Stunner's Afflictions

Wata Addiction

2009-07-15T22:18:00.004-05:00

I think I am addicted, yes addicted to drinking Wata. Well, not the plain Wata but the Cranberry flavoured Ocean Spray Wata. From the first time I decided to try one, it seems I became hooked on these flavoured water, both the white and red cranberry flavoured water. Now I'm wondering if they put something else in that water to get people hooked, something other than cranberry juice. I have at least on bottle of these cranberry water, at least four times a week!

I must admit they do taste good and much more palate-exiting than plain water. I guess it's not all bad though, as I have replaced that box drink I have with lunch and, some of the times, the drink I have with dinner, with the cranberry Ocean Spray Wata. This has a two fold benefit apart from tasting good. One, it has much less sugar than the box drink or bottle juice that I would normally have and two, I get more fluid in my system as I am more likely to drink the cranberry flavoured water than the plain water. So I guess this Cranberry Flavoured Ocean Spray Wata isn't a bad addiction right?

Disclaimer: This is not a sales pitch for Cranberry Flavoured Ocean Spray Wata as I am not receiving monetary compensation for this post or even a free case of flavoured water for this post.

Redundancy Update

2009-07-11T12:18:00.006-05:00

Before I give you the latest, let me first say thanks to everyone for their words of encouragement and advice, I greatly appreciate it. As I mentioned in my previous post, I was hearing rumors that the redundancy date was being pushed back to July 31, and so, as I am at work this morning, the rumours were true. I found out on Thursday of this week that it was in fact true that we, the unwanted, will be staying until the end of the month. But for me word of mouth had no value and I wanted something in writing. With that in mind, I impressed on my manager the necessity of me receiving something in writing confirming such. And after sternly putting across my concern I got a call from my former HOD and the VP that the redundancy was pushed back until month end and that they will be sending an email to confirm such. The email later followed, so at least now I can start making some initial plans on the way forward, first of which is a well deserved vacation and time to do some reorganizing.

Even though senior idiots... I mean senior management, have made their decision to cut staff the unions have been having meetings with them to at least reduce the numbers being sent home. It seems the company has been cutting staff, despite having contractors doing the same function, which by the union agreement with the company is illegal. Yesterday talks broke down and the non-management staff has been on strike since yesterday. Some interesting things going on, I bet senior management didn't count all this when they devised their devious plot. Well, we'll see how this sour saga unfolds.

One of my theme-songs for this time in my life, check it out. This is one of the few good uplifting songs these days.

Winds of Change Blowing Me Away

2009-07-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

A few posts ago I wrote about redundancies in my company, more specific in my department. I recall mentioning that all the technicians that reported to me were being made redundant and that I was not sure what my role would be in this new restructured company. Well, now I know...

It seems the redundancy exercise has hit closer this time, and can't get any closer than this! I found out that I too was being made redundant along with the other supervisors. I am not shocked, in a sense i was somewhat expecting it. you see, after working in a company that has been doing redundancy exercises every year, sometimes twice per year, since two years after I started, I get to accept that it is just a part of the organization culture. As "sour" as it may seem to be. I know it is said that positions are made redundant and not people, but I beg to differ, as the functions of the technicians and shift supervisors are not being relinquished, but being shoved over to the persons in our sister section of the department. Their Job Title has changed to accommodate our functions added to their existing functions... may God help them. But I am very upset about this redundancy. Why?

I am a bit unsettled by the fact that very soon I will be without a job, without a source of income, unemployed, a bum, but that is not the reason why I'm so upset. As I said before, redundancy is a reality in my company something we have learned to accept, basically it's like old age and death. As companies seek to cut cost and try to be more profitable, they make adjustments as they see fit. one such option is to cut staff, which from my years of experience is the organization I temporarily work for opts for first. So it was just a matter of time. I am upset due to the poor, shabby, unprofessional and dastardly way those who calls themselves senior management went about it. When they announced that the technicians were being made redundant, we asked what would happen to us supervisors. However, they failed to give us a definite answer as to what our role or function would be in this new structure, and gave no indication of us being made redundant. A few days later, about June 25, a fellow supervisor heard that we were being made redundant by the grapevine, later that day meal vouchers arrived for everyone else except the technicians and of course the supervisors. It was not until the said supervisor engaged our manager, that they finally admit that we were also made redundant as of July 1, 2009.

Today, is July 8, and I am still working at the sour place. It seems the so called senior managers in their rush to cut staff and collect their bonus made several illegal moves and the unions got involved. This has delayed the redundancy to July 10, but now I am hearing rumors that it may be extended to the end of this month, once again due to the so called senior managers intellectual blunders. Getting rid of an entire department and imposing their function on the remaining staff didn't go down quite well with those who are being forced to take up the new assignment. Also the so called senior managers didn't consider all the implications of such a change, the processes involved and the very limited number of staff they already have and the even smaller staff they will have after the redundancy. I wouldn't be surprised if they extend my employment to the end of August too. Yuh si, a fi dem job mi want, weh mi can do any foolishness and still collect mi big monthly salary plus get a bonus!

So what will the unemployed Stunner do? Photographer, professional blogger, salesman, male stripper? Well, at the moment I don't have a grand idea, as I have several factors to consider. But one thing is for sure, looking a new job in this harsh economic climate is definitely one option. However, making plans right now is somewhat challenging due to the uncertainty of these bumbling idiots... um I mean these so called senior managers. But after I get that parting letter, I plan to take a few weeks to just clear my head, think things through, come up with a plan of action and then I will execute. I have already started to cut back on my expenses in view of the impending loss of income and also looking at ways to further adjust my lifestyle. Rough times ahead, but just like with a hurricane, we know it's coming but we can't stop it, we just have to batten down and be prepared. Oh and please don't tell me, "as one door closes, many more will open", mi tyad fi hear that statement! [big smile] I will keep you all posted.

The Spirit of Jamaica

2009-07-04T12:39:00.005-05:00

After months of searching, proposals, negotiations it has finally happened. The pride of the Jamaican skies, the cash strapped Air Jamaica has been sold. Yes, the national airline of Jamaica has been sold as with most of the things owned by Jamaica, JPS, Carib Cement, several beaches, etc. But who was brave enough to by an airline that has been in the red for as long as I can remember?

According to The Gleaner, Air Jamaica has been bought by one of its newer competitors, Spirit Airlines, which entered the Jamaican market in recent years. It seems Spirit, led by Indigo Partners LLC and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management LLC, won the bid over the Trinidad owned Caribbean Airlines to become the new owner of the Jamaican national airline. The sale of Air Jamaica has now signaled the end of Air Jamaica and the end of the era of the country having its own national carrier, as the name will now be changed to Spirit of Jamaica.

