Farmville Interrupts Blog

Yes folks, Farmville, that social networking game on Facebook which has one million players (as of this past weekend) has got me gripped by the keyboard. And I've been gripped for about two (2) months now.

Farmville.

I finally gave in to all those invites from friends to play this online game. Give a sunflower a break. Social networking pressure is real and alive on Facebook. I only started playing to help a friend get a bigger farm. (How much harm could there be in that??!!) Little did I know that I too would desire a bigger farm and would soon be begging my friends and family to be my neighbours.

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio. I grieve for my pre-farmville life.

Now I have conversations which contain sentences like: "A sheep ended up in my hot-air balloon."

What?? That's preposterous. You don't own a hot-air balloon, well not in real life. Nor do you own a sheep, not that I know of. What also makes that statement nutty is that the sheep came in the air balloon. Duh!!!

Often I have conversations which go like: "I need a bigger farm", and "I got up at 3am to harvest."

To these poor "farmers" I say: "You need a what? A bigger farm? Of course you need a bigger farm!!! (Silly rabbit.) And I would not be getting up at 3am to harvest. 5am, Yes. 3am, Definately NOT!!"

Are we crazy? No. Is this game addictive? Yes. Addictive as H-E-L-L.

So if you don't want to spend countless hours on a virtual farm completing tasks at indecent hours that you wouldn't do if you had a real farm, then do not, I repeat, do not play Farmville.

Too bad it is so much fun. To get you started on your way to Farmville addiction, here is a nice little video by Zynga, the creators of Farmville, introducing you to the game.

Aint it nice how they say "plant and grow with friends"? Aint that precious?? Sounds all honkey dorey and lovey dovey and stuff.

Trust me, you want a bigger, better farm than all your friends, with lots of trees, and lots of animals and lots of crops . And you want it now!! (Ooops my Farmville angst is showing.)

Check out their website http://www.zynga.com/games/index.php?game=farmville

The website says: Grow delicious fruits and vegetables and raise adorable animals on your very own farm! Does not say anything about setting your alarm so that you get up from your Sunday nap just to harvest 2 hour strawberries (or raspberries or whatever). Nor does it say anything about rushing home from work to harvest 1 day sunflowers so that you can plant more 1 day sunflowers because they are so darned profitable.

How many hours have you spent/wasted on Farmville?

Have you argued with someone recently over which is better, Farmville or Barn Buddy/Farmpals/Li'l Green Patch?

Who else needs Farmville rehab?? Show of hands. Darn, I lost count at nine hundred thousand.

Trust me, if we spent as much time and attention to our real lives as we do to Farmville, the world might not be in the economic turmoil that it is in right now. Why? Because in Farmville, if you need to buy a big ole farmhouse you got to plant the crops and make the money first. I guess there is a lesson in Farmville for all of us.

Batman and Lex Luther Need Money Too

Help a Superhero and Super-villain Out!!!

In a turn of fortunes which no one in their right mind would have foreseen, both Batman and Lex Luther are broke. Who would have guessed?

According to Adam West, Batman got scammed in a ponzi scheme (WOW, WHAM, Holy illegal ponzi scheme!!). Lex Luther on the other hand lost his money through irresponsible financing of his various plots to eradicate the world of Superman. Are we surprised? No, not really.

From the Funny or Die crew over at www.funnyordie.com:

• Batman's Garage Sale with Adam West

Batman Garage Sale with Adam West from Adam West

• "Lex Luther Bailout" with Jon Hamm
  

"Lex Luthor Bailout" with Jon Hamm from Jon Hamm

Christa's Review of the 2009 Pic-o-de-Crop Finals

Christa's Review

I was too busy hating my air popped popcorn to write a review on finals night. However Christa, who by the way was crashing in people's favourite chair and using people's favourite cup, managed to put keyboard to screen and compose a review. So please follow the link to:

The View According to Christa

Eating Healthy meets Big Rock

Healthy Snacks, Pic-o-de-Crop Finals and Christa

Let me begin by saying that Sunflower needs to drop a few pounds and Christa doesn't. So when I realised that Christa (of The View According to Christa) had invited herself over to watch the pic-o-de-crop finals I informed her that I am eating healthy food (no chips and dip, greasy chicken and chips etc) and would be serving popcorn as a snack. Fine, says Christa, she is down wid dat.

So sometime before intermission I ask a sleepy Christa if she wanted some popcorn-
Sunflower: Hey you want popcorn?
Christa: No.
Sunflower: Great, I'll go make some.

