Christine Craig shines in "All Things Bright"

January 24, 2011

Book Review: "All Things Bright" by Christine Craig

(from www.geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com)

Reviewed by By:  Heather Russell, Ph.D.

Florida International University

Christine Craig, daughter of the Jamaican dust, reminds us in her collection, All Things Bright, why she remains one of our most talented, powerful, and relevant poets. The poems in this collection travel. Some demanding, some coercing, some entreating, some coyly teasing us -- Craig's poems take us on journeys deep, deep into the realms of national belonging, nation language, memory, history, myth, tradition, family, culture, exile, life, pain, injustice, and too, in the best possible sense of the word, into righteousness. 

Moving dynamically and evocatively across geographies of nation, place, and time, nostalgic African "ancestral roamings" commingle with and ground in evocative ways, contemporary Kingston's dread realities of unemployment, struggle, exploitation, resistance. "We weep" for "women on the streets of Kingston" and with and for her children, even as we sway to the rhythms of gospel, reggae, blues, and stop short at the sharp, abrupt, familiarity of dominos, banging -- urgent reminders of our rituals of survival, and of our cultural wealth.  

In her collection, Craig pays homage to the literary forbearers that help to shape our understandings of ourselves, even as she presents this her latest installment reminding us of how much we have missed her own poetic wisdom. Resisting simplified, nostalgic portraitures of home, the poems are infused with the laughter, philosophy, resilience, and complexity of everyday folk -- a cultural grounding as it were for those of us who often feel we have traveled too far away.   

And yet, there is nostalgia here too -- as in the poignant recurrence of the phrase:  "we should not have been allowed to leave." Here however, the painful reality of exilic existence is given full expression and nuanced articulation as nostalgia quickly gives over to the wonderment of standing at the U.S.'s southernmost point -- the Florida Keys -- the poet contemplating if this is "the end of America," or "her beginning." Migration is a beginning too, a beginning albeit marked by the painful legacies of slavery, indenture, colonialism, but a beginning nonetheless of the possibility and promise that is diaspora community. 

In the end, All Things Bright achieves the promise its title portends, to give poetic voice to  the great, the small, the wise, the wonderful, to creation…and it is…beautiful!

 

***

About Heather Russell

Dr. Heather Russell's research interests examine narrative form and its relationship to configurations of national/racial identities. Her latest book, Legba's Crossing: Narratology in the African Atlantic, was published by the University of of Georgia Press. She has also published inAfrican American Review; Contours; The Massachusetts Review; and American Literature and has essays in a collection on John Edgar Wideman, Jacqueline Bishop's, My Mother Who is Me, and Donna Aza Weir-Soley and Opal Palmer Adisa's Caribbean Erotic.

At the undergraduate level, Dr. Russell regularly teaches C19th and C20th African American Literatures; Major Caribbean Writers; Black Citizenships and Black History and the Fictive Imagination. For the graduate curriculum, she teaches African Diaspora Women Writers andNarratives of Enslavement and Resistance.

 

http://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-all-things-bright-by.html

De ce e bine sa ai copii?

Cheloo :ma suge din priviri.

Sursa:Parazitii-pagina oficila Facebook.

O sa obtinem libertatea intr un fel sau altul

Christopher Barnes is Gleaner's new Managing Director

 The Hon. John Issa, OJ, LLD, Deputy Chairman of The Gleaner Company, is pleased to announce the following changes effective at the end of January 2011.

Mr. Christopher N. Barnes becomes Managing Director and will have responsibilty for all activities of The Gleaner Group. He will report to the board through Chairman Hon. Oliver F. Clarke, OJ, LLD.

Christopher, 37, joined The Gleaner in 2007 and has served for three years as deputy managing director. Prior to joining the Gleaner, he worked for 10 years with Alcan Inc. (now Rio Tinto Alcan) in Canada, USA and Europe.

Christopher, currently a member of the executive committee of Media Association Jamaica Limited, also serves on the Economic Policy Committee of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the board of Ocho Rios Beach Limited. His academic background includes a Master of Business Administration from McGill University, Canada, and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University, USA. He is married with one son.

The Hon Oliver F. Clarke OJ, LLD remains as chairman of the Gleaner Board with a range of specific executive responsibilities, and transits from being a full-time to a part-time executive.

The Gleaner Board is confident that the future management and direction of Gleaner operations remain in competent hands.

from www.jamaicagleaner.com

Revolutie in Egipt

Liverpool Agree Suarez Fee: Will He Succeed?

This evening, Liverpool have confirmed they have agreed a fee with Ajax to sign one of, in not the most converted strikers in Europe; Uruguayan international Luis Suarez. The fee is believed to be €26.5 million (that’s £22.8million). He is due for a medical tomorrow, and still needs to agree personal terms before the signing is completed.

So what have Liverpool brought?

Liverpool have spent big, and strengthened their faltering frontline. The lack of form (and injuries) hindering Fernando Torres this season is that which has aided in Liverpool’s struggles this season.



Suarez made his name in Holland, joining FC Groningen from Uruguayan side Nacional in 2006. There he would spend his first season in Europe, and impressed immediately. After just one season with Groningen, he made an £6million transfer to Dutch giants Ajax. His time with the Amsterdam club is where he showed his most impressive form, and clinical goal scoring ability.

