Make a Difference

For evil to prevail, it takes good men to do nothing

That very straight forward statement has so much impact, and as humans we tend to succeed in this one arena where we do 'nothing'.

The end result:
1. We live with regrets
2. We complain about what others have 'not' done right about the situation
3. We criticise the work of others who have tried

Everyone who knows me will tell you that I'm a die-hard animal lover... Not to mention when it comes onto dogs. The majority of my heart is occupied with the caring need to look after an animal that cannot defend itself - one who depends on you to survive. And that always carry me to the point where I don't know how another human being could knowingly harm an animal.

This morning, as I was driving, I saw a puppy on the opposite side of the road wandering aimlessly. I watched with fearful eyes and my heart in my throat as he tried to cross the road. As I got closer to it, he had eventually crossed to my side of the street and was sitting down. I then realized that he was about 3 months old and looked very tired and frightened. A internal battle started to wage in my head, should I stop and pick up this dog and take it to someone who might need it or take it to JSPC? Then I looked at the traffic and thought about being late for work, I thought about getting my clothing dirty, I thought about the possibility of him having fleas or ticks and they would transfer to my dog when I get home. I felt guilty, thinking all these negative stuff when at the back of my mind I was also wondering what people would think if they saw me jump out of my car and started to run down this dog - on that final note, I drove past the puppy, all the while looking in my rear view mirror and hoping that he was ok.

Probably at the end of the day this dog would be ok, because he might end up in the bush where he would find some food or someone would pick him up.

I was not ok though, because I was a coward.

I'm not ashamed to admit being afraid of people's opinion and how I would look and also about my selfish reasons for not helping this poor dog. If I had passed back in the evening and saw him squashed out on the road, I'd be devastated. Luckily, I did not meet upon such fate that evening.
This just goes to show how a simple act that could've made a difference was not done.
Oftentimes, we sit back to watch the other person while at the same time that individual is doing the same thing - watching.
I solemnly vow, to try and make a difference from this day going forward. Can you say the same?
Minor Myers, Jnr couldn't have said it better:
“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.”

http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/205932-go-into-the-world-and-do-well-but-more-importantly

I am yours faithfully,
The original DivaKnockoff
xoxo

We've got male

 How many times have we heard a man saying?

1.       The spice has gone from my relationship
2.       My girl don’t turn me on anymore
3.       If I had you, I’d do things to you that you cannot imagine
4.       Your man nuh have no sense if him a let you out of the house alone and not going places with you
5.       Babes, just give me one chance to prove to you what good loving is
Etc, etc, etc… the list goes on

One of my favourite genres of music is dancehall.  I just love how the lyrics are merged to form a song that’s not only sexy, but implies so much to let you turn up the heat in the bedroom.

My issue, though, is that these songs are ALL telling ‘women’ what to do, what positions to let you ‘hol the man’ and also how they love the skin out and dash out.  In the same breath that these songs give you motivation, I have to ask ‘what about the men?’

Are we still living in the days when women are the ones who are to please their men? While the women’s needs are placed on the backburner?

We have some ‘in-dependent’ women who will be at the front of the line that says “Mi nah go outta my way fi please no man” and they will have the attitude etched across their faces, but within a few hours of such blatant lie will find themselves in compromising positions trying to ‘please their man’ (whether theirs or borrowed)

With Cupid’s retreating butt being a speck on the horizon and a few days have passed since that fatal day where persons went about making or breaking someone’s heart, we saw a lot of storefronts advertising their wares showcasing the sexiest of lingerie for women. I know the female form is one of the best things even before sliced bread.  Especially when a woman has either good genes or has taken the time to look after her body, when that lingerie goes on her form it is a really appreciated sight.

However, I dare say that we women would love to have the men do something different for us.  Bring something new to the table to entice us, motivate us so we will want to do things for you.  Women do get bored with their partners and would like some spice in the relationship also.

There will be men who jump up to say that they are the ‘bedroom master’ or some ridiculous cocky term that they invented.  Sometimes it does come as a shocker when you hear the tales from the lips of their partners.  Unfortunately, though, we have seen where women are in relationships for years and end up not voicing their opinions or desires for the bedroom.  Why is this a touchy conversation piece? When at the end of it you will either get what you want or your partner will be oversensitive and end the relationship?

So, saying all that, it brings me back to my main topic… how comes when anything pertaining to the bedroom is being discussed, singed about or advertised, it all points to the woman?