So I go off to fire up my Orville Redenbacker's air popcorn popper that I did gone an' buy from DaCosta Mannings last weekend for $99. Yes folks, eating healthy in Barbados is not cheap. The air popper pops the corn... with air, and does not use oil. You have to melt the butter and pour it on afterwards if that is desired. So having tried it out the weekend before, I felt confident that I had mastered the technique:

• Step 1 - Pour popcorn in machine up to maximum line
• Step 2 - Place bowl in front machine to catch popped corn
• Step 3 - Plug in
• Step 4 - Wait

Got it. All of five (5) minutes later the popped corn was ready. No salt, no butter, just popped corny goodness. I return to my seat in front the television -

Sunflower: Popcorn is ready, have some.
Christa: I don't want any popcorn.
Sunflower: What! Wha' da you mean you doan want none?
Christa: I said I didn't want any.
Sunflower: You gonna make me eat this all by myself?
Christa: (Silence)

Explains why Christa is not the one on the diet. So I start to eat the popcorn, making the wonderful crunchy noises that one makes when eating freshly popped popcorn. Soon Christa was intrigued:

Christa: Can I have some?
Sunflower hands her the bowl: Sure
Christa takes a fist full of popped corn, throws it into her mouth and starts to cough.
Christa: This is the worst!! This tastes awful!!
Sunflower: I know. Tastes like rock stone.
Christa continues eating (and complaining): Did I mention that this is bad? I would like to get the taste of this horror out of my mouth. Thank you Bimshire Post for the totally disgusting popcorn.
Sunflower (sarcastically): You're welcome!!

See why you can't invite bajans to your house!!! Like Salt said, they be coming into your house, smiling in your face and talking bad 'bout yuh behind yuh back. Well, to Christa's defense she was talking bad in front my face so I have to give her that.

Still, the audacity!!! Some people are just not satisfied.

Sunflower then eats a slice of cake.

Christa (hijacking this post and doing some uninvited “guest blogging”) : Sunflower forgot to mention that when Christa “invited” herself to Sunflower’s house, Sunflower rudely said “You better bring your own snacks. I don’t eat junk anymore.”

Shocked silence.

Christa: “You mean there will be no snacks. Last year there was pizza, chicken wings, cake, cookies, nuff drinks.”

Sunflower: sounding slightly chastised and embarrassed. “O.K. I can do some air popcorn. It will be yummy and healthy. But no more snacks. I need people to invite me to their house and stop eating me out” Not so subtle Hint. Hint.

Christa: O.K. Great. I like popcorn.

And then she tasted the horror that is unsalted, unbuttered air popcorn. Blechhh!.

Sunflower again. So the moral of this story is two-fold:

1. Guests must bring their own snacks and shouldn't complain when others are trying to eat healthy food. (That means you, Christa!!)
   
2. Sunflower should find better tasting healthy snacks to feed "guests".

Fruit anyone??

2009 Pic-o-de-Crop Finals - Results

Red Plastic Bag Does it Again!!

And for the ninth time. The Bag, lyrical master or simply the red one has won the 2009 Pic-o-de-crop Finals held at the Kensington Oval on Friday July 31. Unfortunately Sunflower was unable to make it to the Oval but was able to watch it on pay-per-view.

The quality of the televised first half was a'ight. I am referring to the video and sound quality of the broadcast not the show. The first half of the show was boring too so that did not help matters. The second half found Sunflower and Christa (of The View According to Christa) fast asleep. There is nothing like sitting in front the tv in a Friday night with a bowl of unslated, unbuttered air-popped popcorn to send a posse to sleep. More on the popcorn and the show in a later post.

Here are the results:

Congratulations Red Plastic Bag!!

2009 Sweet Soca and Party Monarch Winner

T.C. takes the crown as the first Sweet Soca Monarch and also takes the Party Monarch crown from Khiomal as well.

Congratulations T.C. !!!!

Here are the results:



During an interview after the competitions TC told CBC that she would take this song (Hot Sun and Riddum) all the way. As stated in my semi-finals night commentary I did not have TC in the final 9. And I also wrote that she should have sung your party song. So I will be especially looking for her performance of Hot Sun and Riddum next Friday night. So good luck next week Friday at the Pic-o-de-Crop finals.

2009 Pic-o-de-Crop Finals - The Order of Appearance

Who will have to break the ice at the Kensington Oval? Who will throw the first ball and who will end the show?

Here is the line up for next Friday night's finals:

1. Colin Spencer - All Stars
2. John King - De Big Show
3. Hee Haw - House of Soca
4. Blood - Headliners
5. Bumba - Headliners
6. Red Plastic Bag - De Big Show
7. Sir Ruel - House of Soca
8. Adrian Clarke -All Stars
9. Sheldon Hope - De Big Show
10. TC - De Big Show

Who will take the crown and the car?

2009 Party Monarch and Sweet Soca Monarch Competitions

Sunday the festival goes to Farley Hill

Sunday's lineup for the 2 competitions are listed below.

Source of information: The National Cultural Foundation Website. Click HERE to visit the article.