His record at the time of leaving the club is an astonishing 81 goals in 108 appearances.

He gained notoriety on the world stage, while influence was his instrumental in Uruguay’s World Cup campaign, where they reached the Semi-Final. He was however sent off in the Quarter-Finals after a deliberate handball in extra time against Ghana.

Suarez is a technically astute individual with a great first touch. He combines his acceleration with flair and tricks to allow him to frighten defences, and trick opponents. His vision, creative ability, passing ability and decisiveness help him unlock defences.


Will he make it? How does he compare to other exports?

When you think of players who have came over from the Eredivise, Suarez fantastic goalscoring record is similar to many who have come before.

Here’s a few who didn’t do so well leaving Holland:

Mateja Kezman

Club: PSV to Chelsea, 2004-2005

Transfer Fee: £5.3 million

Performance: He scored 4 goals in 25 appearances for Chelsea,

Success: He never made it in the Premiership; he went on to have unsuccessful spells in Spain; with Athletico Madrid, Turkey; with Fenerbache, France; with Paris Saint-Germain, and in Russia; with Zenit St. Petersburg. He now plays in relative obscurity in the Hong Kong first division, with a team called South China.


Klass-Jan Huntelaar

Club: Ajax to Real Madrid, 2009

Transfer Fee: €27 million

Performance: He scored 8 times in 20 appearances, and was shipped out after just 6 months

Success: His goalscoring record in Holland before joining Real Madrid was 135 goals in 193 games. He didn’t have the best of time in Madrid, despite scoring goals, he just wasn’t the right sort of player the club wanted. He had a semi-successful spell with AC Milan, before joining Schalke in Germany where he is now playing.


Afonso Alves

Club: Heerenveen to Middlesbrough, 2008-09

Transfer Fee: £12.7 million

Performance: He scored just 10 goals in 42 appearances.

Success: The barrel-chested Brazilian won individual accolades and plaudits for his performances in Holland. During his time at Heerenveen he scored 45 goals in 39 appearances, so Middlesbrough thought they had a steal on their hands. However that wasn’t the case, he only lasted one season, managing 10 goals in 42 appearances, in which Middlesbrough were subsequently relegated and Alves (who was on big wages) was shipped off to Qatar. He is now settled in Qatar and scoring goals for fun.


Players who did do well:

Ruud Van Nistelrooy

Club: PSV to Manchester United, 2001-06

Transfer Fee: £19 million

Performance: 95 goals in 150 appearances, worth every penny

Success: Before joining Manchester United, he hit 62 goals in 67 appearances for PSV, which earned him a move to one of the biggest clubs in the world. He became a Manchester United legend, and was undoubtedly one of the deadliest penalty box strikers to ever grace the Premiership. He won the Premiership title, FA Cup and League Cup during his spell in England. He moved on to Real Madrid in 2005, where he was just as successful, and now plays in Germany with Hamburg. He is still scoring shed loads of goals.


Robin van Persie

Club: Feyenoord to Arsenal, 2004

Transfer Fee: £2.75 million

Performance: An astute purchase by Arsene Wenger, he has scored 54 goals in 143 games.

Success: A career blighted by injury; however the Dutchman’s ability is never in doubt. Unbelievable technique, first touch and accuracy, he is now in his prime, and ready to take Arsenal back to the top.


Dirk Kuyt

Club: Feyenoord to Liverpool, 2006

Transfer Fee: £10 million

Performance: 40 goals in 160 appearances

Success: Kuyt came to England, as a deadly striker, with a record in Holland of 152 goals in 261 games. When he joined Liverpool, he was converted into a right midfielder by then manager Rafael Benitez, and has become a cult figure with the Anfield faithful.


So can Suarez follow suit? In a word, yes. He is a battler, with a huge passion for football, but more importantly he has the ability which makes him more adaptable to the Premiership.

Where will he fit it?

This is what all Liverpool fans will want to know; is he a replacement for Torres? Or will he play alongside the Spaniard? I believe Torres will stay at Liverpool, until the summer at least.

Recently Liverpool has found themselves performing a lot better with Kenny Dalglish’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

The current formation see’s Cristian Poulsen sitting in the holding midfield role, while Lucas adds the ball winning option, and he also operates more defensively. This means Lucas and Poulsen protect Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel at centre back, which allows for the full backs to push on, high up the pitch.

Gerrard is subsequently given more freedom, and plays the attacking midfield role supporting Torres wherever possible, while Kuyt offers width on the right. Suarez will slot onto the left wing role, as an advanced forward, taking the place of Maxi Rodriguez.


Liverpool fans will be buoyed by this signing, and it’s another bonus for the Premiership to have another class talent play on these shores. He should kick start Liverpool’s Premier League campaign, and allow them to finally move on from a terrible 2009.

How do you think Suarez will fare? Leave your comment below

Real Talk Football

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Coada de poney

De cateva zile voiam sa scriu postarea asta.Vad mereu fete,femei cu parul prins in coada de poney sau cal si nu vad nimic excitant sau pasional in asta...Aratati ca o macara sau ca o ruina din Chindia.Am inteles ca e mai convenabil sa l prindeti in coada,dar faceti asta cand sunteti in bucatarie ,nu prin oras sau in cluburi.Si inca ceva nu va mai tundeti foarte scurt,noua barbatilor ne place sa apucam de ceva,cur,sani sau par lung.

