Captain the ship is sinking

The UNC never seems to want to get out of its own way and is forever condemned to survive in opposition because of their silly leadership quarrels constantly taking place.

Now the trouble in the UNC is good news for the PNM and their continual survival that is created because of the foolishness of educated fools who believe that they all know that which is best for the party. Do I believe that Basdeo Panday has outlived his importance as leader of the UNC? Yes I do believe that it is time for him to step down as leader of the party. However, after watching the events that have been taking place recently I really don’t know, in typical Trini style, “who dey go put as leader”. No one has cleansed themselves and moved above all the 'commess' that is taking place within the party. Gypsy, Ramesh and Jack seem to want to take the party in a different direction. Do you believe that these men are genuine? I am very skeptical but I also feel the same way about Basdeo Panday.

Now if you believe that the only hope to unseating the PNM lies in the unification of the opposition forces under one umbrella with one leader (not a caucus of leaders) then you may be on the path to something that could make sense and just might work. However, this may be just a dream of many that will be soundly defeated by the minority group of persons who have the finances to influence the major players backing the political aspirants. Only time will tell but it is difficult at this time because the Silver Fox who has served the party and the Labor movement for so many years still has a grip on the rural communities that is primarily the lifeblood of the party.

These men have to be without reproach and place themselves above all the chaos and realize that it is time for most of them to move on but Caribbean politics is more in line with “politricking” and they are extremely good at fooling the masses. Someone has to influence Basdeo Panday to step down from the leadership position but stay in the party to keep that loyal base in play. Next they need to decide on the main players and select the best person to lead the party. That is the trick to winning the election – to get a face and voice that people will believe in and vote for without hesitation; and coupled with a sound agenda that will resourcefully spend the finances of the country to better the circumstances of the population.

Can it be done? Of course it can be accomplished but lawyers and big shots playing politicians need to put aside their egos and think about the good of the people. These so called leaders must remember that public servants and anyone involved in government are there to serve the needs of the people. The problem is most of these men are in it for chest thumping and self accomplishments.

In the end the people will suffer because most people are like sheep and choose to follow instead of thinking for themselves that which is best for their family and their community. When this happens then maybe they will find the right person with character and virtue fitting to be called leader of the party. Until then Gypsy will have to keep singing that, “Captain the ship is sinking”.

It has been so long...

Well this is just to let everyone (who has ever taken a look at my blogs) know that I will be back at the keyboard soon. I'm taking care of a few things and will posting soon. I have had a few posts on my fun blog babash@vox.com but my regular blogs will soon get an article or two soon.

LiveLong, LiveStrong and Prosper!

Denial of the Dengue Outbreak in Trinidad... Fire Jerry Narace!

Private nursing home in Sando: 119 tested positive for dengue!

The Nile is a majestic river on the continent of Africa but in the small island of Trinidad denial is the river of shame that flows from the offices of the Ministry of Health with party organizer Jerry Narace pretending to be the “honorable minister of disgrace”. Why is this man still at the helm of the Ministry of Health?

Narace has denied that there is a Dengue outbreak in the county yet still people are getting sick and some are dying. The Minister of party organization aka Minister of Health has denied that there is a problem. Why are private nursing homes reporting such high incidences of dengue infection? Please read the article posted on the online edition of the Guardian newspaper here.

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news1.html

Denial is the the modus operandi of this brazen individual. He has chosen to address the problem with lots of talk and no action. We should not be in such a situation now that the tresuary is overflowing with petro dollars. The Minister should have a nationwide campaign in effect to keep these insects on retreat. Spraying and fogging of the area(s) most susceptible to dengue mosquitoes should be the priority at this time. Those whom are sick should not be lied to and left to become a statistic because of his incompetitence.

Fire Jerry Narace now!

Just trying something - Health Conscious

I don't know if anything will work but since I have not been feeling great I decided to follow some of the advice given by the Aloe Man.

All right so I don't have the GAP pills readily available but I do understand that it is a blend of Garlic, Parsley and Aloe. So I did the next best thing. I bought the garlic parsley capsules and the Aloe Vera stalk. I drink the aloe juice and take the garlic parsley capsule. I also purchased a drink from COSTCO that has a blend of 40 fruits and vegetables (Drinkables Fruits and Vegetable blend).

Now that is a good start.

Next I purchased (received today) one bottle each (32 oz) of Camu-Camu juice, Mangosteen, Acai and Goji. Hey I am going for broke - I might be broke before I feel any health benefits from these purchases.

Ok to support this health drive I am eating smaller portions of food and I am trying hard to limit red meats and increase my fish portions (I like salmon a lot). The veggie thing is hard to keep up with but I am trying.

Exercise - I got to make use of my New York Sports Club membership - can't be making excuses about the lower back pain. Hey maybe a better excuse is to say that I really have to help my wife with the triplets (3 years old). Wait one minute now that is the truth but the only thing is my wife makes sure that I am involved 100% - it is all good!