It feels like we were brainwashed by society to continuously point finger at the female when it comes onto relationship failure due to sexual problems.  Over the past few years, though, we see more and more women speaking out about their failed relationships and we also see men speaking up about their ‘problems-in-bed’.  With this burning topic, doctors have come up with quick-fixes that sometimes come in the form of little blue tablets; this, however, does not solve the bedroom approach problem. 

More and more events are being held to focus on women satisfaction.  There you’ll find well oiled muscles of steel gyrating to the pulsing music of R. Kelly, Genuwine, Keith Sweat, and many other artistes who focus on singing about the pleasure of the female body. These promoters realize the missing element in a lot of relationships and have maximized on this to create an atmosphere where the Pineal Gland in the brain is constantly stimulated and the woman end up leaving the venue in an almost orgasmic state.  My confusion leans towards the fact that we, women have to go to these places to feast our eyes while the men in our lives are not meeting this need but expect go-go like qualities behind closed doors.  Men need to step up their game; don’t just focus on what you need from the relationship but think about creative ways that you can give.

I am yours faithfully,

The original DivaKnockoff

Xoxo

 

 

 

Simple Things Reminded

Today left a significant part of my heart looking like cooked mince, but at the same time it left me with a lesson that will never, ever depart. 

My morning daily routine:

Ø  Wake up and curse the alarm for disturbing yet another 4 hour sleep that I eventually bartered with caffeine and adrenaline and got some sleep

Ø  Sidestep dog while semi-sleepwalking for their morning feed and poop

Ø  Brush teeth, shower and breakfast while mentally preparing my outfit and makeup

Ø  Depends on time, either get dressed and made up in 10 – 30 minutes

Most times, I’d have on my slippers and have my choice of one or two pair shoes for the day in the car.  Today, I met a boy (aged about 4) who just needed one pair of shoes for school.

When I first saw this child, he had on a dirty pair of Clarks that had seen better days; the back of it was broken down as his growing feet could no longer hold within the confines of the shoes.  His socks were dirty and torn, but he was at school for the day and doing his lessons.  It touched my heart to see this community accept and understand this child’s situation and treated him no less than another child who was neatly dressed. 

My Kiwanian sister Georgette went and got a pair of shoes and she changed his attire.  Words could not express what I was feeling at that moment as I tried to capture the emotions on camera because I know that a picture is worth a thousand words and I can go back to these photos to remember this day and how thankful I am for what I have.

Kiwanis have given me so much and much more to look forward to.  If I can assist to help one life breathe easier or to see a smile as a result of the help I’ve given, that to me is happiness.

A major lesson I've learnt - You can't outwear a Clarks

I am forever yours

Xoxo the original DivaKnockoff

Like our FB page
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Kiwanis-Club-of-Eastern-StAndrew-Jamaica/211235925615120

 

 

No to FNO

You know how people have a ‘to-do’ list

Well, something drastic happened that had me starting a ‘things-not-to-do’ list.

I’m not sure what will be on this list, but what I know for sure is number 1 – Fashion Night Out a.k.a. FNO. This fiasco has been going on for a few years now in the month of September, right after back to school (how ironic). We see parents complaining religiously EVERY year about the lengthy book list and the high price associated with it, school fee, admin fee, uniform and stationery… all these puts a giganimous hole in the pockets of consumers who have to send their children to school. Now, these retail chains see/hear the plight of these people, and they’ve come up with a unique way for them to save money …. FNO. 
  
Whoopee, now you can buy that top you’ve always wanted when you were passing their windows on your way to the book store – hopefully they will have your size and it will be on sale. On top of it, you will get real bargains on things that you never wanted in the first place.
FNO is the place to be.

There are some stores that start their FNO from in the day. So if you are lucky and can sneak a few hours from work in the day, just run down to Classic Circle in the Springs, Baron’s Plaza or HWT Road (beside National Bakery) of you can pop into Collectibles in the Mall Plaza (Constant Spring Rd), they had some good steals.
My reason for not doing FNO are easily classified as ‘frustrated shopper’. The stores I wanted to visit started their FNO at 5:00 p.m., and this is the time when most business places close or they would’ve closed from 4:30.
By the time I reached the mall, there was absolutely no parking. I luckily found one in a plaza which was approximately ¾ miles (in both directions) from where I really wanted to go but I dared not try to even find parking close to each store that I wanted to patronize.

The first store I went to – Brit Bran (Beside Chin Yees) was to the left of my van. I, somewhat, found a few essential tops and the cutest long earring ever made. Here, I got some 1-on-1 assistance from this trainee (I could still see the freshness on her, which I’m sure would’ve rubbed off by around 7:00 p.m. when the shoppers start ransacking) and she was pretty helpful in choosing enough tops that went above my budgeted first-stop-shop for the evening.