The 98.1 The One Banks SweetSoca Finalists in order of appearance are:

Order	Song	Artiste Name
1	We Come to Party	Sir Ruel
2	All Night Til Morning	Statement
3	Back It Up	Blood
4	Hot Sun and Riddim	TC
5	I in Dat	Mikey
6	Come Out	Mr. Dale
7	What We Do	Natahlee
8	Trouble	Khiomal

RESERVE: Winin’ Zone - Brett

The Mount Gay and LIME Party Monarch Finalists in order of appearance are:

Order	Tent	Artiste Name	Song
1	Bacchanal Time	Timmy	Tim De Tool Man
2	Celebration Time	Khiomal	Kaution
3	De Big Show	Red Plastic Bag	Something Is Happening
4	Celebration Time	Donella	Show Me Yuh Colour
5	De Big Show	Natahlee	What We Do
6	Headliners	Mikey	Riddum Sekshun
7	Headliners	Blood	Chaos
8	Celebration Time	Lil Rick	Wuk Pun Top A Wuk
9	Headliners	Mr. Dale	Come Out
10	De Big Show	TC	Hot Sun and Riddim

RESERVE: De Big Show - Kirk Brown

The 2009 Pic-o-de-Crop Final 9 are Announced

The Judges Decision is Final

In the wee hours of Saturday morning (a little after 1am) the results of the 2009 Pic-o-de-Crop semifinals were announced.

The 9 going to meet the 2008 monarch Adrian Clarke (in no particular order) are:

1. Red Plastic Bag - De Big Show
2. TC - De Big Show
3. Sheldon Hope - De Big Show
4. John King - De Big Show
5. Bumba - Headliners
6. Blood - Headliners
7. Sir Ruel - House of Soca
8. Hee Haw - House of Soca
9. Colin Spencer - All Stars
   

• Reserve: Tassa

So how did the Sunflower's 9 stack up against the NCF's?

We both agreed on RPB, John King, Sir Ruel, Blood, Hee Haw and Colin Spencer. That is 6 out of 9 or 67%. Whoohoo!! Sunflower rocks.

Sheldon Hope I had to possibly unseat one of the others. Bumba and T.C were not on my radar at all. Hind sight is 20/20 and looking back at the competition I can justify Sheldon's placement but not T.C.'s nor Bumba's. Friday night I did not see either of them bring their "A" game.

Congratulations to the nine contestants. Adrian is sitting on his throne waiting for you to try to unseat him.

Good Luck Adrian!! Watch out for The Bag!!

For my report on the first half of the semi-finals click here ----> First Half

For my report on the second half of the semi-finals click here ----> Second Half

The 2009 Pic-o-de-Crop Semi-Finals – Second Half

Time to Separate the Sheep from the Goats

After the first half I had a good idea of who had to be beat, and who had to pull up their socks. (For my report on the first half click HERE). This is a competition where a singer must have 2 good songs to made it past the semis. That's right, 2 songs; not one, TWO. Seems simple to learn and easy to remember but many a kaisoman and kaisowoman have failed to grasp this concept.

So who among this 18 had two competition worthy songs? Actually, one would be surprised at the lack of a full complement of tunes presented by the veterans; people who should know better. Why come to a dog fight with a cat? Really? You know it is a knock-down, drag-out rumble to the Oval. You know that the lyrical master is in session. You know that a few former kings are in the competition. So, you have no excuse - time to bring out the heat and separate the contenders from the also-rans.

The judges were looking at lyrics (40 points), rendition (35 points) and melody (25 points). That is way too complicated for the Sunflower.

My scoring system is a basic 1 to 10. Here are my notes:

The Second Half

1. Classic / Song: I Ain't Finish It

• Wore purple.
• Back-ups sounded a little off.
• Could be finished in the competition.
• Reminded me of another song by another calypsonian on a similar topic. Anybody else Noted the similarity?
  

Score: 5 - Wow, I expected a better showing.
Final Average: 5.5 - See you next year buddy.

2. Ras Iley / Song: Ringbang Soul

• Hair free of tam and trailing the floor behind him. (Bad idea?) His hair is longer than he is tall. I fear he might trip on it and fall.
• My fear of his falling is great and distracting.
• Back-ups look hot in jungle green. Where do they buy these clothes?
• Song has few lyrics, and they are repeated often.
  
• Where are the lyrics man?
• Makes for good entertainment but not a good showing in the 2nd half.

Score: 4 - What do you expect? I had to my brotheren, this song has no lyrics.
Final Average - 5.5 - Like Classic, you have to watch this year's finals from the stands.

3. Bumba / Song: Yes We Can

• White suit with red shirt. (These fellas really take that hook line "wear white" seriously. This is not glow fete.)
  
• Song is called "Yes we can", but I am thinking "no you can't".
• Hey, the song has in pan!
  
• The pan does not help.
• Next!!

Score: 3 - This is a competition!!!
Final average: 5.1 - I don't really see you making the finals Bumba. Sorry pal, better luck next time.