No doubt this acquisition of Air Jamaica, will mean more than just a name change to Spirit of Jamaica. No doubt Spirit will be implementing it's practices and method of operations on this new airline. It will impose policies that it feels are in its best interest as a company to survive. These could include the cutting of meals from flights, charging for snacks and separate fees for luggage, changes in routes, to name a few. The sale of the airline will also have an impact on the staff of the former Air Jamaica, as some will loose their jobs as with any merger or acquisition.

As mentioned before, this is yet just one more Jamaican, owned company to be sold to an overseas company. In this case however, the government was being told to sell this company due to it's constant loss and heavy debt. The divestment of Air Jamaica and privatization of Air Jamaica was seen by many as a good move and a way for the government to get rid of some of its debts. Good move or not, one thing is for sure, we have lost our national airline, one more of the few things Jamaican.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090704/lead/lead1.html

PS: I have included a poll at the bottom of the page.

2009-06-30T23:29:00.004-05:00

Last week I went to watch The Taking of Pelhan 123. From the preview it looked like an OK movie, something one could watch at the theater, and of course it had Denzel Washington, so hit has to be a decent movie. An actor of the caliber of Denzel is at the least a guarantee that the movie would be decent, right?

The movie actually turned out better than I thought and kept me entertained from the begining to the end. The movie had a nice mixture of action, a decent and a lot of humour, despite the seriousness of the situation. Both John Travolta and Denzel Washington delivered a good performance and played their characters well. Washington played the role of Walter Garber, a NYC subway dispatcher which was recently demoted do to allegations of corruption. Travolta assumed the character of Ryder, a bad ass, wise cracking, train hijacker with a mission and some serious personality issues. The movie also had a good cast of supporting actors which included James Galdolfini of the Sopranos. The only issue I have with the movie is how it ended, it left me a bit disappointed as I was looking for something more that what it delivered. Of course I won't tell you much about the movie, you need to go watch it!

Overall, The Taking of Pelhan 123 was a great movie, and I would recommend it, I give it a Stunner rating of 4 out of 5.

Michael Jackson Dead!!!

2009-06-25T17:59:00.009-05:00

Taken from CNN (cnn.com)

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died at the age of fifty years of age. The Los Angles Times and CNN have reported that the famous artiste died in the UCLA medical centre after suffering from a cardiac arrest on Thursday June 25, 2009. This has certainly shocked the world and broken the hearts of many Michael Jackson fans as the King of Pop has been scheduled to have several concerts starting in the second week of July.

Michael made his debut on the music scene at the tender age of eleven as a member of the Jackson Five and gained great popularity as a part of the group. He however, launched his very successful solo career in 1971, which saw the release of some of the worlds best-selling albums: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995). Michael has also been credited with revolutionizing the whole music video scene with his well choreographed and story line music videos. The one that really stands out in my mind and the mind of most people is the video for Thriller, which was the first of its kind. Micheal Jackson has also stamped his personal touch with his own unique dance moves, including the famous Moonwalk, most of which has had a profound impact on the dance moves of more recent times.

But as with most great artistes he has had his fair share of scandals and highly publicized personal life. These events range from sexual abuse of minors allegations, his controversial marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, his financial troubles to his baby dangling incident, and his most dramatic of changing from a black man to white, just to name a few. His escapades has even resulting in him being given the nickname Wacko Jacko. Despite all these negative attention, Michael still manged to maintain high favour in the eyes of his fans.

Do doubt the death of this great, legendary artiste will prove to be a great loss to his fans and the music fraternity. Michael Jackson has certainly made his stamp on the world of music and millions of fans all over the world. Another great icon of our generation has passed.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/michael.jackson/index.html, http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-michael-jackson-dead26-2009jun26,0,2152435.story, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson,

My Expensive Hobby

2009-06-23T16:23:00.004-05:00

For a few years now I have embraced photography as my hobby. It is something I truly enjoy, being behind the camera, framing a shot and capturing the world on the other side of the lens, immortalizing that moment in time. I am still very much an amateur, as a matter of fact I haven't even began to walk yet in the world of photography, just an infant trying to learn how to creep. But I have com a long way, both in my skill level and also in the photography equipment I use to get that shot.

I started out with on of those Olympus point and shoot film cameras a few years ago, I can't quite remember the model, but that was my first camera. I wasn't that snap happy back then though, because as you know, film was very expensive and processing was even more expensive. So I took a few photos, mostly at events such as trips, weddings, etc. Then I entered the digital world with my first digital camera, a KODAK CX7330 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, which was about a little under US$200. It wasn't much, but at the time it was the best thing since sliced bread. I could take as much pictures as I wanted, I could review the photo, I could discard what I didn't want an shoot again, it was great. And so began my affair with photography.

However, after about a year or so, my camera suffered an untimely accident which rendered it useless. This paved the way for me to purchase my next camera. It was an improvement over the first camera, even though it was still a point and shoot. I bought myself the KODAK Z650 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, which cost me a little over US$300 at the time. With this new camera, my skills improved and my love for photography grew exponentially. Withing a few years I found that I had outgrew my point and shoot and was ;looking for more flexibility to experiment. And so I discovered the Digital Single Reflex Lens (DSLR) cameras. A DSLR was what I needed to take my photography to another level and so I bought my first DSLR, the NIKON D60.

Since the D60, I have been able to experiment more, learn more, improve my skills, my love for photography has grown and of course so have my photography expenses! Since I have bought that Nikon D60 kit which only came with the camera body and a 18-55mm lens, I have found the need for several other accessories. Hmm, let me see how far back financially I have set myself back:

Lowepro Camera Bag
4G Ultra SDHC memory card
UV lens filter
Lens cleaning pen
55-200mm lens
Nikon Spare battery
Tamrac camera bag
SB-600 Speed light

That's the list of things I have acquired since I bought the D60 kit. Totalling all the accessories plus the D60 Kit, I have gone over US$1000, which works out to be about JM$90000. The worse thing is that I still need quite a few more equipment to grow in this hobby. One thing is for sure this is one expensive hobby to take up. But as they say, love makes you do strange things, and that is so true, because I must love photography to be forking out so much money! But I have enjoyed using my photography equipment and I enjoy photography, so it's worth the money. What's the point of life if you can't at least enjoy even a few things? My acquisition of photography equipment has come to a halt for now as I am now tightening my belt, in light of the recent developments. Nonetheless, I will continue to use what I have so far to improve in my photography skills and to continue capturing the people and the world around me. Hopefully one day I will be able to bring in some money from this hobby, then it would be complete. Yes doing something i love and making money from it. Ahhh, some day...