Who Should Be Manchester United's New Number One?

After much speculation this season, Manchester United’s Dutch international goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has confirmed he will retire at the end of this season, aged 40 years old.

He is arguably Manchester United’s best goalkeeper of the last decade, and their best and most reliable player to wear the number one shirt since the legendary Peter Schmeichel.

Van der Sar has made over 175 appearances for United, since joining from Fulham in 2005. He had previous spells at Juventus (which lasted two years, and was deemed unsuccessful, despite making 66 appearances for the Turin based club), and the place where he started it all; Ajax. His time with the Dutch club was the place where Van der Sar made his name in Europe, as he was part of the famous 1991-92 UEFA Cup and 1994-95 Champions League winning side, and he made over 200 appearances during his nine years at the club.


His time at Manchester United was undoubtedly the most successful spell in his career. Despite joining at the age of 34, he established himself as the number one goalkeeper at the club, and forged his name as one of the top three goalkeepers in the Premiership over the past five years.

Manchester United manager explained stated his admiration for the Dutchman, stating:

"Fantastic – a magnificent person, professional goalkeeper, an absolute marvellous career he’s had, He’s an example to anyone who wants to become a goalkeeper."

"Edwin sails through life without any changes in it, he never changes, (and) he has a consistent nature. He’s unflappable. "He’s calm, he doesn’t look to search for press for himself, he’s happy with what he’s achieved in life and he’s not searching for anything, he’s such a good man."

During his time at Manchester United, he won three back to back Premiership titles (2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09), a League Cup (2006), three FA Community Shield’s (2007, 2008, 2009), a UEFA Champions League (2007/08) and the FIFA Club World Cup (2008).

Individual accolades he achieved at Manchester United included being named ‘Best European Goalkeeper’ in 2009, the ‘Barclays Golden Gloves’ in 2009, as well as being named in the PFA Team of the Year on numerous occasions.

As we are mid way through the 2010/11 Premiership season, Manchester United are still in three competitions, so Van der Sar still has the opportunity to add to his medal haul.

Goalkeeping History: Replacements for Peter Schmeichel


Now with such a key player leaving at the end of the season, Sir Alex Ferguson needs to make sure he gets in the right replacement. Rivals Arsenal struggled to replace Jens Lehmann when he left the club and it took Ferguson six years to select Van der Sar as the perfect replacement for Schmeichel at Old Trafford.

During that time he signed a few good goalkeepers, who just struggled to deal with the weight of expectation, but he has signed some really average individuals.

Raimond van der Gouw 1996 – 2002

This Dutchman was second fiddle to Schmeichel for three years, and never really got his chance in the first team ever when Schmeichel left. He played a few big Champions League games, but only managed to make 37 appearances.


Mark Bosnich 1989-1992/1999-2001

He spent two spells at Manchester United, but made his name in the Premiership at Aston Villa (where he spent 7 years). His spell at Manchester United was the beginning of the end for him. He failed to gain a first team place, and struggled to prove his value to the time.

Aged 29 he joined Chelsea from Manchester United, and his career spiralled out of control. One of the best goalkeepers to play in the Premiership, his career faltered and he picked up a drug problem and failed to ever play at the highest level again.


Massimo Taibi 1999 - 2000

A legend in English football... But for all the wrong reasons! He was seen as direct replacement for Peter Schmeichel, and played just four times.

He was known for this shocking blunder in a match against Southampton, as well as playing in a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea. He cost Ferguson £4.5 million, and was shipped back to Italy after just one season.


Fabien Barthez 2000 – 2004

A very good goalkeeper, the eccentric Frenchman established himself in Ligue 1 in France, before crossing the waters and testing himself at Manchester United. He cost Ferguson just under £8million, and he made 92 appearances in four years.

The reason for his demise, which included being sent to Marseille on a season long loan, was his tendency to make big errors in key matches, while his attitude sometimes angered Sir Alex Ferguson. He left for Marseille in 2004.



Andy Goram 2001

Scottish goalkeeping legend joined Manchester United aged 36 years old. He was seen as a short term option, he only played 2 games. It was seen as a waste of time, and pointless acquisition.

Roy Carroll 2001 – 2005

The Northern Irishman made his name in the lower divisions, before moving to Manchester United for a fee of £2.5million. He was seen as another understudy, and couldn’t force his way to the undisputed number one. He managed to make 49 appearances in four years, but is another player who will be remembered for a massive blunder. Think Pedro Mendes, 2005, a shot from the halfway line, the goal that never was. He left for West Ham in 2005 on a free transfer.


Ricardo 2002 - 2005

Another waste of money, a £1.5million signing, the Spaniard only made one appearance in three years.

Tim Howard 2003 – 2007

Howard, a United States international, wasn’t a bad signing or a bad player, but he just struggled to deal with the weight of expectations put on him at Old Trafford. After all the above stated names, he just became another Manchester United flop, making vital errors in many key matches. He fought with Roy Carroll for the number one shirt, but never succeeded in claiming the role. Eventually Ferguson signed Edwin van der Sar, and Howard would play second fiddle from then on. He was subsequently loaned out to Everton, who went on to sign him permanently in 2007.


