Tribal WAR

I only used the headline to get you to start reading. This post has nothing to do with WAR but deals with the challenges that we face because we are of different Tribes.

I was invited to an Iftar by a friend's co-worker/friend. Now it wasn't close to where we live but Trinidad not that big either. With directions in hand we set off 15 minutes later than I wanted to. I knew the exit to take but I was worried about the '10-15 minute drive on a road that seemed never ending'... that was part of the directions (we got). The directions were as accurate as you can get. I found the place with relative ease but too close to the actual time I wanted to be there... If You're on time you're Late... I was on time.

The formalities over we headed North, back to the relative safety and comfort of an area that I am more knowledgeable of. This is where the Tribal WAR starts. My friend, thankful for the Southern Hospitality, questioned the feeling of being outcast. I don't know how else to describe it. The atmosphere at the Iftar wasn't the same as I was accustomed to... but then again I rarely go to places where I don't know many people. The 'outcast' feeling was weird as the assumption was that Muslim people should be warm to others, especially at this time of year. I had to state that this was one of my problems with Muslims in Trinidad but it isn't a problem that is unique to Trinidad or ISLAM.

Tribal WARfare exists in many different facets. In this election season we are going to see it. There will be division between Race, Class, Ilk, Profession... all differing Tribes. Different people falling into different Tribes on different occasions. Our Tribes allow us to feel comfortable among others. We have a sense of security knowing others are the same. Knowing that they have the same beliefs, qualifications and even race. It isn't easy to go into a community and immediately be welcomed as an equal... even if you have the qualifications. You sometimes have to prove yourself. On this particular evening I didn't have the time nor did I see the need. It was fitting (this morning) that I heard the Mufti on radio speaking about 'the Family' on radio while I was having my Sehri.

The conversation that was spawned dealt mainly with me expressing my views on the divisions in Islam and personal experiences with family that I met for the first time. I am not about to write about the divisions in Islam as I don't believe that there should be any and I also am not qualified to do so. Nope! I am not an Islamic scholar. I can and will try to write about a personal experience.

I met a family that I had no interaction with for the majority of my life earlier this year. I met the parents 25 years ago, and then only the father about 10-12 years ago. My thought processes were all over the place. They were now a family of 6. Four children that I had never met and had no real knowledge of. Would they talk to me? Would they be uncomfortable with this stranger? Guess what... they all welcomed me into their lives with open arms. It was as if I was living there with them all the time. Thats the beauty of belonging to a Tribe. This was a family Tribe. A Tribe that welcomed a member unknown to them but 'known' to the elders. Just the knowledge that this person has some of the same roots as them. It would link to upbringing and belief.

As I write this I remember being welcomed back into another Tribe earlier this year. I wasn't with them for 2 years but I returned into the Tribe with no real rumblings. There was one incident where another Tribe member questioned my membership but it sorted itself out as Tribal Politics tends to do.

You see, we all belong to different Tribes at different times in our lives. Recently, Facebook has allowed me to find members of Tribes from my school days. We were all part of the same Tribe then and part of a new Tribe now... Facebook.

I don't know what to write again... I tired... this wasn't really a planned blurb... I leave you with this...

Its all about feeling a sense of belonging... (right now) I belong to Trinidad and I long to be here.

i guess at some point in time i will finish writing this but then again...

Ting-a-Ling-a-Ling

Well i should have known today would have been the call cause the PNM were rolling into St. Augustine... I think that's where Manning (the PNM) kicked off the last campaign... I stand to be corrected... doesn't matter anyway the BELL RING... time for the action to start.

Let me start by saying that the date shouldn't be a problem for any religious body unless it was falling on a religious hol(i/y)day. If you fasting you can still VOTE!

I would like to inform Mr. Dr. Manning that there are original peoples of Trinidad. While he was speaking tonight (28 Sept 2007, St. Augustine Hi-Lo Car Park) he misinformed his congregation of supporters that ALL of us, TRINBAGONIANS, were not the original inhabitants of this land. Mr. Dr. Manning I would have to make the assumption that you do not recognize the Carib community in Santa Rosa, Arima, as being Trinibagonian.

I have attended quite a few functions/cultural receptions at the Prime Minister's Residence, while you were Prime Minister, where these original (First Nations) peoples were invited to perform their rituals. Mr. Dr. Manning I would also have to assume that you weren't paying any attention to them at these functions.

