Lymin'on the Spine

Third World?

2011-06-10T19:10:00.001+01:00

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/columnists/mcintosh/2011/06/05/how-we-treat-old-people-makes-us-no-better-than-the-third-world-115875-23179310/.This denigration of the so called third world needs to stop. Does the average first worlder have any clue, any REAL clue what takes place in so called 'third world' countries in general, but specifically in relation to vulnerable people? And if they don't

Creativity and budgets for it need to return

2011-05-15T19:45:00.000+01:00

There’s too much damn BAD reality TV on the air right now. I know that creating well crafted dramas and comedies costs money and takes skill but its skill and money we must find. Because reality shows make the subjects money and put them back in the limelight so many stars and pseudo stars go for them. But they usually degenerate into a voyeuristic following of people’s misfortune. However,

My Thoughts on the Royal Wedding

2011-04-23T19:22:00.000+01:00

Immigration - from the immigrants' mouths

2011-04-17T15:55:00.001+01:00

Check these stories out for a front line explanation.http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/immigration-the-bigger-picture-2269074.html

Doing things properly.

2011-04-01T21:10:00.001+01:00

On too many occasions you hear of people suffering because other people haven’t used basic common sense when executing a task. How about we all commit to operating as human beings and not just do things by rote?

A Lethal Combination

2011-03-14T22:26:00.000Z

It is happening – we have undereducated our people and the dumbest ones are the ones in charge of companies. Add to that a large degree of unproductiveness and voila – what do you get? The bottom falling out of our productivity and profitability. Our economy is in trouble and the only feasible and sustainable way out is through growth. How the hell are we going to grow when the things that

Do we Really Want a British Fox News?

2011-03-03T20:35:00.002Z

So Murdoch has been given the go ahead to buy the world so to speak as it pertains to the UK media landscape. It is really hard to believe that this unelected government has been in power for only ten months. Even more amazing, even for me, is how swiftly they have laid waste to the country. How comes there is no mass protest in the UK? Because we've spent decades under-educating our people

Jessie J - a Pleasant Surprise

2011-01-16T16:04:00.000Z

I heard an interview with this young star the other day on Channel 4 news and I was pleasantly surprised at how clear she was on what she had been, was doing and was going to do as an artist. I believe she said something along the lines of she sees herself as part entertainer, part therapist or something. Basically she was saying that there was more to her music than just being a star. It was

Hilarious prank call

2010-12-13T22:40:00.001Z

You might have heard this before but this is priceless! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7OgWcwgB50

Staying afloat and doing well

2010-12-05T16:18:00.002Z

There is no good reason why people who are willing to work shouldn’t be able to support themselves and their families and live comfortably. But for some reason the way things are set up make this impossible for many and extremely difficult form the majority. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/record-levels-of-poverty-among-families-with-wages-2151711.html The fitness instructor in

We are all human.

2010-11-22T20:39:00.000Z

I am watching an episode of Dispatches in which Pakistani people are speaking about the loss of loved ones in various bombing incidents. It is heartbreaking. One man made a point that stuck with me – he said something to the effect that to many people throughout the world, when they hear of bombings and deaths in Pakistan, these deaths are just a number. He said that in the morning he

'Allo 'Allo

2010-11-17T20:12:00.000Z

I am watching a re-run of ‘Allo ‘Allo and I am reminded of how incredibly funny it is. One of my favourite moments is in the days of the original La Clair. Madame Edith was once again going to thrill the patrons with her singing, but the British airmen were hiding inside the piano. So La Clari decided to mime playing the instrument for Madame Edith while the airmen said ‘plink plonk, plinky

Why the plastic surgery?

