Tuesday

Old Jamaican Toys

 As technology slowly takes over the world, everything becomes digitized even the toys used in Jamaica is affected technology. Are the days truly gone when children would use their creativity to make manually operated toys to entertain themselves?

Nowadays it is  commonplace to hear a child say he or she is bored. We as adults should realize that this is just a cry that they need something to do. 

When I was a child you know your creativity was your best friend and you would use your creativity to make toys for your entertainment. So you were never really bored at any time

There are toys that we enjoyed as children that I don't think the present Jamaican youth will ever really appreciate. I watched a couple of videos online and I see that some of the toys I am referring to was actually were made in other countries. For example the skate where you get a an old bearing to use as a wheel for a make shift bike. See picture below.


I Africa it is called a scooter and there are many images on youtube and the like that show pics of it.

How can we ever forget the classical box truck. Oh my goodness that was all the rave to see who could fix up  their box truck or car the best. 




Not to mention the bottle stopper games.



As a child I used bottle stoppers to play soccer using an old shirt button as the ball. Is this still done by anyone?

If you couldn't get enough bottle stoppers to make a full 11th side team, there was always money football. I think this must still be employed by the youth of today.

 But then again maybe not because all the games are on phones.

We have two large coins hitting a small account and you use the fudge sticks to do it move the pieces taking turns to play. 

You know those were the days. Then you have the gig. You know how many times would you'd wrap the gig out around and you know throw it on the floor just to see it spin out.

I guess the toys that evolved from this one are the fidget spinner and the yo-yo. The yoyo is probably still around, cause I have seen some kids play with it. But I remember when there was the Coca-Cola competition in Jamaica then yoyos were all the craze . 

What toys did you use as a child that you no longer see being used?



Monday

The most expensive houses in Jamaica

 


It wasn't unitl I migrate into the states that I understood that there were building codes and a team of enforcers for this.

In Jamaica at teh house where I lived for 7 years we just modified the property as we saw fit. Afterall we were paying for the house and the house technicqlly belonged to us.

I think this is the typical mindset of every Jamaican. Just recently (2023) I visited Jamaica and was shown some grandeus houses that had 7 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. 

I thought to myself surely some "Big Shot" must live here. Afterall who needs so many bedrooms and bathrooms except the very rich.

I was made to understand tht it belonged to a taxi driver who had 4 adult daughters living with him.

"How much money must this taxi man be making?" I thought. 

My Jamaican companion told me, "no more than regular!" 

I was amazed, "Then how was he able to build this mansion of a house?" I enquired.

"Oh Likkle likkle. It was orinally a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom house. But over time theyy added the additional bedrooms and bathrooms.

It is quite posible that the most expensive house in the island does not belong to a wealthy person, but instead a family that stuck together and transformed their little home into some thing grand.

Don't get me wrong I know the DJ's and entertainers build nice expensive houses with all the latest fixtures, however I'm sure John Average is still competing with those house becasue there are not as many enforcers in Jamaica as there is in the States.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Sunday

The Jamaican Environment

 


There is a tendency to highlight the worst when talking about a country's environmnet. Hopefully I  can get some people to highlight the gold old things about this country.

I'm talking about the economic climate. Although the scenario is the same for this. I'm not talking about the work ethic of the people nor am I talking about the genral climate of the island. 

When I say environment here, I'm talking about the general culture of the people. The usual tendencies.

Here is your chance to say what you think is good about the island.

If you rely on the news only you get, such a glum sorry story is usally presented; and it is the case that no where on Earth is all bad.

There is a little gem which goes...

                                                There is so much good in the worst of us 

                                                And so much bad in the best of us

                                                That it little becomes any of us

                                                To speak ill of the rest of us.


Usually when I think of the Jamaican environment I think of downtown Kingston. But is downtown kingston really a good representation of the island?

Usually in the local news they highlight the tourist areas as the best spots. Is that truly the case though.


Friday

Jamaican swamps

 

I remember many years ago there was the boy who strayed too far into swamp lands in St Catherine and was eaten alive by an alligator. The news made JBC now the famed TVJ. 

At the time I was wondering," why this little boy went into the swamps alone?" However I know the answer. Children will just be children, sometimes doing the things that their parents warned not to. Sometimes they escape, and in this case sometimes the don't escape the foreseen danger that parents warn about. Unfortunately this little boy paid for his stupidity with his life.

Does anyone remember this story?

