A reader asked me to “fess” up so I will publicly. I was wrong (See my post earlier this year). I did not think Obama would have won the nomination. I was like many of the skeptics that thought there is now way a he could beat Hillary Clinton for the nomination. I also thought there is now way he would have won. I was wrong…

I read this interesting opinion article titled “Is Barack Obama black? ” the BBC website today. What was interesting is that some Black American say he is not black because he is not a descendant of slaves. I remember reading an article about African immigrants living in the US being told they are not African-American because they did not experience slavery or racism like blacks born in America. They were Africans but not African-Americans even though they were naturalized citizens of the USA. Is’nt it ironic that the people who the title “African American” most fits are told they can’t use it. It is like telling an Italian who is a naturalized US citizen that they are not “Italian-American”…

UB40 – Source UB40 official website

I was reading the Gleaner’s story on foreigners dominating the Reggae Billboard Charts this week. UB40 had the number 1 reggae album. I am not surprised by this. The message in the music from many of the foreign artists is what attracts music lovers from all genre. Many Jamaican artists seem to write and sing songs that target a “localized” audience or the “base”. As we recently learned in the US elections the “base” alone cannot lead to victory. In this case the “base” alone will not lead to sales that top the charts. It may bring you legitimacy with the hardcore fans but…

Image source: Indianexpress.com

When men are talking about dresses you know the expectations are high. So it is with the dress Michelle Obama wore the night Barack Obama gave his first speech as president elect. I heard it described as a “spiderwoman costume” and the “big red ball”. The criticism of the dress online from have been strong but also from many of my Black American friends. I had one black American male friend tell me that she could have worn her church Easter dress.  I did not pay too much attention to the dress but being that the picture of the new first family is on the covers of magazines everywhere you can help but look. I think Michelle has dressed great throughout the election but I am no fashion police. I will give her a pass on this dress. Again I am no fashion police so it maybe the hottest dress out there.

I just think the expectation on this family is going to be high especially in the black community. The Obama’s are the face of the community and many will now feel what they do reflect on the community…

I love Jamaican soda’s and banana chips.  It is the only soda I drink on a regular basis. It is the only sodas I have my kids drinks. I always had this feeling that Jamaican food is not fattening. I have not proof but to me it was okay to have the processed food as long as it was Jamaican.  Yes I was lying to myself…well the other day I was in a Jamaican grocery store and I heard a Jamaican man mention that it was the only soda he drank because it does not have the preservatives of American soda…Why do we do this…

A friend sent me this great article in the New York Times  titled “Ian Fleming’s Jamaica“. There are some nice pictures of Strawberry Hill and Port Maria. Jamaica played an important role in 007…

I am glad to see NH take up the mantle of having kids graduate from high school at 16. The education system here seems to be tailored to having everyone graduate at 18 regardless of their skill level. I have seen Jamaican students who migrate before graduating in Jamaica being put back to a level that is way below their level.