4. Sir Ruel / Song: We are the Calypsonians

• Nice outfit. Very Bag-like.
• Nice melody.
• Good rendition. My toe is tapping.
  
• Strong voice.
• Could soon be King Ruel.

Score: 7 - Junior Monarch organizers should be proud.
Final average: 7.25 - Looking like we have our first candidate to meet King Adrian.

5. Mr. Impact / Song: Priorities

• Very blue outfit. Too bad one is not allowed to take pictures and video at these events.
• The song is a bit of a snoozer.
• Getting sleepy. (Could be because it is 10:30pm and Sunflower goes to bed early on Friday nights.)
• Song seems a bit long.
  
• It is like agony waiting for the Bag to perform next. (Bag is coming, Bag is coming!!!!)
  

Score: 6.5 - Well, he beat out Classic, Ras Iley and Bumba.
Final average: 6.75 - Is this enough to make it? The competition may be close.

6. Red Plastic Bag / Song: Something Happening

• Man ent start song yet an' people waving red rags.
• There are rumblings in the crowd that "This is my favourite song", "I cayn help but move when I hear this song", and "I love this song". (Does he even need to perform?)
  
• Big applause at the mere announcement of the song's title.
• RPB is attired in a vintage-Bag red shirt and black pants.
• He starts to sing.
• Audience is singing along.
  
• Can hardly hear him sing the chorus, the crowd is singing too loudly.
• People are waving their arms and moving around in their seats.
  
• I see red.
• He asked the crowd to stand up and they did!!!
• Never seen nothing like this in all my years of attending semi-finals!!!
• WOW. I was afraid they would call for an encore.
  

Score: 10 - This is the man to beat. Adrian had better watch out. I hear Adrian will make an appearance after the second half. Another first for the crowd. Can hardly wait.
Final average: 9.5 - WOW. He and Sir Ruel are off the the Oval. But who else will join them?

7. Ishiaka / Song: Eyes Wide Shut

• Regrettable that he has to follow the Bag.
• Hard to concentrate. Still feeling chills from Bag's performance. Would hate to be a judge.
• He is singing well.
  
• Unfortunate title 'cause I think people had their eyes wide shut to your performance.
  

Score: 6 - Word of advice: if you ever draw a placement in the semi-finals line up after Bag, exchange. This is not a good place to be.
Final average: 5.5 - Maybe next time Ishiaka. The calypso force is strong in you, my young kaisoman.

7. John King / Song: Heaven

• White long shirt and pants. Who set the standard of dress for male calypsonians? This needs to be revamped. Someone should sing a song about it.
• Nice pan. It helps.
• Great performance. Not a lot of lyrics though.
• The (bad) luck of the draw for Ishiaka to be sandwiched between Bag and John King.
  

Score: 8 or 7.5 - John King knows how to perform. Heaven vs Something Happening, which is the better song?
Final average: 7.5 - And now joins Sir Ruel and RPB is John King.

9. Smokey Burke / Song: Mo Money

• It is 11:01 pm.
• Things not looking good for Smokey. If he does not put down a boss performance he can't join the others at the Oval. His disappointment will be great.
• He's wearing red and white and reminds me of that fellow who brings around gifts.
  
• I don't get the beat - strange. Can't really follow.

Score: 5 - Smokes, you have to wheel and come again.
Final average: 4.5 - Do not expect your name to be called before position number 10.

Second Half of the Second Half

Nine (9) more contestants to go. I see a parting of the great divide between those who will make it to the finals and those who will be left behind. So far Sir Ruel, John King and Red Plastic Bag seem like definite possibilities.

10. Sheldon Hope / Song: Character

• Easy stage performance.
• Getting sleepy.
• Good lyrics.
• Back-up singers looking good.
  
• Song seems long.
• Words getting lost - not clear.

Score: 6.5 - His songs don't really grab me but that does not make them bad songs.
Final average: 5.5 - I bet he still makes the finals.

11. Sammi Jane / Song: Shame

• More props. People reenacting a robbery on stage. What is with the props? No props at semi-finals!!! This better not be a new trend.
• Bad choice of outfit. I get the idea and think it was a bad one.
  
• Outfit distracting. Can't reconcile the old-lady attire with the young-lady voice.
• Can not make the finals.
  
• She seems to be shouting again. Too bad. Song has good lyrics.
  

Score: 4. - Sorry Sammi Jane but the competition ends here for you.
Final average: 4 - You too will be left at the Gymnasium.

12. Blood / Song: We Looking It

• It is 11:25pm.
  
• Red suit with white shirt and shoes.
  
• Too many words but lyrics tight.
  
• Should make the finals.
• First half was "shoo bee doo", second half was "shee boon boon bim byee".

Score: 7 - Blood like John King knows how to perform.
Final average: 6.5 - Still a close race, but should be enough to take him to the Oval, Mr. Impact too.

