How weird must a person be to actually prefer commercials to watching whatever TV Show is on? I love advertisements. My love for advertisements is something that started when I was a child. On numerous occasions my parents have told me of advertisements I loved as a child. One of them was an advertisement for a stout (forget the name right now) but the slogan was “Power in a McKeson Stout”. I would dance in front of the TV and sing along to the jingle … all when I was only 2 years old. That love for advertisements has grown with me to this day. I am one you will hear singing the commercials out loud or singing along with them when they air on radio or TV. As a career goal, I want to work in the field of Advertising.
Now, Christmas is always a time when companies go all out for their commercials. I must say at this point that I have always found local ads to be quite atrocious. Although they have a “Jamaican Flavour”, I personally don’t find them as creative as they can be or effective as they should be. In more recent times, there have been attempts to improve on the quality of local advertisements. However, I still think they leave much to be desired and that is a motivator for me to become the pioneer of local ads someday.
So I speak primarily of ads seen on Cable TV. One of my favourite ads so far this Christmas is the Old Navy commercials that mimic the Christmas carol “Jingle Bells”. I just find them to be so witty, to the point and really aim at reaching the appropriate audience, which is the purpose of an Advertisement. I’ve seen 2 so far, one for the Performance Fleece ($15.00 up) and Old Navy Sweaters …
Some of my favourite ads are: Capital One, Your Credit Card company (Identity theft), Orbit Sugar Free Gum, DiscoverCard, MasterCard, VISA, Elidel, Progressive. My list could go on and on and on.
When I grow up (smile) I want to be an Advertising Executive. Any influential people at prestigious Marketing/Advertising firms reading this blog and would like to hire me???
Monday, November 29, 2004
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Real Beauty Is On The Inside
Lady Serendipity did a post on UPN’s America’s Next Top Model, and it has prompted my post on the overall concept of beauty in the modern world.
In the 18th – 19th Century, beauty in women was measured by their Voluptuousness evidenced in artwork by several famous artists (think DaVinci, Picasso … not quite sure of their names – I was never good at Art). Women were painted with wide hips, large bottoms and breasts the size of grapefruits. These women were considered the most beautiful at that time. As culture has evolved, beauty is now measured by how thin a woman is. Note, that men are not measured with the same yardstick as women – the double standards we live with.
It seems that models – both beauty and fashion – have been getting thinner and thinner with each passing year. I’m surprised that we can still see them! The portrayal of beauty by magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, etc. has been the cause of trauma in many teenage girls who have turned to a life of Bulimia and Anorexia in at attempt to be “beautiful” by society’s standards. There have also been reports of suicide by girls considered “fat” by their peers.
As a plus sized woman (and a very sexy one if I may say so myself), I have observed friends battle the bulge in every way from dieting ridiculously to bulimia to becoming addicted to jogging. I was once accused of being Anorexic and I could not see how this could be possible given my weight. I have a weird stomach and a weird appetite. I can go days without eating simply because I just don’t feel hungry. And then there is a time when I’ll eat a good healthy meal! I have been on a drive to eat more healthy meals and try to exercise but it is primarily with a view to being healthy. Losing weight in the process will be a bonus for me. Ideally, I would like to lose 40-50lbs and while I may still be considered “fat” if I achieve that goal, I will be totally comfortable at that weight (don’t even think I’m gonna tell you what that is). However, I love myself so much and am happy with the way I am. It’s me and if I don’t appreciate me for who I am, then no one else will.
I learnt a long time ago that you should not judge a book by its cover. My post “You Can’t Tell By Looking” spoke of one aspect of this. It is not rare that you come across a person who is not beautiful by society’s standards but has the most beautiful personality you have ever come across. I’ve experienced this personally. The popular saying is that people who are physically challenged in whatever way try to make up for that deficiency by having a wonderful personality. Whether this is true or fiction is up for debate. However, how many times have we met someone of the same or opposite sex, who is physically beautiful by society’s standards - for a woman, it means having stats of 34-24-36 and for a man it is being tall, dark, handsome and muscular – and these people turn out to be the most annoying, disgusting, arrogant, obnoxious, bitchy person you have ever met in your life? I’m sure we can all say more than once. It is my belief in some cases that persons who are considered beautiful thinks it gives them the right to take advantage of others, belittle them and treat them in a condescending manner. If they think that makes them beautiful, in my eyes, that makes them more ugly than any person they think to be so.
What needs to happen is that persons who are not “living up” to the expectation of society by virtue of their appearance need to say to hell with the world! They need to have a high level of confidence, self esteem and love themselves for who they are. It is only when we love ourselves that others will love us. By being “comfortable in our skin” we will maintain a level of sanity and happiness to survive in this double standard world that we live in.