As usual, you can see my photos at: My World My Lens and http://www.flickr.com/photos/stunnerj/

Winds of Change Fueling Redunancies

2009-06-16T12:44:00.004-05:00

It seems all we hear these days is people getting loosing the jobs due to downsizing. This is nothing new to me, as since i joined the company I work for there has been constant redundancy exercises. These last three years however has seen an increase in such redundancy exercises, as almost all departments seem to be shedding people left right and centre. For a long while my immediate section has been spared the wrath of the redundancy axe, but this is no no more.

The redundancy activity has been catalysed by the fact that the company had decided to merge into one regional company across the Caribbean, instead of several separate business units. This means that certain common functions will be centralized, which naturally will result in a staff cut. The current economic situation facing the entire world and the already ailing company has also added fuel to the redundancy fire. All this mixed in with the fact that the "bigger heads" have come up with a "bright idea", that they figure will save them money and increase efficiency has resulted in many people loosing their place in the company. But those remaining can't count themselves lucky at all, as this now means that they will have to now do their work plus take on the workload of those who have been given their walking papers. More work, more responsibilities, more stress and no increase in compensation.

My department has lost it's fair share of employees to redundancy over the fast few years, but my section has been relatively stable. However, on Thursday of last week they "bigger heads", also known as senior management, dropped a bomb shell when they announced that all five technicians in my section will be leavening the company at the end of this month. This means that all the technicians I now supervise will no longer work for the company as the company continues the restructuring exercise. At this point, even though I am still with the company... for now... I have no clue what I will be doing. It is quite obvious that my job function will change by month end, but they still have not revealed what it will be going forward. One thing is sure, that the jobs of the technicians will still have to be done and some of the work I am currently doing is still required.

I wish all those who will be leaving all the best in these uncertain times. Interesting days lay ahead What will I be doing? How long will I be doing it for? I guess only time will tell, but life goes on. There will always be changes, whether we like it or not. All one can do is brace for it and handle it when it comes.

Just Cool... I'm on Twitter!

2009-06-13T20:51:00.005-05:00

Ahhhh, it seems God has heard my cries and lamenting and has had compassion upon me! Yes, after enduring several days of mind numbing heat, it has cooled down! It all began with partially overcast conditions, which later blossomed into fully overcast days with blessings of showers to quench and cool the thirsty, sun-baked land.

For the first in many days, I was able to actually sit down without turning on my fan! Last night I even slept in merino (A-shirts) again and actually covered up to my neck under the sheets! Can you believe it? At one point I was going to pinch myself, but I didn't... not just because it would be painful, but because if being so cool in my apartment was just a dream, I wouldn't want to wake up!

I know it will not last for long, as the summer is still not here in all it's roasting glory. But for now I will enjoy the cool and damp outdoors for as long as it will last. Aaahhh, just cool...

After resisting this new fad, this new activity that has swept the entire globe, I have succumbed and have now joined the large throng infected with this new phenomenon... no not swine flu! I have finally joined Twitter and now I'm twittering away! I really didn't have any interest in this Twitter thing, even though I have heard so much about it from many of the bloggers than others. But I finally decided to join Twitter at the constant urging of two of what I think are their marketing agents, the ladies from And Still I Rise and Blah Bloh Blog! Hmm, I have also noticed that Ruthibelle had joined in the "Get Stunner on Twitter Crew"... is this a conspiracy I smell?

I am not too sure what to make of this Twitter thing, as I have only joined today, so I'm a newbie. I guess my fellow "marketing agents" will help me along in this new wonderful world of Twitter. Also I noticed that all the people I have met in Blogland is on Twitter, was I the only one not on Twitter? So just in case you don't hear from me here, I might be busy twittering, and you'll all know who to blame! LOL! Anyway, I gone... gone Twitter!

PS: My Twitter name is StunnerJ... Thanks Blahblohblog!

Million Dollar Mattress!

2009-06-10T22:03:00.003-05:00

Yes you read the title of this post correct! The owner of the mattress didn't fork out one million dollars to buy it, but at the time it certainly valued one million dollars! As the saying goes, "The fool and his money are soon parted". According to the report, an Israeli woman decided to treat her mother to a new mattress, seeing that her mother has been sleeping on the same old tattered mattress for years. So in a bid to surprise her mother with this new gift, she bought a brand new mattress and threw out the old mattress. Little did she know that her mother had been hording her life savings in her old shabby mattress, approximately one million dollars in savings! Surprise! By the time all this was revealed, the mattress was no where to be found as it seems the garbage disposal truck had already done its rounds.

Now when I heard this news I couldn't help laughing! Something in the far back of my mind was saying I should be sorry for this old lady, but I find it hard to be. In this day and age, this lady is still storing money in her mattress! What, hasn't she heard about a bank, or or other investment options? I understand she is old, but come one, one person can be so daft to have not ten thousand, not one hundred thousand, not two hundred thousand, but one million ratid dollars in her mattress! I know banks and investments are somewhat unstable these days, but having money in your mattress is not better off. If a fire broke out in that house all the money would be up in smoke! If there was an earthquake all of that would be covered in the roubles! And if the mattress got thrown out... wait, yeah, see the mattress got thrown out with all that hard earned life savings!

The family, with the aid of the authorities have launched a massive search for the missing cash at the city dumps. However, they are not alone, as a large throng of concerned... yes concerned for themselves... citizens have joined in to find the million dollar mattress to increase their own wealth. According to the report the family is yet to find the missing mattress and I am sure by now some lucky bastard is a million dollar richer.

Moral of the story: Invest your money wisely and don't keep your money in, or under your mattress... especially one million dollars!

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/10/israel.mattress.money/index.html

Mi Hot Nuh R...!!!

2009-06-08T22:20:00.006-05:00

If someone said it was hot here in Jamaica, they would be lying! Merely saying it is hot is an understatement! It r... &%@$@*! hot!