But the problem is hamburgers taste so good. OK, maybe I will get into the turkey and salmon burgers and stay away from processed foods especially white flour products (oh gosh dhal pouri and buss up shot that is too much of a big sacrifice to make) - this is too much.

I will make an effort to stay away from sodas, cakes and processed sugar products. I purchased 100 packs of Stevia to put in my tea (it got good reviews).

Ok I am going to give it a try - I am a little more health conscious (if not healthy) thanks to the GAP Man/Aloe Man and the programming on WACK radio 90.1 FM.

Things that make you go, "Hmm"

I really feel good knowing that our country has stepped up to the plate to assist our neighbors in the Caribbean affected by the anger and might of hurricanes recently. Great!I am not pleased that we are not doing the same for those whom are in need at home. The money allocated for those recently affected by floods at home is miniscule compared to the aide sent to our neighbors.

We are feting our Olympic athletes for four days to the tune of $********* questionable amounts – a few Millions maybe?

Really, Rice is produced in commercial quantities inTrinidad?
High food prices are the norm in Trinidad and Tobago and now we learn that the Rice farmers with crops that are maturing and would soon be ready for harvesting are in a quandary and are left wondering if their rice would be worth anything. The National Flour Mills has put up for sale the only milling factory on the Island. There is no guarantee that they would purchase the rice paddy for processing. If in fact the factory is sold there is no guarantee that the new owner would purchase the current crop at the established rates. During this entire ‘looming crisis’ nothing has been heard from the Ministry of Agriculture. Now how much rice are we talking about here? You would be surprised to learn that the quantity is in the vicinity of ten million pounds that’s correct 10,000,000 pounds of rice. Did you know that we produced this amount of rice annually?

Here is a quote from the Trinidad Guardian Newspaper:“From October 1 to December 1, approximately 4,000 acres of mature rice (10,000,000 pounds) at Felicity, Caroni, Campo, Bejucal, Plum Mitan and several areas in South would be reaped.”
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news3.html

The article is entitled "Floods of paddy" – make an effort and read the article. This is an amazing story it seems that when the Government dismantled Caroni limited they really intend not to produce any food but the buy everything. The farms are just promises and nothing has been planted, reaped or sold with the exception of all the promises made by the Manning administration.

Only in Trinidad my friends – Silly season is open!

Wack Radio 90.1 FM - well done Culture Krazy Champions of TNT!

