tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116496612024-03-13T18:36:39.553-05:00Bass(sic) Adventures In PanMeanderings, musings, ruminations, emesis.........Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.comBlogger470125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-90403210783977994092013-06-28T09:40:00.002-05:002013-06-28T09:40:34.138-05:00Damned without a degree<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"<a href="http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130623/lead/lead1.html" target="_blank">DAMNED without a DEGREE</a>" is a damning headline and has done what it set out to do, stoke the fire and get people reading the newspapers. If we are not careful we may find ourselves swept up with emotion because of how the story is crafted.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In a nutshell it has been suggested that one needs to have a degree in Theology before being allowed to pastor/captain a church. A number of persons felt that 'man' was trying to tell 'God' how to choose His servants. Below was my response to the criticism of that position.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"Dem teach plenty tings at theology school, likkle counselling, likkle economics..</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">.plenty tings dat ppl go to pastor for guidance with. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Samuel was a great prophet and last of the judges. He was given over by his mother Hannah to learn the priestly ways, yet he was called from birth. Jesus chose to learn scripture and the law just like all other Jews of His time. Daniel, Shadrak, Meshak, Abednego had to learn the Jewish teachings (and the Chaldean teachings while they were in bondage) even though they were called. To be called is the beginning. There is necessary formation. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Anointing without formation means you can preach the word, after some fervent study of the word. Formation-education without anointing means you will be a good administrator. But a good pastor is called upon to have both. The Word of God should always be enough, but He has to dispense mercy along with it because of our nature. His shepherds need to know how to lead His flock. Seek wisdom where she is to be found."</span>Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-58462597413416932442013-04-22T12:43:00.001-05:002013-04-22T12:43:17.664-05:00The Boston Tragedy<br />
I never understand why people want to wipe out people even if they have offended you. Whether they drone on or it is high pressure arguments, I just can't understand how you can make a decision to wipe somebody out. Just obliterate them as if they never existed. As if they meant nothing. As if no one else cared for them, even though they may have offended you. It's frightening the kind of cold calculation involved in planning such events and then some of us watch these news corporate snuff films, lamenting or cheering depending on which side of the field we support. Hanging on every breaking update of emptiness to feed our enquiring minds.<br />
<br />
I turn it off and bury my face in the wrong book to be transported into a fabled version of the story as its being written. Stock photos, cut and hated unto screens slung with mud, because some will stick. Reddit eyed creatures switched into action straight off the assembly line of mis-guided-nation, mis-information, mis-interpretation, mass-paranoia, mass-celebration at the creation of a narrative starring 'blue duffel bag man', as they proclaimed "it is good!"<br />
<br />
What was the purpose? We ask. He may try to reply, rely re: the LIE, re lie, as we re try a corpse, long dead before the day the pressure was too high. And he, they, it, the product, the dead, fouled a system, a way, away, astray, that day? Three faces frozen forever: the child, the foreign graduate student, the retiree, gone 'who are we to say' too soon. And a piece of each of us dies, because who we were is no more. The terror within, the freedom loser, shocked, locked over smoking barrels, leaves one raging nation on this sod, divisible with artillery and justice for none. <br />
<br />
Selah!Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-83635105871461633442013-04-10T23:09:00.000-05:002013-04-11T11:04:33.740-05:00Jokes on who?About 2 months ago VW came out with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H0xPWAtaa8" target="_blank">an advert</a> that raised much controversy. It portrayed a <strike>white</strike> Caucasian dude with a healthy Jamaican attitude and a believable enough accent, trying to infuse his co-workers with positivity. The theme was 'come on get happy' and the suggestion was that driving a VW Beetle or even being a passenger in the car would make you happy and happiness was embodied in the Jamaican spirit. It generated a flurry of responses. VW said that they had a consultant Jamaican, Jimmy Cliff, and they were satisfied because he was satisfied with the product. Jimmy was after all one of our cultural ambassadors. <br />
<br />
That didn't stop people from being polarized. The loudest cries against came from non-Jamaicans of opposite hue. There were cries that the advert was racist, stereo-typing the Jamaican culture. Some felt that an actual Jamaican is the only one who should attempt to speak and act Jamaican so as to avoid offending Jamaicans. Others said that only a black person should attempt the accent and Jamaican and black were being used synonymously. There was even an article that all but accused VW of "Black Face" - a phenomenon whereby <strike>white</strike> Caucasian actors would play the negro roles instead of black people, and the character was typically a caricature/stereotype/exaggeration.<br />
<br />
Jamaicans responded that they were not offended. Non-black Jamaicans took to the internet to protest that they were being left off the Jamaican landscape. They launched a FB page to save the advert. There were video <strike>responses</strike> <strike>spoofs</strike> counter-actions with<br />
1. a white angry Jamaican with weed smoking as the cause of happiness,<br />
2. an unhappy Jamaican depressing the whole office and<br />
3. a happy <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvHEg7l3tlg" target="_blank">Jamaican with a German accen</a>t and mannerisms. <br />
<br />
Some cried mockery, others cried mimicry. All I know is that VW got publicity they could not pay for and the advert still aired during the Superbowl.<br />
<br />
I watched and read all of this and wondered why I was killing time and valuable brain cells giving this nonsense a second thought. A week later the advert was forgotten and a new cry about racism was on the American news. It then occurred to me that the same discussion is had every month on all the news networks and talk shows. And each time commentators inflate dirigibles from soapbox heights with their opinions. Each time I keep thinking "well this surely will be the end of it for sure", only to see it resurface like potholes on Jamaican roads.<br />
<br />