13. T.C / Song: Fight Domestic Violence

• It is 11:30pm.
  
• White outfit. (What is with all the white and red?)
• Might not make the finals. (I am dreaming of a roast beef sandwich I left in the fridge)
• Topic is too serious for the soo-soo melody.
• Where do the back-ups get their outfits? NICE!!!
• Am I missing something? Why is this in the semi-finals?
• A tad boring.
  

Score: 6 - She should have sung her party song.
Final average: 5.5 - Hmmm. A finals without T.C. is looking likely.

14. Romeo / Song: Last Days

• Another cool suit by Romes. This time in cream (well it looks like cream under the lights).
• Great melody. Better than most I heard here tonight.

Score: 7 - He has been in this kaiso game for a long time and always gives a solid performance.
Final average - 7 - Romeo seems headed down Fontabelle.

15. Tassa / Song: Letter to Daddy

• Great dresses on back-up singers.
• Singer is wearing an orange and gold outfit with a matching head tie. Hit or miss.
• Nice melody, better than T.C's.
• It's getting late, which route should I take home. (The mind wonders a bit.)
  

Score: 6.5 - Might be on her way to the finals.
Final average: 6.75 - Good enough for a repeat performance next week Friday.

16. Colin Spencer / Song: Where do we go from here?

• Black suit with white shirt. (Many black suits tonight.)
• No surprises with a good performance.

Score: 6 - Where does Colin go from here?
Final average 6 - To the finals?

17. Hee Haw / Singer: Ain't Fooling Around

• Crowd applause before singer arrives onstage.
• White suit with mustard shirt.
• Good melody.
• Not bad rendition.
• Must keep voice in check and not play to the crowd.
• Fancy foot work, must be careful not to tire himself.
• Hey, this is a song/singing competition not a dance contest!!!
• "Hee haws" at the end of the song. Dagnabbit!!!
  

Score: 6 - Would like to give more but the "hee haw", the "hee haw"!!!.
Final average: 6.75 - Pack your bags you are heading to the finals.

18. Kid Site / Song: Domestic Violence

• Another white long shirt and pants combo with a blue design and a gold piece in front.
• Not his best tune.
• May get left at the Gymnasium.
• His disappointment may also be great.
  

Score: 5 - Things not looking good for the former king.
Final average: 6 - Must see where a score of 6 lands him. Finals? Looking iffy.

Second Half Results - According to Sunflower

The Standing after the Second Half
Who will Meet Adrian at the Fianls - According to Sunflower

Based on my tabulations the results look close. The cut off point should be contestant number 9 which makes the cut off mark a final average of 6 points. Two singers tie with 6 points. So to whom will I give the nod and to whom the reserve spot?

The two in question are Kid Site and Colin Spencer. One a former king and the other a major social commentator who usually makes it to the Stadium (now the Oval). I will give the edge to Colin and the reserve spot to Kid Site. The former king may have to sit this one out.

Sunflower's Final 9

1. Red Plastic Bag
   
2. Sir Ruel
   
3. John King
4. Romeo
   
5. Hee Haw
6. Mr. Impact
7. Tassa
   
8. Blood
   
9. Colin Spencer

Reserve: Kid Site
A big chance: Sheldon Hope

What will the judges decide? Am I close or way off?

For my report on the first half click here ----> First Half

To see how I matched up against the judges click here ----> The Judges Decision

The 2009 Pic-o-de-Crop Semi-Finals - First Half

Sunflower Goes to the Pic-o-de-Crop Semi-Finals

(Picture taken during intermission. The grounds were packed. The event was well attended.)

Thanks to our roving (only) reporter Sunflower, the Bimshire Post has a first hand account of the action at last night's Pic-o-de-Crop semi-finals.

The Lyrical Master was in Teaching Mode - Many were caught with Failing Grades

It was a throw down. Red Plastic Bag mashed it up and bought it back. Then for good measure mashed it up again, leaving many reeling from the after effects. On the road to the Kensington Oval, a few big names were dropped off at the Gymnasium. This should not come as a shock after Friday night's performances. If you want to play with the big boys you have to bring your A-game, and then some.

But I am getting ahead of myself, here is my blow-by-blow of how it all unfolded. The judges were looking at lyrics (40 points), rendition (35 points) and melody (25 points). That is way too complicated for the Sunflower.

My scoring system is a basic 1 to 10. Here are my notes:

The First Half

1. Classic / Song: Deman(d)

• It is always tough to open a show.
• This was not Classic's best performance.
• I have seen him do better.

Score: 6 - First out the blocks. All others will be judged against him.

2. Ras Iley / Song: Don't Let Kaiso Die

• Mr. Energy came with the same stage performance from a decade ago.
• His hair was bundled in a huge tam.
• Nice song, decent lyrics.
• Better than Classic.

Score: 7 - What yuh got in the 2nd half?