It has been said that faith can move mountains and for some reason I felt the weight of "Wackos" around the World weighing heavily on my spirit … it was a day where I found myself in a sink or swim situation – I chose to swim! Indeed it can be a challenge to stay afloat with so many nay Sayers waiting for the moment that you capitulate and admit that you were wrong about something. Then again you can be someone who simply stands on the sideline and claim ignorance because you came for the game not to support either team in the field of play. Well here I am in a position where several persons expect me to state my position and come clean regarding the WACK radio Independence Day music marathon. Let me say this, it was a glorious recognition of 46 years of independence with an abundance of local music to support their claim of being the champions of our musical culture on air. What do you think? Did they live up to your expectations? Well here is my take…
Culture Krazy:
Yes, yes and yes! There is no competition at home or abroad when it comes to playing the music of Trinidad and Tobago – no competition in sight or that can be heard at home or over the internet. Granted there are sites that have lists of local music for sampling and to be played on demand – indeed there are but there is no station or media house that plays the variety of music that WACK radio 90.1 fm broadcasts on a daily basis.
Now yesterday was quite different and to be honest I did not expect such an organized and well presented programming that was presented as a gift to our now middle aged nation. It all started with Ebony and Amber and concluded with Dr. the Right Honorable David Matthews. However, the surprise presenter of the day, none other than Kenny Phillips the aging captain of the WACK presentation of chune after chune after chune who came on and hit the mark. So how did Kenny do this? Well my friend Sharon aka South Trini insisted that I let everyone know that “Kenny was the man yesterday”. Damion would say that all that I am doing is sucking up to Kenny. If that is the case I have to ask, “Why? None of that matters but the fact that Kenny really dug deep and brought back memories of elementary school says a lot for the job that he did. The ladies did a great job and the middle of the show simply kept the championship flag flying high. David (I have to take the word of others here now) did a great job. I can say he had the toughest assignment because a song could only be played one time and if he did as good as I am told he deserves kudos for a job well done.
Pet Peeve:
Ok my pet peeve with WACK radio is that they don’t really live up to the Culture Krazy claim that they boast about. Well I have to admit for one day they came a long way. What is my complaint? Not enough Chutney selections but then again there are many other genres that don’t get equal play or fair play when compared to Calypso and Soca. Indeed Rapso and Folk music aficionados can complain likewise. I have always said to Kenny Phillips that we play everything and even though Pan has its segments on the weekend the tracks that Kenny played during his segment cries out for more steel pan music. So really, what about my pet peeve?
Wikipedia states: “At the same time, chutney became a massive force in Trinidadian music, arising from the island's Indian population. It has now become 'mainstream' across the islands and elsewhere in the Caribbean, and has spawned its own subgenres, including ragga chutney, chutney-hip hop. Soca-bhangragga and chutney-bhangra. The article also went on to talk more about Chutney Soca and dhut-kai-pang (ie chutney, Parang and Calypso mixed with Venezuelan-derived rhythms. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago
Indeed there was Pickacharee and Chutney more so than is usually played on the station on any given day – let’s see how this unfolds in the days ahead. Was it a one day appeasement or part of change to come – only time will tell!
Diversity:
Diverse = many and different. Simple enough… “Celebrating our diversity Wack style” Right back at you Kenny and that also brings to mind the lack of play of many genres on a “regular basis” not just when a holiday comes along.
Indeed we are as diverse in our tastes as we are cosmopolitan in our makeup but don’t you dare claim to be culture crazy and not include the total fabric of the society. Indeed your financial success may hinge on the demographic that you subscribe to but then again you may need several knocks on your balding head to understand that some change is indeed good.
Conclusion:
So what really in the verdict?
Ok I must admit that the station did an excellent job yesterday ... kudos to everyone concerned. Do I need to take a chill pill? Maybe but then again I am not the type of person to sit idly by on the sidelines and watch the show go on. Am I to be labeled the devil’s advocate at all times … hell no for Jesus’ sake (father forgive meh)! Most of the persons who dislike my take on things have nothing to contribute and continually slap the Fannies of the WACK brass for a job well done. Ok that’s ok, but one must realize that the product can always be tweaked and fine tuned to reflect a new vision for the musical culture of our country. Should we simply sit on our laurels and brag and boast about our gifts to the World … pay attention to Machel and his approach to the art form - he collaborates with other artistes and innovates his musical concepts moving Soca into the mainstream that even Hot 97 in NYC plays his music - so change is good. The people at Billboard magazine have taken notice and are beginning to track his efforts.
So my friends keep at the staff at Wack and give credit when credit is due but also give them a sense of where they are at and where they could and should be heading. You may be right or dead wrong but no one can blame you for trying.
So let me conclude by saying congratulations to Mr. Kenny Phillips and his staff on a job well done. Culture Krazy champions with no other station in second or third place. They are that good at that which they do – promote the music of Trinidad and Tobago as no one else can. Congratulations to the management and staff!

What is your favorite radio station streaming via the WWW from Trinbago?

In your estimation, what is the best radio station streaming service from Trinidad and Tobago via the World Wide Web? Just keep in mind that there are more than thirty stations at home with just about 20 streaming service via the World Wide Web - there is much to choose from with every taste satisfied!

Of course every station caters to a difference audience and some have a mix that just may appeal to your highly sensitive listening preferences. Some may choose a station because of the amount of local content played; others may gravitate to a station because of the topics discussed as is the case with many of the talk radio services provided.

Again others may be drawn to a station because it plays the music of a subculture of our very cosmopolitan society. What ever drives you to listen a station may make it your favorite but that does not mean that a certain station can be deemed the best or the most commercially successful in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago? How can we determine that is very speculative at best.

Just keep in mind that most of the stations streaming their service on the World Wide Web may only have a community license and may not be able to cover the entire Island with their signal. That means that some people may have heard of a particular station at home but may not be able to tune in to the frequency (Trinidad and Tobago). The internet gives these stations an equal base to start - and equal playing field where the advertising revenue has not been a factor to date. As a matter of fact most of the businesses and radio stations (at home) have not figured a way to capitalize on this aspect of programming to date. Some have provided Web sites that sell items but haven't really earned advertising dollars from the programming as it relates to the international community.

This question that is asked here is geared towards people listening to the stations via the World Wide Web. In this case people will listen to the station simply because of the format provided and maybe because they want to hold on to something relating to the homeland – music, news, talk, politics or simply to keep in step with that which is going on at home.

Some people listening via the web live in communities where there are not many Trinidadians to interact with during the course of the day and to come home and listen to a familiar voice or Trini English can be a very relaxing experience. Whatever your reasons are just leave a comment saying which station that you enjoy listening too – just the station and a short note why you love listening to the station.

Support your station – let’s see which is the most listened to station on the World Wide Web streaming service from Trinidad and Tobago.

Oh here are my favorites:
Talkcity 91.1 FM (Great Talk, Community information, Tips for living, local music)

Wack 90.1 FM (Soca, Calypso and other local music genres)

Masala 101.1 FM (Chutney, Soca, World Beat)