Now whenever the temperature gets hot, my apartment amplifies the temperature at least ten folds (that is 10 times r... &%@$@*! hot!). That place is like a freaking oven! I swear that at times if I crack an egg on any surface in the place it would fry, if I made the batter for a cake and left it on the counter it would bake! It's as if the former days of me sleeping under the cover sheets in my nightly attire of merino and boxers/boxer-briefs was nothing but merely a figment of my twisted imagination. Now I have lost the sheet, the merino, thinking about loosing the boxers/boxer-briefs, and if I could take off my skin I would do that too! The fan is now on the second speed and I'm thinking of bucking it, but even that is to no avail as it only pushes hot air on my already overheated body.

I am seriously thinking about asking my landlady once again to install an AC unit. I know this will mean a serious increase in my electricity bill and more likely an increase in my rent. But seriously, I am willing to fork out the extra doe for a good nights sleep. I will pay to feel comfortable in my place, to not feel like I have entered another hostile atmosphere of super heated air every time I open the door and step inside that furnace! I dread though, that when I ask her she will give the the excuse of not having any money to do that installation, especially since she forked out some money a few days ago to replace the entire back grill. Oh yeah, I didn't tell you, the back grill was replaced with a much sturdier structure to thwart the efforts of those disgusting creatures called thieves! Yay!

But alas, that new grill has interfered with my plans to get in an AC before the full brunt of the summer kicks in. It's just June 8, not yet officially summer an it hot suh! Yuh can imagine when summer peak? Mi just dead! I can just picture me suffering from dehydration in my own apartment, the fan blowing nothing but super heated air maintaining the head with the conduction, my skin slowly cooking to a tender Stunner Roast, seasoned in my own body salt! By then I might as well just walk around naked with a tomato in my mouth until I collapse in the heat, by then I'll be well-done!

I need some relief, even being at work seems appealing now because of the constant AC. Maybe I should walk with a pillow and a sheet and just sleep on the lounge chair in the pantry... hmm, that could work... right? I know I'm not making much sense right now, it's the heat, the unbearable, torturous, incessant heat!!! Aaahhhh!!!

Star Trek Review and Photos Galore!

2009-06-05T02:52:00.004-05:00

So on Tuesday evening I decided to head back to Carib 5, but this time to check out the next movie on my summer blockbuster list, Star Trek. I didn't to see the customary previews or even the very beginning of the movie due to unforeseen circumstances, but I didn't miss much, just about 2 minutes the most.

Star Trek can be described as a good science fiction movie, mixed with a decent serving of action and comedy. The movie wasn't totally as I expected as I still wanted some more action. Nevertheless, it proved to be a good movie that kept my interest right through. It was a pleasure to see the movie on the big screen as that allowed me to fully appreciate the space scenes, which would be greatly under-represented by my 29 inch television screen. Of course, my favorite character was Spock (Zachary Quinto), but Captain Kirk played by Chris Pine, was a very likable character. And of course Zoe Saldana was looking fine as Ahura! I didn't regret spending the extra few dollars to see Star Trek at the theater, had some actions scene, a few laughs and a OK story line. I think I'll give Star Trek a Stunner rating of 4 out of 5.

I said before that Terminator Salvation was on my list, but based on the reviews I have been hearing, I am having second thoughts about this movie. Several persons have expressed disapointment in this latest Terminator movie, so I might just sit out this one and wait for the boo... the DVD. But Transformers Revenge of the Fallen is still on the list, and I can't wait for the opening date on the 24th of this month! Oh yes, a new trailer is out, maaadddd!

On another note, as mentioned in my previous post, I took quite a few photos on my first Flickr group trip and I have started to post them on My World My Lens. Hoverer, there is more, I am also posting the photos on Flickr, which allows me to post more than one photo for the same day! So you can check out my photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/stunnerj/.

Another weekend has dawned upon us... Wow that was quick! I doubt this weekend will be as fun filled and event packed as last weekend, but I still hope to have some fun or at least get in a few new photos. Anyway, as you can see time is flying by in a great hurry, so enjoy your weekend and make the best of it.

What A Weekend!

2009-06-01T15:55:00.011-05:00

I had a fun-filled weekend this past weekend, from New Kingston to Ochie and back to New Kingston, partying photos and fashion all crammed into one weekend. Let me Recap.

Photo: watever.com (May Daze week 2)

On Friday night after working the evening shift, I dash out of the office at a few minutes fast twelve, revved the engine and made my way up to Akbar, which was the venue for May Daze. This was the final of the series that runs throughout the month of May. Considering that i have never been to May Daze before, the great reviews i heard and that this was the last of the series, I made sure I found myself there. After driving around the block twice in search of parking... I hate when I go to venues that don't have proper parking... I finally decided to go to the payed parking which I ignored each time I passed. The parking was $200, but after some serious negotiations I managed to get it for $150. But the park for searching wasn't the only delay, as I had to join a never ending line which seemed as if it had no intentions of moving. I'm sure I stood there in the line for about twenty minutes and was quite upset to find out at the top of the line that I had to be competing with others who were not in the line! Good sense finally prevailed when the security, if I could call him that, restored a bit of order. I went in the party, met up with my friends, and after getting a drink from the bar I quickly forgot about the earlier delays and enjoyed the music mix and the vibes. May Daze was a decent party, I enjoyed myself and didn't regret the $600 entry fee I payed.

Spanish Town Iron Bridge

After spending the greater part of the day on Saturday to recover and working another evening shift it was time for the Flickr North Coast group trip! I woke up early on Sunday morning to ensure I was read to catch the bus which was scheduled to depart Kingston at 7:30 am destined to the White River Valley in St. Mary. Needless to say, the bus didn't depart until 8:00 am was still on time, Jamaican time that is, lol! The trip to White River Valley was not a none stop trip, as it comprised of several photo stops at various places of interest along the way. These "five minute" stops, which turned out to be half hour at least, allowed to to snap photos at the Spanish Town Iron Bridge, the Flat Bridge, Bog Walk damn and the White River bridge. But that can be expected as once you start taking photos, one looses track of time as you get immersed into your passion. Our group of photographers also stopped traffic in Spanish Town as people started to gather in curiosity when we were down by the bridge shooting. We stopped at a place in Walkers Wood, called Liming for lunch, somewhere I always drove past on my way to the north coast and never stopped. The trip was great, I got to meet a lot of people from the Flickr group, visited places I have never been, got some good photos and just enjoyed the company of my fellow photo enthusiasts. I will be posting some of the photos on my photoblog and on my Flickr account.

