Herbert Henry McKenley

1922-2007
The Jamaica Gleaner reports today that one of Jamaica's greatest athletes, Herbert Henry McKenley, died yesterday November 26, 2007 at A Hospital in Jamaica. McKenley was 85 years old.

Herb McKenley was commonly known for winning a gold medal in the 4x400m relays at the 1952 Summer Olympic games in Helsinki. Prior to that, in 1945 Herb was also the AAU champion in 440yd, accomplished again in 1947 and 1948. Mr. McKenley was also the head of the list of world best times in the 100m, 200m and 400m in 1947; the only athlete to have ever accomplished such feat.
Thanks Herb, for setting a place in history for your people to admire.
Read more about the life of Mr. Herbert Henry McKenley at http://www.jamaicagleaner.com/.

Artist Of The Day

Marion Hall, better known as Lady Saw, is referred to as the Queen of Dancehall. Lady Saw is known for her racy lyrics and risqué stage performances. A very outspoken artist, Lady Saw is the first female deejay to win a Grammy and to be certified triple platinum. (wikipedia.com).

One of Lady Saw’s albums Strip Tease is said to have been her best by far. This album included the hit “I’ve got your man”. Lady Saw has collaborated with numerous hip hop and reggae artists and has recently released her latest album titled “Walk Out”.
Check out one of her latest videos below.

Vacation: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios is located in the garden parish of St. Ann on the northern coast of Jamaica. This part of Jamaica is known for its tourists attractions, to include the famous Dunn's River Falls. Dunn's River empties directly into the Caribbean Sea. Climbing up the falls is a fun activity for tourists and locals alike. Be careful when going up, there are a few slippery spots.

Ocho Rios and its surrounding areas boasts some of the best resorts to include Sandals and Royal Plantation. Sandals is the largest operating resort in Jamaica and offers luxurious beach front settings. (Wikipedia.org)

The Royal Plantation resort was built in the 1950's and is known as one of Jamaica's most exquisite resorts. Each suite at this location offers a lovely view of the Water. (RoyalPlantation.com) Here you can enjoy Jamaican hot chocolate on the terrace every Friday and Caribbean cooking demonstrations on Thursdays. There are also many other interesting activities to do at this resort.

Ocho Rios has more to offer than just resorts. There is the Bob Marley mausoleum located about 40 miles south of Ocho Rios in a village called Nine Mile. Tourists flock to this site each year to get a glimpse of what was once the late, famed artist's childhood home. Bob Marley fans across the globe also come here each year for the annual February 6Th concert, which are held on Bob Marley's birthday. After a trip to this location, you can also leave with great memorabilia to take back to your family and friends.

When you're in Ocho Rios, be sure to check out some of the local restaurants. Don't just rely on what your resort has to offer. Venture out with caution and take in a little bit of the local scene.

90's Reggae

Today I listened to a mix CD of 90's Reggae music. I just could not stop dancing. Remember the dance Bogle? Yes I was doing that. I was doing the Pepperseed too. Man those old songs bring back good memories.

'Big tings a gwaan fi yuh body'..that song. And this one....'When wifey come out and boosh to di bone..'? How about the forbidden 'Kack it up, Jack it up, Dig...', no I won't complete the phrase. Do they not make you want to dance? Just wondering. Well, keep reminiscing while I dance to 'di gyal dem inna dem batty rida, Murda!'.

Where Did Reggae Go?

Where Did Reggae Go? Jamaica? Bob Marley? In fact, isn't that what comes to mind when you hear the word Reggae? Reggae actually is more that it's known to be. Reggae is said to have been developed in Jamaica and is a derivative of earlier versions known as Ska and Rock-Steady. In its earlier days, Reggae music was performed as a more conscious and uplifting form of expression. Throughout the years, Reggae music has changed into forms way beyond uplifting.

Since Reggae has become more mainstream, we see it taking on a face almost like that of the ever popular Rap and Hip Hop music. It seems nowadays that our more well-known Reggae artists have been emulating the styles and deliveries, and now even the beats of the Hip-Hop and Rap music.

For those who strive to keep the culture pure and free of interference, they have less of a following than those in the 'mainstream'. There's also of course Reggaeton, which is, in my belief, another derivative of Reggae. Not quite interested in this form of Reggae, as I don't have a clue what they are singing about most of the time...In fact, the Reggaeton artists all seem to stick to one Rhythm from one song to the next.

Reggae in today's form isn't all that bad. Today there are some extremely interesting and rhythmic tunes that keep the children of Reggae dancing. Commonly referred to as 'Dancehall' music, this form of Reggae has begun to spread to European countries and Asian countries, mainly Japan. Places in Japan have adapted to this form of Reggae and embraced it as if they were its creators.