Then it finally dawned on me. The oppressor cannot run the race or class joke, only the oppressed! Why not? Because it comes across as condescending! Think about it. Rich can joke about rich but once rich pokes fun at poor it's considered to be in poor taste. The poor can ridicule the poor, the middle and the rich and take that all the way to the bank! We tell politician jokes all the time, but if we ever hear a politician telling proletariat joke then it's gonna be a public uproar.<br />
<br />
The higher you climb in life the fewer persons you have to laugh at in public. The cry of racism from <strike>caucas</strike>..... WHITE (damn it) people will always be ignored because history and economics have bolstered them socially. Just like the AB blood group they can receive (comical jabs) from everyone but can only give to themselves. The thing is, I do not believe that they realize this duality.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.upworthy.com/a-public-service-announcement-on-behalf-of-all-white-dudes?c=ufb1" target="_blank">Ruff pon dem sah!</a><br />
<br />
<br />Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-33154374721699053102013-04-07T22:33:00.001-05:002013-04-07T22:33:38.483-05:00Checking inSoooooooo I'm here. Where is here? Indiana, USA. Doing what? Not what I ought to be doing! But that's a whole other story.<br />
<br />
I been growing. I been broken and being rebuilt. I could complain but part of being rebuilt is that you realise that you are better for it. So I choose to give praise. Still working on being content but ambitious.<br />
<br />
I took 3 months off, which is another way of saying that I am unemployed. I am awaiting my work permit. Subway is hiring! So is Papa Johns. Considered being a bus driver but in Indiana they are very courteous. I woulda wah empty out di bus and race it down di back road dem.<br />
<br />
I thought I would have been bored here and to some extent I am. But I am not crying myself to sleep bored. I haven't resorted to television moron-tainment, but I fell into the FB well of despair and am clawing my way back out. At my worst I knew what time of day certain folks would be logging on and I became a 'like' ho! <br />
<br />
Winter is now over and I have ushered in SPRING! (I hope the weather folks heard me.) I have been going for walks, enjoying the crisp air, lack of sidewalks on some parts of campus, watching the bewildered beasts of the graduati, and I am to take up planting. Notice I didn't say farming. There is a vast difference. I have headed back into the classroom virtually. I am tackling unrelated study matter to ignite dormant brain cells to recall information of the past.<br />
<br />
There is a bigger plan with many levels. I soberly approach each day as if it is my first, with wonder and amusement.<br />
<br />
Dig some pics below. Later!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsl6KQzwEzH1MRhyphenhyphenLd_wrjjk4O9UpYWM4mNkwh_inDcUQL5hSjpwVSILoGOGS4U7zF_xhtuvPYweJzkbIFKqjAhgfQeiqXvPklK1Ylp1RtUt03o-wX_exiUiTVv5bEYDUGeE/s1600/2013-02-21+15.03.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsl6KQzwEzH1MRhyphenhyphenLd_wrjjk4O9UpYWM4mNkwh_inDcUQL5hSjpwVSILoGOGS4U7zF_xhtuvPYweJzkbIFKqjAhgfQeiqXvPklK1Ylp1RtUt03o-wX_exiUiTVv5bEYDUGeE/s320/2013-02-21+15.03.38.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pools of ice in the middle of the field</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e3JPalGmgBebNE9wIXwlxbGW9q61JEtOGxEJEunZA22Hqh1j-2GHrZqgcSNBgRHajPubWyb5atvkH_qm5epDG0Gc2rdB-oijyY0d1LMeE9O61LNTyqhEHztoNiB9XBiTaSU/s1600/2013-02-20+15.18.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e3JPalGmgBebNE9wIXwlxbGW9q61JEtOGxEJEunZA22Hqh1j-2GHrZqgcSNBgRHajPubWyb5atvkH_qm5epDG0Gc2rdB-oijyY0d1LMeE9O61LNTyqhEHztoNiB9XBiTaSU/s320/2013-02-20+15.18.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBQ area away from smoke alarms</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViX7CLnJuUu4dOGwK3t0OtIRtisHYikzNr8AxkEx3XVSFe0fkp11-mkUtOnG8jw6ybIO4XqgkJFmR5ORIKUwdBcIVyHlzmRXGPRBQolUUCIeKzQIMWau67YX3phOane2h_RI/s1600/2013-03-02+22.09.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViX7CLnJuUu4dOGwK3t0OtIRtisHYikzNr8AxkEx3XVSFe0fkp11-mkUtOnG8jw6ybIO4XqgkJFmR5ORIKUwdBcIVyHlzmRXGPRBQolUUCIeKzQIMWau67YX3phOane2h_RI/s320/2013-03-02+22.09.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rising dough for my french bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVEAUB8sTlVm5TKON6wzTwOESDcWPQCc60gBSo7ZQLVNklGsIPfh9gUx-Mo7gP4ES9pCZWWyoX-BIwqV5fjr-0bnAsHgr3gnIq0YR3aBi7qDKeVV8Dl9OsrSU_R8palOnhDM/s1600/2013-02-22+11.57.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVEAUB8sTlVm5TKON6wzTwOESDcWPQCc60gBSo7ZQLVNklGsIPfh9gUx-Mo7gP4ES9pCZWWyoX-BIwqV5fjr-0bnAsHgr3gnIq0YR3aBi7qDKeVV8Dl9OsrSU_R8palOnhDM/s320/2013-02-22+11.57.06.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamaican phonetics very misleading</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkLPvcT1ghTnCkBHQahU85QgtOtPGSzBex2RkuDqc8DKZK4x5XgkYmTD8tI2Sz1MHrjKI9fUZmW2QK3eDNh7ngQAsYFqyJJj_yCTcfeGqh1G6tKQTffv46A7JxWQgc8FDy6A/s1600/2013-03-12+18.31.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkLPvcT1ghTnCkBHQahU85QgtOtPGSzBex2RkuDqc8DKZK4x5XgkYmTD8tI2Sz1MHrjKI9fUZmW2QK3eDNh7ngQAsYFqyJJj_yCTcfeGqh1G6tKQTffv46A7JxWQgc8FDy6A/s320/2013-03-12+18.31.14.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you surprised it is a food additive?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK2C19vaxk6HrWHR9JxE0GVam76Db_RauTtYy-mo_Mj6aKQdn8_srL2NxuUVh4uNFGYc62BIAdPaYae2M3OGscxQ5cszGL9KCqenPnxDBc0YDhPPsfAvINBYdQcawBI5-OmE/s1600/2013-03-15+14.12.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK2C19vaxk6HrWHR9JxE0GVam76Db_RauTtYy-mo_Mj6aKQdn8_srL2NxuUVh4uNFGYc62BIAdPaYae2M3OGscxQ5cszGL9KCqenPnxDBc0YDhPPsfAvINBYdQcawBI5-OmE/s320/2013-03-15+14.12.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotness wife inna hotness boots! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokHlEkFHkHULGv7mZerz0F_joAjkYqFJl5genz2K0_G8MPWJs5YGOsFRVO5_bM302djpgr-v-j9puSR5y9ahM_Qu6RGdE9NEdyVrIKV4qerk4TJuNdCKD-X-wPbfbC4N1xqI/s1600/2013-03-03+14.30.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokHlEkFHkHULGv7mZerz0F_joAjkYqFJl5genz2K0_G8MPWJs5YGOsFRVO5_bM302djpgr-v-j9puSR5y9ahM_Qu6RGdE9NEdyVrIKV4qerk4TJuNdCKD-X-wPbfbC4N1xqI/s320/2013-03-03+14.30.51.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misleading - tastier than it looks, no salt </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtRlOvBNxzPqbjDpEfcbes1YWIc9gCB0uTLZCJNlY0lmwdPNa9n-nelrPBW0oz7yV5g4dST5w-cf0FouhheRj4kYx9C2G6GNhB0mpt2fraCm49okzSpNiMbiBULDozKmYKlo/s1600/2013-03-15+14.53.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtRlOvBNxzPqbjDpEfcbes1YWIc9gCB0uTLZCJNlY0lmwdPNa9n-nelrPBW0oz7yV5g4dST5w-cf0FouhheRj4kYx9C2G6GNhB0mpt2fraCm49okzSpNiMbiBULDozKmYKlo/s320/2013-03-15+14.53.40.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goes well with the boots. Trying to unite them soon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_tI0MPaSbrv4yZFll9_eDpTrGNQd_w4PusJ-QAohmIaLADfkb1OV1UG7rhJwg9K3MeoV5kyh96A-ofCdtM2Wwzt7FuTtxCRJmABD4fziI7NEBLswLdZbGVBr4QIixHdOoqM/s1600/2013-03-23+17.36.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_tI0MPaSbrv4yZFll9_eDpTrGNQd_w4PusJ-QAohmIaLADfkb1OV1UG7rhJwg9K3MeoV5kyh96A-ofCdtM2Wwzt7FuTtxCRJmABD4fziI7NEBLswLdZbGVBr4QIixHdOoqM/s320/2013-03-23+17.36.30.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All dressed up! Thank you JoS A Banks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnI3aIoTpLVrroZEofaDcl0zjZcRvEeACHterzASZHgEGZ7liTXcPdB7rTn3EUPQx0GtnM_Kv6ubkHIiDBFbGJK2gKKr3uvvEi_aWVdRy4Gkj2ZUJRpDGbFUAz2E2jqrwHhI/s1600/2013-03-23+17.37.