In the 18th – 19th Century, beauty in women was measured by their Voluptuousness evidenced in artwork by several famous artists (think DaVinci, Picasso … not quite sure of their names – I was never good at Art). Women were painted with wide hips, large bottoms and breasts the size of grapefruits. These women were considered the most beautiful at that time. As culture has evolved, beauty is now measured by how thin a woman is. Note, that men are not measured with the same yardstick as women – the double standards we live with.
It seems that models – both beauty and fashion – have been getting thinner and thinner with each passing year. I’m surprised that we can still see them! The portrayal of beauty by magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, etc. has been the cause of trauma in many teenage girls who have turned to a life of Bulimia and Anorexia in at attempt to be “beautiful” by society’s standards. There have also been reports of suicide by girls considered “fat” by their peers.
As a plus sized woman (and a very sexy one if I may say so myself), I have observed friends battle the bulge in every way from dieting ridiculously to bulimia to becoming addicted to jogging. I was once accused of being Anorexic and I could not see how this could be possible given my weight. I have a weird stomach and a weird appetite. I can go days without eating simply because I just don’t feel hungry. And then there is a time when I’ll eat a good healthy meal! I have been on a drive to eat more healthy meals and try to exercise but it is primarily with a view to being healthy. Losing weight in the process will be a bonus for me. Ideally, I would like to lose 40-50lbs and while I may still be considered “fat” if I achieve that goal, I will be totally comfortable at that weight (don’t even think I’m gonna tell you what that is). However, I love myself so much and am happy with the way I am. It’s me and if I don’t appreciate me for who I am, then no one else will.
I learnt a long time ago that you should not judge a book by its cover. My post “You Can’t Tell By Looking” spoke of one aspect of this. It is not rare that you come across a person who is not beautiful by society’s standards but has the most beautiful personality you have ever come across. I’ve experienced this personally. The popular saying is that people who are physically challenged in whatever way try to make up for that deficiency by having a wonderful personality. Whether this is true or fiction is up for debate. However, how many times have we met someone of the same or opposite sex, who is physically beautiful by society’s standards - for a woman, it means having stats of 34-24-36 and for a man it is being tall, dark, handsome and muscular – and these people turn out to be the most annoying, disgusting, arrogant, obnoxious, bitchy person you have ever met in your life? I’m sure we can all say more than once. It is my belief in some cases that persons who are considered beautiful thinks it gives them the right to take advantage of others, belittle them and treat them in a condescending manner. If they think that makes them beautiful, in my eyes, that makes them more ugly than any person they think to be so.
What needs to happen is that persons who are not “living up” to the expectation of society by virtue of their appearance need to say to hell with the world! They need to have a high level of confidence, self esteem and love themselves for who they are. It is only when we love ourselves that others will love us. By being “comfortable in our skin” we will maintain a level of sanity and happiness to survive in this double standard world that we live in.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Another Week …
I’ve made it through another week. And learnt that my trip has been extended by one more week! What are they doing to me?
While distraught at the thought of another week away from home, I am trying my best to remain strong for my darling who has inspired me to be all that I am. He thinks I’m the strongest woman he has ever met, not just because of this situation but many that I have experienced in our time together, and he is absolutely proud of me ... :-)
So, the countdown continues … 18 days gone ….20 more to go!!!
While distraught at the thought of another week away from home, I am trying my best to remain strong for my darling who has inspired me to be all that I am. He thinks I’m the strongest woman he has ever met, not just because of this situation but many that I have experienced in our time together, and he is absolutely proud of me ... :-)
So, the countdown continues … 18 days gone ….20 more to go!!!
Friday, November 26, 2004
Meeting Etiquette
Another Friday, another weekend for me away from home ... boo hoo hoo ... I may be going clubbing with some ladies from the office tonight. Will let you know how that goes if I decide to go. Enjoy your weekend and for those of us in the corporate world, here is something to ponder on:
Dear Employees:
It has been brought to management's attention that some individuals throughout the company have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their co-workers.
Due to complaints received from some employees who may be easily offended, this type of language will be no longer been tolerated.
We do however, realize the critical importance of being able to accurately express your feelings when communicating with co-workers. Therefore, a list of "TRY SAYING" new phrases has been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue in an effective manner.
1) TRY SAYING:
I think you could use more training.
INSTEAD OF: You don't know what the f___ you're doing.
2) TRY SAYING:
She's an aggressive go-getter.
INSTEAD OF: She's a ball-busting bitch.
3) TRY SAYING:
Perhaps I can work late.
INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?
4) TRY SAYING:
I'm certain that isn't feasible.
INSTEAD OF: No f______ way.