By the time I was cashing from this location, the anxious shoppers were beginning to file in and you could see the agitation on the cashier’s face as she tried to get some assistance with overseeing her register plus monitoring the smaller (quick-to-drop-in-handbag) items.
I left with the intention of going to Carby’s, which is now in the opposite direction of both Brit Bran and my van. I don’t know why I looked to the left and ended up in Ammar’s… ; here, I found the sexiest beach hat ever, ever, ever. I just know I’m going to find the perfect shades soon to go with it. I bought the hat, even though I don’t wear hats to the beach or anywhere for that matter.
Finally, I decided to brave my way, walking through customers and traffic to get to Carby’s, which was my original destination pre-Ammar’s.
At this store, it dawned on me quickly that this wouldn’t be an easy transaction from entry to exit. I stood patiently while an estimated thirty-three persons exited the store, and as it is one way in, one way out, I didn’t have much choice. When I eventually reached upstairs to the women’s sections, because we all know that in a rush like this to get great deals the only way I’m picking up a male piece for my other half is if it is in the women’s section under the tops that I’m rummaging through, I quickly calculated the distance to the work-clothes section vs the casual clothes and evaluated that it was a matter of choosing ONE.
Twenty minutes, two pants, three vests and three tops later, I was standing at the back of a line that had me second guessing why I even came out to FNO in the first place. I stood in that line for one hour and fifteen minutes to cash these items and the only reason I did not leave the stuff and call it quits was because of the hassle it took to actually get to that point.

A few concerns about that night popped up while shopping:

1. Store owners push to partake in FNO but the manpower to get persons in and out of the stores in a timely manner is not there
2. Proprietors should plan better for this night, which happens once every year, and aim to please customers so they will come out every year to their one night sale
3. The sale should take place at a different time. There are so many persons who would like to patronize the stores, but the money is all tied up in back to school.
4. The stores should offer something extra to these customers who do brave coming out in this crowded time, for eg: a drink, a pen, a token… something to say thank you. A discount is just not enough.

Overall, although I’ve enjoyed my purchases, I know for a fact that I will never do this night again. I’d rather spend a few extra dollars and shop in comfort than be uncomfortable wasting time just to scrimmage on a bit of savings.
Time is money; the time I stood there in that line trying to save couple hundreds, I could’ve been with friends or family which is priceless or trying to make thousands.

I am,

The original DivaKnockoff

Xoxo

The Power of Vaseline

V A S E L I N E should be a girl’s BFF when it comes to all things beauty. This product is and always has been a cost-efficient way to improve your everyday beauty routine. Vaseline has natural remedies and is made up of natural oils that contain numerous healthy ingredients. The natural formula makes this a great multi-use product for everyday use.

•Perfect for removing makeup, petroleum jelly has a great formula that will easily wipe off your makeup. Here’s a plus: the petroleum jelly is great for your lashes as well. It acts as a moisturizer to help strengthen and repair lashes (therefore resulting in long and full lashes).

•Vaseline also substitutes for a great lip balm and conditioner. Apply a small amount before bed and you will wake up with smooth and moist lips.

•It is also a great lip scrub. Apply a small amount and use a toothbrush to gently scrub dead skin on your lip.

•Apply Vaseline on your cuticles for stronger, healthier nails!

•Use some as eyebrow gel and keep your eyebrows groomed and in perfect shape.

•You can mix some of this with pigments, lipstick, eye shadows to create a more cream based product.

•Apply some onto feet and hands for smoother, moisturized skin! It is easily affordable and found everywhere!

Pucker up

As usual, spectators will come down hard on a celeb, criticising their parental skills and inadvertently linking that to the manner in which their child goes on the road.  Who would dare to have a child/toddler go out with lipstick...OMG.  That is just the height of bad parenting.  Heaven forbid if that child should've chosen to dress his/herself that day. 

Now, while critics are firing upon the dress code of these kids and their 'stylist/makeup artist', most recent celeb being Heidi Klum (Seal's ex wife), my eyes are drawn to something a bit more serious. The report said that the child in her arms is  2 years old... I think that's a BIG 2 year old child right there... so while they harp about unimportant stuff, I'm just in awe of this mini giant.

As far as I can see, and we were all kids at some point (except for the ones who were brought here on the space shuttle just like superman), and we love to get dolled up or play dress up.  If a child is not harming themselves, let them have fun and play pretend.