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnI3aIoTpLVrroZEofaDcl0zjZcRvEeACHterzASZHgEGZ7liTXcPdB7rTn3EUPQx0GtnM_Kv6ubkHIiDBFbGJK2gKKr3uvvEi_aWVdRy4Gkj2ZUJRpDGbFUAz2E2jqrwHhI/s320/2013-03-23+17.37.22.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recycling bin?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvdAyzptc4zfoMsDUnZZH3-Hv_V9YV29yHmQY6jAUzsfcyxt1Re-11PKtxGPlnQD484jUzZPzOXbss9ENRenYdsnnv76-nqZmy-v7U8T949uk7tIfsHK7dGjqwQYff4M6DM0/s1600/2013-03-15+14.07.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvdAyzptc4zfoMsDUnZZH3-Hv_V9YV29yHmQY6jAUzsfcyxt1Re-11PKtxGPlnQD484jUzZPzOXbss9ENRenYdsnnv76-nqZmy-v7U8T949uk7tIfsHK7dGjqwQYff4M6DM0/s320/2013-03-15+14.07.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarks mi seh! She will be mine! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0GWmB4pkKoJqzR0gevwaeWXX2C4Oqj_iUqBrNJ2YwAPn-upRUFAtdXgHLsOCB7XgLS93JN8buwn9uCyAfE7g-eqmYBlZbI0dkqkWTpx7umZ1LrOvKRyhdFfQ9iaLb2puN1E/s1600/2013-03-25+09.20.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0GWmB4pkKoJqzR0gevwaeWXX2C4Oqj_iUqBrNJ2YwAPn-upRUFAtdXgHLsOCB7XgLS93JN8buwn9uCyAfE7g-eqmYBlZbI0dkqkWTpx7umZ1LrOvKRyhdFfQ9iaLb2puN1E/s320/2013-03-25+09.20.34.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the AXE effect I was looking for</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DcR5c4EF_4ssOBEGunmq_hTYVZUnIIHB84xpPbnvgtNjWVz5ynOw1CmL0VQbbALS9nwXwGh1X1WGS6MgQaFBg6DJFc9N6I2h81fhbyAI2ec9jzwm59gd7X9S-YMoRna85-s/s1600/2013-03-25+18.53.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DcR5c4EF_4ssOBEGunmq_hTYVZUnIIHB84xpPbnvgtNjWVz5ynOw1CmL0VQbbALS9nwXwGh1X1WGS6MgQaFBg6DJFc9N6I2h81fhbyAI2ec9jzwm59gd7X9S-YMoRna85-s/s320/2013-03-25+18.53.11.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosty C on a gansta lean</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDSsY0xKwt9f6ELy6yfZLLsJv-xxSdiC00-W-g0w0onfipoCHmLSLKGmy7Pg86nYRXNiyc1EUJch0z6r9uXuPWyqr8bE4DKPJtRJqE-lHIbCqKqrK9cV-dzZrfzUCgb6t06U/s1600/2013-03-25+18.55.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDSsY0xKwt9f6ELy6yfZLLsJv-xxSdiC00-W-g0w0onfipoCHmLSLKGmy7Pg86nYRXNiyc1EUJch0z6r9uXuPWyqr8bE4DKPJtRJqE-lHIbCqKqrK9cV-dzZrfzUCgb6t06U/s320/2013-03-25+18.55.13.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angel got a little junk in tha trunk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWhNon3tpgEdpYUKsvNV0PIx9qNSepywr7gMtAkYUxqZrULFz_HAuvMb6tleTiO_gDRXfqw83tIBzRgXPm2tmFlz_XRsrfkiSe0uxLo30hUK9RVywaA4UIy-74ELCUv6GN8Q/s1600/2013-03-25+10.16.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWhNon3tpgEdpYUKsvNV0PIx9qNSepywr7gMtAkYUxqZrULFz_HAuvMb6tleTiO_gDRXfqw83tIBzRgXPm2tmFlz_XRsrfkiSe0uxLo30hUK9RVywaA4UIy-74ELCUv6GN8Q/s320/2013-03-25+10.16.01.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just went inside for 2 hours, what happened?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdhaQoLTBI5m6EagM_wUcE8IfNn_frSUIMEiW0OxmEYoYqrkhvrQZcBX-DwZ0INRt5HcK2CR_GOFtBTIwiXLqSzWPc2bIDdNetXlhrCyUXFULpqj543euD3lHYxYOfqjL1yc/s1600/2013-03-29+16.39.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdhaQoLTBI5m6EagM_wUcE8IfNn_frSUIMEiW0OxmEYoYqrkhvrQZcBX-DwZ0INRt5HcK2CR_GOFtBTIwiXLqSzWPc2bIDdNetXlhrCyUXFULpqj543euD3lHYxYOfqjL1yc/s320/2013-03-29+16.39.27.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canvas Stations of the Cross</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vDQ04aCWMt9NMfP6W_zl3NC3rUNRAXAc6Nnwg38-YT_sPMvfbBZZjljjHe-wecyPG3ZbEjeaHXqlIbT3-8vsqZb381gidsh01WRUBIx5-koblpMI5rtAizyNw6dTpoZS5zo/s1600/2013-03-27+14.14.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vDQ04aCWMt9NMfP6W_zl3NC3rUNRAXAc6Nnwg38-YT_sPMvfbBZZjljjHe-wecyPG3ZbEjeaHXqlIbT3-8vsqZb381gidsh01WRUBIx5-koblpMI5rtAizyNw6dTpoZS5zo/s320/2013-03-27+14.14.22.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custer's last stand</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MVbDvStpLdssnNNqnkYA5_GamKSvduQidYBqhmTESw8beNKe9VMjYZjFtEFavO7eVd81_v8cUeRBQpp-nfzK-MN6KOnKfHurLjeCZTFetCOLVbXgx743IJGse9V9zbltyeQ/s1600/2013-03-31+12.07.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MVbDvStpLdssnNNqnkYA5_GamKSvduQidYBqhmTESw8beNKe9VMjYZjFtEFavO7eVd81_v8cUeRBQpp-nfzK-MN6KOnKfHurLjeCZTFetCOLVbXgx743IJGse9V9zbltyeQ/s320/2013-03-31+12.07.53.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healthier eating. Sound financial planning ....slept out that class didn't I</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-68610597441708374062012-10-09T00:26:00.001-05:002012-10-09T00:26:09.164-05:00Lessons I've learnedSooooooo, after 3 years of running a health centre, and raising the bar at which we operate, I look back and realise that the 'elite' team only functions when I am pressing them to function. They don't want to work so hard. They don't care about efficiency. They are there for the 8am-4pm (all running off at 2pm). They like the lyme when it occurs. They like the freeness. But they just don't share the vision. <br />
<br />
I didn't want to leave a legacy. I didn't want tales to be told and ballads to be sung, but I did want to leave behind a team functioning so optimally (given the lack of resources) that any successor will be forced to step up their game to offer the same level of service. I wanted them to be more than the cliched government worker.<br />
<br />
I also had manic grandiose ideas of changing the face of the community people. I wanted them to lift themselves up to a different level. That was a crack-pipe dream! It is almost impossible to change a fractured community of 10,000,all struggling to shine or matter in ways that debase rather than uplift themselves, 1 person at a time. Very little stuck! The few who learned did so just to navigate me. Support staff didn't.<br />
<br />
I don't see myself as a rose among thistles. I don't see myself as water to parched soil. But I did think that my brand of manure could fertilize a few arid areas.<br />
<br />
I did learn that the job didn't come with its own dreams. Those I had to furnish. I did learn that I didn't have to get sucked into the system, become part of the collective. I did learn the meaning of throwing pearls to swine. I did learn about counting chickens before they are hatched. I did learn about pastor christening him pickney first.<br />
<br />
But I also learned about patience, service, seeing God in my fellow human being. I learned how cold I could be and how compassionate I could be, in the same day no less.<br />
<br />
So although I can't leave as a conqueror, with task bested, with flag flying high, knighted for the endeavour, excalibur sheathed, I can leave older, grayer, wiser, a different man than I came.<br />
<br />
I have learned.Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-68893281439857951842011-06-25T00:26:00.000-05:002011-06-25T00:26:28.123-05:00ConstraintsAs a doctor I am privy to information about my patients that they would prefer kept in strict confidence. I dislike knowing people"s business, so it is an arrangement that works for me... they tell me stuff and I try to forget they told me stuff. No harm, no foul.<br />
<br />
However, when they piss me off, which they do a great deal, I would love an avenue to vent! But crossing that line is serious business. Issues of doctor-patient confidentiality betrayal is almost as bad as pulling an Anthony Weiner!<br />
<br />