Fashion Block 2009

Still tired from my North Coast trip, I was still in the mood to do something I have never done before, and this time it was Fashion Block, a part of Style Week 2009. Fashion Block is a runway show held right in the middle of Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston and featured the fashion of may designers locally and abroad. This fashion show is the production of the Saint International Model Agency and as such the designs were presented to the huge crown by the Saint International models. I didn't manage to get any good shots, as I still haven't received my zoom lens and the external flash I recently purchased. I however got to enjoy some guess performances from a few of our new local Dancehall artistes. Despite the obvious disappointment of not getting some good shots, it was a good experience as I have never been to one of these shows before.

That was my weekend in a nutshell, how was your weekend?

X-Men Origins Review

2009-05-26T23:56:00.004-05:00

One down, three to go! Yes I have watched the first on a list of what I think are theater worthy movies so far. I went to watch X-Men Origins Wolverine, on Tuesday night. It was great break from the small screen bootlegs... well that is if I watched bootlegs... Shh! Nuh seh nuttin!

The movie started off a little slow, but I guess that what happens when you are building a story and setting the stage for the rest of the movie. The movie picked up a little after the first quarter and the action kicked in. It had a few decent action scenes, and I guess having the movie focused on mostly one character made the movie easier to follow. This made the movie a little better than the previous X-Men sequel which was mostly a mix of different characters on exhibition with their special powers all squeezing in to a ninety minutes slot.

As usual Hugh Jackman, played the part of Wolverine well and did his job to motivate me to head back to the gym and work at achieving that ripped dream body I want. Thank you Hugh, for setting me back a few thousand dollars, that I don't have, for gym fee! The supporting actors did their part two including Wolverine's archenemy Victor Creed aka Sabretooth, played by Liev Schreiber. I was expecting a little more from the movie, but overall it was a decent move and was worth the trip and money to watch it at the theater. I didn't feel as if i wasted my money, even though I expected more, so i give it an average Stunner rating of 3 stars out of 5.

As I said before, I still have three more theater movies to watch. Next is Star Trek which is now in the theaters and the upcoming movies Terminator Salvation and Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. The trailers look great and the review for Star Trek has been good so far, so I am hoping to at least get a satisfied feeling forking out my theater money. It has been a long time since I have seen so many theater worthy movies running in such close succession. See you at the movies!

Thief! Thief! - The Account of an Attempted Robbery

2009-05-19T08:25:00.013-05:00

It was a rainy Sunday morning, May 17 to be exact. It was the kind of rain that makes you sleep deep and comfy, the type of rain that makes you just want to cuddle and sleep in the warmth and comfort of your bed. But for me, that peace was shattered in the wee hours of Sunday Morning at about 3:30. I was fast asleep, deep sleep as I was extremely tired when a loud thud shocked me out of my slumber. What could this be, where did it come from?

Still dazed by the frightening sound I stumbled out of bed to investigate the source of this sound. I checked the front, but all seemed OK, so I headed to the kitchen to ensure that my door was locked properly. I listened, but there was no sound. The only other option was to head into the bathroom to look out at the back porch through the bathroom window. I slowly, steadily and stealthily climbed up on the edge of the tub to look out. As I peered into the dimly lighted back porch a figure manifested itself just before my eyes! He was right in front of me, the only thing separating us was the wall and the blades of the window. It was a thief! A thief had broken into my porch and was about to make his next move to gain entry to my place. At this point I was unarmed, I don't have a gun, and weary from my sleep I hadn't stopped to take up my machete, so all I could do was to shout thief as loudly as I could! I shouted several times, trying to overpower the deafening sound of the night rain, as I dash back to the kitchen, flicked on the light switch for the porch and drew my cutlass and grabbed my phones!

By this time the thief had made a hasty retreat as he knew he was spotted. I desperately tried to get the police, but this was to no avail. I dialed 119, I dialed the number for the constant spring police station but no one answered, the phone rang and rang antagonizing and hopelessly. I called up my neighbours to alert them of what happened, all this time the phone was still ringing of the deaf ears of the police. After about what seemed to be a half hour, someone finally answered 119 and took the report. The police didn't arrive till about another 20 minutes later and just merely asked a few questions went to look at the breached area, and agreed with some of the neighbours who said I should have waited until he was coming in then chop him, then left after a few minutes. Some police, no wonder why the crime rate in Jamaica is so high. When you call them you can't get an answer and when they do finally arrive much later, they are basically of no use.

This ordeal has shaken me up somewhat. Being robbed or experiencing almost being robbed on the street, at a venue or on the road is a rough experience, but when it happens at your home, your safety nest, it takes on a whole new dimension. Things could have been worse, so I am thankful that they weren't. I thought about what some of my neighbours said, that I should have waited and then chopped him, yes that would have been good, because thief fi dead! On the other hand, I only saw one, there could have been more, I didn't know if he too had a machete or worse a gun, so things could have escalated to my detriment. Furthermore, they weren't in the situation, so they can say anything, so even though I wished I had ensured he didn't get the opportunity to thief or attempt to thief again, I'm still grateful to be unharmed and have my belonging intact.

Point of entry

I assume the thief gained entry cutting and/or prying and then hitting out a few bars in the grill. I surmise he thought no one was there, as I had just not long before come home from work a little after midnight and went to bed just after. I told my landlady, who promptly agreed to fix the grill and I finally sourced someone to fix the grill by the Sunday afternoon. The grill people did a shabby work for which they overcharged, but desperate times needed desperate action. One thing though, they knew that they will not get any business from me or my landlady ever again. The repair is a temporary fix though, as the landlady will be reinstalling a new grill as the current one was poorly constructed and will be placing additional ones at the kitchen door and the bathroom window. She carried her grill man to measure the place and from my latest conversation with her, she has paid down the money and the material is to be sourced. Even though the complex is gated, the wall to the back of the complex, which also runs just behind my apartment, is extremely low and has no protective barb wires to deter even the simplest of criminals. Some of the strata committee members have vowed to at least put up some razor wires along the wall, but that is yet to be seen.

I still feel uneasy, especially when I'm about to go to sleep. I am eager for the landlady to finish what she has committed to do so I can feel a bit safer while I sleep. I'm not the first to experience this at the complex from what I know, and I certainly won't be the last. With this in mind I am even thinking of looking for a new place to live, as I work shifts and the complex does not have a security personnel and I have no idea of how soon I will see those razor wires going up... if they will. In the mean time, I give God thanks, pray for protection, will be more vigilant and wary as I come in and keep my machete a little closer to me.

Quick Update with an Eye-Candy for Dessert

2009-05-15T23:01:00.000-05:00

Wait! Don't call the police and file any missing person report! I am still around, very busy, but still hanging in there. I have a series of meetings since last week, combining that with gym, I basically only have a few hours to eat and sleep for the entire week. Today is the last day, thank God, as I am tired of fighting the sleep for hours during these all day meetings. On the plus side the finger food was good. as well as the ample supply of juices, fruits and the much needed coffee.

