9.75 Things That Annoy Me

1) People who think they’re a lot smarter than they really are.
Give me a good old ‘idiot’ who knows his/her limitations than a downright jackass who thinks he/she was robbed out of the nobel lauriet.

2) People with messenger viruses who don’t realize simply changing their passwords would solve the problem!

3) People who cannot read a URL and determine when a link is safe or not.
The reason this annoys me is simple: I wanted to send a contact a link to a youtube video, to which I heard “I don’t click links” and I was like… “Is there some weird youtube virus I’m unaware of?”

4) Customer service representatives with no training!
Few things in life inspire me to rage as a CSR who needs a good back hand. Imagine going for coffee to see some… girl… on the company phone talking her personal business, I go up to her and look her full in her face, she look s at me, looks off and continues with her conversation moving out of sight. Suffice it to say I went around to face her again and racist remarks ensued, but that’s neither here nor there.

4.75) Fake people.
You know what I mean, be they persons who went to high school with you, someone from the office or just random strangers, those persons who try to be all sweet and sugary but leave that nasty artificial sweetener taste in your mouth. Saccharin.

5.75) Taxi Drivers
The reason they annoy me is that they tend to do THE most foolishness on the roads, cause several accidents but often evade being actually IN an accident. I just hate to see those taxi cones coming, I just know to get to the nearest sidewalk, wall or lamp post to protect myself.

6.75) People who feel the need to question EVERYTHING
Here’s a kicker, if I wanted your input, more than likely, it was in jest. Why then were I to say “I’m going to the gas station.” lead to a 20 minute debate on the finer points of gas stations vs. supermarkets, and gas stations vs. minimarts and corner stores? Or better yet, if you get invited to attend some event or the other and you decline as is your prerogative some nosy person is going to ask “Why not?” Grrrr… because I don’t want to. THERE! I SAID IT! HAPPY NOW?!

7.75) Twitter in general.
Up to this very moment I just go through the motions of updating my status or whatever they choose to call it but I have no real understanding of the point of it. It’s like taking having no life to new heights.

8.75) Recent articles in the Nation Newspaper
Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to imply that I am the most gifted writer there ever was to grace to pages of the internet, however I must say that the caliber and content of the articles of late are so childish, baseless and full of nothing but sensationalism which is NOT journalism at its finest. Thumbs down.

9.75) The security firm which patrols my neighborhood.
I would like to take this opportunity to request that the owners of J.E. Security monitor the speed with which their drivers accelerate around St. James/ St. Thomas. Hearing them braking and screeching at the intersection makes me fear for the safety of the residents as it relates to being struck down, more than of being robbed!

The Charmings

So while going through the usual net surfing Saturday morning afternoon nothing better to do type thing, I came across this little youtube video, the opening theme to a 1980s series called The Charmings. I was hysterical with laughter after I had watched it. I am going to have to hunt the show down to see if I can source it online.

Tag Your Friends!

Yeah so this little pic is going around facebook for people to tag their friends in and is causing quite a stir! Everyone wants to be tagged, but hardly ever are they pleased with how they’re tagged because it represents how they are viewed by their peers. I myself have been tagged a couple times in this and… well… I had to untag and retag myself so it was more fitting 🙂

And the Rumors Are In!

So apparently, this whole Chris Brown going Ike Turner on Rihanna (also known as Robyn F.) has led to some divulging of information!

It is reported that Chompers (Brown) may not be the straightest of individuals and the romance between the two of them (him and Rihanna) may be a cover for a secret life. Then again, given the reports of his movements in Trinidad, it may not be so secret.

A source levies allegations that Chris Brown is “a sister” and may be in love with some Trini guy. Also, he’s reported to have spent a great deal of his time in Trinidad with a drag queen.

This sheds a whole new light on the saga, I can only imagine that while pummeling Rihanna, Chompers was yelling, “You think you bad?! I does tek more man dan you! EH! EH! EH!”

Chris Brown Charged with Two Felonies.

Wow! All the rumors of reconcile may not be able to stop this snowstorm that’s afoot. According to CNN.com,

(CNN) — The argument that led to singer Chris Brown’s arrest on felony assault charges began when his girlfriend found a text message on his cell phone from “a woman who Brown had a previous sexual relationship with,” according to a sworn police statement.