You can't tell the story with any identifiable details, including details of conditions that may be used later to help identify a patient. You can never assume that such indiscretions can't get back to the patient. Speaking hypothetically is just not an option either. You can give anecdotal stories and stuff for giggles but those aren't the venting stories are they.<br />
<br />
Dealing with human beings means you need an outlet. Since they don't pay me enough to afford a reasonable outlet, I have TGIF and a few select friends who I trust to be confidential. The commitment from all involved is a contribution to the Darwin tales. Sometimes we get a little rowdy. The musgrave madness does that to me. That's right, I blame the musgrave madness!<br />
<br />
Anyway, any other details would let you realise that doctors are human so I am done.Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-2762726765276422232011-04-06T06:25:00.000-05:002011-04-06T06:25:00.299-05:00Old becomes NewSo the prodigal has returned. I haven't posted anything sensible in about a year and all of a sudden I am back at Blogger, my roots! Was just passing by and noticed that they updated the templates and they don't look half bad. Also I am not so keen on fanciness anymore. Don't know if this a resurgence but I can say welcome back Kotter!Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-74115977760790197872009-04-29T11:47:00.001-05:002009-08-06T22:05:40.437-05:00MovementsGentle folks.... I've decided to move to wordpress. Blogger not offering me enough templates and I am once again haunted and want to change it. Because they introduced widgets, I lose too much when I use an outside template. Don't have the time to wade through the code, so the easiest thing is to move over to a provider who will give me choices. Don't plan to close this blog but want to see my blog in better/ different colours.<br />
<br />
So I'll be at <a href="http://bashmentbasses.wordpress.com/">http://bashmentbasses.wordpress.com/</a> . I am importing my posts and comments there as well.<br />
<br />
Talk about carrying around baggage!<br />
<br />
Later.Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-63995879247618208102009-04-23T02:10:00.000-05:002009-04-23T02:10:53.279-05:00RegretsI regret not following up my blog as I used to in previous years. Everyday I see something else I can blog about, some mundane, some topical... all with something I can learn from. But alas I have not been sharing in this medium. I avoid lumping them and presenting bites because that's Bass chocolate's MO. But none-the-less I just gonna speak extemporaneously.<br />
<br />
HIJACKING<br />
Let it not be said that I agree with any politician but.... if you have things in place to deal with what you are accustomed to dealing with, and a breech occurs outside of the culture.. I suspect you will be caught with your pants down too. Everyone was in shock when they awoke to the news. The first thing I thought was that the hijacker came down in the plane, not that he boarded in Ja!! Dat don't mek no sense to me. All now it don't mek sense. Him coulda deh pon crack or have schizophrenia.. it is not a Jamaican tactic!! My fear now is dat some idlers thinking to demself ... "hey, yu know seh mi neva ting bout dat! Come mek wi Ijack one plane to farrin!" <br />
<br />
STRIKE<br />
My fellow doctors decided that the best way to deal with the current economic impasse with the government is to go on strike. Here's the problem. If a patient dies on my watch because I was on-strike, then I am criminally responsible. I may be able to get a lawyer to get me off on some technicality and suffer no real fall-out from something like that..... but I have a conscience that won't allow that. I think it is not the best option at this time. Yes we need to put pressure on the government to devise and execute transparent methods of collecting outstanding taxes. As it is if they should manage to that, they would have made up their shortfall. Instead they want to impose new taxes while freezing wages, allow a continuation of free market forces to worsen inflation, risk civic unrest, threaten the citizens with police retaliation if they want to protest, etc...<br />
But we cannot in good conscience expect increases in wages at this time, given the country's economic difficulties. I see first hand how health care suffers when patients can't afford medications because they have to choose between caring for children and buying meds. That's unacceptable! Until I went to the pharmacy to fill a prescription for my grandmother. $8000 for pain killers and pressure meds!!! How di backside pl gonna keep up?!<br />
<br />
CHARITY<br />
We need to become our brother's keeper. It's the only way we will survive. Nuff said!<br />
<br />
BARAK<br />
The man has been given a basket to carry water through hell! He inherited a messed up economy. If he manages to guide them through this, the powers that be will say they chose wisely. If he falls on his face, they will say that a black man wasn't ready. I wish him well and hope he makes it. More people depend on his success than he realizes. Lets see the reports on his first 100 days.<br />
<br />
TALIBAN<br />
We throw the title around, and many claim it when they are charlatans. The truth is that the talibans' biggest weapon is fear, thanx to the International Media. No one can keep watch effectively forever.<br />
<br />
Selah!!Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-32223494363384694772009-03-07T01:27:00.000-05:002009-03-07T01:27:31.897-05:00Sum tin wong!!!<div> <div class="EC_EC_EC_EC_MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Scenario 1:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">1957 -</span></span></b><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">2008</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> -</span></span></b><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> School goes into lock down, <span class="EC_EC_EC_EC_yshortcuts" id="EC_EC_EC_EC_lw_1236052208_22">FBI</span> called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers. </span></span><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></span></u></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></span></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Scenario 2:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">1957 -</span></span></b><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">2008</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> -</span></span></b><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.</span></span><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #40005f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></span></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Scenario 3:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: bold;">Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">1957 -</span></span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">2008</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> -</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The school gets extra money from the state because Jeffrey has a disability.</span></span></div><div class="EC_EC_EC_EC_MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"> <br />
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