I am not a Carib but a Trinibagonian and I would appreciate if you apologise to the Carib community and the Nation (Trinidad & Tobago) as a whole for this error. It was not the only inaccuracy in your speech but the one I thought most relevant to our Nation as you were talking about National Unity and bringing Cultures, Religions and Races together.

UPDATE: It seems that this has been a problem within the Manning administration. while scouring the internet on related issues i stumbled upon this post in another blog... Letter from Cristo Adonis (Carib, Trinidad)

The Manicou Report: Election Day in Trinidad & Tobago

The Manicou Report: Election Day in Trinidad & Tobago

other elections held on Nov 5th...

Nixon Wins By A Thin Margin, Pleads For Reunited Nation

1952: Landslide victory for Eisenhower

1940 President Franklin D. Roosevelt won an unprecedented third term in office, beating Republican challenger Wendell L. Willkie.

Joseph: Crime a major problem

the following is an article from the Trinidad Guardian (Friday, September 28, 2007). The article, written by Yvonne Webb, was buried on page 24.

Joseph: Crime a major problem
National Security Minister Martin Joseph has acknowledged that the most serious challenge facing T&T is crime and violence.
He said it was the Government's main priority and measures were being put in place to treat with this issue.
He was speaking at a PNM political meeting in Fyzabad on Monday.
Joseph also cited a United Nations and World Bank report done in March to say that crime was a problem in the Caribbean.
He said:"The PNM did not need a document to tell us that. We knew that and the Prime Minister and Head of the National Security Council recognised that the first thing the Government had to do was to reduce the inflow of drugs and guns coming into the country."
The Government purchased three offshore vessels to partol the coastline, installed a 360 degree radar system and strengthened existing legislation.
He said:"There is an impression being given by those opposed to them that the PNM has failed to provide the country with the level of security and safety necessary.
"They have given you the impression that under the PNM we sat back and allowed crime and violence to escalate.
"They believe they could use that as an issue to remove us from government. We are going to show them that this is not the case.
"This election is not going to be a one election issue election," Joseph said.
He said while Government was not totally satisfied with the speed at which the reduction in crime was happening, law enforcement officers had noted changes and a reduction in major crimes such as murders and kidnapping.

now here are my reactions as i read the article...

Joseph: Crime a major problem (finally an admission)
National Security Minister Martin Joseph has acknowledged that the most serious challenge facing T&T is crime and violence. (Nah he lie.. i tort there were no challenges)
He said it was the Government's main priority and measures were being put in place to treat with this issue. (how long now the population clamouring for some action?)
He was speaking at a PNM political meeting in Fyzabad on Monday. (to SHEEP or LEMMINGS?)
Joseph also cited a United Nations and World Bank report done in March to say that crime was a problem in the Caribbean. (AH, what would we do if the international community didn't alert us?)
He said:"The PNM did not need a document to tell us that. We knew that and the Prime Minister and Head of the National Security Council recognised that the first thing the Government had to do was to reduce the inflow of drugs and guns coming into the country." (well if you didn't need a document why quote one? and isn't the PM also the Head of the NS Council??)
The Government purchased three offshore vessels to partol the coastline, installed a 360 degree radar system and strengthened existing legislation. (but are these things operational/being utilised/enforced?)
He said:"There is an impression being given by those opposed to them that the PNM has failed to provide the country with the level of security and safety necessary. (ok is not the PNM fault its the Police... you are correct :P)
"They have given you the impression that under the PNM we sat back and allowed crime and violence to escalate. (thats no impression, that's reality!)
"They believe they could use that as an issue to remove us from government. We are going to show them that this is not the case. (well show me what is)
"This election is not going to be a one election issue election," Joseph said. (DAMN STR8, there are alot more issues to go along with crime... corruption, health, corruption, housing, corruption... did I mention corruption?)
He said while Government was not totally satisfied with the speed at which the reduction in crime was happening, law enforcement officers had noted changes and a reduction in major crimes such as murders and kidnapping. (This (fill in the blank) still talking about murders and kidnapping... I worried about them stealing my car, breaking into my home, robbing my family when they walking on the road, raping people... all crime should be considered MAJOR)

50 Cent - I Get Money - LIVE AT THE HARDROCK

I am not really a fan of Fiddy's so I posting this for Hans & Gonzo who played this on radio last night during Last Ride... yeah the BOOM Champions thought it would be good to play the RAW version... thanks for not playing too much Hans... :D... you can also see Hans on Synergy TV hosting 'd Scene.

iPhone in Trinidad

I had the opportunity to use the iPhone courtesy AVitSupport.com

Nothing special in the video. only proof that I had it and it was working.