Possible replacements for Edwin van der Sar

With the vast amount of time, and money spent on players during these six years period, Sir Alex Ferguson knows it cannot take that long this time around. Competition is too vast at the top of the Premier League, and on the continent for Manchester United to fall behind.

Here’s a look at the number of names being linked to the number one shirt:

David de Gea – Athletico Madrid – 20 years old – 7/11/1990

A player featured on this blog before, he was thrown in at the deep end at his club, making his professional debut aged 19. He is still the number one goalie, keeping the former regular first choice Sergio Asenjo on the bench.

He has played down a link to Manchester United insisting he is happy in Spain, and isn’t ready to make the move abroad just yet. He has been likened to Iker Casillas, and for our look at him from earlier in the season, click here.

He may not see himself as ready to make the move, but if Manchester United come calling, it’s very difficult to turn it down. If Manchester United attempt to sign a keeper now, they may spend big, as the will expect him to be there for the long run, so de Gea could miss out on his only opportunity.


Manuel Neuer – Schalke 04 – 24 years old – 27/03/1986

A name that has been linked with all the big clubs in Europe, he was the German number one at the 2010 World Cup, and impressed on the World’s grandest stage. He plays in the Bundesliga with Schalke 04, and has made over 140 appearances since making his professional debut as an 18 year old.

He is an excellent shot-stopper, with great agility and distribution. He commands his box very well and can be pretty much described as typical solid German goalkeeper.


Maarten Stekelenburg – Ajax – 28 years old – 22/09/1982

Another quality Ajax goalkeeper, he could be influenced by Van der Sar and take his opportunity to move to England. The new Holland number one was instrumental in helping his side reach the World Cup final. He has been at Ajax for 10 years, making over 160 appearances since becoming first choice in 2005.

Stekelenburg is another great shot stopper, but his best attribute are his excellent reflexes. He commands his area very well, and is a well rounded top international quality goalkeeper.


Igor Akinfeev – CSKA Moscow – 24 years old – 8/04/1986

The young Russian is just 24 years old, but he is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and has a vast amount of experience at such a young age. He started his career at CSKA Moscow aged just 17 years old, and has since played almost 200 matches. He is the club captain, first choice for Russia, and has 46 international caps.

Great reflexes, excellent in one on ones, good anticipation and distribution are just some of the highlights of his array of talents. He really is a top top goalkeeper, who if my club forked out a large sum for, I would be more than satisfied.


Replacements from within

Sir Alex Ferguson may believe he could use one of the current second choice goalkeepers at the club, if the funds are not available to spend in the summer. Some Manchester United fans will probably not be too best please with this; however the faith will have to be kept in manager’s decision.

Tomasz Kuszczak – 28 years old – 20/03/1982

The former West Brom goalkeeper is experienced at watching the Premier League from the bench, but not very experienced in playing in it. He has been a back up goalkeeper for both West Brom and Manchester United since coming to England in 2004. He has made 26 appearances in five years at the club, and seems as if he doesn’t get his chance now, he never will.


Anders Lindegaard – 26 years old – 12/04/1984

Signed this month from Danish side Aalesund, he has been scouted as a player with an abundance of potential. Not too much beyond that is known about Lindegaard beyond that, but he is:

“Lindegaard is also very strong as a shot-stopper. He is able to call upon excellent reflexes to protect his goal from shots inside the box. He can also use his big frame to make up ground and get across goal, especially from long-range efforts on target.”

He has made 4 international appearances for Denmark, and if he impresses Ferguson sufficiently enough, he could possibly be the replacement he has had in mind all along.



Whoever Sir Alex does decide to select, i'm sure he has remembered the trouble he had in the late 90's/00's trying to replace such an important area of the first team. Whoever takes the number one shirt, will have big boots to fill, and that is a testiment to how good Edwin van der Sar truely is.


So that’s my take on the current goalkeeping situation at Manchester United. What do you think of the article? Who do you think Manchester United should sign as a replacement? Leave your comment below.

Real Talk Football

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Strategie

Strategia fara stres. Este un sistem foarte util. Se spune ca acest sistem este folosit de profesionisti pentru ca pe termen lung aduce rezultate deosebite. La acest sistem nu este important care echipa castiga sau pierde, astfel poti paria linistit pe echipa ta favorita sau poti paria contra oricui. Bazele sistemului:... pariezi pe echipa ta favorita, de exemplu, si cu handicap pe adversarul ei.
Exe. MLB (liga de baseball din america)

Chicago Cubs – St. Louis Cardinals 1.65 2.4

Chicago -1.5 2.4
...
St. Louis +1.5 1.62
Cum vedem St. Louis are sanse mai mici la victorie, dar dupa un handicap mic si Chicago este outsider. Deci pune pariu la ambele sanse cu cota de 2,4. Astfel doar atunci pierdem daca Chicago castiga cu un singur punct, lucru posibil dar cu sanse mici.

Multi folosesc aceasta strategie mai ales in perioada cand se desfasoara campionatul MLB, pentru ca sunt foarte multe surprize.

