Those reality shows

Today is not a scheduled day for blogging. In fact, as I write I should be picking up the last set of tips before my big Law exam this afternoon. But after months of observation and being hit with yet another reality show, I had no choice, I simply had to log on and air my views about these 'reality' shows.
Count with me; let's see how many of them we have:
- Dancin Dynamites
- Digicel Rising Stars
- Magnum Kings & Queens of the Dancehall
and the newest addition, CVM's The Anchor.
Now this 'new' reality show is sort different in that there is no voting to see who will win the 'coveted' prize. However, it's still a bunch of hopefuls who in most cases have absolutely no talent in the area for which they are auditioning and appear on national television to make an absolute ass of themselves.
I had to voice one of my many thoughts last night: I wonder if any member of government takes the time to watch any of these shows? Because I don't know what anyone else sees, but what I see (with very little exception) is a bunch of people who have no other opportunity and are just 'tryin a ting'.
I remember watching an episode of Rising Star's and saw a man who had a different 'walk' for each day of the week. Yes it was funny to watch. But to see someone make such an ass of them self in a bid to get a few laughs and maybe a call back is nothing short of ridiculous. Then there was another lady from Montego Bay who literally collapsed when she auditioned for the Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall and was told to try again. Her reasoning behind the collapse "she has four children, no father, she lost her job and this audition was her last hope".
If I were in government, I would feel so guilty. Yes parents must take responsibility for bringing up responsible and hardworking citizens but if no opportunities are provided then what do we have? a country of people who are waiting for the next audition to 'try a ting'.

So proud of my friend... Marie Berbick

I am so happy for and proud of my friend Marie Berbick. I met this young lady about ten years ago when we (well mainly me), were rookie Journalists at a local newspaper. I was so introverted. Shy cyaan done! But Marie with her positive outlook and experience literally held my hand led me safely through those early assignments. I remember when I had to cover social events (with the big shots as it were), God I hated it because I thought, the socialites thought they were better than me. Marie would just walk into the room or wherever these events were held, talk with a few persons, get her story and she'd be out. I admired that because in her I saw who I wanted to be as a journalist.
As she does these days, she always strived for excellence. I remember when she won a certificate from the Press Association of Jamaica, I was her date that night! and I say that proudly because we had been on the battle field many times. We were together in 1998 (i believe it was) when Downtown was under siege after the police held Zeeks, and we were together on one of the many occasions back then when Mountain View broke out in war! It was her who actually encouraged me to do a Certificate course in Journalism, a course I later aced and earned my first front-page story from.
Years later, here she is, launching and operating her own company BERBICK GRAHAM CREATIVE and doing a fantastic job. We've remained friends over the years and on occasion, we get together and share our experiences.
Girlie; I just want you to know how proud I am of you. You are an inspiration and truly and strong black woman.
Love,

One week ... Amazing Word

Okay, so my one week sabbatical is over... One week of denying myself the so-called pleasures of the world. Now for each of us those 'pleasures' are different, for me however, it was mainly Television and Facebook. I have programmes that I religiously watch on TV week in-week out and as for Facebook, I am constantly online... updating my status, commenting on my friends' status and generally just updating myself on everything happening both locally and around the world.
The most challenging part of the sabbatical however was the fast... pushing away the plate was and is the ultimate challenge... it takes faith and determination to be able to deny yourself food to make your point with God. But it is a sacrifice of which the Bible speaks. In Matthew 17:21, the Lord himself advised his disciples that "...this kind goeth not out save by prayer and fasting". This means that there are some things from which we need deliverance that cannot come out just by prayer alone, some things have to be declared, and in Christian terms, the strongest form of declaration is prayer coupled with fasting - a 'deadly' combination.
For me, the most defining day of the fast was Wednesday - defining because I got a word from God that I will not soon forget, Joshua 3:5 - "Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." I'm holding on to this word, I am declaring that my life will be a testament of God's amazing works.
Friends, I am sharing this with you because I think it is critical that we find some form of hope in this world. It is so sad when we observe the things happening around us, simple things turn into major issues - people are so angry with each other, a simple misstep on someone's toe may end up in a fight, literally. We need a song in our hearts and my song comes from the God who is concerned with everything that affects me.
I hope that you too will find peace, love and comfort in God's safe and abiding arms.
Lata,