Some of these critics need to take a trip to Jamaica and see the braids and hairstyles that the toddlers boasts at times.

Yours faithfully
The original DivaKnockoff
xoxo

Red Lipstick

http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/goddess/vivienne-jolie-pitt-3-wearing-lipstick-200619985.html

It's always hilarious to see how people can react to simple things of an innocent person.
So, Angelina's 3 year old daughter went out with her mom and siblings to see a movie and was caught wearing red lipstick. Now, persons are unable to fathom the idea of a 'baby' girl wanting to wear lipstick to go out.
Are we so caught up in trying to talk down about celebrity's actions that we will stoop to any level, just to get at them.
What exactly is wrong with her lipstick? She wants to imitate mommy and do fun things, what is the crime in that?
I wonder what they would have to say if they saw Jolie's boys in that same lipstick "/

My Catholic experience

I'm shopping around for a church that will suit me - my personality, my current and future mental state, and also one that makes me feel fulfilled when I leave.

Today, I visited the Stella Maris church for the first time (7:00 a.m service) and I know for sure that this is NOT my cup of tea (or wine).

Stella is a Catholic denomination and they do everything to the books.

Sitting in the service, I kept replaying past incidents that we have 'heard about' with alter boys, children and the priest. I got so mentally disturbed in that church this morning that I'm sure there is a mark against my name in the little white book that should get me into the pearly gates.

Well, I can't really go and blame myself for that, society has made me who I am today.

So, there I was, scrutinizing the pastor/priest (whatever they call themself) and wondering if he has ever molested any of the youngsters in training I see up there on the altar.

Then the best part came - COMMUNION.

They had the bread - some thin, flat, circle things - in a bowl and an elderly/senior standing at strategic points in the aisle of the church. Everyone move in sync up to them like some programmed lab rats and open their mouths to receive this 'body of Christ'. They then move to another point where someone is standing with an over sized silver wine glass so they can receive the 'blood of Christ'. I was totally mesmerized by all this and at one point had to shut my mouth and look if anyone was staring at me... So, not only is this person putting their hands (which presumably is clean, knowing the fact that he has been in the church for over an hour handing out programmes and shaking hands) in people's mouth, but you then have to drink from a glass that everyone else is drinking from.

Yes, they wipe the glass, but is that enough?

I'm not criticising their religion, I'm just saying that if I have these doubts here, now, this is a major blockage when it comes time to receive the message. Instead, I'm focusing on other stuff that really irks me.

So, next Sunday, the hunt is on again :)

I am,

The original DivaKnockoff

xoxo

She said "no, no, no..."

The regular purple messages started flowing in today saying how Amy Winehouse is dead. At first, I ignored it, then later on my curiosity got the best of me since I had received this broadcast from, hopefully, a reputable contact on my bbm.
So I googled it, and lo and behold, there was the story... Amy Winehouse found dead in her London home. SMH.
I looked at a recent video of her (one that was shot one month ago by someone's electronic device) and I just could not believe that someone, a human being, could really waste away herself like that. Yes, there are pressures from every angle, yes, you are in the limelight all the time, yes, it is hard to be you because of certain criterias that you have to meet... but that does not excuse you for doing this to yourself.
see for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m8o2wuxYbY&feature=player_embedded

The age of Technology

I remember getting my first Nokia from Digicel and I thought that was the best thing since sliced bread. I loved that phone so much, I eventually gave into the fad and changed the pole to one that could light up - that one I regretted because the phone started to drop signal. That phone was also a weapon, you know how many times I was mad and held it threateningly up into someone's face? Ahhh, the good old Nokia. I did get another Nokia after that...that was the toughest phone ever... it could take all sorts of fall to the ground, all you had to do is piece it up back and you're good again.

The good old Motorola Sliver came to take over the place at one point and I just HAD to get that phone or I'd die... Then I had the Motorola Pebble phase... then there were a few more that I'm losing track of right now... THEN CAME THE IPHONES AND BLACKBERRIES... I just can't picture my life without them. I just don't know how I'd survive... they are like a lifeline to each day... as I get up I'm reaching for it to check mails, see who has pinged me with their stupid purple message or some corny joke. For whatever reason, I knew I had found the two most perfect phones. *sigh*

But wait, I'm also a camera fan !!! I started out with an HP Photosmart, graduated to the best brand camera on the planet "Canon". I had my Ipod, Itouch and about to get my first Ipad. I also want the new Canon professional camera... oh boy...