Dimitar Berbatov: Finally Comes Good

The Bulgarian striker joined Manchester United after a summer of speculation and tabloid rumours regarding his desire to move to a the Red Devils, claiming it would be his “Dream Move”. Berbatov, then aged 27 years old, cost Manchester United £30.75 million, signing a four year deal.

Since this move, the jury has definitely been out on the striker. There is no doubt he is an exceptionally gifted player, with sublime technique and ability, but questions regarding his attitude, commitment and enthusiasm is something which has surrounded him his whole career at Old Trafford.

Undoubtedly he dreamed of playing for Manchester United; evidently clear in him forcing the move from Tottenham. However it seems the £30million price tag is something which had hindered his performances in the red shirt. That is up until now.



I remember I went to an FA Cup game between Fulham and Tottenham in 2007, and I remember Berbatov coming on with 20 minutes to go. Spurs were 2-0 up, and Berbatov, who had been rested for this game, came on and I was so impressed at how good of a player he really is.

Two minutes after he came on as a substitute from Mido (yes, Mido) he scored the first of his two goals he got on that afternoon. It was a relatively simple goal, scoring after hitting the post with his original effort, collecting the rebound and slotting it home. His second goal was what really displayed his audacity and brilliance of the Bulgarian. A flicked through ball from Robbie Keane, played into Berbatov who beat the offside trap, and he then lofted the ball over the Fulham goalkeeper.

The desire and hunger expressed from Berbatov in order to score these two goals, while the game was already won, is that which has been rekindle this season, after two and a half tricky seasons at Manchester United.



So what has made him become such a force this year?

When he joined Manchester United, he came with this huge price tag, which sometimes can psychologically affect player. We have seen this with players and big transfer fees before, as it adds another level of expectation on top of an individual who already plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and whose main impact will ultimately be defined by how many goals he scores.

Also when Berbatov joined United, he was already in a squad consisting of many world class attackers, let alone individuals. They already had Cristiano Ronaldo, who during his spell at Manchester United would be crowned European and World Player of the Year. There was also Carlos Tevez, who had built up a cult following for extraordinary workrate and ability. Also of course at the club is Manchester United’s “golden boy” Wayne Rooney, who scored 72 goals in 138 games since Berbatov signed for the club. So there were plenty of other players taking the limelight, when Berbatov struggled to make an impact.


The reason I feel Berbatov has been flourishing this season, is because he has become the vocal point of the Manchester United attack. Last season, it was Rooney, but injuries and off the field the problems, have stalled Man United’s number 10’s progress, Berbatov has taken on the responsibility of finding the back of the net.

He started his professional career as a 17 year old at Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, he made his first debut aged 18 where he went on to spend two seasons at the club, where he made a name for himself scoring 26 goals in 49 appearances. The only blight on this spell at the club was that he was unbelievably kidnapped by members of the Bulgarian Mafia, who attempted to force him into signing for FC Levski Kjustendil.

The ordeal was resolved, and Berbatov moved abroad to German high fliers Bayern Leverkusen, where he truly made his mark as one of the most promising and technically gifted individuals in Europe. During his time at Leverkusen, he scored 69 times in 154 appearances, and played in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.



Berbatov’s prowess and ability, earned him a £10.9million move to Tottenham, and an opportunity to play in the Premiership. During his time at Spurs, he became a fans favourite, and was instrumental in Spurs challenge for Champions League football. He scored 27 times in 70 appearances for Tottenham, before making his “Dream Move” to Manchester United.

With two average seasons at Manchester United, where he has produced few moments of brilliance, the pressure and expectation has been lifted off the Bulgarian. Manchester United fans I have spoken to, agree that they don’t expect 20 goals from Berbatov, but seem content with the odd overhead kick here and there.

These lowered expectations have boosted his confidence, and giving him a greater sense of freedom. Twinned with Manchester United’s tactics which allow Berbatov and Rooney to switch between who plays the second striker, and a main striker, has allowed him to hit the ground running this season.



The numbers don’t lie, and his improvement this season is evident for all to see. Before this season he scored just 21 goals in 64 appearances, while this campaign he has hit 19 goals in 19 games. The sort of return you’d expect from a striker with his ability. He scored five goals in one game in Blackburn, and scored three hat-tricks this season, against Liverpool, Blackburn (as part of the five) and against Birmingham City.

The jury is still out on whether Berbatov can keep up this consistency, and whether is a match winner, as this season he hasn’t scored against any of the top 6 teams. However this season will be defining for him.

He is the leading goal scorer in the Premiership this season, and has taken Manchester United to the summit of the table, and has become one of the most vital players, and now appreciated players at Old Trafford, and will be vital in Man United’s challenge for three trophies.


Real Talk Football

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Raku - doi ...promovez muzica buna

Woman Breaking Men's Heart

Accer Notebook

Call for action - Improve the accountability and transparency in Jamaica today for better business ethics.

Jane had this on her Facebook page - I had to share - we MUST do better!
by Jane Branding on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 11:13am

As a US business owner I often champion new ventures, I was eager to promote the premiere of the Jamaican Blog Awards, which I felt was a great Tech initiative. I pushed the venture to many of my clients as "a great Jamaican project". Pegasus,LIME and NCB had sponsored so I believed it had integrity. My excitement and anticipation soon morphed into perplexity and then anger at the way a potentially worthy International boost seems to have been turned into an insular self aggrandizing and palm greasing for small coteries.