2010-11-08T22:33:00.000Z

Why do some women insist on getting plastic surgery when it neither makes them look better nor younger? And not to mention the risk – I mean why put yourself under a general anaesthetic for a look? I can get aging and not being happy with how you look but I can’t get going through risky surgery , spending a fortune and then coming out and looking worse. As for me – I hate hospitals and the

Madness in Trini Land

2010-11-03T18:44:00.003Z

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that her “nation would have to get something in return for helping Caribbean neighbours affected by Hurricane Tomas.” I, like others (see this story in the Gleaner http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=23887) are gobsmacked. Have you EVER heard the leader of a country state that they would need something back for

Respect for the President

2010-11-01T21:24:00.000Z

Check this article out - from Canada. http://www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/america-hes-your-president-for-goodness-sake

The Death of Good Taste

2010-10-18T16:12:00.000+01:00

The latest instalment of the X-Factor has sealed the death of good taste in the UK. It seems as though if you are an excellent singer, can keep in tune and in time then you are not considered of the greatest value by the judges. However, if they take a shine to you for whatever reason (never the reason of musical talent) then you are considered fantastic. Even after hearing a lacklustre, out

Does our culture let women down?

2010-10-11T20:24:00.000+01:00

There’s been a lot of talk in the media recently about the pay gap between men and women. In some respects the discourse is confusing – often people say that the type of work women choose is the problem i.e. they go into low paid areas of work. In that case then like for like isn’t being compared – I thought the equal pay issues were about a man and woman who do the same job and the man gets

Why are the English so Fascinated with Hitler?

2010-10-08T21:00:00.003+01:00

On English TV there is a preponderance of shows focusing on Hitler. More Four just advertised a programme; apparently someone has uncovered footage - wait for it, wait for it - of one of Hitler's aides! Yes folks - you'll get the chance to see one of Hitler's servants.Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't Hitler a bigoted murdering bastard? Why keep focusing on him?And in that spirit I end.

Check out this blog

2010-10-04T20:13:00.000+01:00

Hey, check out my sistren's new blog here http://informimagineinnovate.blogspot.com/2010/10/playing-with-little-wave.html

Journalists need to speak for us

2010-09-27T12:08:00.001+01:00

I am tired of journalists trying to stir up trouble when they have the chance to interview those in power. In the wake of Ed Milliband’s win all I seem to hear journalists ask him is, ‘how does this affect your relationship with your brother,’ ‘does this mean Labour will lurch to the left,’ ‘Didn’t you only get in because of the unions?’ ‘You don’t really have a mandate, or you didn’t really win

The Curse of the Mookoot

2010-09-17T20:26:00.004+01:00

In popular Jamaican parlance, a mookoot is an idiot. Basically what we in the UK call a muppet.Now many people who seem to get onto property related reality TV shows in the UK suffer from acute cases of mookootism. The symptoms usually are: 1) Copious amounts of money 2) An acute lack of any sense, common or otherwise What always amazes me is the restraint of hosts like Kevin

Men need to snatch their balls back

2010-09-15T22:42:00.000+01:00

Too many modern British men are wusses. Now I am not advocating old style gender roles – I don’t believe women should be wusses either – trouble is as a result of man-made gender rules many women generally aren’t. Let me explain. Over the centuries, women have been treated as though they were not as important as men, yet they have been made to do the bulk of the work in many cultures. Now

Anyone who voted Tory should be beaten in the town square

2010-09-13T22:56:00.003+01:00

To all of you who voted for the Tories and the Lib Dems because you felt we 'needed a change' - well I hope you're bloody happy! We are screwed!!!!!These jokers will cut until we all bleed and then they'll cut some more. At the end of these five years the UK will be fifth world country unless we all make it clear we won't stand for it. I am not looking forward to the next few months. Those

Sympathy for the men

2010-09-06T21:50:00.002+01:00

Have a thought for this poor guy. A really funny film.

The Integrity of the X-Factor

2010-08-23T19:52:00.002+01:00

People are complaining that using auto tune software on the X-Factor compromises the integrity of the show.Hello . . . . . . ?WHAT integrity?

Silly Season Again

2010-08-20T22:53:00.002+01:00

So the X-Factor is on again this Saturday. Well, what do you think - will we get any actual singing, or any good singing this year?One thing the programme does is highlight how many delusional people there are in the UK and how many mentally ill people there are. Especially the particularly disturbed people who come back year after year, clearly after not bothering to take any voice lessons.

