WI Cricket is dead

intro

The words "West Indies" for at least half a century has been synonymous with the WI Cricket team.  So much so that we have had spin off names such as "Worst Indies" when they perform poorly and the conjunction of the name to "Westindies" in our verbal communications.

There is no denying how much Cricket has helped to develop the region but the current state of affairs is reversing much of this progress.  As with all failed models, it is time to disband the WI Cricket Board and start a new model of governance in our regional cricket. 

What was meant to unite us as a region is now dividing us more; what was meant to develop us as a people is now breaking us down.  With all the "educated fellows" that purport to have their hearts and minds in the Game and in the interest of regional development and integration, we have still failed to realize a sense of pride and loyalty to this system.

Proposal

I am proposing that the WI Cricket Board be scrapped and the three/four main cricketing territories form independent boards while the Eastern Caribbean block form a union with a new name or retention of the West Indies name.  In the case of Guyana, they will have the option to join the EC block or alternatively satisfy the requirements for a full international status.  This is a similar situation with Barbados and only because of the population sizes.  The Bahamas and other territories falling outside the EC geographical region would also play through the union unless they meet the requirements for full international status.   

The Requirements

At top of the requirements should be the number of professional players registered(30), local league structure and feeder systems in place as well as the availability of at least two grounds to host international matches.  In addition to that, qualified/certified coaches and officials should be at a minimum and at least six months of competition at the local levels.

Structure

Given the nature of Test Cricket and its waning appeal, full international structure would account for Limited Overs Games (T20, ODI's) while additional requirements would be implemented for test status according to the ICC guidelines.  This is no different from the current structure where teams such as Bangladesh and Zimbabwe - relatively fringe teams - have been subjected to certain pre-requisites to determine their Test status.  They do however, along with Ireland, Kenya, Canada, Holland and a host of other countries play Limited over games internationally, including the world cups.  The popularity of T20 has been influencing the growth of the game and the Future is the shorter form of the game. 

 rationale

Test cricket is a niche form of the game that does not even have a world championship and therefore should not be used as a definitive factor in deciding the faith of states that want to participate autonomously.  Opening up the territories will only grow the game of cricket and give more world class players the opportunity to represent their countries and make a living for themselves and family.  

The current structure of WI Cricket in particular has stifled hundreds of players who are on par with the best in the world but because of reasons belying their talent or ability they are lost in the "wilderness of WI Cricket".  Classic examples include Ramnaresh Sarwan, Darren Powel, Franklyn Rose, Corey Collymore, Tino Best with hundreds of others who have just lost hope.

WI Cricket has been failing since the 90's despite turning out great stars like Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh, Curtley Ambrose and Chris Gayle.  These guys have made their names within a system that was fruitless.  They were the rose among the thorns where the thorns have failed to recede.  Today we see great talent and bright young men being stifled by these thorns because the visionaries have had their eyes plucked out by the very thorns they have nurtured - The WICB.   

Lets take Brian Lara for example, arguably the best Batsman ever.  Put Brian in an Indian team or an Australian team where he would have gotten more games, more respect and a better system;  Maybe he would be still playing today - who knows?  My point is that great talent needs even better management and the system has to be fair and transparent. 

Now, take Chris Gayle as my second example.  The most exciting player to watch - no apologies for that- He was put in the wilderness of the WICB for being frank and standing up for what he believe in.  When Lawrence Rowe went to South Africa in the apartheid era we chide him, when Bob Beamon protested at the Olympics we hail him.  Different people are motivated by different things and playing cricket is at the apex of Chris Gayle's heart and you take that away from him because of some puerile grudge you break not just his heart but the hearts of an entire people.  

The Jamaican Prime Minister The Honorable Portia Simpson Miller made a statement in Gayle's defense but has attracted criticism from you guest it - The WICB.   The PM has since defended her statement and pledged to stand by it.  She has been endorsed by a number of local organizations.

Every man has a right to his opinion and my opinion is that we scrap the WICB and break away into autonomous teams.  This will do better for regional integration if only to stop the regional division and gross injustices that puts a dagger in our hearts, like the thorns that have obscured our vision.  We have been stagnant for too long with our conservative and cowardly fiber and until we learn to evolve and move on we will forever be left behind by the rest of the world.  

This current model only works when the WI team wins and this is a preposterous gamble and the annoying cliche "turn the corner" can never happen if we have no driver - worse yet no steering wheel (vision).  This is 2012 and the WICB is still operating in 1982.  That is THIRTY (30) YEARS outdated.   

EVOLVE OR DISSOLVE!!

    

Wearing BRAS Causing BREAST CANCER?