On another note the place where I now live in the states has been zoned a wetland (swamp). However builders are buying it out in droves. They have been dumping it out and building houses like crazy. I can't help but wonder where does the wild life go that once inhabited these wetlands. Occasionally I will drive by and see all types of animals lying on the road slaughtered but I'm still wondering, probably hoping that some have made a seamless transition to other lands. But the rate at which these houses are going up it has become a little concerning to me. 

What will happen when all these wetlands are converted into a concrete jungle?

I did a little research and found that my speculation was right.

All these wetlands do act as a healthy habitat for several animals, and as the wetlands are destroyed, so too is the livelihood of the animals.

When will construction be enough? 

I know that in Jamaica several wetlands were converted into homes. While this maybe something good in the short run, is there an environmental factor that is not being considered?

I was happen to find out that the sale of one of Jamaica's islands (goat Island I think it is called) to China was turned down owing to environmental concerns. They had plan to bring in heavy construction equipment and convert the island into a port, but the environmentalists one this time.  I'm not sure they will always win this fight because construction always goes on.

 The story is no different in the states. I was surprised to find out that the Continental United states still has 55% of its land uninhabited, but will the construction ever stop? Are we truly stretching towards 100% inhabited?

Surely someone must see that this is not good, not just for the animals and the environment but for the people too.

A couple of  years ago we had a big rain event here and I was so surprised to see the amount of homes that went under water.

I had this colleague of mine tell me she went to bed as normal and woke up with a foot of water in her house. The nearby lake had overflowed right into her house.

No doubt her house was built in one of the wetland areas. This is where the water run off used to go, but since the swamps have been dumped up and built on, there is no where for the water to go but into the houses.

Thankfully I live at the top of a hill, so all the surrounding areas are going to be flooded before it gets to my house, but it does not give me a good feeling.

If all the houses around me were to flood, then my house would become an island, and I would not be able to get to and from the store.

These are my few thoughts.

Jamaican Dentists

 There are many revered practitioners in Jamaica. In my travels I have met two that I think are worthy of mention.

Namely Doctor Hunter and Beck who operate a private practice on the premises on Dental Associates located on Half Way tree Road.

These Dentists have been masters of their craft for many many years. I have personally known of people who travel from the States just to visit these Dentists, just because of the quality work performed.

In these days some dentists practice without licenses and their work is questionable. Ensuring that you come back so they can milk either your insurance or pocket.

I think that if you know any good Dentists you should give them a shout out and let them know they are appreciated.


Thursday

Jamaican Puzzles

 


I don't know of any Jamaican puzzles, do you?


I'm sure that with the technological advances in the world and consequently in Jamaica there are somethings that Jamaican have invented that have gone world wide.

But I just don't what.

What about you? Do you know any different than I?

Jamaican Universites

 


How much do you know about Jamaican Universities?

There are two prominent University of The West Indies (UWI) and University of technology (U-tech). I'm not sure if they are privately run or public at this point. All I know is that the school fees are astronomical. 

I don't think John average can attend these universities without some serious financial connections.

Has there been a move to connect the poor man with the learning opportunities offered on these campuses.. 

Why is it always the case that it takes someone outside of the local community to discover the treasures that we have on this island.

Maybe we will sell it like we did all our other treasures on the island.

There should be honorary mention of the colleges on the island.


No doubt they have helped "John Average" to achieve financial stability in the island and get the desired educational status needed.


What do you have to say about this? 




Wednesday

Adult entertainment in Jamaica

 No this is not what you think it is. However no doubt the sex industry is a big topic, but one I will talk about in another posting.

When I say the Adult entertainment industry, I am actually talking about gaming. The gaming industry no doubt has taken a strong hold of people of all ages.

As a result there is a massive money making app industry on cell phones. I have been often playing a game on my phone only to see an advertisement for another game pop on on my phone. Like "Gee Whiz!" How many games can I play in a single day?

It would seem that the advertising industry does not care that you may be limited to 24 hours. Some of which you have to use to eat sleep and travel. Maybe they have more than 24hrs in their day.

Probably they want to capitalize on those extra seconds we get that is the cause of our leap year for our calendar. Whatever the their reason no doubt there is no shortage of ads.

The thing is that we have been made to see more ads on our games because each games features ads. The more games you have the more likely you will see more ads.


Sometimes these ads are aggressive and won't close either. Talk about forceful advertising. Makes me go hmm should I even have this many games on my phone.