Poor shouldn't mean thick

2010-08-18T19:35:00.000+01:00

A story on the BBC website this past week states some stats saying that poorer kids are more likely to be killed or injured on the roads than richer kids. The argument is that richer kids have back gardens and parks to play in and are driven around in cars, whereas poorer kids have to play in the street. I disagree. The problem is poorer parents don’t teach their kids sense – in this case,

Getting out of a funk

2010-08-16T20:55:00.002+01:00

Getting out of a funk is hard.Been in one for a while.But what do you do if you feel as if you are going crazy? What if you can't afford to do what you KNOW will help?I don't have the answers but I'm going to have a stab at it.1) Try and take a deep breath and breath slowly for at least 30 seconds. 2) Say a word of thanks for your blessings - they are likely to be many.3) Then think of what you

Learning from our mistakes

2010-08-13T20:15:00.003+01:00

Check this story out from today's Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-we-are-wrong-about-being-wrong-2051107.html It's very good and poses some sober questions about English people's attitude to mistakes and the lessons that can be learned from them. It is time for us to start learning from our mistakes instead of hiding them and continuing in

High Quality UK Programming

2010-08-12T22:05:00.000+01:00

Big up to the creators of the new Sherlock show on the Beeb. This goes to show that the UK can produce excellent programmes soothe question is, why don’t they do so more often? Often the cry is money and in some respects that makes sense, but in terms of good stories and acting, that can still be done with limited sets etc. I think part of the problem is the UK audience. It’s hardly a

Comfort over Competence – the British Way

2010-08-09T17:48:00.000+01:00

Watching an episode of Boston Legal, the one where they give Brad the partnership over Jerry. The issue here is that the partners didn’t want Jerry to be a partner because they felt he didn’t fit in. They however acknowledged that he is extremely competent and has brought in shed loads of money. They had him work extremely hard hanging out the hope of partnership each year even though they

Time to man and woman up

2010-08-04T16:11:00.000+01:00

Simple statement today – we are given stewardship over kids, to care for them and to raise and train them to be worthwhile fulfilled adults. They aren’t given as some sort of ego booster or as a way to make you feel better about yourself. So, keeping that in mind, employ some common sense when it comes to discipline and stop wimping out. In the long run (and it’s the long run that counts)

Working From Home

2010-07-30T12:27:00.000+01:00

I was thinking again about working the other day and I know that many of us can do our jobs from home with the technology we have yet we are not permitted to by our employers. Even in this economic climate – most businesses would rather spend more money on having everyone come into an overpriced office than stay home and work based on targets. Why? Well, I say that while companies are coming

Big Stars on UK Screen

2010-07-28T14:41:00.001+01:00

How comes so many big Hollywood stars have been on the UK small screen lately? We had Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz on Top Gear (prior to Andy Garcia a few weeks ago), and Chris Rock, Adam Sandler and Kevin James on The One Show! Now US stars come over here all the time to premier their movies here but I can’t ever remember seeing them on everyday UK TV shows. So what’s up? Rumour is that the

Top Gear on Sunday

2010-07-26T13:43:00.001+01:00

Mmmm, I did wonder how they managed to scoop such big stars. This story gives a possible reason. http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/66265,people,news,tireless-tom-cruise-cameron-diaz-flog-knight-day-in-uk-london-premiere-top-gear

The Lost Art of Conversation

2010-07-22T15:40:00.001+01:00

One of the things that exasperates me about English culture is the fact that most English people seem incapable of carrying on any sort of conversation – and by conversation, I mean an exchange of ideas. Especially women. The list of topics to prattle on about (it certainly is never an actual discussion on these topics) is as follows:· The weather· Whatever the hell you did or

Bin Fear

2010-07-21T12:46:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I read an interesting quote. It basically said ‘what would I do if I wasn’t afraid?’ The answer to that was rather enlightening. The list was as long as my arm! Basically, it included everything I really want to do but don’t because I am afraid of stepping out. A lot of it has to do with money. If I do what I want to do, in the immediate aftermath I would be income-less and my

Baiting the electorate

2010-07-19T19:42:00.000+01:00

Is anyone else fed up of journalists baiting politicians on behalf of us the electorate? I just watched a so-called feature on the Milliband brothers on Channel 4 news and as a voter I heard little that was of importance to me and much that seemed to be geared towards getting a rise out of both men. We are in interesting times and I for one want to hear from politicians on the hustings, how

Bathrooms – the last bastion of gender separation

2010-07-13T10:25:00.001+01:00

‘Don’t put your handbag on the bed it’s been all kinds of nasty places,’ says HRH. ‘All kinds of nasty places, what do you mean?’ I ask him. ‘Well bathroom stall floors for one thing.’ ‘No no no, when I am in a bathroom stall I hang my handbag on the peg.’ ‘Peg? What peg?’It was at that point that it occurred to me. My husband would have had no

The US of UK?