Chris Brown is charged with felony counts of assault and making criminal threats.

Authorities charged Brown on Thursday with felony counts of assault and making criminal threats, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.

The charges are in connection with an alleged attack last month on “his girlfriend,” the office said.

It identified the woman only as Robyn F., but sources close to the couple have told CNN the alleged victim was singer Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

Brown was scheduled to appear in court later Thursday.

Rihanna, 21, was allegedly attacked by Brown on February 8 on a Los Angeles street before the two were to perform at the Grammys.

Brown apologized for the incident last month.

“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired,” the 19-year-old said in a statement released by his spokesman. “I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person.”

A search warrant used by police to obtain cell phone records related to the case included the sworn statement by Los Angeles Police Detective DeShon Andrews in which he detailed what allegedly happened in the early morning hours of February 8. Read the affidavit (PDF)

According to the statement:

“Brown was driving a vehicle with Robyn F. as the front passenger on an unknown street in Los Angeles. Robyn F. picked up Brown’s cellular phone and observed a three-page text message from a woman who Brown had a previous sexual relationship with.

“A verbal argument ensued and Brown pulled the vehicle over on an unknown street, reached over Robyn F. with his right hand, opened the car door and attempted to force her out. Brown was unable to force Robyn F. out of the vehicle because she was wearing a seat belt. When he could not force her to exit, he took his right hand and shoved her head against he passenger window of the vehicle, causing an approximate one-inch raised circular contusion.

“Robyn F. turned to face Brown and he punched her in the left eye with his right hand. He then drove away in the vehicle and continued to punch her in the face with his right hand while steering the vehicle with his left hand. The assault caused Robyn F.’s mouth to fill with blood and blood to splatter all over her clothing and the interior of the vehicle.

“Brown looked at Robyn F. and stated, ‘I’m going to beat the s–t out of you when we get home! You wait and see!'”

The detective said she then used her cell phone to call her personal assistant, Jennifer Rosales, who did not answer.

“Robyn F. pretended to talk to her and stated, ‘I’m on my way home. Make sure the police are there when I get there.’

“After Robyn F. faked the call, Brown looked at her and stated, ‘You just did the stupidest thing ever! Now I’m really going to kill you!’

“Brown resumed punching Robyn F. and she interlocked her fingers behind her head and brought her elbows forward to protect her face. She then bent over at the waist, placing her elbows and face near her lap in [an] attempt to protect her face and head from the barrage of punches being levied upon her by Brown.

“Brown continued to punch Robyn F. on her left arm and hand, causing her to suffer a contusion on her left triceps that was approximately two inches in diameter and numerous contusions on her left hand.

“Robyn F. then attempted to send a text message to her other personal assistant. Brown snatched the cellular telephone out of her hand and threw it out of the window onto an unknown street.

“Brown continued driving and Robyn F. observed his cellular telephone sitting in his lap. She picked up the cellular telephone with her left hand and before she could make a call he placed her in a head lock with his right hand and continued to drive the vehicle with his left hand.

“Brown pulled Robyn F. close to him and bit her on her left ear. She was able to feel the vehicle swerving from right to left as Brown sped away. He stopped the vehicle … and Robyn F. turned off the car, removed the key from the ignition and sat on it.

“Brown did not know what she did with the key and began punching her in the face and arms. He then placed her in a head lock positioning the front of her throat between his bicep and forearm. Brown began applying pressure to Robyn F.’s left and right carotid arteries, causing her to be unable to breathe and she began to lose consciousness.

“She reached up with her left hand and began attempting to gouge his eyes in an attempt to free herself. Brown bit her left ring and middle fingers and then released her. While Brown continued to punch her, she turned around and placed her back against the passenger door. She brought her knees to her chest, placed her feet against Brown’s body and began pushing him away. Brown continued to punch her on the legs and feet, causing several contusions.

“Robyn F. began screaming for help and Brown exited the vehicle and walked away. A resident in the neighborhood heard Robyn F.’s plea for help and called 911, causing a police response. An investigation was conducted and Robyn F. was issued a Domestic Violence Emergency Protective Order.”