3. Bumba / Song: The End Justifies the Means

• Very good diction.
• Nice melody.
• Back up singers’ attire was fierce.
• An overall solid performance by Bumba.
• One must always be wary of a former calypso king.

Score: 7.2 - Better than Ras Iley but not by much.

4. Sir Ruel / Song: Ready for the Monarchy

• Having left the Junior Monarch Competition as a king, Sir Ruel has his eyes set on the Pic-o-de-crop crown; and he is within reach.
• Sir R came out in a flashy silver outfit (the fans in the back had to see him clearly).
• He was extremely comfortable on the big stage and provided the crowd with their first toe-tapping, upbeat moment in the first half.
• After four acts, Sir Ruel is the man to beat.

Score: 7.5 - Better than the last 3 guys.

5. Mr. Impact / Song: A Father’s Plea

• Really strong message.
• Nice green suit.
• Beautiful voice.
• Difficult coming after an upbeat tune like Sir Ruel’s.

Score: 7 - Hmmm. Not first and not last. Somewhere in between.

6. Red Plastic Bag (RPB) / Song: Home Drums Beat First

• Appeared in a black suit with blue shirt. (Dangerous man in black?)
• Great melody.
• Sounded fast. Was it always this fast?
• Great chorus. You can sing along.
• The master was in lesson-teaching form.
• Was beating imaginary drums and real competitors. Others beware.

Score: 9 - It was really that good.

7. Ishiaka / Song: No Names

• Wore a white suit.
• Has improved much from previous years.
• Seemed to be shouting at times and was too loud.
• I tuned out in the middle.
• Don’t think he will be in the final 9 but the crowd liked his performance.

Score: 5.5 - Still has much to learn.

8. John King / Song: My Caribbean

• Usual John King attire.
• He has no hair on his head!!!! None.
• I have heard better from J.K.
• Great voice. Solid performance as usual.
• You can sing along, but is that enough.
• Not sure how this made it to the semifinals.
• Sir Ruel beat him in the first half.

Score: 6 - Theme not nothing new.

9. Smokey Burke / Song: My Party in Power Dey Say

• Another man wearing white.
• Back-up singers dressed nicely.
• Is he talking or singing? Some of both.
• Nice moves on stage.
• Someone gave him a sheet of paper during his performance. Was this supposed to happen? He seemed a little shocked.
• How did this make the semis?
• Oh…the sheet of paper was a list of the final 9 going to meet Adrian. Nice touch!!
• But how will this help him get to the finals?

Score: 4 - Needs work.

10. Sheldon Hope / Song: The Last Days

• Another man in black. (What is with all the black?)
• Strong in voice but boring in song.
• Weird melody.
• How did this make the semis? (What the heck? How many times am I thinking this?)
• Almost fell asleep.
• Song has no obvious flaws except not being catchy but that is not a flaw.

Score: 5 - Will probably make the final 9.

11. Sammi Jane / Song: Where is the Love

• Props on stage – table, chair and a young lady dressed in red.
• Singer comes on stage with valise (suitcase) and hands girl an envelope.
• Oh, I am told girl is supposed to be immigration. Did not get that.
• Singer seems to be shouting. Sounds shrill. Hit a few bad notes.
• Good lyrics, if only she was not shouting.
• “A” for outfit – hat, sunglasses, tropical print skirt. Cute.
• Needs to take some lessons from T.C. on how to perform at the semis.
• Lost diction.
• Back to drawing board for Sammi Jane.

Score: 4 - She is a rising star but should note that shouting and singing loudly are not the same thing.

12. Blood / Song: The Long Haul

• Here is a bit of advice – enough with the “shoo bee doo”.
• A bit on the boring side.
• Usual Blood stage antics.
• Sir Ruel beat a lot of people in this first half.

Score: 6 - Have seen better from him and from others tonight.

13. TC / Song: Gimme a Ruler

• No points for the bad red riding hood meets Dracula meets bride of Frankenstein outfit. Zero.
• Could trip and fall in that red hot mess.
• Good control of voice – Sammi Jane should take lessons.
• Should have sung her party song.
• What is this song about anyway?
• May not make the final cut.

Score: 5 - Sorry TC. I have been a fan for 15 years and this was not worthy.

14. Romeo / Song: This One is for You

• It is 8:50 pm
• Back-up singers were dressed like stewardesses. That is some bad hat ladies.
• Romeo was dressed to the nines as usual.
• Strong voice but lost a few words.
• Good ole-time kaiso done right.

Score: 7 - Many are singing at the same level. Not sure where you will be placed.

15. Tassa / Song: De New Tassa

• What happened to the old Tassa? Just asking.
• Nice dresses on the back-up singers.
• Came out dancing and singing.
• Lost the first few lines of the song. Mic problems?
• Judges asked for a do-over.
• You go girl!! Shake it off and start again.
• Sang it better the second time.
• Nice first song. Hopefully she will make the finals.