2010-07-07T20:32:00.001+01:00

So, there’s another nutcase gunman on the loose in the UK and this time he has managed to evade the police for several days. It really does look as though all countries ape the US is absolutely everything. Well this is one aspect of life in the US I can do without. First that nutter in Northumberland and now this guy in Newcastle. I know it’s not scientific to say so but it doesn’t say much

Let us do what needs to be done, now!

2010-07-05T19:19:00.001+01:00

We need to be accountable and we need to finish things. I was in a meeting today that typifies the British attitude to doing almost everything. Several of my colleagues were to have investigated certain issues and research certain information in order to complete some work. They came to the meeting having not done it. When the matter came up, said people made statements to the effect of ‘Well

FIFA Sees Sense - Hopefully

2010-06-30T19:46:00.001+01:00

Finally, some positive noises from FIFA about using technology in football. This World Cup has shown how desperately it is needed. I do hope that this is much more than lip service and that he means business.

Try to be of use to someone today

2010-06-09T21:16:00.002+01:00

We are all on this earth together for a reason and one of those is to be of service to each other. So make it your mission each day to be of service to others. There are so many lonely people in need of various types of assistance and it shouldn't be this way. Let us have each other's back.

Predictors of Divorce

2010-06-01T19:58:00.001+01:00

Very sad to hear today that the Gore's 40 year marriage is over. But it can happen. Take a look at this interesting article. What do you think? http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article7141224.ece

The Decision to Leave Jamaica

2010-05-24T20:48:00.002+01:00

One of my friends responded to a post from someone who said they were glad to have left Jamaica given the current unrest there. The responses were generally negative. Now maybe the person didn't put their comments in the most complimentary fashion but nonetheless there are salient points.If you leave Jamaica it doesn't mean you are a traitor. There are lots of lovely things about living in

Telly Talk

2010-05-19T22:28:00.000+01:00

I was hoping to get some answers from Lost but it seems like the closer we draw to the end of the programme the more questions get thrown up. This week’s episode with Alison Janney was great – quite haunting really. But I do hope they won’t leave us hanging at the end by not answering all questions in the hope they can come back . Can’t believe they are cancelling Flash Forward and Heroes. I

The Beginning of . . What?

2010-05-12T21:32:00.001+01:00

And so the marriage has taken place. I am conflicted and somewhat disturbed. Disturbed for obvious reasons unless you are a Tory, and conflicted because I seriously doubt that the two parties can really co-exist without real friction. Also, I feel that unless Nick Clegg turns the Deputy Prime Minister role into something substantial – that his party has got the short end of the stick in this.

Migraines

2010-05-10T21:20:00.002+01:00

Does anyone out there know of the best painkiller to take (in the UK) for migraines, without having to get a prescription? When I was living in JA Exedrin and codeine tablets worked a treat but I haven't come across anything in the UK that works. Appreciate the feedback.

Don’t be a fool all of your life

2010-05-05T19:53:00.002+01:00

I was at an event recently, a discussion and voting came up. Many in the group said they will not be voting because they don’t trust any of the three major parties on the hustings. Now I have heard people say this type of ridiculous thing very often. Here is my position: whatever these people do or don’t do, there will be a government, the UK is not turning into Somalia anytime soon. Now all

My Manifesto Continued

2010-04-21T23:00:00.002+01:00

11) No repayment should be penalised - if you pay off debt early that should be a plus.12) The welfare system should be overhauled so that you are not penalised for bettering yourselves.13) Anyone on benefits not making an effort to better themselves should be thrown off benefits.14) Power companies should be nationalised.15) In fact public services should be nationalised, power, water, transport