On a different note, my car is looking like new again. The damaged area that was repaired and sprayed was finally buffed today. But that wasn't all, I decided to get the entire care buffed so it would have an even shiny new look. And it did look brand new this evening when I went to pick it up. The entire car was buffed and polished and looks shiny like a car in one of those magazines. Yay!

I haven't posed one of these in a while, so I think I'm going to drop an eye-candy for my fellow male bloggers for the weekend. Don't worry ladies, I'm still working on yours for the summer [wink, wink]. This eye-candy has appeared in Flavor of Love and is the reason why I actually wasted time watching I Love Money 2. Presenting the ever sexy Myammee!

Have a great weekend!!!

Anything for You... Pull it Up!

2009-05-07T22:59:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted a Pull it Up video in a long time. While dancing to the mixes at Mello Vibes I heard this song and I said to myself that I just had to post it! This was one of my favorite songs from era when Dancehall music was real music. Hey crowd a people unnuh remember this one?

On another note, I have received the money from the man who reversed into my car and I plan to drop off the car on Friday to have some work done on it. Hopefully my baby will be looking like new again! Have a great weekend my peeps!

#@%$&^! Di Man Hit Mi Car!

2009-05-03T16:53:00.004-05:00

^!$!&@^%@$!%&$*!

In the wee hours of Saturday morning, at about 2:45, I was on the phone talk to the GF, when I heard a loud sound... that awful sound you hear when someone hits a car, and then almost simultaneously my car alarm went off! What the hell! Did someone just break into my car right in front of my apartment?

I told my GF to hold on and quickly abandoned the phone to investigate what it was. I killed the lights and quickly peered through the side of the curtain to to see if I would catch the assailant in the act. And so I did! But it wasn't a lurking thief doing his wrongs in the cover of dark, no, it was my neighbour! I was just in time to see his Tacoma moving forward from what seemed to be the right hand side of the front to my car. What the ra.., how this man lick mi car?

I immediately grabbed my keys and head outside to take a closer investigation as the alarm continued to pierce through the once silent still of the night. With my face cracking from the hardness of the anger and bewilderment that overcame me I proceeded towards the assailant, who by now was out of his vehicle walking around surveying.

"How yuh manage hit mi car boss?", I enquired with a tone of anger and frustration.

"Mi neva see it..." He replied, with what sounded like a mixture of remorse and confusion in his voice.

What the ra..! How him nuh fi si mi car! It's a damn 2004 Honda Civic, it is not that small! The worse thing is that on the side he hit there was nothing else parked in the entire 4 vehicle parking that was to the right of my car! Yes it is black, but the entire parking lot is lit and his reverse light was working. This guy circumvented all that free space to come and hit my car? What also didn't make sense is that this guy was driving a left hand vehicle, and reversed into the right hand side of my car! How the hell him miss that! By this time my other neighbour who came in just after the assailant, was just as bewildered as to how he didn't see my car.

I closely examined the car and realised that the right front fender was dented as well as the right hand side of the front bumper. Also on closer examination of the driver I notice to that he was a little dented mentally, yes that bastard was under the influence. Not totally drunk, but nice enough for you to notice and would certainly explain why he ended up hitting my car.

He has agreed to fix back my car without going to the insurance, as that would be futile since the damages would be below the excess and they would have dismissed his claim. I reported the incident to the police, as required by law and for my personal assurance, and got an estimate done for the repairs. This will set him back almost JM$30,000, yep nuff money that for the repairs. But I feel no compassion, I'm sure he has heard it many times,"if you drink, don't drive". Also whenever you are backing up you should take extra care.

I'm glad I caught him in the act as his vehicle showed no evidence of a collision. Now I am anxiously awaiting the completion of the repair work and dread the inconvenience while it is being done. But still mi vex star. It would have been better if it had never happened.

Cho ^!$!&@^%@$!%&$*!

Pum Pum Tightner!

2009-05-01T00:45:00.005-05:00

Only in Jamaica you will find a sign like this prominently posted in the window is a store. This photo was shot at a store in Downtown Kingston. I got it in an email from one of my coworkers and couldn't resist sharing it with you.

As you look at this picture, also note that there is a very extensive assortment of bleaching (skin lightening) products well displayed in the window. Also, if the cash flow is low, have no fear, they accept credit cards as shown by the very prominent Visa sign pasted on the window.

Now I have a few questions. Would a woman really go into a store and ask for some "Pum Pum Tightener? Does she just go and ask for it like any ordinary product, or does she whisper over the counter to the salesperson? What does that say about the woman's private that purchases this stuff?

I can just see it now...

Woman [whispering softly]: Gimmi one a di 200 pack Pum Pum Tightner nuh?

Cashier [speaking at the top of her voice]: Wah yuh seh?

Woman [whispering a little louder]: Gimmi one a di 200 pack Pum Pum Tightner.

Cashier [speaking at the top of her voice]: Oh, a dat yuh want!

Cashier [shouting to another attendant]: Carry one pack a di 200 pack Pum Pum Tightner fi a woman yah!

Enjoy your weekend peeps!

Bolt Crashes!

2009-04-29T17:52:00.008-05:00

The worlds fastest man, Usain Bolt crashed one of the fastest cars on earth, his brand new BMW M3! It has been reported that the sprinter lost control of his BMW M3 just after leaving the Vineyards Toll plaza on Highway 2000 in St. Catherine earlier Wednesday afternoon. Reports are that the car has been extensively damaged, as it flipped and landed on the top, after which it came to a rest in a ditch at the side of the highway. Based on the damage sustained by the car, one can easily speculate that he was speeding on the wet highway at the time he lost control of the vehicle. However, the reports have not divulge any cause for the accident so far.

Fortunately though, Usain and the other passengers of the vehicle fared better then the M3, as they emerged with only minor injuries. He and the female passengers were taken to the nearby Spanish Town hospital for treatment.

I am sure when most Jamaicans heard this news their hearts stopped, but blew a sigh of relief when it was announced that he only sustained a few scratches from the ordeal. It would have been a sad day in Jamaica if the worst had happened, but thankfully he escaped serious injury. According to the report, Bolt is to undergo tests over the next 48 hours to determine if he will be able to stick to his competition schedule. It is now the start of the track and field season and Bolt is scheduled for several meets including the London Street Race and the Jamaican Invitational Meet at the National Stadium, as early as Saturday.