I too am a follower of this form of Reggae because it makes me want to dance, and I love to dance..and the children of Reggae still love to dance.

Even though Bob Marley may not approve of where we are today, he would still be happy that his people still crave for the music and he probably prays from down under that one day the music will return to what it once was. Reggae isn't really gone, it's just in a state of puberty, but it will once again mature. “In due time”.

Beenie Man's Bad Year

Beenie Man, born Anthony Moses Davis, is one of the most popular or mainstream Reggae artists to date. He became known in the the States when he recorded his Gold hit, 'who am I'. Beenie man has had some other hits to include 'Romie' and has collaborated with other American artists such as Janet Jackson, Maya and the big time Haitian, Wyclef Jean.

After failed relationships, Beenie Man went on to marry Michelle Downer, better known as D'Angel. They had this all-white wedding in 2006 in Jamaica, where one of the guests and performers was another up and coming artist, Vybz Kartel.

Prior to marrying Beenie, D'Angel had been in a relationship with Beenie's greatest rival, Bounty Killer. Talk about trodding in high water. Beenie took a lot of criticism for this move. Some thought it was more of a vindictive act, while others thought the 'love' was real as D'Angel was also with child. Bounty would soon have the last laugh because in June of this year, D'Angel and Beenie went their separate ways, but not without much embarrassing displays of domestic squalls. Each took very low jabs at each other, making public accusations on who cheated and what material things belonged to whom.

The year surely couldn't get any worst for Beenie Man because just recently he was arrested for tax evasion, owing the Jamaican Tax department about $660, 000 US. This debt is said to have accumulated over 10 years. Beenie was released on bail on October 31, 2007 and is set to return to court on December 3rd. Well, hopefully he'll show up this time.

However this ends for Beenie, I hope he learns a few lessons. One being to never sleep with the enemies girl. The other being to pay his darn bills!! Don't brag about your Beemer if you're not keeping up with Mr. Tax man.

Artist Of The Day

Born Keith Anthony Blair, better known as Anthony B.
Sad to say, but the first time I saw Anthony B performed was at the 2007 Irie Jamboree at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, NY. When he took to the stage, it felt as if a lump rose up in my throat. Time stood still and the only two things in motion were me and Anthony B. Oh yeah.

The one performance which stood out for me was when he sang 'Tease Her'. The way he moved his waistline, it's as if he was trying to hypnotize the female spectators. I believe he was just doing it solely for me. His energetic movements alone are sure to keep me interested for some time to come. Check out his video below. (Gwaan yaah Trelawny man).
TEASE HER
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COUNTRY LIFE: Part One

When Grandma cooked, she awoke the entire hillside community with strong, sweet smelling aromas of what we call good food. Grandma had been up all morning preparing dinner. My two sisters and I would always anticipate what Grandma had going in the kitchen. We would hastily run out of the house and rush to the kitchen on the other side, and peeped into the pots boiling on the wood fire. The kitchen was a building separate from the main house.

We were so excited that we use to run and jump and do somersaults (kin puppa lik) on the lawn near the kitchen. Sometimes my younger sister would run back and forth to and from the kitchen to see how far Grandma has come along with the meal. My younger sister especially liked swinging on the Almond tree that was planted on the far end of the immediate property.

When we heard the dishes clicked against each other, we would know that the time is near. Grandma would line up six dishes to serve each of us our delicious meals. She would call my sisters and myself to come in the kitchen and remove each dish as she made a place for the next empty plate to be filled. We happily walked each complete dish up to the main house and placed them on a table that had already been set.

My Grandfather's plate was always first. We would make sure to place two Scotch Bonnet peppers next to his place mat because that's how he enjoyed his food. He didn't seem to mind the heat coming from those extremely hot 'condiments'.

My older sister poured the drink of the day, Carrot juice made from scratch...Lot's of Dragon, Milk and freshly grated and drained Carrots.

All the plates have reached the table and we all gathered at the table and made sure to give thanks first. We always remembered to thank Grandma for making such a lovely, unforgettable meal. We didn't have much, but my Grandma always made us feel as if we were overly blessed..Now I know we were.....TO BE CONTINUED...

JAMAICA

Land of wood and water, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Flag of Black, Green and Gold. Black signifies the hardship of the people, Green is for the lush green land/grass and Gold is for the glorious sunshine.

Jamaica gained its independence from the British on August 6, 1962. Jamaica is said to have had 6 heroes and 1 heroin. One of the most famous is Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

Jamaica has two main political parties: Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and The People's National Party (PNP). Just recently, the JLP took over power from the PNP who has been in power for numerous years.
Well..enough of this boring stuff...let's move on. See posts to come.