Joe or Jane Average public it may not be such a waste of money and he/she goes out and cops that album. Yea sales skyrocket. Johnny is platinum. People be catching the vapors.
It was all a dream but homeboy is making money and getting popularity. Back then they didn't know him now he's hot they all on him (And no I'm not pointing out Mike Jones). Was it his superior product, well maybe sometimes but it was also due to his hardcore fans and a few others who bought that cd as soon as it dropped and then played it and played it and passed on the word to the others that it was nice. This is what caused the snowball effect that led to that album going platinum.
So what does Johnny do in appreciation of said fans? Johnny releases "Mediocre the cd, Vol 1.5" in December featuring along with the old stuff 4 to 6 new songs or remixes and selling for 18.99. What da?
Ok before anyone says well you don't have to buy the second album, this is very true and I completely agree but I still think that dropping the same album with 5 or 6 new tracks 6 months later is disrespectful to the fans who went out and bought your album before it got big and got you to that platinum status. Shouldn't you be rewarding the people who bought your album the first time out instead of penalizing them for not waiting 6 months to buy it?
And no this isn't aimed at any specific artists, although quite a few come to mind, and I'll be dammed if I'd buy vol 1.5 if I already had version 1 but I still think that this practice is a serious diss to the fans who supported the artist from the get go. Its like trying to gouge your loyal fans twice. isn't it bad enough they bought your overpriced product once already.Thats not right!
But it does lead me to believe that the artist cares nothing about the true fans and is just out to stuff his/her pockets by siphoning off as much of your money as possible without putting in extra work. Maybe its to make up for the illegal downloading but its not right.
p.s: Monday I'm trying out a new story on you guys, its long so i'll give you it in parts. Have a great weekend.
Over the past few years we have all become familiar with comments from the RIAA and various musical artists featuring complaints about their loss of income due to rampant pirating of music on the internet and in the streets. Bootleg cds, napster, Kazaa, bit torrent downloading and the like have all been alleged as the cause for the decrease in record sales and the shortfall in profit projections in the record industry.
Cant really say I disagree with their analysis and sometimes I do feel sad for a recording artist who has put his soul on wax only to see his music 'leaked' to the internet before its official release date or whose cd is being sold in large amounts on the bootleg market but he can barely go aluminum with his legit album. Poor guys.
isn't that terrible the way how the fans treat the artists? Mind you most cds are overpriced coasters these days anyways.
I'm sure we could argue that point quite a bit but I wanted to focus on something else today. The way the artists treat the fan.
The music fan is truly unappreciated by musical artists these days. I'm basing my argument on just one fact today although there are many others.
Exhibit A. Recording artist "Johnny Got Lucky" releases "Lukewarm the cd" in August. On the strength of previous releases, promotions and a maybe sort of hot first single 'Blah blah blah' his album selling for 14.99 moves quite a bit of product and he makes the top 40 list going maybe even Gold or Platinum. The album is possibly solid and he has a nice group of core fans from previous releases who are willing to buy his stuff as soon as it hits the street. From there, Word of mouth, he say she say and just hearing your boy or girl play it 10 straight times in their car convinces Joe or Jane Average public it may not be such a waste of money and he/she goes out and cops that album. Yea sales skyrocket. Johnny is platinum. People be catching the vapors.
It was all a dream but homeboy is making money and getting popularity. Back then they didn't know him now he's hot they all on him (And no I'm not pointing out Mike Jones). Was it his superior product, well maybe sometimes but it was also due to his hardcore fans and a few others who bought that cd as soon as it dropped and then played it and played it and passed on the word to the others that it was nice. This is what caused the snowball effect that led to that album going platinum.
So what does Johnny do in appreciation of said fans? Johnny releases "Mediocre the cd, Vol 1.5" in December featuring along with the old stuff 4 to 6 new songs or remixes and selling for 18.99. What da?
Ok before anyone says well you don't have to buy the second album, this is very true and I completely agree but I still think that dropping the same album with 5 or 6 new tracks 6 months later is disrespectful to the fans who went out and bought your album before it got big and got you to that platinum status. Shouldn't you be rewarding the people who bought your album the first time out instead of penalizing them for not waiting 6 months to buy it?