Hopefully he will be given the all clear by the doctors and will go on to deliver great performances for the 2009 season. Hopefully he will also learn a lesson form this ordeal and exercise better care not only on the roads, but with his other personal activities. Get well soon Usain!

Source:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jaWRxshEPoPJLlBG5RPVqFYm8T1gD97SDC280
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=8541

Vibes, Festival & Lots of Carnival Photos!

2009-04-28T12:42:00.005-05:00

On Saturday I found myself at Mello Vibes, a party that fuses the best music of the past for your listening and dancing pleasure. It does not matter which decade is your favorite, Mello vibes covered them all. The music ranged from as far back as the 1950's up to the early 2000's. The vibe was right and the music selection kept the patrons dancing up a storm all night long. I arrived at approximately 12:30am and the music kept people moving until I left at approximately 4:00am. It wasn't only the music and the vibe that was right as this party was easy on my pocket, especially in these challenging economic and tax burdened times. At a pre-sold price of $JM600 (just over US$6.00) pre-sold and JM$800 at the gate, you can't ask for more!

On Sunday I was off to the Liguanea Festival of Fine Arts and Photography to view some of Jamaica's creative works done by some of the countries top artists. The art festival showcased paintings, drawings, sculptures, portraits, ceramics, jewellery and, of most interest to me, photography. There were a lot of creative works on display at the festival, and just reiterates how much talent is here in our little island. I spent most of my time, as expected, in the Photography booths where I as humbled by the many photography exhibitions that were on show. It has shown me how much more I have to learn in this art and has even encouraged me to continue in my hobby and hopefully soon to be additional source of income. I was also fortunate to meet a few members of the Flickr group I recently joined, the Jamaica, West Indies photo group. I am hoping to go on the photo trips that they regularly have, not only to learn from these more experienced photographers, but also to take a lot of photos as well as visit the many beautiful places in Jamaica.

As promised in my recent post, I have mustered up the energy and have uploaded the over 700 photographs I took at last Sunday's Bacchanal Carnival Road March. It took my quite a while to upload all these photographs, but I eventually completed the process on Sunday night... shhh, while at work [whispers softly]. I have also added a small post about the Carnival season on my, very neglected travel blog, Mek A Trod. However, I will be posting about more attractions this week and will make an effort to update the blog more often. Also, I will soon be inviting you guys to guest post on the blog about the local attractions, eateries and events that you have visited. So without further deliberation, click here for the pics.

More Tax!!!

2009-04-24T13:53:00.003-05:00

Benjamin Franklin once said, "In this world there is nothing that is certain except death and taxes". This saying is so true and especially here in Jamaica. The country has one of the highest murder rate per capita in the world, so if old age or disease don't do the job, then the criminals will send you to your final resting place. As for taxes, the Jamaican working class is burdened by taxes and now since the 2009 Budget presentation yesterday, we are now bracing to feel an unprecedented increase in taxation.

The biggest announcement of the Budget presentation was the increase on the petrol tax. the Government has announced that it will be adding JM$8.75 on each litre of gas purchases at the pump. No doubt motorists will start to feel the pinch similar to last year when oil prices skyrocketed to record breaking levels. Currently I pay a little over JM$57 per litre for gas, which based on my engine size costs me approximately JM$2850 to full my tank. With the increase tax, keeping the ever increasing price of gas constant, I will be paying JM$3287.50 to full my tank, over JM$400 more. No doubt motorists will be feeling the pinch when this new tax comes into effect, but the commuters will also feel the pinch as I am sure the bus and taxi operators will start calling for an increase in fares to offset this increase in their expenditure. I am now beginning to think more about getting myself a bicycle to ride to work. Think about it, won't need to by gas and I will get fitter as I pedal my way to work. But seriously, this is a huge dent in the pocket of motorists, especially since the price of gas is increase every week as our dollar devalues on a daily basis and the gulf oil reference increases. The government has said however, that a potion of the money collected from this tax is to go into road maintenance, but I won't hold my breath on that one!

But the taxes don't end there as the Government has announced other increases to fill the huge JM$18 billion hole in their budget. The government has also zeroed in on the already high 16.5% General Consumption Tax (GCT). They have proposed to place GCT on certain basic consumer items that currently don't attract GCT, such as salt, rolled oats, syrup, fish, cock and noodle soup. As if going to the supermarket and markets aren't expensive and stressful enough, it is to get worse when thise tax exempted items begin to attract GCT. Going to the supermarket has just got harder for everyone.

The Government currently charges 20% GCT on telephone bills and credits, but they have proposed to expand this 20% GCT tax to the phones themselves. Yes, once approved you will be paying not 16.5% on that new Blackberry handset, but 20% on the already expensive handsets. I guess we will now think twice about buying that new bashy cellphone and start appreciating and taking better care of the phone we now have.

I expected an increase in taxes, but these increases are rough, especially the gas tax and the addition of GCT on food items that now don't attract tax. I was hoping that the Government would have increased taxes on cigarettes, alcohol. I was also hoping that the Government would have increased the taxes on all those imported biscuits and cookies and products that we can produce locally. Of course they would have to lower the production costs for the manufacturers, but at least we would be producing and maybe even exporting some of our products, thus earning the well needed foreign eschange. But, the wolrd economy is in a bad state, and the Jamaican economy is in an even worse state. My fellow jamaican's it looks like yet rougher times are ahead, so band your bellies and prepare yourselves.

Source: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090424/lead/lead1.html

The Bacchanal Carnival Finale

2009-04-22T00:00:00.001-05:00

Now after that bit of unfortunate news yesterday, I will turn my focus back to the grand finale of the 2009 Bacchanal Carnival season here in Jamaica. On Saturday night I found myself at the After Party on Oxford Road in New Kingston after leaving work at midnight. I figured, since it was so near why don't I just go up there and chill out for a while. I have never been to one of those Water parties before, but as the name suggests it involved a lot of water. So after going inside and meeting up with some of my friends I secured my phone, wallet and car keys, as I was prepared for some soaking action. The music played and then they ca;;ed for the water and the water did come, jetting from the gigantic hoses used by the water trucks. I certainly got soaked, dancing to a mix of Soca and Dancehall songs. The crowd danced, wined and grind to the music as the water sprayed their gyrating bodies.