This letter is a call to action to Jamaica professionals to make changes and demand accountability. At the Top 5 reveal show (1/3/2011), the process has been fraught with discrepancies and anomalies. One category had only four, and no explanation was given for this. One category ended up with two blogs by the same person in the Top 5, giving that individual twice the opportunity of competing blogs. If entries were limited, that would be another matter, but with over 276 blogs initially presented, it simply should not be the case.

This obvious lack of screening was compounded when at the Top 5 Reveal, it was announced that the public would then be subjected to a second round of voting, both online and via text, presumably to allow sponsor LIME the opportunity to recoup funds (text votes cost J$25 a pop). This ran counter to the previously posted procedure on the Jamaica Blog awards site, which did not specify that more than one round of public voting would ensue. Many of the globally popular sites like www.jamaicansmusic.com lost. Even though they collected over 40 million hits on their blog over the past 6 months and boasts roughly 250,000 fans on their Facebook page. The feedback was also off the charts racking up over 600 likes, tweets and comments on their voting page, on their first day of promotion. Interesting? (FYI I am not a blogger nor do I have a vested interest in any of the blog in the competition).

January 16, the awards were presented without any summary from the Judges, without the public having any idea who the judges were and without any idea of the final tally of votes. One winner taking the podium smarmily thanked the “Old Girls Association” of her high school alma mater for, in her words, “ensuring that the votes got in.”

Further, the person with two blogs in one Top5 category not only won the category, but went on to take the night’s top honour – Blog of the Year overall. In light of the above, the following questions are unavoidable:-

On what basis were the Judges given an assurance of anonymity and why - especially since the JBA had earlier offered, via its Facebook page, to post a list of the Judges?

Why could they not have been presented at the awards ceremony, with the results presumably sealed from public scrutiny prior to announcement? To a foreign investor this is highly suspect, is it because these judges had conflicting interests in the outcome? Is it that they were also sponsors’ representatives and didn’t want their own personal choices to be made public? In virtually all such contests - whether film awards, like Cannes or the Golden Globes, but especially in a new contest, where a qualitative analysis has been done (with or without public vote), a Judges report is a standard procedure. Staid, empty press releases, and constant removal of questions posted from their Facebook page are not helping your cause.

If this awards programme is indeed your concept, you would do well to take the appropriate decisions to salvage credibility:

- Publish the full list of Judges;

- Publish the final tally of online and text votes in each category;

- Declare any conflicting positions among either judges or sponsors and issue a full apology for same;

- Rescind the awards where such conflicts have been identified;it’s time for Jamaicans to stop this mockery in business now the nation is on the global tech stage.

This is a great opportunity for Jamaican talent to shine and attract revenue this is not the time to for amateur night – major corporations, including the nation’s largest bank and one of the biggest telecoms providers, are involved. As an outside investor, I'm most ashamed to have championed this Jamaican business to my US clients.

I had posted my concerns on the JBA Facebook page which they continually remove.

In order for Jamaica to have a credible silicon valley and revenue (not a self appointed coterie, but people with true global tech authority and experience ) there needs to be transparency, integrity and above all a break down in corruption and nepotism. I believe in Jamaica and the talent of it's people but such issues are holding everyone back from global revenue.


stooshpr.com

New York, NY January,2011

Medical Care

Hospitals and clinics can be found all over Thailand and there is generally quite a good level of health care. If you need medical care during your stay on Koh Phangan island we suggest going to neighbouring island Koh Samui, or to the mainland, to seek treatment for anything serious.

Communications

Thailand has a very efficient and reasonably priced postal service. All modern forms of commmunication are available. The telephone system is efficient: the country code is +66. The internet is rapidly growing in popularity all over the country and internet cafes are springing up all over. Mobile phones from home can be used in most areas, but you will be charged for both incoming and outgoing calls.

Time

Thailand is 7hrs ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean time). Public offices work a five-day week, Monday to Friday. Most shops are open at least six days a week from 8am to 8pm. Department stores are open later.

Water and Food

Drinking tap water is not recommmended in Thailand; drink only bottled water. Ice is produced from purified water under hygenic conditions. Water offered to you in someones home or restaurant is safe to drink. In rural areas Thai people drink rainwater collected from rooftops. Regarding food safety: use common sense. Restaurants that are busy and frequented by locals are sure to be serving good food. And consider that spicy food and over-indulging could easily be to blame for your upset stomach.

Getting Around

Thailand has quite an extensive air service served by a number of domestic carriers. Some very cheap flights are available. Government buses are prolific and private buses run between major tourist and business destinations. Private buses can be booked through travel agencies. Government buses are just as comfortable. You tend to get what you pay for in terms of comfort. There are four main railway lines with several side routes making a fairly good network. Trains have comfortable sleeper carriages but are slower than the buses and must be booked ahead, particularly around holidays. Train journeys are a nice way to see the countryside. Third class on the train is often the cheapest way to travel.

What to Bring

Not much; the weather in Thailand is mostly hot. You may need one set of warm clothes for air-conditioned buses which can get pretty chilly. Bring a pair of long trousers for temple visits. Lightweight cotton clothes are best in the humid climate. You can buy most things in Thailand and prices are likely to lower than in your home country. Large-size clothing, particualrly shoes and hats, can be difficult to find. Tampons may not be available in rural areas.