By the time you're finished reading this post your Bra will be off.  This is a riveting account of a phenomenon that will leave heads turning and Jaws dropping.  Could the wearing of Bra's predispose women to breast cancer?

I begin by asking a few critical questions to focus on your Bra wearing habits:  

•  Do you wear Bra for the entire day including at home and when you go to bed?
• Do you wear very tight Bras?
• How do you select the right Bra for you?a
• what is your main reason for wearing a Bra? 
• Are there any instances in your daily routine where you could avoid wearing Bras?

Breast cancer is no joking matter and we need to pay more than just lip service to tackling the problems created by this onerous disease.  It is one of the biggest killer among women during the last two decades. The WHO Fact Sheet No 334 (Nov 2009) states that:

Breast cancer is the leading cancer killer among women aged 20–59 years in high-income countries.

Most of the research done only point to the risk factors for breast cancer because to date we do not know what causes the disease.  Risk factors of course are things that affect your chance of getting the disease. Among the risk factors listed are smoking, drinking, and diet which links to things a person does. Others, like a person's age, race, or family history, can't be changed. 

There is an almost endless list of  risk factors some which came out of scientific studies on cancer of the breast. I would like to look at the risk factors that arise through lifestyle choices a bit. According to cancer.org Some of the breast cancer risk and lifestyle choices include:

• Not having children or having them later in life
• Recent use of birth control pills
• Using hormone therapy after menopause
• Not breast-feeding
• Being overweight or obese
• Alcohol
• Lack of exercise

And Some Risk factors that have not been proven: 

• Diet and vitamin intake
• Antiperspirants and bras
• Induced abortions
• Breast implants  

Their statement on Antiperspirant and bras reads: 

Antiperspirants and bras: Internet e-mail rumors have suggested that underarm antiperspirants can cause breast cancer. There is very little evidence to support this idea. A large study of breast cancer causes found no increase in breast cancer in women who used antiperspirants. Also, there is no evidence to support the idea that bras cause breast cancer.

In my humble opinion cancer is a money issue and I know you start to label me already but I will remain resolute on this point.  Curing cancer will sink thousands of industries and result in the lost of billions of dollars.  So my point is that with all the genius we boast in science and technology the directive to cure cancer just don't exist. As it relates to the cause, If I tell you I would have to kill you.  

I would love to believe the experts, except that millions of people like Linda McCartney who have been  religious vegetarians and exercise- freaks have also  been unfortunate in suffering breast cancer.  There are many other women who did everything in the book and still suffer from breast cancer. 

Perhaps the most convincing argument to the main risk factors lie in the Antiperspirants and bras column.  I have my suspiscions about the anti-perspirant and being a chemist I have examined the ingredients in these products and I wasn't too happy.  Since then I have stopped using it.  Of course the empire could not have a moratorium on the beloved "Antiperspirant" because it would kill a bunch of industries.  You be the judge of it however, after all it's your body and your mind. 

In the 'Bra and Breast Cancer Study' in the United States , It was discovered that women with breast cancer had a history of sporting tighter and longer bra-wearing  than did the women who had not (yet) developed the disease. This brings me back to the earlier questions.

The study further went on to show that In fact, virtually the entire cancer group wore bras over 12 hours. When a woman wears a tight bra, she subjects her breasts to pressure, closing off the lymphatic  pathway from the breast to the nodes. This causes fluid built-up swelling, tenderness and cyst formation. Toxins must be flushed out via the  lymphatic system. However, a bra-constricted breast cannot adequately perform this cleansing process, resulting in toxin accumulation in the breast. 

This issue was first brought to mainstream through the book Dressed to kill. Here is an excerpt from a review of the book Dressed to Kill:

Dressed to Kill is a book by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer that proposes a link between bras and breast cancer. According to the authors, the restrictive nature of a brassiere inhibits the lymphatic system. The book's claim that bras cause breast cancer has been dismissed by the medical and scientific communities; the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the National Institutes of Health have all concluded that there is no link between bra use and breast cancer.


In their book, Singer and Grismaijer argue that bra-wearing may be a major cause of breast cancer because of the purported effect of the bra on lymphatic circulation. Their interpretation is that constriction from tightly worn bras inhibits the proper functioning of the lymphatic system and leads to a buildup of fluid within the breast tissue. In addition, they state carcinogenic substances that we take into our bodies through petrochemically polluted food, air and water course throughout the body, including the breast tissue, and need to be flushed from the tissues by the lymphatic system. Hence, bra-induced constriction of the breast lymphatic vessels, according to the authors, concentrates these toxins within the breast tissue, which may ultimately lead to cancer.