There's also the laptop transition... from the best Dell in the world to the best Hp Pavilion in the world, then back to a Dell but this time an XPS, then back to a regular Dell, now I'm back to an XPS... I just can't seem to stop. Is it a disease?

Based on the rate that technology is improving, if we are to try and keep up, we will probably go broke...

I think that once you've found a product that you like, use it to the best of it's ability, when the time comes to change, do so gradually. Don't jump from a peanut phone to a blackberry overnight... you will go into a minor stroke trying to keep up with the pings and forwards.

Technology needs to be introduced gradually (especially to the older generation).

Do these inventors come up with new ways to get our money? or are they really trying to make life easier for us all? are they set on a journey to have the world at our fingertips or is it a trick so they can eventually implant chips into our wrist as I've been told since i was about 6?

I'm still the techy chic

The original DivaKnockoff

xoxo

Love the Skin you're in

How many times have you been encouraged to love yourself first before you can love someone else? You've also been told that it's what's inside that counts, the outward appearance is only a vessel. The motivation speech can go on and on for miles - most of the times it is coming from someone who is drop dead gorgeous, probably has the 'perfect life' in your eyes and on top of it has perfect skin and has a 26 inches waist with a 42 inches ass with the perfect job and relationship. Imagine you, struggling with some low self confidence and have this person trying to motivate you.

Oh wow :/

At the same time, here we have studies saying that women with muffin tops and men with big bellies are prone to dying earlier and need to get their BMI down due to the risk of heart disease.

Society has engraved in our heads that we are to look a certain way, behave in a particular manner and be successful all at once. So, if we're to love who we are, does being fat and out of shape being someone else?

Jennifer Hudson was a very plump girl with a powerful voice that brought her to fame - not by placing first in American Idol, but by being herself. That voice, along with her personality, got her her first Grammy award for her self titled R&B album in 2009. She also won an award for best supporting role in the hit 'Dream girls'. Jennifer is on a role... but wait, she's almost unrecognizable from before... she's slowly disappearing off the radar.

Her story is that she is doing this for her and her health and she would like to live long enough to see her family grow.

Her husband is not too keen on this look, but does he have a say in it for her to stay fat because he prefers it? Would she still be getting all this attention if she had stayed at that weight? She is the face for 'Weight Watchers', where she's been able to lose all this weight and suddenly look this fab and glamorous.

If she's loving the skin she's in, would society have gotten through to her to lose weight at a tender age of twenty-something? Wouldn't she still appreciate herself no matter what society continues to dish out and feed her?

We see the pressure surround us daily - look at Susan Doyle from 'Britain's got Talent'; she came on as the perfect sensay fowl and now is slowly transforming from an ugly, unsightly duckling to a swan.

Is the statment 'love yourself no matter what' overrated?

When you hear that motivational speech and then get the opposite from magazines and people who think they know what's best for you, no wonder these people turn out psychologically imbalanced.

I stand true

the original DivaKnockoff

xoxo

The Invisible Power of Responsibility

New York Congressman, Anthony Weiner, a Jewish born in Brooklyn, has sent lewd photos of his crotch to persons he's met online, lied about it, admitted to lying about it, told his wife about his 'past' online hanky-panky, lied to her about the twitter photos then admitted to lying to her.

whew !!!`

What a work.

THEN, after all that, came on national TV to let the whole world, that is willing to listen, know that his wife is a remarkable woman, she did not deserve any of this and he's apologizing.

He's incredible !!!

A lot of persons in high positions set out on a self destructive path where they want to be treated like a 'normal' person. Unfortunately, this is not so... you were given this position to make a difference. We already have the regular hooligans and white-collar-wanna-be's who keeps us entertained, your job is to do what is best for the country, for the music and for whatever industry you're in.

Spider man's aunt once said "with great power, comes great responsibility". In other words, when you are in the limelight, you owe a just due to society where your actions are no longer yours to do as you please. You will be held accountable for every good, bad or indifferent behaviour that you throw upon them. Don't think for one minute that you can continue to be this carefree person that can let your personality, whether dark or other, shines out and sidetrack you from the job at hand to be done... which is to be a mentor, leader, supporter or whatever statue of significance to some one's life.

I'm still

The original DivaKnockoff

xoxo

Liars, Liars, Liars

There are different types of liars, I'm told.