Money and Bargaining

The local currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht, which comes in denominations of 20 (green) 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (pink) and 1000 (beige). The larger the denomination the larger the note. Numerals are printed in Arabic numerals as well as Thai. Coins include denominations of 10, 5 and 1 baht. All paper denominations bear the image of HM King Bhumibol and should be handled with respect. There is no black market exchange for buying Thai Baht. US dollars are the most readily accepted currency, but all major currencies can be exchanged in most places. The exchange rate over the last few years has fluctuated around 40 baht to the US dollar. Travellers cheques get a slightly better rate. Visa and Mastercard holders can get cash advances from many banks, and ATMs accepting debit and credit cards are widely available. Food, accommodation and transport are generally inexpensive in Thailand. Tipping is not normally expected, though naturally appreciated. Anything bought at a market should be bargained for, while prices in department and food stores are generally fixed. Good bargaining takes practice. Remember, not every Thai is trying to rip you off, and there is a fine line between bargaining and niggling. Getting upset over 10 baht is pretty pathetic, and in the land of smiles a scowl makes an extremely poor bargaining tool.

Passports and Visas

Thailand makes things very easy for visitors. Most foreign passport holders are issued on arrival with a stamp granting a 30-day stay, without the need to apply for a visa in advance. A few nationalities though must obtain a visa in advance of arrival so check first with your nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days then apply for a tourist visa before coming to Thailand. Without proof of an onward journey and sufficient funds for the projected stay any visitor can be denied entry. In practice this is not checked as long as you don't do anything to upset immigration officials. If you overstay your visa you will face an automatic fine of 500 baht per day of overstay.

Volleyball

A team of katoey volleyball players made headlines in Thailand with a meteoric rise to the national championships. Two films have been made about their exploits.

Cheap Flights to Thailand

The Thai government's loose restrictions on air fares and the high level of competition between airlines and travel agencies means that you can sometimes find really cheap flights to Thailand. Fares fluctuate and the price varies quite a bit depending on the airline, and of course your point of departure. For the best deals book your flights early

Transvestite Caberets

Thailand's ladyboys are famous around the world. Transvestite caberets are huge in Thailand and are justifiably famous too. Staged in huge, modern theatres, they rival anything seen around the world for their style, costumes and fun.

A Beautiful Boxer

An unusual ladyboy stories is that of Muay Thai boxer Parinya Kiatbusaba, better known by her nickname of Nong Toom. He would enter the weigh-in wearing full make up, and sometimes a wig, and goad his opponents by blowing kisses and generally acting effeminately. One of the reasons he entered the sport was to pay for a sex change operation. In 1999, at the age of 19, he underwent sex-change surgery in Bangkok, and reappeared as a statuesque and pretty female. She was now forbidden to fight, and took up a career in entertainment. A film called Beautiful Boxer was made about her life.

Child Prostitution

Under current Thai law an offender will face 4 - 20 years imprisonment for sex with a minor (under 15 years old), or a fine of 200 - 400 000 baht. If the child is under 13 years the sentence can be life imprisonment. In addition, many Western countries have instigated extra-territorial legislation, whereby citizens can be charged at home for child prostitution offences committed abroad.

Thai Ladyboys

The concept of three sexes is ancient in Thailand. Creation tales tell of a man and woman who had three children: a male, a female and a third sex. This third sex is considered by many Thais to be the ladyboy (or katoey). The term katoey is a slang word for a man who chooses to live as a woman. This can mean anything from the guy who wears drag for fun once in a while, right through to transexuals who have had a complete sex change operation. A katoey will often begin to take female hormones around puberty to inhibit masculine growth. Many will later have breast implants and some, but not all, will have full sex-reassignment surgery to complete their transformation. One belief is that these 'women of the second category' had affairs with many women in their past lives. Estimates put the number of ladyboys in Thailand at close to 200 000 individuals. No one really seems to know why Thailand has so many ladyboys. Thailand is a Buddhist country where tolerance prevails and katoey are often accepted as part of Thai society. Nevertheless, beneath this formal acceptance, there is an undertow of prejudice. And, presumably seeking an environment where they fit in and are accepted, many katoey end up as performers and sex workers.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

If you have unprotected sex in Thailand you are very likely to pick up some kind of infection. Condom use is high among Thailand's sex workers and definitely recommended. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates 40% of sex workers in Thailand's Chiang Mai district are HIV positive.

Chinese Brothels

The first brothel district was established in Bangkok by Chinese immigrants and initially, only Chinese women worked as prostiutes there. Prostitution gradually spread from these 'green lantern' districts to Chinese neighbourhoods throughout Thailand. They can now be found in just about every village, town and city throughout the Thai kingdom. Nowadays, the prostitutes themselves come from every ethnic background, even Russia and central Europe. Prostitution was declared illegal in the 1950s. Today there remain over 200 000 women offering sex services in Thailand.