Scenario 4:</span></u></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
1957 -</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">2008</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> -</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has an affair with the psychologist. <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></span></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Scenario 5:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirins to school.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">1957 -<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>Mark shares his aspirins with the Principal out on the smoking dock.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">2008</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> - The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons. </span></span></b></div><div class="EC_EC_EC_EC_MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #40005f;"><span style="color: #40005f;"><br />
</span></span><u><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><br />
Scenario 6:</span></span></u></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Pedro fails <span class="EC_EC_EC_EC_yshortcuts" id="EC_EC_EC_EC_lw_1236052208_23">high school English</span>.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">2008</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English is then banned from <span class="EC_EC_EC_EC_yshortcuts" id="EC_EC_EC_EC_lw_1236052208_24">core curriculum</span>. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English. </span></span></b></div><div class="EC_EC_EC_EC_MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="EC_EC_EC_EC_MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Scenario 7:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the <span class="EC_EC_EC_EC_yshortcuts" id="EC_EC_EC_EC_lw_1236052208_25">Fourth of July</span>, puts them in a model airplane and blows up a red ant bed.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">1957 - Ants die.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">2008</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">- ATF, <span class="EC_EC_EC_EC_yshortcuts" id="EC_EC_EC_EC_lw_1236052208_26">Homeland Security</span> and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents -- and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny's dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.</span></span></b></div><div class="EC_EC_EC_EC_MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="EC_EC_EC_EC_MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></span></b> <div class="EC_EC_EC_EC_MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Scenario 8:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">1957 -<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">2008</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy</span></span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: bold;">.</span></span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; font-weight: bold;"> <br />
</span></span></b></div></div>Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-14001490889266853022009-03-04T23:37:00.000-05:002009-03-04T23:37:16.336-05:00A load of shiitzWith all the shiitz coming out of Jamaicans mouths, not withstanding that from their rectums, I would never have thought that we needed to bring in more foreign crap to expose our people to. American export products are and have always been inferior to what is available to their domestic market. The opposite holds for Jamaican products. We send the best away and leave the rest for our domestic market.<br />
<br />
So why is it that we are importing American shiitz instead of using our own? Perhaps because we still think that all that comes from foreign is good and local is bad. That stinks to me. Human excrement is terrible!! Humans only look good on the outside. Inside we are disgusting in comparison to our herbivore counterparts from whom we usually obtain our fertilizer. A dog bite is cleaner than a human bite!!! Patients with bed sores exposed to their own excrement usually end up dying of overwhelming sepsis due to the massive volume of germs living in our stool!!<br />
<br />
Why not process Jamaican excrement then since we are now willing to take the chance on human don't-don't! I suppose they'll say it's cheaper to buy American excrement than to process our own. I'm not reassured that its been tested to American/International faecal standards. I don't care to be exposed to it knowingly (cause for all we know its been happening for years subterfugally)!<br />
<br />
They can keep that sh*t!!!<br />
<br />
SELAH!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. The farmers informed that the regulatory body that certifies their products, doesn't like the human faeces fertilizer so they may lose their international certification for their products if it fails their test!! So much for not doing anything to hurt the Jamaican people.Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-82423661327427584502009-01-14T07:11:00.000-05:002009-01-14T07:13:21.599-05:00Corporate Structure definedIs your company like this?<br />
<br />
CORPORATE STRUCTURE <br />
DEFINED AND ANALYZED<br />
<br />
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD:<br />
Leaps tall building in a single bound<br />
Is more powerful than a locomotive<br />
Is faster than a speeding bullet<br />
Walks on water<br />
Discusses policy with God<br />
<br />
PRESIDENT:<br />
Leaps short buildings in a single bound<br />
Is more powerful than a switch engine<br />
Is just as fast as a speeding bullet<br />
Walks on water if the sea is calm<br />
Talks with God<br />
<br />
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT:<br />
Leaps short buildings with a running start and favorable winds.<br />
Is almost as powerful as a switch engine<br />
Is faster than a speeding BB.<br />
Walks on water in an indoor swimming pool<br />
Talks with God if special request is approved<br />
<br />
VICE PRESIDENT:<br />
Barely clears a Quonset hut<br />
Loses tug-of-war with a locomotive<br />
Can fire a speeding bullet<br />
Swims well<br />
Is occasionally addressed by God<br />
<br />
GENERAL MANAGER:<br />
Makes high marks on the wall when trying to leap buildings<br />
Is run over by locomotive<br />
Can sometimes handle a gun without inflicting self-injury<br />
Dog paddles<br />
Talks to animals<br />
<br />
MANAGER:<br />
Runs into buildings<br />
Recognizes locomotive two out of three times<br />
Is not issued ammunition<br />
Can't stay afloat with a life preserver<br />
Talks to walls<br />
<br />
TRAINEE:<br />
Falls over doorsteps when trying to enter building<br />
Says "look at the choo-choo"<br />
Wets him/herself with a water pistol<br />
Plays in mud puddles<br />
Mumbles to him/herself<br />
<br />
SECRETARY:<br />
Lifts buildings and walks under them<br />
Kicks locomotives off the tracks<br />
Catches speeding bullets in his/her teeth<br />
Freezes water with a single glance<br />
Is GodBashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-19447227016767827052009-01-09T23:18:00.000-05:002009-01-09T23:19:14.050-05:00God is..God is at our beck and call...... not our whim and fancy!Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-13385734080567321912008-12-06T18:52:00.000-05:002008-12-06T18:57:36.316-05:00perhapsA woman and a man are involved in a car accident on a snowy, cold Monday morning; it's a bad one. Both of their cars are totally demolished, but amazingly neither of them is hurt. God works in mysterious ways. <br />