And no this isn't aimed at any specific artists, although quite a few come to mind, and I'll be dammed if I'd buy vol 1.5 if I already had version 1 but I still think that this practice is a serious diss to the fans who supported the artist from the get go. Its like trying to gouge your loyal fans twice. isn't it bad enough they bought your overpriced product once already.Thats not right!
But it does lead me to believe that the artist cares nothing about the true fans and is just out to stuff his/her pockets by siphoning off as much of your money as possible without putting in extra work. Maybe its to make up for the illegal downloading but its not right.
p.s: Monday I'm trying out a new story on you guys, its long so i'll give you it in parts. Have a great weekend.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Baby Shopping
Well time is quickly sneaking up on me with this whole baby thing. If all goes well (fingers and toes crossed) the little one will be here in less than two months.
Ok Jdid, no time to panic.
So I/we've (de wife and I) started doing some baby shopping in preparation for the new arrival. Well its been less like shopping and more like looking cause nothing much has been bought yet. Just some shopping forays to get an idea about what we need and how much it costs.
Well what can I say. Its been quite an experience. I've been looking at strollers, playpens ( I thought they had a different function mind you), cribs (unfortunately not the type featured on MTV), car seats and a whole lot of other baby stuff. Its actually quite a bit of info to ingest but so far its been interesting.
Strollers, prams, sorry they call them travel systems if ya please now, in themselves are like a whole course that should be taught to soon to be parents. I mean the range and diversity in colors, number of wheels, size of wheels, weight, adjustments and materials are amazing. Its enough to make me call them baby cars because there seem to be about as many makes and models as your average automobile. I mean they even make three wheel jogging strollers these days. What will they think of next!
And they have interesting names too; the Euro, the Passage, the Spree. Boy when the lady at the store tell me about the Spree, I was thinking Spreewells and saying to myself "boy these days they even making baby prams with spinners!" I aint buying no baby carriage with no spinners though next thing ya know baby talking bout "sitting on dubs" and want me buy him/her bling bling. Imagine if I have a chile like that, looking like lil'John or one of those dudes. Yeaaaahhh! What!! Ok I'm bugging. Sounds like a nice Chappell skit though.
Oh and as an aside why is it in Scarborough town centre all the strollers are locked down while I can go to the Eaton Centre and fool around with any stroller in the said same department stores. I must live in a bad area, people tiefing strollers lawd ave mercy!
Next baby post: Baby classes and why I'm still traumatized! (Coming next week possibly)
Ok Jdid, no time to panic.
So I/we've (de wife and I) started doing some baby shopping in preparation for the new arrival. Well its been less like shopping and more like looking cause nothing much has been bought yet. Just some shopping forays to get an idea about what we need and how much it costs.
Well what can I say. Its been quite an experience. I've been looking at strollers, playpens ( I thought they had a different function mind you), cribs (unfortunately not the type featured on MTV), car seats and a whole lot of other baby stuff. Its actually quite a bit of info to ingest but so far its been interesting.Strollers, prams, sorry they call them travel systems if ya please now, in themselves are like a whole course that should be taught to soon to be parents. I mean the range and diversity in colors, number of wheels, size of wheels, weight, adjustments and materials are amazing. Its enough to make me call them baby cars because there seem to be about as many makes and models as your average automobile. I mean they even make three wheel jogging strollers these days. What will they think of next!
And they have interesting names too; the Euro, the Passage, the Spree. Boy when the lady at the store tell me about the Spree, I was thinking Spreewells and saying to myself "boy these days they even making baby prams with spinners!" I aint buying no baby carriage with no spinners though next thing ya know baby talking bout "sitting on dubs" and want me buy him/her bling bling. Imagine if I have a chile like that, looking like lil'John or one of those dudes. Yeaaaahhh! What!! Ok I'm bugging. Sounds like a nice Chappell skit though.Oh and as an aside why is it in Scarborough town centre all the strollers are locked down while I can go to the Eaton Centre and fool around with any stroller in the said same department stores. I must live in a bad area, people tiefing strollers lawd ave mercy!
Next baby post: Baby classes and why I'm still traumatized! (Coming next week possibly)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)