Score: 7 - Same as for Romeo.

16. Colin Spencer / Song: Inclusion In Reverse

• Wore red. Why? Red is associated with The Bag.
• Good voice.
• Sounds slow after Tassa’s fast tune.
• Strange melody. I don’t quite get it. Not catchy.
• Overall good performance, but not the best for the first half.

Score: 6 - Hmmm. Not sure if he will make it.

17. Hee Haw - Song: Black Man Struggle

• Real nuff back-up singers – 5 women and 1 man
• 2 thumbs up for nice tune and nice rendition.
• Much improved from last year.
• Please do not say “hee haw” in the middle of the song. PLEASE!!!! Ah beggin’.
• I see a bit of Gabberts.
• Stage antics are strange. Is he struggling or constipated? Or both?

Score: 7.5 - Wow. If Hee Haw puts down a solid second half performance he will make the finals.

18. Kid Site / Song: Reverse

• Canary yellow suit with blue inside shirt. Wow.
• Great crowd response.
• Knows how to use the stage.
• Oops, failed attempt at ex tempo in final verse. Punch line did not hit the mark.
• How to score Site? In the middle of the pack.

Score: 7 - Or perhaps 6.5. Not sure where he stands after this first half.

The Standing after the First Half - According to Sunflower

So at the end of round 1, the people looking strong were:

1. RPB
   
2. Sir Ruel
   
3. Hee Haw
   
4. Bumba
   
5. Ras Iley
   
6. Mr. Impact
   
7. Romeo
   
8. Tassa
   
9. Kid Site
   

And, the people looking iffy were:

1. Classic
   
2. John King
   
3. Blood
   
4. Colin Spencer
   
5. Ishiaka
   
6. Sheldon
   
7. TC
   
8. Smokey Burke
   
9. Sammi Jane

For my report on the second half click here ----> Second Half

To see how I matched up against the judges click here ----> The Judges Decision

The 2009 Pic-o-de-Crop Semi-Finals - The LineUp

Here it is. The order of Friday night's Pic-o-de-Crop Semi-Finals at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. (In case you were wondering.)

Source of information: The National Cultural Foundation Website

To visit the article click HERE. Please note that the order of artistes is accurate. The songs listed are not in order of performance. (Sunflower is too lazy to put them in correct order. Sorry.)

Order	Tent	Artiste Name	Songs
1	Bacchanal Time	Classic	Deman(d)/I Ain't Finish It
2	De Big Show	Ras Iley	Ringbang Soul/Don't Let Kaiso Die
3	Headliners	Bumba	The End Justifies The Means/Yes We Can
4	House of Soca	Sir Ruel	Where Are The Calypsonians/Ready For De Monarchy
5	Celebration Time	Mr. Impact	A Father's Plea/Priorities
6	De Big Show	RPB	Home Drums/Something Happening
7	Headliners	Ishiaka	No Names/Eyes Wide Shut
8	De Big Show	John King	Oh Caribbean/Heaven
9	All Stars	Smokey Burke	My Party In Power Dey Say/Mo Money
10	De Big Show	Sheldon Hope	Last Days/Character
11	The Experience	Sammi Jane	Where Is the Love/Shame
12	Headliners	Blood	The Long Haul/We Looking At It
13	De Big Show	TC	Gimme A Ruler/Fight Domestic Violence
14	Bacchanal Time	Romeo	Last Days/This One’s For You
15	All Stars	Tassa	The New Tassa/Letter to Daddy
16	All Stars	Colin Spencer	Inclusion in Reverse/Where Do We Go From Here
17	House of Soca	Hee Haw	Black man Struggle/Ain’t Fooling Around
18	Bacchanal Time	Kid Site	Domestic Violence/Reverse

Reserve: All Stars Ronnie Clarke (the Announcer) - Down Turn and Final Bow

Michael Jackson - How I want to remember him

Photo taken from www.picapp.com

There are so many videos online of Michael Jackson. It is extremely hard to choose which ones I like most. In my farewell to Michael Jackson on the Bimshire Reviews Site I chose the Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean videos as part of my tribute. Why?

1. I just love the live performance of Smooth Criminal. The dancing was just so...so...smooth. And that patented lean...brilliant. I chose the live performance because some still believe that the dance move can only be done with wires. Sorry folks, no wires, just patented shoes and good stomach muscles.

2. The Motown 25 Billie Jean video is a classic. I remember watching this on TV and seeing the moonwalk for the very first time. It was absolutely amazing.

So how do I want to remember Michael Jackson? - for his amazing musical ability, his charity work and his incredible dancing. Therefore, from hours spent reviewing videos on Youtube and other places on the net, here are the special videos which showcase how I wish to remember Michael Jackson:

1. Michael Jackson performs at The Superbowl XXVII (January 1993)

2. Michael at the World Music Awards. He received the Diamond Award and Thriller entered the Guinness Book of World Records for most albums sold (2006)

For part 1 please visit Youtube.