My manifesto

2010-04-12T19:05:00.002+01:00

Now we are in the silly season, here are some things I think should be done to improve life in the UK:1) Flat rate of income tax for all income above £18,000 per annum. Anyone earning £18k or under pays no income tax. Everyone else's first £18k will be tax free. This saves the administration costs of administering different tax rates and it is fair - 10% of £10 is by definition less than 10% of

Last installment on First World Thoughts

2010-03-29T20:49:00.001+01:00

On analyzing the behavior of the people in rich & developed countries, we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives: 1. Ethics, as a basic principle. Not true. A large number of people in rich and developed countries are extremely unethical and dishonest – just the same as anywhere else. Their wealth is as a result of theft, murder and oppression of people who

Remainder of first world thoughts

2010-03-23T18:42:00.001Z

(My thoughts in normal type)Executives from rich countries who communicate with their counterparts in poor countries show that there is no significant intellectual difference. Actually there often is, people in developing countries who are educated are often the recipients of a superior education due to a culture of embracing education and the fact they had to hustle to get it. This should be

First World vs. Third Part 2

2010-03-17T18:10:00.000Z

Here are my thoughts on the email my friend sent me. They are in two sections – I’ll post the rest on Friday. ** Original copy in bold, my comments in normal type. The following does not take into account the fact that many first world countries stole resources and labour from the poorer countries for centuries and systematically brainwashed their people into believing they are inferior.

First World vs. Third World

2010-03-15T20:39:00.001Z

Someone sent me the following: To reflect and... Act. The difference between the poor countries and the rich ones is not the age of the country. This can be shown by countries like India & Egypt, that are more than 2000 years old and are poor. On the other hand, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, that 150 years ago were inexpressive, today are developed countries and are rich. The difference

Forward thinking or just not thinking?

2010-03-14T21:43:00.000Z

Take a look at these two links. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8557236.stm and http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/6262328.stmIt is time we re-evaluate what type of country we are – a forward thinking one that cares for its people or a fourth world place with a formerly strong currency?

Persecuting Christians

2010-03-08T19:45:00.001Z

Once again Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria. I pray that those affected will remain strong in their faith and I also pay for a cessation of this persecution. But then again, we expect persecution don’t we? Lord be with them. Amen.

Quality Music

2010-03-03T21:40:00.001Z

Let us bring back high quality music and great artistes. Let us be done with talentless weirdoes who just want so desperately to be famous. It is time to bring back the magic!

Three D – A New Era

2010-03-01T19:00:00.000Z

Went to see Avatar in 3D on Saturday. I was speechless. It was by far the best move experience I have ever had! This wasn’t just because the 3D experience was out of this world, because it was but it was also because the story was excellent, the cinematography fantastic and the acting were also wonderful (I think it is unfair that no actors were nominated for Oscars – they did act, it isn’t

Ladies, get a grip on marriage!

2010-02-27T22:58:00.001Z

Picture this. We have a beautiful set up whereby many of us at some point decide to make a lifelong commitment to a member of the opposite sex. We make solemn promises and we do so in front of witnesses so that we can be held accountable for this. If we are mature, we understand that it isn’t a magic ceremony but a decision to love and live with someone in spite of all the vicissitudes of life

Companies – be honest!

2010-02-24T20:51:00.000Z

How frustrating it is when companies lie to you. I feel it would be much better if they would level with you about the product they are selling. Instead, what you get are frequent assurances that you are getting one thing when you are getting another – almost universally an inferior ‘other.’ Take broadband speeds. Companies claim in glossy ads that you are getting certain speeds when in

Why Shouldn't He Have an Engagement Ring?