1. Sociopath - someone who lies incessantly to get their way and does so with little concern for others - this person is goal oriented




2. Compulsive - someone who lies out of habit. Lying is their normal and reflexive way of responding to questions




3. Occasional, Frequent and Smooth - These don't need a definition as they are self explanatory

The terms Pathological Liar, Habitual Liar and Chronic Liar are often used to refer to a Compulsive Liar.

In my opinion, a lie is a lie... it doesn't matter the context of how it was delivered. If you lie to protect someone, you will find all forms of justifiable reasons to defend your stance. If you lie to make yourself look better in someone else's eyes, you will feel that momentary tweak of guilt that is called a conscience. If you lie to not let someone get on your case about an issue, you will have to remember that lie to back up future stories. Why go through all that trouble and put yourself in a worst off position than if you hadn't lied?

When someone lies to you, you feel betrayed, you think the worst of that person, you don't know how to trust that person anymore and your instinct is to not let that person get any closer to you so that future lies will not affect you when they decide to continue down that path.

Being on the receiving end of that stick is not a good place to be... so why do we tend to put persons at that end?

When a friend has lied to us, we puzzle over it for days at end (depends on the level of friendship). Can we, as human beings, tell the truth in all occasions? We always say 'better you tell me the truth than you tell me a lie and i find out'... but how truthful is that statement? There are times when we just cannot handle the truth... or is it that the truth hurts no matter what?

The thin line between truth and lies is a fragile one. Once you've entered into the lying game, it is hard to come back... be careful how you trod... Don't make excuses for your lies, don't come up with an intellectual reason as to why you had to lie... think about the situation, approach it in the best way possible then give your answer. But know at the end of the day, a lie, no matter the context, is a lie.

I am yours truly

The one and only original DivaKnockoff

xoxo

Customer Service

One of my major annoyances is 'Poor Customer Service". It can't be classified as a pet peeve because it is bigger than that. A pet peeve is a minor annoyance that an individual identifies as particularly annoying to him or her, to a greater degree than others may find it.

I think we, as Jamaicans, have accepted poor customer service from every walks of life because we do not know better, or we do not know our rights. Companies have separate departments for customer service for a reason; they have realized that service is what keeps customers and not just products. We will find that the monopoly companies are not so high on the list of offering good support to their customers and they have the power to offer crap and know that most of us can't do anything about it. Perfect examples are JPS and NWC. Their tag line should be - We have the handle and you have the blade.

But What about a company that is in a saturated market and there are lots of competition that will attract the same customers that you are targeting?

Poor service in this case, pisses me off greatly.

My list of places that offers poor customer service:

1. Cool Petroleum - Toll Gate - Clarendon

2. LP Azar - Cross Roads

3. Digicel - Tropical Plaza

and most recent

4. The Deck - New Kingston

I will admit that in these organizations, there are persons who do try to uplift the company by giving good customer service, but in all fairness, one person cannot bring a company to success when others are bringing it down.

Friday night, I went with some friends to The Deck to shoot some pool, have some drinks and just have a good laid back night.

Upon arrival, my first thought was that there are no waitresses on the floor... I played it off thinking that it is a Friday night and it was pretty late and there were a lot of people there. We found a spot to hang out and had our own little party going on; then a brilliant genie appeared on my right ear advising me to go and order some food. Since I did not see anyone working the floor, me and my friend went to the bar to order. After standing for over five minutes without being acknowledged, I stopped making excuses that they were busy. My friend was signalling one of the waitresses who totally ignored her, then I stepped up and attempted to signal her also. She looked at me, I started talking, and she walked off. My speed of anger from 0 - 100 was unbelievable fast, so I ignored her and waited while my friend tried in vain to get the attention of another waitress. Finally, one, who appeared to be a supervisor, came over and offered us a menu and took our order... she even took us over to the other bar where she assigned a waitress to us and made sure we were taken care of.

If it wasn't for that one supervisor, I would not go back to that venue. They are rude, distasteful and have no manners. Whomever is offering them training need to visually monitor how they work under strained circumstances... It's either they are more focused on customers whom they think will give them a good tip or it's a stereotype field where they pick out who they want to served... whatever the case, they will lose more than they will gain with people like those working in their company.

If you go to a venue/company where you are are not getting good customer service, express yourself... I'm not saying to get all bhuttu and ghetto and all, because sometimes that is all they leave you to do to get some form of good service from them. If you are not satisfied with the treatment, leave or find someone superior to talk to... half the times, the front liners are not worth crap and go to the people good, good workplace and try to be somebody when in the end they are offering shit for customer service.