However you can't blame the advertisers. The want to get their products in front of eyes, and there is no other place which eyes are glued more than to devices these days.

In times gone by it was the television, hence the reason for the story "county of the one eyed giant. But now we have another one eyed giant aking over our society and it is our cellphones.

The struggle to keep our eyes off our phones have become even greater, with the introduction of such apps as YouTube. Now endless eyes are glued to their phones all day long.

Which brings me to the topic at hand.

In times gone by games and to a lesser extent television were things associated with children, but now everyone is playing games. And with the introduction of the different gaming consoles; adults have been incorporated into the gaming industry.


It seem that the marketing strategy is to not get weaned from the games. 


When I was young it was Contra , Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat that were the games for teens. I am surprised that these games are still around and are still being played, by the same kids now grown to be adults. There has been so much more added in to that genre of gaming. I hear Grand Theft Auto  is all the craze now.



Talk about a successful marketing plan. Not losing the existing customers while gaining plenty of new ones.


I think it is this very concept that Apple has employed why their phones are still being used today.


No doubt the Android has more apps and  features but still there is a loyalty to I-phones because apple chose to market to the young.


But we will see how long this will last, as Android continues to create bigger and better phones.


At the time of me writing this Apple still has not put out a foldable phone, but their process are still competing with the other android devices.


We will see how long it takes the I-phone users to catch on.


What are your thoughts on the android vs iPhone battle? 

Tuesday

Homosexuality in Jamaica


 If this site is truly to be all things Jamaican, I guess I have to express my views on this as well.


I know we are heading towards the conditions that were in Sodom and Gomorrah, because the bible says so.


Its just interesting to see how it is that the minority has slowly taken over the majority.

In the words of a pastor that I listen to "It is one thing to have the blind lead the blind, but it is all together a travesty when the blind lead the sighted."

This is all I have to say for now.


Father's day in Jamaica


"Like what!? Father's day! I never knew they had a day."- said no one ever. Well maybe it was said before the day actually existed, but no one probably said that following the day's commemoration.

Then again I might be wrong. What I am sure about though is that the day for the mothers is generally more celebrated and recognized than the day for fathers generally is.

Although even this is changing. As society experiences a shift, more and more fathers are being celebrated and father's day is actually becoming a thing.

I wonder with the discussion that are looming about gender identity, will these days come under attack as well?

The latest and greatest cell phones in Jamaica


 I know there is a booming market for cell phones in Jamaica, but do they have all the new ones that are in the states?


What are your thoughts?



Jamaican Apps

 I have left the island many many years ago; when beepers were still a thing and the Nokia cellphone was the phone of choice. The only colors on the screen then were black writing against the green background. Something similar to what's shown below.


I know we have jumped leaps and bounds since then. But I'm curious, is there any one phone dominating the phone market and what about apps?

Are there any truly Jamaican apps servicing the Jamaican population?  If you know any do tell.



What do you want to know about Jamaica?


 I have volunteered all the information that I have about Jamaica and its culture here on this blog. However, there may be a question that you have that I have not answered. Consequently, I ask that you jot down your questions below so that I may be able to satisfy your curiosity.

I thank you in advance for the questions.

Monday

Made to serve you-kerrol greenland


 I wrote and sang this song many years ago. I was hoping to create an income stream from it, but it never took off.

Wednesday

Leaves that Jamaicans believe heal

All of the leaves listed below are used for various ailments. If you know of any that I have left off the list please jot this below. Some have been commercialized, but some yet to be recognized. 

I am not sure all the leaves can be eaten, however, all can be used to make a tea beverage, served hot or cold.

I'm not sure I need to put a disclaimer on this site since it is only a blog, but I will anyway.

As far as I know, none of these statements have been evaluated by medical personnel or by the FDA. These statements are strictly based on personal experience and folklore.

 


Breadfruit leaf



I used to see my grandmother drink this tea for her blood pressure,  I would even see her eat it at times. I don't know how effective the tea was, nevertheless it was a practice.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Guava leaf



I've never seen anyone actually use this tea however I have heard that this tea, can help with diarrhea, cold and flu. It also can help lower cholesterol and the amount of sugar in the blood.

