Most of us have heard of Peter Picking a peck of pickled peppers, but have you heard about Peggy?
Here is a song dedicated in her honor. Even if you could memorize the lyrics of this song, you still would not be able to sing it on melody.
Good luck trying.
Pig, a plump fellow with a perpetually optimistic snout, was usually found dreaming of mud puddles and extra rations. Sheep, a fluffy philosopher, spent his days pondering the existential crisis of being shorn. And Cow, a sensible sort, mostly chewed her cud and offered sage advice in a low, rumbling moo.
One sweltering afternoon, Farmer McGregor, a man who loved his baked goods more than his prize-winning pumpkins, left a plate of freshly baked peanut butter cookies cooling on his porch. Pig, ever the opportunist, waddled by. The aroma hit him like a ton of bricks – or rather, a ton of delicious, crumbly, peanut-buttery goodness.
"Just one," Pig oinked to himself, his little trotters already halfway up the steps. "No one will ever know."
He scarfed down not one, but three cookies, leaving behind a trail of incriminating crumbs that practically glowed in the afternoon sun. Just as he was wiping his chin, Sheep sauntered past, looking for a particularly reflective puddle to contemplate his reflection in.
"Baa! Pig!" Sheep exclaimed, spotting the crumbs and Pig's suspiciously pleased expression. "Were those Farmer McGregor's cookies? You know he counts them!"
Pig's ears drooped. "Uh, no, Sheep. These are… digestive crumbs. From my, uh, breakfast. Very healthy." He tried to look sincere, but a stray peanut crumb stuck to his snout gave him away.
Suddenly, Cow lumbered over, attracted by the commotion and the distinct scent of baked goods. "Moo? What's all the fuss about?" Her eyes, usually full of gentle wisdom, narrowed slightly at the sight of the dwindling cookie plate and Pig's shifty demeanor.
Sheep, unable to bear a falsehood, blurted out, "Pig ate Farmer McGregor's cookies! Three of them!"
Pig flushed a deep shade of pink. "It was only a taste! They were calling to me! And anyway, maybe Farmer McGregor just... made fewer today?"
Cow let out a long, slow moo. "Pig," she said, her voice calm but firm, "honesty is like a good blade of grass. It might seem tough to chew at first, but it makes your insides feel right. A lie, on the other hand, is like eating nettles. It stings, and it'll get you in the end."
Pig squirmed. He imagined Farmer McGregor's disappointment, his love for those cookies. He imagined the farmer's stern gaze. And he knew Cow was right. It felt worse holding onto the secret than admitting it.
"Alright, alright!" Pig finally oinked, hanging his head. "I ate them. All three. They were delicious, but I shouldn't have. I'm sorry."
Just then, Farmer McGregor walked out, stretching after a nap. He glanced at the plate. His brow furrowed for a moment, then softened as he saw Pig looking genuinely remorseful.
"Well now, looks like someone's been enjoying my baking," the farmer said, a twinkle in his eye. He knelt down. "You know, Pig, if you'd just asked, I probably would have given you one. I always bake extra for my favorite critters." He reached into a basket he was carrying and pulled out... a whole fresh batch of cookies! "These just came out of the oven. Still warm. Next time, just ask, okay?"
Pig's eyes widened. He looked at Sheep, who nodded knowingly, and at Cow, who gave a gentle, approving moo. He hadn't just avoided trouble; he'd learned a valuable lesson and still got a warm cookie.
From that day on, Pig was still a bit mischievous, but he always made sure to ask first. Because as Cow often reminded him, "Honesty always tastes sweeter than a stolen cookie." And down in Four Corners, everyone agreed.
Jamaicans have a way of renaming the things with which they come in contact.
Animals and insects are no exception. There might be a scientific name a common name but there may well be a Jamaican name as well.
If you think I have any off the list please feel free to mention it below.
Spider - Anancy
Centipede - 40 leg
Owl - Patoo
Chicken - Fowl
Vultures - John Crow
cat - Puss
bird =Bud
lizard - Lizaad
squirel - chipmunk
The history of Black people in both Jamaica and the United States is deeply rooted in the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, resistance, and the ongoing struggle for equality and cultural affirmation. While there are common threads that bind these histories—such as African ancestry, forced migration, and systemic oppression—each journey is distinct in its social, cultural, and political outcomes.
Jamaica
Black history in Jamaica began with the brutal arrival of enslaved Africans under Spanish rule in the early 1500s, and later, in much larger numbers, under British rule from 1655 onward. Jamaica became a central hub in the British Empire for sugar production, with enslaved Africans making up the vast majority of the population by the 18th century. Life on Jamaican plantations was marked by extreme violence, short life expectancy, and constant resistance. Unlike in the United States, where the enslaved population grew largely through birth, the Jamaican enslaved population had to be replenished continuously due to high mortality.
United States
In America, slavery was institutionalized in the 1600s and expanded rapidly, particularly in the South, where cotton and tobacco were dominant. Although brutal, the American system allowed for somewhat more demographic stability, as the enslaved population in the U.S. increased through natural reproduction. However, the core of slavery—exploitation, dehumanization, and systemic violence—was no less severe.