The book generated controversy which the authors attributed the greed of the fashion and medical industries: "The bra industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise. And billions of dollars are spent each year researching and treating this disease. Ironically, ending breast cancer can cause financial hardship for many people." To dismiss critics of their work, they claim the mainstream medical organizations all denied the link between smoking and lung cancer for decades after the initial research was published.

However you want to construct your opinion on the issue it does make sense to highlight these possibilities.  Women wear Bras for different occasions, reasons and lengths of time but I'm sure there is no need to wear a Bra 24/7.  Even if the claim is wrong you have nothing to lose from reducing your potential risk.   Better safe than sorry.


I have not made any scientific claim or endorse any opponents or proponents but I believe there is some link between Breast cancer and the wearing of Bras.  I will continue to follow the research and keep you informed.  


To all my friends and loved ones who are predisposed or suffering from Breast Cancer please stay strong and continue to take steps to reduce your risk.  For the concerned men, you can do something by helping your partner or family members to make the right lifestyle choices. You may also support one of the trusted Breast Cancer awareness charities:
http://www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/
http://www.breastcancer.org/
 http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
  
BIBLIOGRAPHY: 
http://www.all-natural.com/bras.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer 
http://www.who.int/cancer/detection/breastcancer/en/

Discovery Panel by OJB SOlutions 
Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved

Your Hotmail Account Was Hacked?

A few days ago I was walking with a friend when she got a call.  Her friend was asking her what the hell she doing on MSN messenger. Her display picture was something Hugh Hefner would be proud of - an exotic depiction of legs wide open.  

Immediately she rushed home to find that even her display name was changed and she had lost control of her account to some pilferer parading as her and chatting with her friends.

Luckily she was able to change her password and account name to lock out the intruder - or did she?

This raises the question I have been asking for a few years now:  Is my email safe?  What can you do to guarantee that your online accounts are safe?

Well, I have bad news for you because the fact is you are never 100% safe from intrusion.  Email and other online accounts work by storing your information remotely (remote server) and you therefore have to traverse the WWW (internet) to access and use these services.  Apart from the built in safety features, including HTTPS (a secure layer/connection) use for logging into accounts you do not have much protection from the technically savvy hacker especially if you do not understand the mechanism yourself. 

There is some hope however, and it sits with you taking the necessary steps to reduce your exposure to intrusion.  Below we have outlined a prescription (source: windows live Hotmail help) for the case where you have been breached.

What should I do if my account has been hacked?

If your account has been compromised—or hacked—it means that someone stole your password and might be using your account to access your personal information or send spam. To recover your account and prevent it from being hacked again, follow these steps.

1. Install an antivirus program on your computer

Most hackers get your password through malware (malicious software) that's been installed on your computer without your knowledge (for example, when you download a new screen saver or toolbar). It’s important to clear your computer of viruses or malware before you change your password. That way, the hackers won’t get your new password.

After you install an antivirus program, set up the program to get updates and scan your computer on a regular basis. If you're running Windows, you can download and install Microsoft Security Essentials for free.

2. Change your password

After you install an antivirus program, try to sign in to your account.

    If you can still sign in to your account, you should change your password right away.

    If you can’t change your password, try to reset your password.

3. Prevent your account from being hacked in the future

You can take the following actions to keep your account safe and make it easier to recover if it’s ever compromised again.

Create a strong password for your Hotmail account

    Make it at least eight characters long.

    Don't use your user name, real name, or company name.

    Don't use complete words.

Make it significantly different from previous passwords and don’t use the same password for all of your accounts.

Include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (such as !, #, *).

Make sure your operating system has the latest updates
Most operating systems have free software updates to enhance security and performance. Because updates are important for keeping your computer safe, we strongly recommend that you set up your computer to get these updates automatically.

You can easily set up your computer to get the latest updates automatically for Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7.
Never reply to emails asking for your Hotmail password

Email providers should never ask for your password in email, so never reply to emails asking for any personal information (even if they claim to be from Hotmail, Windows Live, or Microsoft).
Be careful signing in to your Hotmail account from public computers or unsecured wireless networks

If you often use public computers or unsecured wireless connections, consider changing your account to always use HTTPS. To start using HTTPS, change your settings. You can also request a single-use code to use when you need to sign in from a public computer. This is a good option if you just use public computers every now and then. 

Make your account easier to recover in the future

Password reset information can make it easier to recover your account if someone else takes control of it. Because this information is used for your safety, it's a good idea to add as much password reset information as you can. Learn more about why it's a good idea to add password reset information.

To add password reset information

Go to the Windows Live Account overview webpage, and then sign in with your Windows Live ID.