 _______________________________________________________________________________

Soursop leaf



_________________________________________________________________________________

Dried Papaya leaf



_________________________________________________________________________________

Mint



_______________________________________________________________________

strawberry tree leaf

_________________________________________________________________________________

Moringa leaf



_________________________________________________________________________________

guinea hen weed



_________________________________________________________________________________

Cerasi leaves



_________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday

Mother's day in Jamaica - Poem

 


I guess this is true in most countries. Mother's day is a big event. There are parties and advertisements non-stop for mother's day.

This year I threw a big party for my mother-in-law.

We had all the Jamaican dishes, and aunts cousins, brothers, sisters, friends, and well-wishers congregated to celebrate with us.

What was your mother's day celebration like? Share if think it was good.

___________________________________________________________________________

Happy Mother's Day, from the cradle till today,
Thanks for all you did, in every single way.
Sacrifices made, love you shared so true,
For all the advice you gave, I'm forever grateful to you.

Through laughter and tears, you've been by my side,
Guiding me with wisdom, filling me with pride.
Your love knows no bounds, it shines bright and clear,
On this special day, I hold you so dear.

So here's to you, Mom, on this Mother's Day,
For all that you are, in every single way.
I cherish you deeply, in every single way,
Happy Mother's Day, with love, I say.



Wednesday

Games I Play at church in Jamaica


I grew up with church mainly catering to the adults, but every now and then there was a day or two that catered to the young people of the church.


Usually, this was done through interactive games. Nowadays there is no shortage of the type of games we can bring into the church for the young people.


The instructions for these will be forthcoming once I have them.


A popular one is Roblox.

I have no idea how this is played, but I understand that the young people are on it all the time.


Another one is Kahoot

First introduced to me as a game to help students be interactive in class, now you can make a kahoot about anything and get young people excited about any topic that you are presenting, even religious ones.

Jeopardy

There is the traditional jeopardy game. This has become a favorite of mine as I use it to engage old and young alike in bible games.


Family feud

I believe this is my favorite of all the games. It is easy to set up and play.


Sword in hand

Surely no list of bible games can be mentioned without mentioning sword in hand. It was what made the gruelling afternoon hours of church worthwhile.

Another one is Quizlet

Although I have never used it, I hear there is a way to use Quizlet for group study. I'm not sure how this works but I would love to hear from you as to how to use this.

If you have used any other in church, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Thursday

Popular DJ's in Jamaica

 


Along with popular sounds came popular DJs. As a matter of fact, it was the DJ that made the sound popular.

The ability to mix and lay down tracks in a certain way was considered a talent.

In my day Delano and sky juice were top-notch selectors, that I think were worth their weight in gold.

They just added a certain vibe to the already hyped music which was undeniable.

It goes without saying that these DJs were what made radio stations worth listening to. this is still the case to this day.

As a result, no talk about radio DJ can be made without mentioning the honorable Barry G, Alan Magnus, Leonie Forbes, Dorraine Sammuels, Lindy Delapenha and Fae Ellington

These were voices that I grew up to on the radio.

Who do you think are disk jockeys (DJs) worth mentioning? 

Popular sounds in Jamaica

 


One of the favorite pass times of Jamaicans is to go to the Dancehall.  This is where our iconic reggae music was coined and promoted.

When I was growing up there were a few popular sound systems that played. I don't know if these businesses are still around however, I am interested to know what are the popular ones now playing in Jamaica as of 2021.

I will begin with the ones that I know however, feel free to give your sound favorite or not a shout out below.


Stone Love

Champian Star

 

Monday

Games for Couples


 


Occasionally, there is a need for couples to get away from their responsibilities and meet up with other couples just to play.

Here are a few games that I have come across that I think couples can play to definitely make an evening delightful.

I have listed all I know here, if you know any more please feel free to jot below. Although I have listed the lyrics elsewhere on this blog, if you need me to paste the lyrics here for the games, let me know.

Board games

Scrabble

Card Games

Uno

Donkey

Ring Games

Adam and Eve

Press the business on

My baby got elbow

Contrary partner

Racing Games

Carry the balloons without hands

Move the ballon without hands


Table games

ping pong


Video games

Kinect Sports



Books to read that can change a Jamaican's perspective

Every now and then we come across books that open our eyes to the possibilities that there are in life. Once we are able to conceive these possibilities, it becomes the lifelong quest to achieve them..and the other books that help you do just that.

Here is the list of books that I read, I hope you will discover the gems that are hidden on these pages.  Add these books to the books that you will read soon.

If you think I have missed any please leave comments below.