On Sunday morning I woke up bright and early... well not really I got up at about 10:00 am, come on, after all that party you didn't expect me to be up by 6:00 am right! I got myself together and after a large breakfast I hooked up with my regular Carnival road march friend and a new addition to the crew who is into photography. Then all three of us headed out to the road and met up with the Carnival massive at Lady Musgrave road. At that time the sun was pelting, but my eagerness to take photos was too strong to be discouraged by the heat, as as such the photography began. By mid afternoon we were on Trafalgar road and the sky had darkened, threatening the revelers and the many photographers who paved the streets. But alas, we only got an extremely light drizzle, so light that I didn't even had to cover my camera. So with the cooler conditions and the softer lighting of the overcast sky the reveling, gyrating, wining, posing, and photography continued. The Road march had quite a few costumed revelers, not as much as in previous years, but still enough to resemble Carnival of years gone by. However, the number of bystanders, followers and even photographers seem to be holding strong in numbers. I managed to get quite a few shots, over 700, yeah mi know that nuff! Not all are great shots, but I managed to get quite a few good ones in the lot. Having a DSLR certainly makes it easier to get those special shots quickly and people to pose for you, hehehe. I must admit it, Jamaica has some of the most beautiful and sexiest women in the world! So without further ado, as I know you all want to see pictures, here are some of the shots I took. As usual I will be posting some on my photoblog and I am thinking of uploading the lot to a gallery. I will let you know about the gallery if I do.

Jamaica Hijack!

2009-04-20T09:07:00.008-05:00

I was supposed to post about the fun-filled, photo-filled weekend that I just enjoyed at Bacchanal Carnival, but there is a bit of shocking news! What could be so shocking?

Jamaica Observer Picture

A Jamaica man hijacked a Canadian Airline, full of passengers at the Sangsters International Airport on Sunday! Yes, I was just as shocked as you, when I first heard this news. This is not possible, dem things yah nuh happen a Jamaica. A Jamaican, hijacking a plane, the hijack being done here on Jamaican soil? But, it is certainly true, as the Jamaica Gleaner, as well as CNN confirmed this shocking incident.

According to the reports, the gunman a 20 year old male from a Montego Bay community, allegedly of unsound mind, used fake ID cards to get into the airport terminal building. He then proceeded to the terminal where he threatened airport personnel before boarding the Canjet Airlines flight 918, which was destined to Cuba then on to Canada. It is reported that the gunman proceeded to rob the passengers and demanded that the plane transport him to Cuba. After negotiations, which involved our Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, and the hijacker's father, the hijacker released the 174 passengers and later the crew members. He was then captured and arrested by the police.

No doubt this latest incident with further tarnish Jamaica's reputation as we are already struggling with endless murders and being labeled as a severely homophobic country. Now we will be labeled as one of those countries that have airplane hijackers. A lot of countries have this, even the great USA, but when something like this happens to a country like Jamaica it seems even worse. However, the Jamaican government is reported to have started to do damage control on this situation. Hopefully this incident is as the airport official terms it, an "isolated and was clearly not a terrorist attack" and that everyone else who heard the news thinks so too. The least thing this ailing country needs now it a fallout from this incident.

There is a poll at the bottom of the page related to this post, take some time to cast your vote.

Sources:
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=8205
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=8206
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=8207
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=8209
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/04/20/jamaica.security/index.html
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090420T090000-0500_149801_OBS_MONTEGO_BAY_HIJACKER_SURRENDERS_.asp

Bits & Pieces

2009-04-17T23:29:00.007-05:00

Isn't it just scary how quick the week has gone by? Damn, I know I have said something similar quite a few times before, but it just amazes me... or should I say scare me how time is just jetting by! So what has been going on in the life of Stunner for this week and what are the plans for the weekend?

I woke up on Thursday morning to overcast skies, but I didn't get my hopes up for that thing... uh, what's the name again... oh yes, rain! See, it has been so long since we got a good shower of rain here in Kingston, as it has been sunny, dry and windy. By mid afternoon as I was about to step through the door i heard a vaguely familiar sound, it was rain! It sounded so good as it hit the many surfaces in it's path and that smell of the warm, dry ground being quenched by the rain drops was so refreshing. It didn't fall very hard or for very long, but we got a good shower for a decent few hours. this was just enough to drop the temperature a little and keep down the angry raging dust that masked every conceivable surface as it danced in the wind. It has all gone by now though, but it was good to finally see a shower after such a long time. I am hoping for some more rain...not every day though... and not this Sunday!

I finally got my UV filter for my camera, which I purchased on Amazon and shipped to Jamaica via Global Couriers. Now I can feel a whole lot more comfortable using my camera as I don't have to worry about my lens getting scratched. Also the UV filter is supposed to protect my lens from UV rays as well as enhance the quality of the photos. I also collected my lens pen and micro cleaning cloth which I ordered along with the filter. Damn dutty, teifing customs pissed me off though, as the charged me fees and duties summing up to almost a half of the price of the items I purchased! Danville yuh a gwaan bad star! No wonder why people try to evade customs duties, they are too damn high! On another note, I have splurged... yes I have purchased the zoom lens (55-200mm) as I really need the zoom capability to get the shots I want. I got it on Amazon for just over US$20o. Unfortunately it is being delivered to my sister's place and I will have to wait until someone is coming down from New York to "smuggle" it in for me. No star, mi cyaan pay Danvil;e 47% in custom fees, that's almost US$100! So Next on the list is a bigger camera bag and a speed light! Donations anyone?

This weekend is the culmination of the Carnival season, the grand Finale! Jokers Wild, Jouvert, the great paint-up-paint-up weekend and then finally the road march! Unfortunately due to embarrassing financial constraints and lack of familiar company (my usual paring brethren), Jouvert will not be seeing my face... if it was I wouldn't be typing this post... [pouting]. No doubt I will hear how wonderful it was and I will see all the raunchy pictures... [sigh]. Nevertheless, I am thinking of going to the Water Party after work tomorrow night, so if that works out I should have some fun. Sunday, however, is the big day for me, yes it's the road march. Why am I so looking forward to it? No. I'm not jumping in costume with the bands, behind the big truck! I will be heading to the road march though, yes to test out my new Nikon D60 DSLR with the newly acquired UV filter! I was hoping to have the zoom lens for this occasion, but that will not be. So I will have to make do with what I have, hopefully I will still manage to get some good shots!

Anyway people, I went to gym this evening and as a result the sleep has crept in. So even though I just saw that CSI Miami is on and I could amuse myself with Caruso's over dramatic one liners, my bed seems more enticing at this moment. Further more the sleep will spare me the torture of being home while Jouvert is entertaining countless hot girls... I mean people.