Under Password reset information, click Add next to Email, Mobile phone, Trusted PC, or Question, and then follow the on-screen instructions to add the password reset information to your account.

Prevention is always better than prescription so avoid getting your accounts breached.  The implications can be very grave and you will do not need to know the consequences of losing your account or other private information online.

MY FUNNY VALENTINE

When I was young I used to think that Valentines Day was for crazy people who kept shooting arrows at apples on their heads.  They either get squeezed or end up dead.  But that was a silly thought based on what I was taught. 

My literal sense was apparently dense, but my imagination remained intense.

Newton was rumored to like apples and I read Newton quite a bit.  Not to mention the Greek mythology and all this cupid stuff.  So I put the pieces together before it fell apart.

Several years later I still don't get Valentines despite all the historical basis, which I will not get into.  Somehow I just think it was created by the capitalist (USA) to boost the sales of flowers and chocolate.  Thanks to Cadbury and Hershey's we now have to do 8 Hours of workout every week; And trust me, that jogging makes me weak.

I can empathize with the lover s however and although I'm a rebel without a cause I still have  to support those who believe in valentines day.  Speaking of which, is this a kind of religion for some of us?  At least among the women species.  I swear my friends are crazy the way they treat valentines day.  Only Christmas, Easter, Divali or Eid gets this much attention. 

In Trinidad where we play Russian roulette with holidays, Valentines day is almost a public holiday because no work happens after 12.  The offices are painted in Red and brown from the ceiling to the ground while the men are nowhere to be found.  Oh lord help these cheap men.

I cannot begin to remonstrate about these cheap men who find it hard to buy a rose for their women.  its a crying shame how tactless you have to be.  you know how much this day mean to her and you instead coming up with stupid excuses that you don't need valentines day to do stuff for her.  Wake up brother, do it everyday but for god sake do it today.  Take her out, buy her some chocolate or ice-cream, tell her you love her but don't play the fool. 

I've always wanted an ugly girl for my valentine but unfortunately I kept ending up with the pretty ones.  Pretty girls are too much trouble I tell you.  Everybody wants to buy them gifts just because they're pretty and not because they deserve it.  I don't mean to be bashful or anything, I just mean that there are varying levels of attractiveness in women and I love them all.  True beauty is within and some of the pretty girls getting gifts are so unattractive if you get my drift.  

My Funny valentine

My funny valentine is the best gift a man could dream of.  

Looking at her and hearing her speak bring smiles to my face like a mountains peak.  

She makes me want to dance, laugh and make a vow, because she is my then and my now.  

My funny valentine brings humor with her senses and she appreciate my intentions. 

She takes away sadness with the joy of candles; 

like a rose among roses in whispers of love. 

The fragrance, the taste, the musical embrace, is an endless moment of amazing grace;

And the happy days impregnate my mind, and keep me hooked to my funny valentine

Racism In Football

Racism is one of those topics that we hate to talk about because it is Taboo and often rooted in controversy.  There are however occasions where we are forced to talk about it and the case where it affects the spirit of a game - especially a global game like football - is one such case. 

We highlight two major allegations of Racism in the recent pass, both in the English Premier Division League.  

The first is the case of Luis Suarez, Liverpool striker who was found guilty of racially abusing the Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during a league game.  Suarez served an 8 match ban for the incident returning last Saturday to the starting lineup in a game against non other than the English Champions Manchester United. You can imagine the anticipation leading up to the game as everyone had their eyes and ears fixed on the pair.

Before the game began there was further controversy as Suarez refused to shake Evra's hand during the customary team/official exchange.  Evra was evidently peeved as he reached out for Suarez's hand with the resolve to find out why he refused to shake his hand?

There was further reports of confrontation in the tunnel at half time but these have not been verified.  The game ended with a Manchester United victory and an exuberant Evra who ran the length of the pitch celebrating in a manner to direct disdain on Luis Suarez.  At one point he appeared to get to within a couple meter of the Liverpool and Uruguayan striker. 

The player has since apologize for the refusal to shake hands and the Football association said that they will not pursue it any further.  Kenny Dalglish the Liverpool manager who scuffed the media after the game also apologized for his behavior.  Meanwhile Sir Alex Ferguson did not mince his words when he expressed his disappointment with Suarez.

The second high profile case involves the England and Chelsea captain John Terry who was accused of making racial slurs against Anton Ferdinand of Queens Park Rangers in a league game.  He has since been stripped of the England captaincy and like a domino effect this led to the resignation of the national coach Fabio Capello.  Terry has categorically denied the accusations and is yet to be found guilty.  In a statement made to press association sports he remarked:  “I am the proud captain of one of the most internationally diverse teams in the Premier League and I absolutely believe that there is no place for racism in sport and indeed in any walk of life.”