You did not walk on the street and pick up your money (I'm not referring to the ladies/men of the night here), so therefore, your hard earned cash - no matter how you earned it - should be well spent on a company that deserves it. Don't let one or two persons from an organization let you think bad of the company... unless it's a repeated offense that is well known throughout the organization.

So, for now, I'm going to give those places a break... they might not miss me and my friends money, but another company will sure benefit from it.

I am yours truly,

the original DivaKnockoff

xoxo

YOU'VE BEEN TRICKED

The antics of one of our self-proclaimed dance hall hero seem to be coming to a major halt. The one and only Vybz Kartel has issued a statement to let the international market know that he has been playing antics all these years since he has been in the limelight.

The bleaching, the braces, the tattoos, the girls and the newly acquired braids were all a trick people !!! Behold, the real Kartel is about to be unveiled and all these ridiculous circus behaviour will cease immediately.

Now, for me, this is very traumatising. I don't know how I'm going to explain to my bleach out friend that she bleached in vain. She is a die hard Kartel fan and has the bleaching down pat, the tattoos are coming along and the false hair was always there in the beginning. But now that he is on the verge of becoming a new 'him', what will his story be to these zombie-lookalikes that trod on the street in their tights and long sleeved turtle neck sweaters in the sun and blossom at night like night dew? All me know, Kartel better be prepared for the wrath of these people... He better come with some big words that makes him look like the over intelligent hustler who is market savvy and try to calm their nerves.

Few things I know for sure:

1. Turtle neck sweaters got a boost in sales over the past few years

2. Bleaching cream has been the number one selling chemical among us Jamaicans

3. The race to fill out the skin with tattoos has diminished the supply of blood to the blood bank

4. Kartel has proven that there are more ignorant people in this country than they care to admit

His antics sure has put him on the center stage with the spotlight right in his face... not a pretty sight, but that was part of the act. Now that the curtain is closing, I wonder what next... hmmm

Ladies Night

Ladies Night ----> this night is for the ladies; music, entertainment and attention will be directed to the ladies... after all, we do carry a heavy burden in this world - 'men'. Therefore, dedicating a night to the females is definitely a gallant move, and there are a lot of women to please.

I've never been to a ladies night; I've had girls night with my girlfriends and slaughtering men left right and center is the topic of the night, but going to an event that is dedicated to us wasn't ventured upon --- until recently...

EVERY week I have to bear the monotones of the Cakesoap Jackson reminding us that Tuesday nights is Ladies Night in the building, so I decided to go and see what all this hype is about - with the exception of indulging in the Street Vybz Rum. Now, everyone that knows me, or think they know me, knows that I'm a diehard Kartel fan/hater/junkie, so going to one of his events shouldn't be a surprise ... I go so I can criticise, comment and acknowledge his influence over the people. But differently still, this Ladies Night make me not wanna go back there.

1. YES, ladies are free


2. They do play music for the girls to bruk out and wine (probably 10 or so song in that arena)


3. There were more women to men... you could see them being outnumbered, but I would think they didn't mind.


4. THEY PLAYED MOSTLY MEN SONGS

At number 4, I have the most problem. Initially when the selections started, I was engrossed in the songs just bobbing my head full of weave around, and enjoying. But realizing that it is now 3:00 a.m. and all the men were on the dance floor in the video light with lighters and rum, I recognized that there was a huge misunderstanding of the concept for Tuesday nights in The Building.

How could a sane selector see so many women, know that it is Ladies Night, would love to see the ladies gyrating and end up playing pure man chune?

My recommendations - rename the night to Men's Night and stop luring hot girls who spend their hard/easy earned money to come and endure back pains for a week after standing in 6 inch heels for 5 hours listening to gun chune.

I am, Yours Truely

the original DivaKnockoff

T G I F

After rushing the week to run quicker than it should, I'm now stuck on a Friday evening with tons of nothing to do.

What is it about Fridays that forces you to want it to come so badly? Is it just the fact that you won't be at work to see your miserable, bipolar, boss's face? Or do we just hate the idea of getting up each morning to go to a work that stresses us out? When the weekend comes around, we are hypnotized with the beauty of two whole days of nothing to do. Unfortunately, that's just for a selected few.

For me, I have to do school work or some sort of house work. When I do let down my hair (which is not much) and go somewhere to enjoy myself, I'm consumed for the next 2 - 3 weeks with a form of tiredness that is second to none.

So what will be my solution for my weekends?

For now, there is none... school work has to come first (for a few more months at least) then I'm gonna let loose like a cannon with fire on her ass :)

I'm yours truely

the original Divaknockoff

Rain and Rainbows

I just flipped my daily motivator calendar and saw today's quote:

The beautiful colours of the rainbow can only be seen through the prism of rain.