5) TRY SAYING:
Really?
INSTEAD OF: You've got to be shitting me!
6) TRY SAYING:
Perhaps! you should check with...
INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a shit.
7) TRY SAYING:
I wasn't involved in the project.
INSTEAD OF: It's not my f______ problem.
8) TRY SAYING:
That's interesting.
INSTEAD OF: What the f___?
9) TRY SAYING:
I'm not sure this can be implemented.
INSTEAD OF: This shit won't work.
10) TRY SAYING:
I'll try to schedule that.
INSTEAD OF: Why the hell didn't you tell me sooner?
11) TRY SAYING:
He's not familiar with the issues.
INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his a__.
12) TRY SAYING:
Excuse me, sir?
INSTEAD OF: Eat shit and die.
13) TRY SAYING:
So you weren't happy with it?
INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.
14) TRY SAYING:
I'm a bit overloaded at the moment.
INSTEAD OF: F___ it, I'm on salary.
15) TRY SAYING:
I don't think you understand.
INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.
16) TRY SAYING:
I love a challenge.
INSTEAD OF: This job sucks.
17) TRY SAYING:
You want me to take care of that?
INSTEAD OF: Who the hell died and made you boss?
18 ) TRY SAYING:
He's somewhat insensitive.
INSTEAD OF: He's a prick.
Thank You,
Human Resources
Dear Employees:
It has been brought to management's attention that some individuals throughout the company have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their co-workers.
Due to complaints received from some employees who may be easily offended, this type of language will be no longer been tolerated.
We do however, realize the critical importance of being able to accurately express your feelings when communicating with co-workers. Therefore, a list of "TRY SAYING" new phrases has been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue in an effective manner.
1) TRY SAYING:
I think you could use more training.
INSTEAD OF: You don't know what the f___ you're doing.
2) TRY SAYING:
She's an aggressive go-getter.
INSTEAD OF: She's a ball-busting bitch.
3) TRY SAYING:
Perhaps I can work late.
INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?
4) TRY SAYING:
I'm certain that isn't feasible.
INSTEAD OF: No f______ way.
5) TRY SAYING:
Really?
INSTEAD OF: You've got to be shitting me!
6) TRY SAYING:
Perhaps! you should check with...
INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a shit.
7) TRY SAYING:
I wasn't involved in the project.
INSTEAD OF: It's not my f______ problem.
8) TRY SAYING:
That's interesting.
INSTEAD OF: What the f___?
9) TRY SAYING:
I'm not sure this can be implemented.
INSTEAD OF: This shit won't work.
10) TRY SAYING:
I'll try to schedule that.
INSTEAD OF: Why the hell didn't you tell me sooner?
11) TRY SAYING:
He's not familiar with the issues.
INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his a__.
12) TRY SAYING:
Excuse me, sir?
INSTEAD OF: Eat shit and die.
13) TRY SAYING:
So you weren't happy with it?
INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.
14) TRY SAYING:
I'm a bit overloaded at the moment.
INSTEAD OF: F___ it, I'm on salary.
15) TRY SAYING:
I don't think you understand.
INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.
16) TRY SAYING:
I love a challenge.
INSTEAD OF: This job sucks.
17) TRY SAYING:
You want me to take care of that?
INSTEAD OF: Who the hell died and made you boss?
18 ) TRY SAYING:
He's somewhat insensitive.
INSTEAD OF: He's a prick.
Thank You,
Human Resources
Monday, November 22, 2004
Bad Jamaicans
Would you believe that in my aim to reduce my telephone bills while away from home, I finally made it to the Cable & Wireless office here to purchase a phone card. Upon asking for a phone card to call Jamaica, the agent told me that the cards do not work to Jamaica. She further said that it was discontinued because "the Jamaicans found a way to override the system and make calls to Jamaica for free using the card so they made it bad for everyone who wanted to call Jamaica".
Damn to them all who caused this!!!!
Damn to them all who caused this!!!!
A Virtuous Woman
Following on my previous post, the vintage Housekeeping Monthly article raised some questions in my mind. How are women/wives viewed in relationships in the 21st century?
It seems long gone are the days that women were thought of as property, designed solely for the purpose of housekeeping, child bearing, child rearing, providing sexual gratification and all other needs to her husband. With women’s liberation a reality, what is a real woman and what is her purpose?
I will attempt to answer question 1 in a nutshell. A real woman: A female specie of virtue (def.: high caliber, good worth, good value, desirable quality), who knows who she is and doesn’t compromise it, independent without being over-bearing, genuine in character, strong, a provider, a friend. Some readers may not agree with this statement in its entirety or minutely. However, when you put it into perspective, think outside the box, look at the bigger picture, then you will agree that there is a whole lot of truth to my statement. A woman’s purpose is many and varied now a days. No longer are we simply expected to bear children, rear children, cook, clean, wash, iron and provide sexual gratification. Women are now home makers, corporate executives and contributors to society all at the same time.