<br />
After they crawl out of their cars, the man is yelling about women drivers. The woman says, 'So, you're a man. That's interesting. I'm a woman. Wow, just look at our cars! There's nothing left, but we're unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should be friends and live in peace for the rest of our days.' <br />
<br />
Flattered, the man replies, 'Oh yes, I agree completely, this must be a sign from God! But you're still at fault... women shouldn't be allowed to drive.' <br />
<br />
The woman continues, 'And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune.' <br />
She hands the bottle to the man. The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman. <br />
<br />
The woman takes the bottle, puts the cap back on and hands it back to the man. <br />
The man asks, 'Aren't you having any?' <br />
The woman replies, 'No. I think I'll just wait for the police...' <br />
<br />
<br />
Women are clever and evil ... Don't mess with them.Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-69885478512619658192008-10-11T23:49:00.000-05:002008-10-12T00:24:26.332-05:00Free sauce?So I go to BK and I order a combo 1. There is a sign on the wall indicating that they are no longer giving away sauces with combos. Instead, you may have 2 packets of ketchup or 1 sauce depending on the meal ordered. They then layed out the charges for the different condiments available.<br />
<br />
I interpreted it to mean that I had a choice of 2 packets of ketchup or 1 packet of sauce. So I waited until they were preparing my order and told them I would like honey mustard instead of the ketchup. The server informed me that I couldn't get the sauce because it didn't come with the meal. I brought her attention to the sign. She said that I needed to speak with the manager and proceeded to call her. Another server added her two cents and said the manegr need not be called because it was very simple... no sauce comes withe meal so no sauce to be given.<br />
<br />
The manager approached and I explained why I was of the opinion that I was entitled to my 1 sauce. She said I was not entitled to the sauce because it was not issued with the meal that I ordered. I asked her which meal is served with sauce. Turns out the chicken tenders is served with sauce. I asked if I could swap out the sauce for 2 packs of ketchups if I ordered the tenders. She said yes. So I said that the sign should indicate that only reverse swapping allowed, since one can alwasy trade sauce for ketchup but never ketchup for sauce. She insisted that the sign was correct and quite unambiguous, although she admitted that sauce for ketchup was all that was allowed.<br />
<br />
She then tried to passify me by suggesting that I could purchase the sauce for $30. I told her that I paid with my debit card and they would not allow me to make said purchase because it was below the threshhold for debit card purchases. She agreedd and then suggested I return to my vehicle for coins...... I told her that I would not have purchased the meal I did had I known that was the stipulation. She decided to give me a packet of sauce along with the ketchup, and warned me that in future I would have to pay if I wanted sauce.<br />
<br />
The whole time I spoke very softly and with as little emotion as possible. Yes I was looking forward to the honey mustard sauce to have with the fries, especially since I already had ketchup at home and didn't need anymore. But no the whole incident wasn't worth the effort expended.<br />
<br />
After reaching home I racked my brain for an alternative interpretation of the sign that would validate what the manager was explaining. Eventually 2hrs later I had a fleeting moment of "lucidity" and I thought I saw what she was saying. I think what they were trying to say is that the originally intended condiments is all they are willing to give you at this time. If you really want it your way right away, cough up some more dough!!<br />
<br />
Whopper combo (when I wanted a Bacon whopper but they had no bacon)........... $430<br />
Honey mustard sauce and ketchup (when I just wanted hm sauce) ..... free<br />
Getting the sauce free when the rest of the meal was soggy and unpalatable ..... waste of my damn time!!<br />
<br />
For everyone else there's Wendy's!!!!!!Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-73390818482455142832008-10-05T13:53:00.001-05:002008-10-05T14:24:16.813-05:00Being miserableI tuned in to the Golden celebrations on local television yesterday and I was annoyed by the hitches that took place. We knew from August that we were gonna celebrate our athletes. We had heard it announced that it would be a week of celebrations.<br />
<br />
So why were the behind the scenes personnel standing in the way when the dancers were entering and causing the dancers to collide in them as they entered the track? Why did the BMW have to break up suddenly to avoid colliding with the other car in front? Why were the cues missed constantly? How some dancers buss early and others looking to their left and right to figure out what's the next step? etc....<br />
<br />
Then what message we sending when the para-olympians had to wheel themselves in while the females were drawn in strange looking carriages and the men come in fancy cars? Ok I can understand the princess carriage and the pearl carriage but what was the pumpkin carriage about? Is she a country bumpkin?<br />
<br />
What were the half nekkid girls for in the see-through clothes? Why di girl with Asafa had her hand between his legs and wouldn't move it for nutten? <br />
<br />
Bolt did exactly what I thought he would do... Appear, walk the track and dance, causing the security much hassle as they try to pretend to do the job they heard that they were to be doing.... keeping unauthorised persons at bay.<br />
<br />
Cross/Angry/MiserableBashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-45789060019243817912008-09-30T05:11:00.000-05:002008-09-30T05:14:47.782-05:00A few reflections<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt;">Rule 1</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">: Life is not fair - get used to it! <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 2</span></span> : The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself. <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 3</span></span> : You will NOT make $4,200,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both. <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 4</span></span> : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 5</span></span> : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity. <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 6</span></span>: If you mess up,<u> it's not your parents' fault</u>, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them. <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 7</span></span>: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room. <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 8</span></span>: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life. <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 9</span></span>: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time. <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 10</span></span>: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs. <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