Foreign Soldiers

In the 1960s and 70s the Vietnam war brought unprecedented numbers of foreign soldiers to Bangkok and Pattaya, creating a new class of prostitutes catering to foreigners (or 'Farangs') rather than Thais. It is interesting though, that a relatively small percentage of prostitutes in Thailand work in bars and massage parlours aimed at foreign trade. The huge majority work in cafes, barbershops and brothels only rarely frequented by non-Thais. It is thought that Thai/non-Thai transactions represent less than 5% of the total. At its worst the Thai sex industry takes girls (often underrage) sold or endentured by their families, sometimes even kidnapped, and forces them to work in conditions of virtual slavery. Most sex-workers in Thailand are uneducated and come from village areas. Some women though do return to their villages with a nest egg where, surprisingly, they are treated with some measure of respect.

Thailand Bar Girls

In the Patpong-style bar catering to foreigners the bar girls are freelance agents. They earn their income from a percentage of the drinks bought on their behalf and from sex liasons arranged off premises. If they leave during working hours the customer pays a bar fine. None of what she negogiates for other services goes to a controller. In many circles it is acceptable for Thai men, married and unmarried, to visit prostitutes and many Thai women are aware (which does not mean they approve) that their husbands and boyfriends visit them. There are certain ground rules though, and Thai people do not understand why Farang (foreigners) demean themselves by being seen in public with Thai prostitutes. 

Major Wife - Minor Wife

Thais generally blame Chinese immigrants for bringing prostitution to Thailand. But Thailand already had a long-standing concubinary tradition. In the 17th century the capital at Ayuthaya housed an official government office in charge of hundreds of concubines, and until the 1930s Siam (as Thailand was formerly known) had no laws forbidding polygamy. After this time the traditional Thai Mia Yai-Mia Noi(major wife-minor wife) system has made it socially acceptable for men in Thailand to keep several mistresses. All the Thai kings up to Rama IV had 'Mia Noi' as did most Thai men who could afford them. Today talk of a Mia Noi hardly raises an eyebrow. The tradition lives on among some business men, politicians and crimelords.

Temperature and rainfall in Thailand

The hot and dry season is from March to June and April is the hottest month across the country. At this time temperatures in Bangkok average around 34 degrees centigrade, but can often reach 40 degrees centigrade with high humidity levels. From July to October is the monsoon season when most of Thailand's annual rainfall is accumulated. Overall the southern parts of Thailand get the most rain with around 2400 mm every year, compared to the central and northern regions of Thailand, both of which see around 1400 mm. From November to February the northeast monsoon blows cool, dry air which serves as a respite from the heat. During this cool season, the temperature ranges from 18 to 32 degrees centigrade in Bangkok, while in northern and northeast Thailand, temperatures can get quite cool with morning temperatures as low as 8 degrees centigrade with the occasional 20 degree day. Nights can be particularly chilly and at high altitudes, the temperature sometimes drops below freezing.

Weather on Koh Phangan Island

Koh Phanhan (an island off the east coast of Thailand's southern peninsular) enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures do not vary much throughout the year and do not fall much at night. On Koh Phangan Island the dry season lasts for just two months, March and April. But even at this time there is still the possibility of ‘mango showers’ (the dry season being mango season). During these two months the weather is really hot. It rains the most on the island during October and November at which time the mosquitoes and Dengue fever can become a problem. But it doesn’t rain constantly during the rainy season. In fact, on most days you will see some sunshine. Also, it is hot even when cloudy, and you can still be sunburnt if it is overcast. Between April and October is the low tidal season. It is not really possible to swim in the sea along Koh Phangan's south and west coasts during this time.

Weather at Horizon Thai Boxing Camp

At Haad Tien Bay our life is very much affected by the weather, particularly the state of the sea as access to the bay is by boat. Koh Phangan sees the SW monsoon during July to October. We may see rain during this time but the sea remains calm and there are plenty of boats. From mid-October to March is the NE monsoon. This change of wind direction means the wind is coming straight off the sea into the bay so we see relatively rough seas on the east side of the island, and it can be very windy during storms (mostly on October and November). Rough seas mean a longer journey to the bay by boat and less frequent taxi boats. Benefits of visiting us at this time include the cooler weather and the fact that it is quieter at the camp; so you will receive plenty of personal attention from our instructors. Despite the rough seas January and February are usually busy as there are many tourists on the island at this time and there is not much rain. March and April are very hot. There is no rain or wind and the sea is like a mill pond. The bay looks stunning at this time but for some the heat can be stifling.

The tropical southern region of Thailand has two seasons: wet and dry. The further south you go the shorter the dry season. These seasons do not run at the same time on both the east and west side of the southern peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings rain and storms between April and October, whilst on the east coast the most rain falls from September through to December. Temperatures are more even year-round in the south and do not drop much at night. The rainy season rarely brings things to a complete halt and is no reason to put off a visit to Thailand.

The monsoons affect Thailand weather

The weather in Thailand is tropical and the climate is generally hot and humid. Thailand’s weather is ruled by monsoons that produce three seasons in the area of Thailand north of Bangkok and two seasons in the southern peninsular region of Thailand.

North Thailand weather - three seasons

In northern Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and June the weather is mostly dry, however, this is broken up into the periods November to February and March to May. Although the NE monsoon does not directly effect the northern area of Thailand, it does cause cooling breezes from November to February. During the cool season in the north it can get quite chilly at night. The hot season is between March and June. The other northern season is from June to November and is dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time rainfall in the north is at its heaviest.