What irks me now-a-days are these “women” who feel it necessary to cheapen their existence by stooping to levels lower than the deepest seas. The old phrase “A women can’t do what a man does and still be a lady” no longer seems to phase the female population as they are doing all that men were previously accused of and more. It is almost commonplace for women to have more than one male companion satisfying every need – one for money, one to take them out on the town, one to pay bills, one to maintain their physical image, a tiger in bed, and the list can go on and on depending on what the female sets as her goal. It seems as if every other women now a days is engaged in more than one relationship.
An acquaintance of mine said the other day that she wanted to talk to me to get some advice (yeah, I’m a counselor). I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to her yet but found out from a mutual friend that she’s cheating on her current boyfriend, with a married man. She loves BF #1, but BF #2 has everything she has been looking for in a man. She doesn’t want to break it off with BF #1 because he might get violent and she’s waiting for them to have an argument so that they can break up.
Another acquaintance of mine said and I try to quote:
“A my house mi a defen’ inna 2005. Whateva mi haffi do fi get it, a dat a go gwaan. Mi want a money man. Him nuh even haffi bi mine. Jus as long as di money a run, mi alright”.
Now, this is only 2 people that I know and without a doubt there are many others like that out there.
Every man needs a woman, a good woman to stand beside them. No man or woman is complete until he has found that one person who fulfils his every need. Should that dream be thrown away? Is their virtue worth the material gain they will experience? What of the Virtuous Woman that Warrior King sings about? How many of them are there left in the world?
I know of at least one ... :-)
More time.
It seems long gone are the days that women were thought of as property, designed solely for the purpose of housekeeping, child bearing, child rearing, providing sexual gratification and all other needs to her husband. With women’s liberation a reality, what is a real woman and what is her purpose?
I will attempt to answer question 1 in a nutshell. A real woman: A female specie of virtue (def.: high caliber, good worth, good value, desirable quality), who knows who she is and doesn’t compromise it, independent without being over-bearing, genuine in character, strong, a provider, a friend. Some readers may not agree with this statement in its entirety or minutely. However, when you put it into perspective, think outside the box, look at the bigger picture, then you will agree that there is a whole lot of truth to my statement. A woman’s purpose is many and varied now a days. No longer are we simply expected to bear children, rear children, cook, clean, wash, iron and provide sexual gratification. Women are now home makers, corporate executives and contributors to society all at the same time.
What irks me now-a-days are these “women” who feel it necessary to cheapen their existence by stooping to levels lower than the deepest seas. The old phrase “A women can’t do what a man does and still be a lady” no longer seems to phase the female population as they are doing all that men were previously accused of and more. It is almost commonplace for women to have more than one male companion satisfying every need – one for money, one to take them out on the town, one to pay bills, one to maintain their physical image, a tiger in bed, and the list can go on and on depending on what the female sets as her goal. It seems as if every other women now a days is engaged in more than one relationship.
An acquaintance of mine said the other day that she wanted to talk to me to get some advice (yeah, I’m a counselor). I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to her yet but found out from a mutual friend that she’s cheating on her current boyfriend, with a married man. She loves BF #1, but BF #2 has everything she has been looking for in a man. She doesn’t want to break it off with BF #1 because he might get violent and she’s waiting for them to have an argument so that they can break up.
Another acquaintance of mine said and I try to quote:
“A my house mi a defen’ inna 2005. Whateva mi haffi do fi get it, a dat a go gwaan. Mi want a money man. Him nuh even haffi bi mine. Jus as long as di money a run, mi alright”.
Now, this is only 2 people that I know and without a doubt there are many others like that out there.
Every man needs a woman, a good woman to stand beside them. No man or woman is complete until he has found that one person who fulfils his every need. Should that dream be thrown away? Is their virtue worth the material gain they will experience? What of the Virtuous Woman that Warrior King sings about? How many of them are there left in the world?
I know of at least one ... :-)
More time.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
The Good Wife’s Guide
The below article was taken from Housekeeping Monthly, May 13, 1955 …. (don’t ask). Let me know what you think. One thing came to mind as I read this …. Fred & Wilma Flinstone!
Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the welcome needed.
Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch of your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people.
Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables
Over the cooler months of the year, you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces, comb their hair and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to se them playing the part. Minimise all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see him
Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first – remember his topics of conversation are more important than yours
Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand dhis world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.
Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.
Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
A good wife always knows her place.
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