We definitely endorse that statement by Terry and we will not judge him before his case is tried. 

Racism is not a new phenomenon and we have battled it for centuries from the exodus of the native Americans to the heights of the slave trade, to the civil rights movement in America up to this day where we still see a subtle form of discrimination which although very evident has failed to attract any serious attention.  It remains a taboo subject and the victims sometimes themselves are entrenched in the concept of separation based on race. 

This is the form of racism that has crept into the beautiful game of football.  I cant say how long this has existed but my feeling is that it has been creeping around for some  time. Whether or not it is now coming out because of a change in dynamics is something to explore.  What I can say categorically however is that racism has no place in any sport.

The problem I think is a matter of ignorance and immaturity on the part of players.  There is the argument that players are supposed to be tough and not pay attention to racial slurs during a game;  Its all a part of the game and they should keep focus.  We have seen and heard many comments to this effect, even by victims of racial abuse.

On the other hand there is the argument that the game should be played with the greatest amount of respect and any demeaning comments or advances should be left out.

I have to go with the latter argument since the spirit of the game is critical and respect is essential whether you win or lose.  It is a professional game and therefore the protocol should enforce that mutual respect be observed.  In the same way that the referee controls the way in which tackles are made the game does need a means of maintaining a dignified atmosphere fitting of professionals.   

When I watch a game of football I see players from many different countries, tall, short, light skin, dark skin, clean, dirty, young, old, you name it - playing together with a common goal to make their team win.

We don't know what is in the minds of players and we cannot presume that there is any malice based on race but where there is evidence of this it is imperative that it be dealt with in a serious manner to deter antisocial behavior.  

Football has been a great agent in the fight against racism in general and the signs are very clear as it relates to the progress made so far. 

While I give John Terry the benefit of the doubt, I do think all players need to be constantly made aware of the responsibility they hold for an entire generation and the importance of their decorum in changing the game we love and the world in which  we live. 

There is no doubt that Terry is a "hot head", likewise Evra and Suarez and this is just a reflection of the passion they bring into the game.  Where the trouble brew is the point at which players let the passion get ahead of the spirit and respect of the game, players , fans and teams. 

We love the passion and the intense battles, but at the same time we want to see self control and mutual respect because players are role models for millions of youth.  No matter what FIFA does, only the players can stop racism in football.

WHY DOES IT HURT SO BAD?

I woke up with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart.  The night was so surreal and CNN didn't make it any better the way they milked this story. Whitney Houston is a legendary talent who will outlive her years. 

I know she had problems and her career has declined considerably.  I don't know her personally yet I feel like I've lost something special. And I had to ask myself:

Why does it hurt so bad?  Why do I feel so sad?

The reason why it hurt so bad is because I grew up with Whitney.  She was that golden voice in my ear even when the radio goes off.  Her talent and presence was majestic and she is indomitable when you consider her vocal control.  She always seem to innovate at every moment through her performances.  You always felt that even if she makes a mistake you would never notice and if the drummer didn't turn up she could still give you the best show of your life.

Her legacy I believe is timeless and while she is physically dead, she will continue to outlive her years.  I frankly believe that she lost her talent years ago but we failed to accept it.  We were always clamoring for some kind of come back, waiting, hoping praying for a return. She wanted to turn things around too and she tried her best.

The reality however was not to be and this must have been the greatest pressure on the beloved star.  The burden of expectation often drive us to the brink of death.  It is not an easy thing to deal with when you build your life around something and have to leave it behind.  I can't even imagine how devastating this have been for her.  

As it were with singers, there is no end except to the death.  With Whitney however the challenge was far bigger than she could handle.  She battled with so many demons that only God could have come down and help her.

The problem with addiction is the fact that it presents itself as the solution yet remains the problem.  It is therefore an endless cycle that has no visible end.  It takes a miracle to overcome a strong addiction and it takes more than belief; it takes a whole transformation of the order of a rebirth.  We wish her addiction to music was stronger than any other addiction.

While we still don't know the cause of her death and certainly don't want to speculate we have to give thanks for what she has contributed to the millions of lives she has inspired with her gift.  I believe that her honor is preserved and she will remain in our hearts for the positive aspects she has projected.  I hate to see her in a bad light and my greatest memory of Whitney is summarized in her performance of the National Anthem at the super bowl 1991.  

I am not from the USA, but that performance made me feel a sense of pride in being human.  It outshines the greatest artistic display ever produced by man and sets her apart as one of the greatest artist of all time.

Long live the legend WHITNEY HOUSTON.  

RIP