ATM Security by Bajanreporter

I found this article to be both true and enlightening. I have often complained to friends who accompany me to the ATM about the fact that at any moment, a robbery could take place because the doors don’t work properly! Story below or Click Here.

Carifs (Unified banking network to allow smoother debit-card transactions here) is now working better, but there are still glitches… Some can be overlooked, others are more serious.

For instance on the lighter side, I believe the Public Workers Credit Union, while a Carifs member, nevertheless needs to have ATM’s at Sheraton and in Speightstown – so does BWU’s Credit Union (They have no debit-card and so are not Carifs ready anyhow)! Meanwhile, over at First Caribbean you cannot access your balance if it is not your primary source of financial activity. Yet at BNB-Barbados and Royal Bank of Canada/RBC you can access everything including your credit card account!

Another thing – If you shop at Big B, use a First C’bean card if you got, since if you whip out your RBTT card to pay, then the point-of-sale transmitter at the cash register does not recognise this bank – one night I had to leave the groceries and go to Hastings Plaza, get the cash, then return and pay! Next time I used FCIB and no problem…

What is of more concern to this News-Blog are the supposedly secure magnetic locks at the top of ATM booth-doors, I am not going to say which branches specifically for safety but any bankers reading this? You need to redress your branches right away!

For the most part BNB and RBC remain safe, so far I am yet to encounter any loose yet allegedly locked doors with their branches, but with RBTT there are some branches they need to conduct some repairs ASAP – some are more deserted than others, for instance? I will not use that ATM on Harbour Road at night – PERIOD! It is wide open, no booth nor doors – although some branches have okay ATM’s, they need more secure ATM’s all across Barbados!!

However, First Caribbean needs to do some remedial work at quite a few places, the sooner the better!

Meet The Browns

For those of you with an active inbox, hotmail especially, you’ve probably already seen this email. If you haven’t here it is.

Why are YOU Unemployed?

Have you ever sat at your computer, talking to a friend about their office/workplace and be regaled with stories of how dumb, inefficient, scandalous or just downright unskilled their colleagues are? If you have friends, the answer is undoubtedly yes.

Now as humorous as it may be, if you’re desperately searching for that dream job, or any job for that matter, it’s disheartening to say the least, to be subjected to stories which are nothing more than painful reminders that you’re not gainfully employed. Worse still is the fact that you actually are experienced/knowledgeable in the area the aforementioned ‘louse’ is inept at, yet YOU are the one home scouring newspaper after newspaper or hitting up the ever popular Monster sites (be they .com, .ca, .co.uk or whatever)
Chances are, it’s a matter of timing. Many companies advertise within, not necessarily meaning that the post is limited to those already on the company payroll, but the company in question would rather have an “I know the PERFECT person for this job!” type situation so they have some idea of how that potential employee might turn out (company they keep) and in turn, have someone to blame other than Human Resources. Solution: keep checking with your friends/associates about opportunities within their organizations that may be available, although not advertised. You may be surprised at how easy it is once you start asking the right people the right questions.
On the converse side, “Why is it I go on ALL these interviews and I still don’t get it!” seems to be the common plight of many an unemployed person. I say, stop and think about the interview. One has to learn to balance being professional without being stiff, and being engaging without being overly ‘familiar’ with the interviewer. Also, your personality should match the position you’re applying for and the image of the organization itself. Let’s say for instance KPMG advertised a vacancy for an actuary, showing up dressed like a low-rent clerk and trying to be a comedian to dispel the tension in the room may not necessarily be the wisest approach. Likewise, a corner store may not want an uptight snob dealing with their clientele either. So always be cautious and conscious of how you are making yourself appear and get an idea of the personality the company or organization may be looking for.

When all is said and done, even if you have the perfect résumé or CV (depending on where you’re from), be the perfect interview and  still not get the job. Don’t beat yourself up about things beyond your control, just keep trying and don’t let a simple obstacle stop you altogether. Keep looking, you just might find an opportunity that you weren’t expecting.

Good luck!

Stuck With Each Other!

Today’s the day people. Shontelle’s new single Stuck With Each Other featuring Akon premiers today and the video is available on Universal Motown’s website, you can also access it via her website, or…. you can simply Click Here!