2010-02-18T19:24:00.002Z

Saw a story on engagement rings for men or 'mengagement rings.' What do you think? I don't see why he shouldn't get an engagement ring if he wants one - we get them don't we? This is where the rubber hits the road ladies, if we want to be treated equally, then in those matters which are not role related as God decreed it surely we should treat the gents in the same way they treat us right? Go

Post Office Documentary Shocking

2010-02-08T20:49:00.002Z

I am watching the Dispatches documentary on channel four right now on the post office. It is frightening! Right now one postal worker is refusing to serve a customer because he rang the bell. (Uhm, you're supposed to, in order to get someone to deal with you).Also, a lot of people are getting a 'you were out' postcard when they are home. That's definitely happened to me - I've had to foot it

Sorry Prof has died

2010-02-04T19:35:00.001Z

I am so sorry Professor Nettleford has died. Now he wasn’t a close friend of mine but I got to work with him when I was in UWI Singers – for about six months – and he was a lovely (and very funny) man. It is a shame he had to go – even at 77, he could have had many more enjoyable years to contribute and believe me, he could contribute to society. We should take from his life of service the

We must get smart

2010-02-02T21:32:00.000Z

So some Cadbury’s workers went to protest outside of parliament – to stop the new owners shedding their jobs. It really is time for us to grow some brains – and the union rep who was with them is either an idiot or incompetent. Let me spell it out in simple terms people: When a company agrees to be sold to another and the sale goes through, as long as no laws have been broken and there are no

Haiti's history

2010-01-25T20:11:00.001Z

Check out this article. Well worth the read. With all that is happening in Haiti, it is worth getting some history. http://haitisheri1804.wordpress.com/2010/01/23/haiti-the-hate-and-quake-by-sir-hilary-beckles/

Women - clutching defeat from the jaws of victory

2010-01-11T18:47:00.001Z

What in tarnation is wrong with these girls? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1242198/Youre-going-dressed-like-Snow-joke-did-.html. We have been having temperatures up to double digit negatives and English girls are still dressing scantily and going out on the town – check out the chick lying in the snow. Also, what is happening? Are mothers not explaining the art of seduction to their

Writing is a job

2010-01-06T21:23:00.000Z

I am a writer. Well, I say I am a writer, but the truth is I am largely a writing avoider. The avoiding takes many guises the most common being ‘research.’ But I read or rather re-read something today. It was a piece of pithy advice from Steven King from his book ‘On Writing.’ He basically says that if you are serious you will spend 4-6 hours a day reading and writing and that he writes (I

Are mobility scooters a menace? A story today on BBC’s website.

2010-01-04T19:46:00.000Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8436558.stmInteresting point. In my opinion they wouldn’t be a menace if they were used properly. For me the greatest problem is having to dodge them in the road. I can’t count the amount of times I have seen pensioners driving them in the road like they are cars – I saw one gentleman trundling across the entrance to the slip road to the motorway one day.

Your own personal time capsule

2010-01-02T23:04:00.000Z

So a new year has started again. For most people, this means making resolutions. Funnily enough for me a new year doesn’t mean making resolutions – it means pledging to regularly keep a diary. I’ve kept diaries before – trouble has been I have found re-reading them depressing. That changed last night though. I re-read my last diary which spanned 1998 to 2000 and it was very enlightening. It

Be careful with British higher education

2009-12-23T19:43:00.001Z

The government basically wants universities to economise, there’s a suggestion of two year degrees. A lady from the Russell Group (UK Ivy league) on channel 4 news made the point that it’s not as if British unis are operating in a mass of waste. She also said that in order to come effectively out of a recession, it is vital we have credible and high quality universities so that our young people

Let something good come of this.

2009-12-16T20:30:00.000Z

So they have convicted Tobin for killing that girl which is excellent. Now that justice has been done in that quarter let us turn our attention to an important matter. Let us impart upon our daughters the importance of taking the utmost care of themselves. One thing my mother drummed into me? DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ACCEPT A RIDE FROM A MAN YOU DO NOT KNOW! Please let your daughters

Tax,tax, tax

2009-12-09T19:13:00.002Z

Bills, bills, tax, tax. Mi ah suck salt troo wooden spoon!Why is it that the only way this government sees its way out of any spending issue is to tax people who are already heavily taxed eh? Because they are weak and lazy that's why.Intelligent wealthy people find ways to avoid paying as much tax as possible and they will continue to do so. It's the rest of us salaried workers who pay the

Is the music dying?

2009-12-08T00:00:00.001Z