Jamaica
Jamaican slaves were highly resistant, staging numerous uprisings—the most famous being the 1831 Baptist War led by Sam Sharpe. Prior to that, the Maroons—communities of escaped enslaved Africans—waged guerrilla warfare against the British and even signed treaties granting them semi-autonomous lands. Jamaica's history is marked by a tradition of open rebellion and assertive African cultural retention, contributing to the island’s strong sense of identity.
United States
Resistance in the U.S. took many forms, including armed rebellion (e.g., Nat Turner’s Rebellion), escape (via the Underground Railroad), and cultural defiance. However, rebellion was often met with overwhelming violence and suppression. The geographical size of the U.S., the fragmentation of the enslaved population, and the legal and military strength of slaveholders made large-scale rebellion more difficult than in Jamaica.
Jamaica
Slavery was abolished in Jamaica in 1838 after a long struggle and growing pressure from abolitionist movements in Britain. Emancipation brought little economic change; land remained in the hands of the white plantocracy. However, ex-slaves quickly began building their own communities, churches, and cultural institutions, which laid the foundation for a powerful cultural nationalism in the 20th century.
United States
Slavery was abolished in the U.S. in 1865 following the Civil War. The brief Reconstruction era promised racial equality but was soon replaced by Jim Crow laws and widespread racial terror. Unlike Jamaica, where Black people became the majority population and ultimately took political power, African Americans remained a minority subjected to systematic disenfranchisement and segregation.
Jamaica
Jamaica evolved into a Black-majority nation where African culture remained vibrant and influential. The rise of Rastafari in the 1930s, reggae music, and the pan-African ideas of Marcus Garvey helped to shape a powerful Black identity rooted in resistance, spiritual resilience, and global Black solidarity.
United States
African Americans developed a rich cultural legacy through music, literature, religion, and activism, despite systemic racism. The Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and the emergence of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X showcased the community’s strength. However, struggles with racial inequality persist in education, employment, policing, and housing.
Jamaica
Today, Jamaica is an independent nation with Black leadership and institutions. Yet, it grapples with economic challenges, crime, and the lingering effects of colonialism. Nevertheless, the sense of Black pride and cultural sovereignty is strong and often exported globally through music, language, and sports.
United States
African Americans have made significant strides in all areas of society, including politics, with milestones such as the election of President Barack Obama. However, systemic racism, police brutality, and economic disparities continue to plague Black communities, igniting ongoing movements like Black Lives Matter.
Though born from the same historical trauma, the paths of Black people in Jamaica and the United States have diverged significantly. Jamaica's Black majority forged a national identity steeped in African pride and political autonomy, while African Americans have had to fight—and continue to fight—for full inclusion and recognition within a system originally built to exclude them. Yet in both contexts, the spirit of resistance, creativity, and resilience endures.
These histories are not just stories of suffering, but powerful testimonies of survival, transformation, and hope.
The summary of this video
The video is about the presenter's exploration of Montego Bay, Jamaica, where he shares his experiences and insights about the city.
Here is a summary of the video, broken down into key points:
I have had these songs in my book of songs for a while. A new app just came out that allows me to turn these scribbles of mine into full blown songs.
Since this is a Jamaican Blog, I thought it suitable to post them here. Let me know if you disagree
I'm so happy for the app. Now I can share my sings with the world. For more of my songs, you can go to my Youtube Page. (my Username is JAHMYKAH.
Repent me Fren
Blessings in disguise
This game is based collecting pairs. Game play for 2-6 players.
Goal
Be the player with the most pairs.
Setup
Use standard Uno deck.
Shuffle the deck
Deal 5 cards face down to each player
Deck is placed face down for simple play. To Up the adrenoline face up. This is the draw pile.
Each player keeps their hand hidden until the round starts.
Gameplay
A player Counts down 3...2....1 Go!
Player throwen thier cards down face up and start drawing cards one by one from the deck to make pairs.
Make pairs as quickly as you can Same numbers or action card. Color does not matter.
Once a pair is formed say "Pair!"
If on 5 consecutive tries a player has
Speed draw
Each Player draws a single card as fast as they can. If no pair is formed, place the card aside.
Game ends when all cards are drawn from the deck. Or a player has no cards left in the hand. They must say Uno if they have only one card left.
For longer game play create a second deck with discarded cards and then players continue to pick from the second deck.
Even when no cards are
Penalty
If a player draws more than one card another player can shout Penalty and the guilty player must tap the 5 five times before drawing another car. Other players are free to draw cards during this player's time out. The guilty party should tap as fast as they can to get back in the drawing. So that other players don't draw to many cars ahead of them.
If a player only has one card left and did not say Onu they have to tap 5 times and then add a 2 cards to their hand from the deck.
.Variations
Wild cards can pair with any card.
If two players say pair at the same time, who ever slaps the deck first gets to keep all 4 cards.
________________
Please tell me if you enjoy these card games.
Most of us have heard of Peter Picking a peck of pickled peppers, but have you heard about Peggy? Here is a song dedicated in her honor. Eve...