Rule 11</span></span>: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one. <br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
If you can read this - Thank a teacher!</span></span>Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-29308847080476858452008-09-22T17:28:00.001-05:002008-09-22T17:48:42.979-05:00Seeking clarificationI'm trying to understand why in the reports that Haiti has been hit by 4 tropical storms in the last month, that no mention was made of the Dominican Republic. I know that the Geo teacher and I never really made it past aquaintances but I distinctly remember him saying that Haiti and Dom Rep share the same land mass.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the Haitians took the cursed side of the island and built on sand while the Dom Repians built on solid ground, but that would just explain the absence of the massive land slides the Haitians won for themselves after playing the game called forest denudation.<br />
<br />
The news reports lamented the fate of poor Haiti, and even said that Hanna sat on Haiti for 4 days! Now, if they were talking about Cuba I could understand because if a storm go north, south, NE, NW,.... it lick Cuba. Cuba just in di wrong place all di time. But is never the same part get lick all the time. But Dom-aiti ain't dat big!!! How Hanna decided which side was gonna get di floodin? Plus based on the news reports, all di disasterin was confined to the Haitiian part of the island. Apparently the storms tried to sneak past the Dom Rep and then let go full force on Haiti.<br />
<br />
4 deaths in DR and 300 in Haiti. Did the DRians evacuate or something?<br />
<br />
Do Haitians at the border bridge light from the DRians?<br />
<br />
So if the Haitian side so salt, How come the Haitians don't run away to the Dom Rep?.... How come!?? Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-43931497500976126262008-09-21T01:46:00.000-05:002008-09-21T01:47:33.515-05:00How to Stay SafeHow to stay safe in the world today.<br />
<br />
1. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for<br />
20% of all fatal accidents. <br />
<br />
2. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the<br />
home. <br />
<br />
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all<br />
accidents occur to pedestrians. <br />
<br />
4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all<br />
accidents involve these forms of transportation.<br />
<br />
5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in hospitals.<br />
Above all else, avoid hospitals. <br />
<br />
You will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur<br />
in worship services in church, and these are usually related to<br />
previous physical disorders.<br />
<br />
Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at<br />
any given point in time is at church!<br />
<br />
Bible study is safe too.<br />
The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.<br />
<br />
FOR SAFETY'S SAKE - Attend church and Bible study tomorrow.<br />
<br />
IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-54126963758366498252008-08-22T21:58:00.000-05:002008-08-22T22:00:05.793-05:00To di worl!!<a href="http://basspics.blogspot.com/2008/08/jamaica-at-olympics.html">Pictures</a> of some of our athletes!<br /><br />http://basspics.blogspot.com/2008/08/jamaica-at-olympics.htmlBashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-22839156096728908022008-08-22T19:45:00.002-05:002008-08-22T19:51:07.199-05:00Bap bap!!Instead of shouting 'reach' Jamaican relay athletes now have to scream 'WAIT'!! We too fast now; reaction times too good! Mi proud of all our athletes!<br /><br />Afasa clear him name. We too good man, we too good. Di USA team dem drop di baton dem cause dem rather DQ than lose to we in everything!!!! LOL!!!<br /><br />Wi large out backside!!! Who! We dun tek it to di worl! A universe wi a tek it to now!!!!! Bap bap!!<br /><br />Selah!!Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-49336384580692866462008-08-18T22:14:00.002-05:002008-08-18T23:11:22.784-05:00Give me strength, Lord!!Michael Phelps has done exceedingly well. He could very well be remembered as the most accomplished Olympian having amassed 8 gold medals in one Olympic game.<br /><br />As a child I used to watch the Olympics and root for everybody. As I got older I started rooting for the under-dogs. Then I started rooting for anyone I damn well felt like. <br /><br />I stopped rooting for Americans in the 90s because now I was old enough to hear the commentators and how they spoke about non-American contestants. I thought they were being quite bad-minded unnecessarily. They send one bag of ppl to the Olympics and enter every striking category. If they come out with the most medals that's great for them. But why the hell they have to down on smaller countries and their 2 or 3 representatives? I don't need to know that they left a starving family back home because they used all the money they had to get to the Olympics. That has nothing to do with their current ability. It rarely helps to put things in focus.<br /><br />I realise that they have to keep talking or risk losing the likkle work but damn it man find positive things to say nuh man!?<br /><br />Now Bob Costas come seh that Bolt cheated the fans by not running right down to the wire and accuse the man of disrespecting the other runners by beating his chest. Di man do weh him never even realise him could a do. Him shock di world!! Everybody feeling good about it... except the Americans (they don't all share the same views I know). Di American bredda weh come third, instead a happy seh Asafa gi im a bligh, him a come seh dat Bolt's run was not phenomenal. Him couldn't do it. Nobody eva do it before and him a come talk like seh is run of di mill. That is just plain bad-minded-ness. Bob Costas can hold a gold medal for bad-minded-ness as well.<br /><br />Now I think perhaps I should get the bronze for bad-minded-ness because I watch any and every competition just to see if and when the Americans get beaten. Just because of the ignorance of a few I have condemned all to my bad-minded-ness. As I bad-minded Phelps on the weekend it occurred to me that I doin nothing different than what they do, regardless of any self-justification I may have drummed up.<br /><br />Give me back those good old days when I watched to see the mastery of the games. When I rejoiced with the winners and commiserated with those who didn't. When I recognised that if they made it to the Olympics they are already winners. <br /><br />Lord, help me to look past my weakness so that I can appreciate the wonders of the Olympics!!!<br /><br />Selah!!Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-19357932059369842622008-08-17T07:28:00.002-05:002008-08-17T07:45:07.160-05:00SCUBA skills we had to master10 min swim<br />Equipment assembly/ dis assembly<br />Equipment donning and adjustment<br />BCD inflation and deflation at surface (oral and low pressure)<br />Regulator recovery<br />Regulator clearing<br />Mask clearing (small leak and full)<br />Underwater swimming<br />Submersible pressure gauge use<br />Alternate air source use<br />Hand signal recognition<br />Ascent<br />Pre-dive safety check<br />Deep water entry<br />Snorkel clearing - blast method<br />Snorkel/regulator exchange<br />Descent<br />Surface swimming with scuba<br />Mask removal, replacement and clearing<br />No mask breathing<br />Disconnect low pressure inflater<br />Proper weighting<br />Air depletion exercise<br />Weight removal at the surface<br />Deep water exit - removal of equipment<br />Fin pivot (low pressure inflation and oral inflation)<br />neutral buoyancy swim<br />Cramp removal<br />Tired diver tow<br />Air depletion/ alternate air source use<br />Free flow regulator breathing<br />Controlled Emergency swimming ascent<br /><br />Things we learned above our qualification:<br />no mask swim<br />weight removal and replacement (underwater and surface)Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-12127983980096215282008-08-16T10:46:00.002-05:002008-08-16T12:49:59.229-05:00Self-contained underwater breathing aparatusSo Kelly and I are at Couples Swept Away (paying out of wi head-side fi di likkle vacation) when Kelly suggests that we do the beginners SCUBA course since it's included in the package. I'd seen the ppl in the pool and thought that it might be an interesting thing to do, but I ain't into no craziness like turning off air tank... even if it's just in the pool.<br /><br />So we sign up and our class is on the penultimate day, no proble..... wait.... I'm not supposed to drink before I dive! But it's just the pool so I guess a few pina coladas won't hurt. Wait.... I need to pass the swim test.... I'll just have to try harder in the morning. I'll just cut back on breakfast... sort of ish.<br /><br />Thursday morning 8:30am, having had a light breakfast we head to the pool. Jump in he says and give me 8 laps of the pool, no time limit, but only free-style. You stop you start over. Sounds reasonable enough. Rhaaaaatid!!! Mi nearly dead!! Maybe I shouldn't have had so much to eat last night.<br /><br />Kelly takes the lead and I never recover. Finally he tells me I should be ashamed that my wife kicked my ass and I should get out of the water, I just barely made it.<br /><br />We get some gears we start off slow in the pool.... it's not very deep and my legs drag but we're just doing some simple stuff.... or so I thought. He keeps making reference to when you are diving in open water... I don't know what he's talking about.<br /><br />After about 2hrs of skills training and some theory, he says "Ok go get fresh tanks and get your gear on the boat"...... WHAT???? Excuse me sir, we only signed up for the basic scuba course.....<br /><br />So we get on the boat and I'm not amused. Kelly is fine. Soon land disappears and I've further not amused because as I just demonstrated in the pool, my behind cannot swim back to land.<br /><br />We gear up and enter the water. My weight belt slips off, but I was holding it as instructed so I don't have to dive for it. We begin controlled descent. Down at the bottom was beautiful. My dive buddy (Kelly) abandons me at the bottom of the sea (her weights weren't enough so she kept surfacing despite a deflated BCD)!!<br /><br />Instructor goes for her but she opts to return to the boat. I go alone. We complete our basic dive skills part and we surface and all is well. Back on land our instructor tells us that we did very well and we seem so comfortable with scuba diving and we could complete the first level of certification with just a few more hrs of confined and open water training and diving. It'll only cost $250 USD..... each.<br /><br />DAMN!!!!<br /><br />So after being so psyched, we all sign up (grp of six). Then he gives us a 220 page book to read so that we can sit a test the following morning as part of the certification exam. No drinking or over-eating again tonight. Damn!!!<br /><br />So we go eat and then hit the books... So Kelly hits the books and I sleep on and off on the book.<br /><br />Friday morn I have a nervous stomach and use the bathroom twice. Couldn't eat much at breakfast, just some fruit. <br /><br />No swim test this time. But had to learn to identify, assemble and disassemble our gear and work out our weighs. Then we learned buddy checks and then got geared up and start another 2 hrs in the pool with skills training. I was surprisingly quite calm when he turned off my air.<br /><br />We finally head out to do the same skills and what we had learned the day before, in the sea. No buoyancy problems this time with Kelly and he refuses to tell us how far down we are supposed to be going. Our depth turns out to be 40 feet. This dive site is even more beautiful. We do the skills as we had learned and we do some sight seeing. No sharks seen or dolphins but no picture can do justice to what we saw. We head into a cave, swim through and surface several metres away. We do some more skills and then we head back to do the written test.<br /><br />After passing and getting our paperwork done, he offers us one more dive. Kelly is starving so she declines cause we have to leave right away. I decide to go for it. No dive partner I get partnered with a new instructor, but I'm cool with it. We go this time no skills demonstration. This is the full practice of skills with minimal supervision. We see barracuda and a downed Cessna, body to one side and wing to another. Saw some coral with a steady stream of air bubbles rising from them.<br /><br />All in all a wonderful dive. So now I have 90minutes of open sea diving under my belt.<br /><br />We are certified PADI Scuba Divers. Next step is PADI Open Water Diver. We have two more levels for that, but our instructor already covered 1/2 of it with us because he says he prefers to over prepare his students. From his experience he sees too many divers come with respective accreditation and still not have some important skills that are in higher levels that he feels that they should have.<br /><br />So next step is to get some personal gears and sort out the rest of certification to get to the Open Water Diver level.Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11649661.post-46246029743026463512008-08-16T10:24:00.003-05:002008-08-16T10:45:07.863-05:009.68I don't care if they correct it to 9.69. Either way di man is a star!!!<br /><br />Di man stop run at 70metres and start show boat. Beat him chest and all!! Backside!! Can you imagine if he had kept his form? Yow mi sorry fi him now. Dem a go just hook him up to a blood giving set and test him till him weak. All him mada a get test to rhattid. Di pickney weh him go school wid a go get test. Blertneet all di dawg inna di yaard a go get test!!<br /><br /><br />Anyway mi soon touch road and mi plan fi drive past the Usain Bolt National Stadium onto the Usain Bolt Highway on my way to the Usain Bolt International Airport fi pick up mi relative dem from flight AB016 (Air Bolt)!!<br /><br />Selah!!!<br /><br /><br />P.S. Big up Frater!!!! Di man run him personal best and as far as I concern him mash up dat track!!!!<br /><br />Mi want fi vex wid Powell but him a feel it now and I think I'd rather be supportive than destructive at this time.Bashmentbasseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569081780723894891noreply@blogger.com2