 1) The alchemist


2) Rich dad Poor dad


3) How to win friends and influence people


4) The greatest salesman in the world


5) The 5 levels of attachment - Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.

6) The 4 Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.

7) The power of the subconscious mind - joseph murphy

8) The creation frequency - mike murphy



Friday

Doctor Jokes




So this couple went to the doctor and for whatever reason, the doctor required a sperm donation from the man. So the doctor gave them a bottle and said to the man, "Put your specimen in this." 

 

So the man said okay and he and his spouse left the doctor's office. 

 

The very next day the man returned to the doctor with an empty bottle.

 

"Doc I tried with one hand and then I tried both hands, but nothing. My wife also tried with one hand and then with both hands still nothing. We even got the girl next door to help."

 

With that, the doctor exclaimed, "The girl next door!"

 

"Yeah, she is young a fit, surely she would do it. Now she used her hands but nothing, she even used her mouth."

 

The doctor's glasses fell off.

 

She was really wet from sweating when she was done

 

But Doc no matter what all of us tried we just couldn't get this darn bottle opened.

 

 

Habits of successful Jamaicans

 


Now more than any other time in the world millionaires are being made. People with different mindsets and approaches to life are able to earn millions of dollars by doing things differently.

Long gone are the days when you need a college education to make money. There are so many ways to make money nowadays, everyone should be well off. After all, there is enough to go around.

Here are some healthy habits that you can adopt to become the type of wealthy person you have always wanted to be.

Rule 1
Quit watching those youtube videos, which are simply a waste of time, and start reading more informative books. Apart from the benefit that reading exercises the mind more than watching a video, reading better helps a person how to express themselves.

It gives you many ways of saying the same thing. This skill may prove useful when you find yourself in a circle of influential people.
 
Rule 2
Learn how to invest. Lear something new every day, learn as much as you can. As stated before there are so many ways to get rich nowadays. All you have to do is find one and stick with it.

It is good to save where you can, however, if your savings have no purpose, it is purposeless.

In other words, if you are not saving to invest in a car, bike boat, etc. The saving account is not worth anything.  One should try to save to buy a house, then find ways to turn that house into income.

Rule 3
Abandon a work for money mentality. Initially, this is a good start, since most of us don't start with a gold spoon in our mouths. So we have to work for money to start, but don't make this your permanent mindset.

In all my years, I have found that the man that seeks money hardly finds it. The man that simply does the right thing usually finds the money. Your mindset should be more about results than money.

Rule 4
Whatever circumstances you may find yourself in, don't turn around and find blame, but instead find solutions. The loser sees a problem for every solution, while the winner sees a solution for every problem. Which one are you?

Rule 5
Appreciate your beginnings. Although you may hate poverty, if you learn the lessons that life teaches, you can elevate out of it.

Rule 6
Get rid of the get-rich-quick mentality. Anything worth having usually comes through hard work.

If you implement these 6 rules, no doubt you will experience a richer and fuller life.

Wednesday

Court Houses in Jamaica






So I was talking to a  comrade the other day, and he had the audacity to say that there were no courthouses in Jamaica, because of the number of lawless activities that he hears take place there.

so we did a google search and I proved him wrong, but the question is, "how functional are these courthouses?"

If the presence of lawlessness is an indicator, then they must not be functional.

I know some will argue that they are functional however what good is a system if it only applies to some.

Jamaican Dodge ball

The Jamaican version of dodge ball is called Dandy shandy, and we don't typically use balls. We typically use anything we can get our hands on. A stuffed box, a stuffed bag. Stuffings include empty juice boxes, old clothes, and empty shopping bags.

In extreme situations, some people use stones as stuffing.

 

If you used anything weird as your stuffing let me know below.

 

Tuesday

Do Jamaican men talk faster than their women?

 


Ok, so I have scoured the internet, and the information I have found supports my bias.

I found that women use approximately 3 times as many words as an average man would use in a given day. BBC

However, does speaking more words translate to speaking faster?

I believe so. Mathematically speaking if I travel 7 miles in 24 minutes, and you travel 21 miles in the same 24 minutes. No doubt you would have to be traveling faster than I am in order to cover that much distance in the same 24 minutes.

The article I read, source highlighted above, said that women only used more words, and it was not an indicator of the speed of their speech.

I don't believe there is an argument there, do you?