Jay-Z - American Gangster

JAY-Z Creates Original Material to be Released in Conjunction With Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment’s American Gangster

On November 6, Roc-A-Fella Records and JAY-Z will release the new album AMERICAN GANGSTER. Separate from the official motion picture soundtrack, this collection of all-new original material is a musical journey and lyrical interpretation of snapshots from the upcoming motion picture American Gangster, which pairs Oscar® winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Based on the true story of criminal mastermind Frank Lucas, who came up from the streets of New York in the ’70s, the film is produced by Academy Award®-winning producer Brian Grazer and directed and produced by Ridley Scott. It opens on November 2.

The conceptual, full body of work from the new album balances the line between pure entertainment and real life. JAY-Z draws upon past experiences, speaking to the harsh reality of the drug trade still taking place in our nation's cities. While not glorifying the Frank Lucas story, JAY-Z articulates the lure of a gangster's life and stands as an example of one who chose to leave those streets behind to go on and become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time.

Throughout AMERICAN GANGSTER, JAY-Z brings the audience into a world rich in familial relationships, hustling and the lasting effects of drugs on a community. Through its musical tone, the album complements the story as told in the major motion picture release.

No Breathalyser

Same nonsense I wrote about... pass all the bills you want, the President have to proclaim it....

No breathalyser: drivers getting away at roadblocks
Darryl Heeralal dheeralal@trinidadexpress.com

Sunday, September 9th 2007

FOUR drunk drivers were arrested and many more would have been held, Arrive Alive's Kirk Waithe said, if police could have used the breathalyser.

The four were held during late-night-into-early-morning roadblocks on Friday, a strategy the police have been using to curb road carnage, in St James and Aranjuez.

One man was arrested on the Western Main Road, St James, and three others on the Aranjuez intersection on the Churchill/Roosevelt Highway.

They all failed a sobriety test in which they had to walk a straight line and balance on one leg.

The roadblocks involved police and licensing officers with the support of Arrive Alive.

Waithe said from what he saw he was sure that at least 50 people were driving under the influence.

Police also found a loaded 9 mm pistol in some bushes off the highway.

The gun was thrown out of a car when the person realised there was a roadblock.

Several cars were impounded and drivers charged for driving without insurance.

Drivers also had to peel off tint that was too dark and exceeded the legal limit.

President George Maxwell Richards assented to the breathalyser legislation on July 26 but it still has to be proclaimed before it can become law.

Heineken Green Synergy 2007 South Regional Finals

and the winner is...

Selector D by 10+ points over second place and 30+ over third...

yeah well most of the people who say they was coming never showed up... and they missed out...

who was telling me that Selector D was mess and didn't even realise that DJ Kal had started his set... mmm... no name calling today, he know who he be... I guess some really see things differently and use different words in different ways...

apparently the fourth contestant had Passport problems. i thought with this whole Caricom Single Market you cudda travel with just a valid piece of ID. I probably misinformed or the person probably didn't have that either.

Aight, aight... things got started around 2100 an hour later than originally planned. I believe it was because of the poor turn-out.

Selector D was first up and showed me what I had been waiting weeks to see. He really has a trick that I haven't yet seen in the Caribbean. Lemme just say that the mixer ends up on the floor after he uses his belly and back to move the crossfader. The mixer isnt the only thing that is on the floor for the performance. He also does a Hula-Hoop with the mixer during his 10 minute set.

After his performance DJ Kal, representing St. Vincent, came on. The remark from someone I was having a conversation with was, "Wait nah the second man playing already?" ok ok I paraphrase buh da was d jist... his intro left much to be desired and was a lackluster performance. Sorry to say I didn't pay him much attention and I was gearing u for the final contestant from Grenada.