I actually like the video. It features scenes from the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic and is a really glossy music video, yet, it doesn’t come across as a shameless marketing ploy filled with advertising. Beyoncé and her people could learn a thing or two about subtlety- a la Upgrade U, the Audemars Piguet  ad.

Is Rihanna Pregnant?

So… this is interesting.

According to Celebtv.com via their Youtube account, Rihanna MAY indeed be preggers for Chris Brown and ‘friends’ are speculating that may have had something to do with the alleged assault that transpired last month that had everyone’s tongues wagging. Clip below:

Am I the only one that thinks this or did Miss Kelli Zink look like a permanently started  cheetah-human hybrid? I’m just saying it’s kind of distracting.

Oh back to the actual report. Um… abortions don’t cost that much, and she’s loaded. And now that I’m on the subject, I might as well air my prejudice. Why is it that the black couples ALWAYS have some drama surrounding them? It’s times like these I admire Denzel and Mrs. Washington and to a lesser extent Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Married, happy, settled, somewhat normal. No drama. Not that marriage is the great equalizer but I mean, they are a normal group of people.
And another thing, why is it ALWAYS domestic violence? Rihanna, Robin Givens, Tina Turner, even Halle Berry (to a lesser extent). It’s depressing.

Sigh.

No Cursing Week

Thank heavens this nonsense only happens in the U.S.

Imagine, some idle child decides that his ears are too sensitive for curse words and gets some more idle judge type person to institute No Cursing Week in Los Angeles. This from the LA Times.

Can Los Angeles County residents go a week without cussing?

At least one county supervisor thinks so. Supervisor Michael Antonovich is set to proclaim this week No Cussing Week on Tuesday, following the example of sandy-haired soccer player McKay Hatch, 14, who has become something of a media darling since he started his No Cussing Club at South Pasadena Middle School two years ago.

“A lot of kids at my school, and some of my friends, would cuss and use dirty language all the time. They did it so much, they didn’t even realize they were doing it. It bothered me so much that one day I challenged them to stop!” McKay wrote on his website.

“They were shocked. They didn’t know that it was bothering me. They didn’t even realize how much they were doing it until I said something. I was actually surprised at how they reacted; they accepted my No Cussing Challenge. But some of the kids said they didn’t know how to stop. That’s when I started the No Cussing Club.”

Within a month, the club had 50 members and soon grew to include 30,000 members in every state and 30 countries, including Argentina, France and the United Kingdom, where swearing is often considered an art.

McKay has since appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Fox News,” “Good Morning America” and “Dr. Phil.”

Those who accept the challenge, which can vary from one week to a year, agree not to “cuss, swear, use bad language or tell dirty jokes. Clean language is a sign of intelligence and always demands respect. I will use my language to uplift, encourage and motivate. I will Leave People Better Than I Found Them!”

“Through the ‘No Cussing Challenge,’ we see the power of positive peer pressure among all people and how saying ‘No’ to cussing is a motivating factor, one that has made it easier for some to say ‘No’ to drugs and violence,” Antonovich wrote in his motion supporting No Cussing Week and commending McKay for “being a positive role model and encouraging the use of clean language.”

But can all of Los Angeles County (and particularly those caught in rush-hour traffic) follow McKay’s lead? And what happens to those who slip when they, say, stub their toe?

No worries — Antonovich has no interest in ticketing the foul-mouthed. “It’s not enforceable,” said Antonovich spokesman Tony Bell. “It’s like Breast Cancer Awareness Week. We want to remind people about their choice of words. Use different language — be kind; be civil.”

— Molly Hennessy-Fiske

McKay Hatch, 14, a 9th grader at South Pasadena High School, started a no cussing club at his school, back in October of 2007. South Pasadena has declared March 3 thru March 7, 2008, don’t cuss week. Hatch was photographed at South Pasadena High School on March 5, 2008.

Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Bleh! Now, I try not to curse on my blog for several reasons, but don’t be fooled, I have quite the potty mouth and my favourite word is the big C ending in UNT. Someone once told me I punctuate sentences with curse words, I promptly replied “What the f*ck ever!” and conceded his point. I digress.

Now before there’s a “No Hunger Week” where they go feed some hungry people or something, they’re pre-occupied with encouraging children in folly.

I would love to meet that little boy and tell him what I really think about his week. Rest assured, his ears would bleed.

‘Nuff Said.