Jamaican Computer games


When I was a child the big games were not on computers but on game systems. I was told that when I became a man I should put away childish things. But gaming systems are no longer childish things.

The children from my day grew up playing video games and to this day they still play. They have encouraged their children to play so now we have a nation of gamers.

If this was not bad enough more games have been created to play on the devices we carry around, so now everyone has time to kill playing video/computer games.

Mine was and still is a block game and chess.

Those are two games I will never get rid of.

What is your game?


 

Friday

Successful Jamaican Businesses




 I can only think of restaurants for this one.

I know 

Donna's

Dutch Pot 

and Golden Crust.

However, there must be more. Help me big up the business people from yard that made it big. If you know of a business run and owned by a Jamaican give them a shout out here.

When do you stop being Jamaican?

 





O.k. so I had a friend of mine, he was born in Jamaica and spent 25 years of his life in America. I was so surprised when I heard this man call himself Jamaican. I could not believe it.

Then I brought the question to a youth group and there was a person who said he has Jamaican parents, but he was born in the US, but he still considers himself Jamaican.

Then another person said his mother is from Haiti his dad from the U.S. but he was born in Jamaica, although he is now living in the states, he considers himself Jamaican.

I'm like whoa!

Are any of these people right to call themselves Jamaican?

When does a person cease being Jamaican? What are your thoughts?

Jamaican Stock exchange


In this time and age, average people are trading stock like crazy. I wonder if it is the same in Jamaica.

I don't even know the stocks that are traded in Jamaica.

One of my contributors suggested that I simply put a link here for all the companies listed on Jamaican stock exchange. 

So by clicking here, you will be brought to a site listing all these companies.

Thursday

Jamaican Death Log


 



O.k. here is one that I think everybody can contribute in some way or another. Cause at some time or another we have lost loved ones to death that are dear to us.

You can jot down the names birth and death dates of your loved one here, if you want a picture posted, you can send it to ajagssolutions@gmail.com and it will be uploaded.

As best as possible can you please put it in the format below? (picture, birth, and death year)

________________________________________________________________________________


Geraud Anthony Dawkins



_________________________________________________________________________________

Michael Anthony Sharpe




Don't worry about the importance, if they were important to you, they are important to this blog.

Please participate, it is a way of ensuring that the person is not forgotten.

___________________________________________________________________________

William Gentles

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________


Websites listing names of passed loved ones

https://obitsjamaica.com/obituaries/featured
https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/photos-remembering-some-notable-jamaicans-who-died-2020





























Saturday

Religious Questions

 In an attempt to clarify your religious questions, I ask that you post your questions here and we'll try our best to answer them.

If you do not want your name or e-mail to be shown, you can always click on your e-mail and choose the anonymous tag and then click publish to add your comment/question.




If you are using an android phone, there will probably be a request to verify that you are human. Just check the box and your post should be displayed in the highlighted comments section.

Anyone from the audience, who is so moved, can also answer the questions posted.


Friday

Jamaican Clothing Line


 Seems like just yesterday I receved the news that Freezone in Jamaica was shuting down.

I know it's been a while, but I jst miss that company and what they used to do for the contry.

No doubt Amazon has had its influence on he demand for Jamaican clothing. I think I will start an amazon store with just Jamaian clothing, I wonder if it will do well?

What are some of the clothing ideas that you would like to me carry? Leave a link or comment below.

Jamaican Products

 




Everywhere in the world you go, Jamaica is known for their weed. I'm not sure that if this is a direct result of Bob Marley's use or just the word of mouth advertising from users from different countries.

Whatever the reason my be Jamaica's Marijuana is famous all around the world.

There are some other products that are worth mentioning, such as their coffee (blue mountain to be specific). These two products were famous since I was a child.

The island used to be known for it's bauxite, but I'm not sure this is still the case.

I know we've had some companies that have stood the test of time in the provision of food, but are these brand known the world over? 

Are there any other products that yo can think of that Jamaica is famous for?

Tuesday

Tutorial on How to use this Jamaican blog



 Despite the fact that this blog is visited by hundreds of people daily, there are hardly any comments. As a result, I will be leaving a tutorial on how to leave a comment.


Step 1:

Click on the blog of interest.


Step 2 

There is a comments link below the blog, click on it.


Step 3

Write your comments in the comments box. Then click post


Step 4

You should be prompted to confirm you are not a robot, just click and the box, and you should be all set.


If you want you can also leave anonymous comments. Totally up to you however.