Slick, Dj Slick d man had argument, style, flair... he most definitely had what it took to come out on top but I guess after seeing Selector D the judges definitely had a task ahead of them. Slick even put on a mask and wooed the crowd with Road March tunes like Jumbie. He most definitely would have won if Selector D wasn't there... and the point total would have been closer if he and DJ Kal performed before Selector D.

DJ performances over it was time for the tally to begin and the LOCAL vocal talent to shine through...

King David and Prestan had a great 'message based' performance. Singing a few of his current hits King David really impressed me yet again with his delivery. Prestan is a great compliment to King David's style and they work well together.

Chromatics made plenty people think with some lyrics... "I'm your Puppet"... that's all I have to say...

Spotrushaz showed why they are Trinidad & Tobago's premiere Hip-Hop ensemble. sang a nice set. Had a nice piece of window dressing on the stage... performance suffered when Meet Sauce came on... I have the studio track and it sounds good but Sauce needs to work on performing LIVE and I hope that the voice he has is truly natural... cause if not he nah mek sense... it sounds copycat-ish...

Imij & Co. performed good. As usual nice tight set but I questioned some of the song selection though. I do hope though that if they gonna continue with Teri Lyons dance routine they ask her too get a pants that fits... I like seeing woman ass an ting but not like that... I was reminded of her sister Faye-Ann's performance @ Soca Monarch a couple of years ago... too much crack... it was the first time I have ever seen/heard them perform without Ghetto Flex as well. I missed him...

The Heineken part of the night then came to a close with the announcement of the results. Two were chosen to go to Jamaica for the Caribbean Finals. Yes they called DJ Slick name first but that didn't mean that he won. I saw the scores. Selector D had the nod from all of the judges, even getting a couple of perfect scores in certain categories from different judges.

sorry no pics again... I respecting Heinekin and WinTV rights...

Saturday Morning Sessions

and the nominees are...

I am currently working on a project for an award show that is slated to happen 2 weekends from now. I wasn't at work for about 3 weeks due to a previous engagement... All the while I was thinking that the show is at the end of September... HA! Low and behold when I went to work on Monday they telling me that its due earlier... much earlier... 2 weeks earlier... 10 days earlier than what was tentatively given... oh $hit I have it written on the friggin whiteboard... Y allyuh so...

I have to do it anyway so it didn't make sense fussin... but the best part is that everything still eh final yet... I guess that is acceptable here in our little Third World Republic. Well I don't accept it... I cant... I know that it wont be the last time I encounter this either... but lemme just inform those who like to stick... you wont get the BEST of ME...

I wont be giving you the MTV finish... but i guess it may still be better than IBN's or WIN TV's graphics... I using templates and making then work for me, well you really cant get anything else cause meh employer eh paying me for graphic work either... side note - he had an interview today for one... didn't sound/look positive... exhale...

Every year allyuh have this programme set proper deadlines nah... I saw the promo for MTVs Music Awards and damn yow it looks HOTT... and I sure you wanted something looking like that too... SORRY! I had to change the Font Type on a whole heap of Graphics today because they weren't fancy or curly enough. Well I did... A Typewriter FONT in yuh Ruckunks... you like the Rounded Edges... OK... cause If you want Script Fonts you could get that too. I would do it but I wont be held responsible when the show airs on television and people cant read the damn text. No one really watches that station anyway. I mean I only watch it for news and I've been told that its only because a certain News Anchor has Big Boobies... I never noticed... :D

So I guess I will go to work tomorrow and finish all that I have been given material for. Thats all I can do. The best part is that they want me to scour the World Wide Web aka the Internet for pictures of the individuals who are nominated. Jeez allyuh doh even know to ask the respective managers for a Press Kit and then send the pictures for me... wait wait wait... i forgot this is a Third World Nation now striving for First World Status... VISION 2020... I should utilize and embrace the power of the internet and use the 100x100 .gif that is 20 years old too... well lemme start looking for pics cause I don't think they will appreciate me using more text for their Award Show.

iTouch

... i get in trouble

How many different incarnations of the iPod will I see? Yet another set of Portable Media Players from Apple. Only this time we have a wider range of colours.

The newest iPod takes a page out of the iPhone and actually allows you to download your songs from iTunes or via WiFi right from the iPod itself. That's right no need for a cable. No need to actually be at home or logged onto a machine to access the whole heap of songs and videos available through the iTunes service.

Rembunction - A Quiet Evening (mixtape version)