Have you ever noticed that a rainbow does show itself after raining or it might appear somewhere in the distance and you say to yourself "but rain is not falling"... technically, there are some water particles off in the distance that we are not seeing, but we do see the rainbow.

How is a rainbow formed?

watch this on YouTube, and you will get a better understanding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1UHAPQGkKk&feature=player_embedded

In conclusion, there must be some form of water molecules for a rainbow to appear.

There are persons who have associated this saying with real life. They have linked rain with a person going through hardship and the rainbow as something to look forward to after the rough times. But is this a fair analogy?

We need rain for crops to grow and bear, for livestock to feed from, for human beings to live comfortably, in all fairness, we can't do without the rain. Yes, the same rain can cause major destruction, but what would life be without water?

Why is something that does so much more good than bad is linked directly to one's pain and hardship?

In real life, I probably had a car accident, lost my daughter, went into depression for months or years, later on got pregnant again and have another child. If someone says to me that this child is the rainbow that happened after the rain, is this a fair comparison... I didn't need that accident, I didn't need all that pain, so why associate it with something I need?

I am your original

DivaKnockoff

xoxo

Third Person

Have you ever tried to have an intelligent conversation with an individual, only to realize that the person is either in denial that they belong in an asylum or they really believe they are normal. When speaking with someone and they start to refer to themself as the third person - BEWARE.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXmAqEi6g2M&feature=player_embedded
In a recent interview with the controversial DJ Vybz Kartel and Hot 97, I couldn't help but notice that he kept on referring to himself as the third person... when asked why he does certain things, he would respond, "who is Vybz Kartel? He is the the one who puts on braces without needing them"
A narrator is one who normally removes themself from a character and becomes the third person so he can narrate the story to his audience. A character is a fictional invention, it does not exist in real life. This leads me to wonder if the hypnotized fans have ever stopped to ponder the fact that they are bleaching to look like something that is not real.
Suppose tomorrow I decide to wear a blue tights and a red underwear on the outside of that along with a big red cape, would that be acceptable since I'm trying to be just like Superman?

Will it take a genius to one day open the eyes of these night crawlers, who walk around in stockings, tights, long sleeve shirts and hats in the days to hide from the sun because they want their skin to be light, so they can see that they are trying to transform themself to match something that is not real?

The irony of it is that they laugh at Michael Jackson (God rest his soul) when he wanted to be Peter Pan

I am, yours truly

the original DivaKnockoff

xoxo

ps: Stay coloured

No opinion

Almost every second to third word out of a typical Jamaican's mouth now is "cool like me wash me face with the cake soap"..."OHH"... "a whoa"... we have been kartelized over the past few months, to an extreme where it has become annoying.

The last guy I heard with the cake soap argument, I asked him if cake soap was a normal soap to wash underwear? He said yes. Which led me to the other side of the fence (the gully side) where Mavado bleats out lyrics of it being against the law for men to wash panties... which not only imply that men should not wash female underwear, but you would be an outcast. So, what I'm really trying to put together is... if a bad man lives with his girl and she washes her undies with cake soap, should he get his own or do they use the same one? Also, if he has his own, how will he know if she has or hasn't used it?

We have become little guinea pigs in the demented mind of a lyricsis who uses his body and slick tongue as tools of PR. When he dropped the 'Clark's' song, every bruk-pocket handcart man went downtown to try get a Clark's. http://likkleblackgyal.blogspot.com/2010/05/clarks-phenomenon.html Clark's, arguably, became the number one selling shoes during that era.

Straight Jeans and Fitted hats couldn't stay in stores when he landed that one on us also... Rosaries became an overnight sensation (and I'm not talking about among the nuns). People were walking like they were in a trance trying to find these 'well sought after' trends in fashion... all because of Kartel. We can look at the positive side where he has made an impact on the economy by providing jobs for persons (those in the buy and sell industry - higglery) and our cash flow in the Jamaican market to free up, but can it also be said that we do not have an opinion of our own? No man could be found in a long foot jeans... cut off foot a dweet... and if you nuh inna dat something wrang wid u. A man going to a funeral had on a black cut off foot jeans, black Clark's, white tee shirt, fitted black cap and he made damn sure never to leave his rosary.

It seems like these people just sit and wait on Kartel to tell them what to wear, what to eat, how to bleach and how to behave. The era of own opinion has ended effective 2010.