Let me know if you need a tutorial for that as well.



Do You have the answer Jamaican?



From time to time, there are questions that pop into my head and I really want to know the answer. However, since there is no blog of the history of the island, the answer is lost with the older heads, when they die.

For example, what are the names of your fingers in Jamaican?

Thumb = tumpy 

Index = pointer = lik pat

Middle = long man

Ring Finger = ring man

little Finger  = pinky= titimus


There is even a song that used to go with the names of the fingers. 

It's been a while since I have heard the song repeated.

Thumb = This is the father short and stout

Index = This is the mother with the children all about

Middle = This is the brother tall you see

Ring Finger = This is the sister with a dolly on her knee

little Finger = Here is the baby still to grow

Here is the family All in a row.


Are there any other names that you can remember; or any other version of then names?

I was talking with an 80 year old and she revealed these names to me. Did you know these names?


Hurry up talk to the older heads and get some of thier stories before they die and then the information they had be lost forever.

Monday

Famous Radio Commercials

 


I'm not sure this is still played on the radio, but the phrase is often repeated when someone says they feel tired.

________________________________________________________________________

Here are the lyrics to the Andrews ad. 


Person 1: I feel tyad, stoomuck feel awful!

Person 2: To much party last night?

Person 1: Den wat a mus tek?

Person 2: Andrews ofcourse!!!

___________________________________________________________


Here is another one. This one was used when Irie FM just came on the air, and RJR and JBC were the established pre-existing radio stations.

Teacher: Richie! Jebbie! You should be ashamed of yourself copying from the new boy!

Person 2: Ah Tru yuh no know Teacher! Da new bway yah IRIE.

______________________________________________________________



Can you remember any ad verbatim, that had an impact on the way you communicate? If so, please take the time to jot it down here.

Wednesday

Jamaican Translation of Piers Morgan event

 As many of you know Piers Morgan was recently ousted for a personal matter on National TV.

Here is the original video and what follows is the Jamaican Translation.

Here is the Jamaican translation. Enjoy

I guess if you need anything else translated you can contonct the compay withthe name stamp on the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P72tGWR9Qls&ab_channel=SMOKINGROOVE



Friday

Hope for Jamaicans 2

 Jesus had twelve disciples, called the 12 apostles. The 12 foundations in heaven of the heavenly Jerusalem would go on to be named after these individuals.

So rightly so the church makes a big deal about them.


However who were these apostles?

Their names were 

Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew

James and John (sons of thunder)

Philip, 

Thomas 

Matthew

James son of Alpheus

(Thaddeus) Judas son of James

Simon

and then Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Christ)

Bartholomew

For most of Christendom, the names of Peter, Matthew, and Judas Iscariot are pretty well known. There were a few statements here and there of the other disciples and a few acts which were recorded in the book of Acts.

However. my point is, that not a whole lot is written about the everyday life of the disciples. You don't have to have the front page. All you have to do is glorify God in your little Corner. You don't have to be the brightest star, just commit to doing the right.



Thursday

Hope for Jamaicans





 I was listening to this sermon recently and thought I should just down one of the high points, so here goes.


We all know or have heard of the prophet Elijah. He is thought to be one of the greatest prophets of the old testament. The chapters in the bible that document the life of Elijah highlights the making of a prophet.

I am thankful that God is who He is. Just moments after Elijah had his high point on Mount Carmel he had a low point. He runs from Jezebel although a glorious show, that God is on his side.


This was done because the way in which Elijah proceeded was not the style of God. However, God would not allow his prophet or his name to be dishonored, so he does show up. 

However God was not pleased, and Elijah felt the disapproval of God, and that caused him to be fearful.

God then gives Elijah a lesson that it is not always the loud attention-drawing ways that he uses, sometimes it is sometimes in the still small voice.


God has been working with Elijah, but Elijah is stiff-necked and does not suffer himself to be changed by the Almighty. Instead of rejecting Elijah, God tells Elijah to choose a successor. 

You will remember that Elijah was translated.

These lines should serve the purpose of giving you hope. 

Although we have not made the mark, God is willing to save you still.

The best analogy that I can think of is that of a mother cooking enough food for 13 people when there are only 4 people in her house. Some food will go bad because if no one shows up to eat the food.

The parallel is that God has provided so much salvation for everyone, the problem is that not everyone will take the salvation that has been provided.

No one needs to be lost.

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