Loving My Reggae

If I was serious about being a reggae artist, I would be an artist who sing all kinds of music with a reggae flavor. I would want to be inspiring like Tarrus Riley, international like Sean Paul, legendary like Bob Marley, frank like Lady Saw and Tanya Stephens and sexy like Alaine. I would want to be powerful and VI representing like Pressure and Niyorah. I would still want to be edgy like Sizzla, Capelton, Beenie Man and Elephant man while being raw like Demarco. I would want to be entertaining like Jah Cure and Richie Spice and have qualities of all the artists I respect.

I am definitely the karaoke and house singer. I love reggae and I'll sing-a-long but that's it. I love ShineI, Ritical, Imo and the other BVI reggae artists who are coming strong lyrically and performance wise. They have the full talents to pursue music as a career. They are truly inspiring and know how to give good positive energy in their performances.

Reggae is a great artform because the music can make you cry, sing, love, dance, make wars or make babies. I think reggae will always be my favorite artform because it is so versatile. The only thing I would say is that gospel reggae sometimes tends to lean more dancehall reggae and I think gospel should keep that mellow flow. You want the non-christians to hear the gospel without hearing others secular songs popping in their heads.

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In Awe of Plagiarizers

I can never understand the audacity of people who steal other’s work. It is one thing on a job when the co-worker takes credit for your ideas. However, when someone has the gall to steal an article that you have worked so hard on, it is a hurtful feeling. More and more I realize that there are people who are just looking for the easy way out. Sometimes, an article is barely published for five days and it’s already scraped.

I have had an editor threaten to take down my article because some thief republished it. I have written and fought with every person who has stolen my articles. They don’t think about the music you have to listen or the song lyrics you have to write out to complete an article. I’ve watched whole television shows while being tired and read boring subjects just to get an article completed.

Plagiarism is also a problem in schools and universities because the students are willing to pay for a paper. Can you imagine your doctor or lawyer or senator being plagiarizing a paper while they were studying? You’d have to hope that the paper was not in their subject area.
We can only hope that people would do the right thing. Copyright infringement is stealing and it is very unfair. No one has the right to take your hard work and represent it as t

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Be Mindful of Others

I want to say that I have guts, confidence, vim and energy. But some days, that intestinal fortitude is hard to find. It could be because there's a tough decision to make or there's a tough person that will be affected.

You have to feel comfortable and good with yourself. I have worked with people who prefer not to share their feelings with the affected person - but yet they tell everyone else. It's a funny situation to be in but as you learn people, you learn to stay out of their way. You can also sense when there's a funny vibe coming from people. As cliche as it might sound, read between the lines and give them their space.

Giving someone their space might be one of those tough decisions but if it must be done, do so. Still maintain basic communication and manners but most of all be mindful of others.

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POEM: My Grandfather

My grandfather

I can proudly say that my grandfather was a great man:
He was a hardworking and talented a craftsman
He never spoke ill-will and had a giving spirit
and his loving his smile would always give me a lift
He always gave me an encouraging and positive word
Some of these words have helped me in this world
I never had to look too far for a role model
because my grandpa had values that were solid
He showed me that I should be purpose driven
but not to forget about God while I’m living
he encouraged me to get an education
because life was not meant to be just a vacation
these values I can now teach his great-grandchildren
and give back some of the love that I have been given

Rest In Peace, Grandpa! We love you!

Linette Rabsatt and Anthony Jr. & Anjanique

Crime Around Us

There are a lot of things that we can not explain. We will never know the answers and no matter how long we consider the scenario, we still won't understand. Crime is one of those things we won't understand. While, I may say that I have immunity to committing a crime, I can still be accused of wrongdoing. Every person has the right to supply a defence for themselves in court. Sometimes, he or she may be guilty but a good defence attorney can poke holes in the prosecution's case.

I don't know if anyone intentionally starts off wanting to be a crook or a criminal but I guess the situation may present itself when a dire need arises. We are not the judge and jury and while we may feel embarrasment and shame, we must remember that every one has their day in the wilderness with the devil.

We should not condone criminsl activity but we need to be empathetic to our fellow man. There is so much corruption, greed and lust in the world today and it is hard to stay on the right track. However, staying on the right track is the best decision.

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The Earth has lost a Role Model but Heaven has gained an Angel

My grandfather, Joseph Blyden, was a good man. He was a hard worker and had a giving spirit. He had a strong will and loved to share positive values. I think his life is a great example for me to follow. He was well-respected and dedicated to his family. A very mild-mannered man with handsome features describes my granfather's outer features. What truly entreated you was his kind heart and peaceful spirit.

He is someone that I only have positive memories of. The memories may not be many but for what I can remember, it has always been a great experience being in his presence. He died on Sunday, October 16 after a long illness. May he rest in peace.

Linette
(One of the few times I sign my name)

Food Prices, Crisis and Keeping My Home Stable

FAO choose a correct theme for World Food Day 2011. The theme is "Food Prices - From Crisis to Stability." However, unless a country is producing enough food to ensure its food security, the prices will be primarily subject to external factors. We, the consumers, are hardest hit when climate change, oil wars, invasions, economic downturns and the like increase the cost of food.

We also have to make better choices and by this I mean healthier choices. The first cry becomes healthier means more expensive. One of the Health Care Advocates who visited our PTA meeting reminded us that eating well today saves on medical bills in the future.

I look at fast food and compared it to the healthier choices. If I can get three apples or oranges for $1.00 then that's only $0.33 for each apple. A bag of cheetos is more than $0.50. One store has ripe bananas for $0.79 per pound. One banana does not weigh one pound and it may only weigh a quarter of a pound. My only problem with bananas is that my children will squash them in the bags but I can always cut them up.

I love shrimp but shrimp is not a necessity. Salmon can be considered a need because it is an excellent source of protein. However, you have to shop within your budget to try to get ahead. Things like ketchup, sugar etc, the staples, can be sought through comparison shopping for the best deal.

I learned that if I want my nice fresh produce to be used and not wasted, I need to turn it into fast food. I do not mean by frying! I take the grapes off the stems, wash them and store in a zipper bag. I cut up my lettuce and store the same way. I try my best to season my fish and meats immediately and store in the same matter.

I think more people need to try the green thumb method. Plant some herbs, tea bush, peppers or tomatoes to save and to also eat healthy.

We have to find ways to keep healthy while still saving and enjoying life!

 I have registered for Blog Action Day 2011. Join me in the global discussion about Food. http://bit.ly/BAD11

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