Part 2



Part 3



This is how I choose to remember the King of Pop. Fans cheering, and enjoying the music and Michael performing and being appreciated for the musical genius that he was.

Goodbye Michael J. Jackson (1958 - 2009)

Sweet Soca 16 Announced

The competitions have started!!

First out of the blocks is the Sweet Soca 16. The semifinalists for the Sweet Soca competition were announced at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) yesterday, June 24th, 2009.

The sixteen semifinalists and their socas (in no particular order) are:

1. All Night Til Morning - Statement.
2. Back it up - Blood.
3. Busted William - Watts.
4. Carnival Jooks - Lil Rick.
5. Come Out - Mr Dale.
6. Good Vibes - Lorenzo.
7. Hot Sun and Riddim - TC.
8. Hottie Hottie Gal - Tara Toldipp.
9. I in Dat - Mikey.
10. Keep Drinks Coming -Out Patients.
11. Move Over - Tasha.
12. Peter Pan - Peter Ram.
13. Trouble - Khiomal.
14. We Come to Party - Sir Ruel.
15. What We Do - Natahlee.
16. Wining Zone - Brett.

The competition is new but the names remain the same. In other words, there are few (but some) surprises here. The usual stakeholders whom one could pull off the top of one's head without thinking about it much, are there. Those would be Blood, Lil Rick, Nathalee, Mikey, Peter Ram, Mr. Dale and of course Khiomal.

One of the surprises is Sir Ruel. This is his first year in the "big boys" competition and the big boys tend to play rough. Although Sir Ruel is a champion from Junior Monarch I did not expect him to do this well in his first time playing in the major leagues. Good Luck Sir Ruel. (Remember your training my young padowan.)

Of the above 16, Sunflower is sweet on Statement's soca "All Night Til Morning." Or, as Statement sings it - all night til maawniiinng. To Statement I say these words which I often quote from Jack Sparrow: I want you to know that I was always rooting for you.

There were over 98 entrants for this competition, and from those these 16 were chosen. Which leaves 82 very disappointed calypsonians, or in this case, soca men and women. I would like to know who these 82 are and hear their rival socas.

Remember Sunflower's words: Many will enter. Few will be chosen.

There is always next year. According to 98.1 Barbadians will have no trouble hearing (and possibly being nauseated by) the sweet soca 16. These songs will be in heavy rotation until the final 8 are chosen. Then, I am guessing, they too will be in heavy (nauseating) rotation until the winner is chosen.

Good Luck to the Sweet Soca 16!!!

For the press release on the sweet soca 16 please got to the Crop Over 2009 website which is published by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF).

Flashback Thursday - My 5 Favourite Sesame Street Skits

This Thursday I will take a break from the calypso arena and discuss a topic near and dear to my heart. Sesame Street.

This show brought joy, letters and numbers to my life when I was but a small sunflower. It also brought humour and laughter. Those fellows at the Sesame Street Workshop did a lot more than that. By teaching Spanish, tolerance of grouches (which comes in handy), and respect for large creatures like Big Bird and Snuffy, they showed us a different way of life.

Back to the humour:

There are many Sesame Street skits which I still find hilarious today. Here are my top five (5), in no particular order:

1. Kermit and the Six Dollar Man.
Not the six million dollar man, the six dollar man, as in $6.00. Watch:



Hilarious. The $6 man destroys the lab. Did you catch Kermit hiding underneath the table? Priceless.

2. The Golden AN
In this skit, 2 crooks steal the golden "an" all the while using words which end or rhyme with "an". Of course, one of the crooks is not the brightest crayon in the box.



"I shudda ran" - brilliant.

3. Rebel L
What can I say about this one. It is superb. There is a muppet which looks like Billy Idol and a letter L who is very rebellious. It was all a little kid could ever want?



Of course this skit teaches about words starting with the letter "L". I really like the part when the really loud police woman turns up and starts singing.

4. There is a hole in my bucket
To view this classic video - Click HERE

My favourite line is when Liza says "any fool woulda known that". She has the best lines in this skit.

We are now at number 5

It is sooo hard to choose five (5) and I had great difficulty deciding on the fifth. It is a toss up between The Alligator King and his Seven Sons which is an absolute favourite of mine and Telephone Rock. As I can't choose, I have included both clips. Enjoy!!!

5. Alligator King and His Seven Sons
When I was little I tried my best to memorise this song and sing along with the skit when it came on.



My favourite lines come at the very end of the song:

Said the alligator king to his 7th son,
My son, you win the crown.
You didn't give me diamonds or rubies,
But you helped me up when I was down.
Take the crown, its yours my son,
I hope you don't mind the dents.
I got it on sale at a discount store,
Cost me all of seven cents.

5.1. Telephone Rock



Now most people who watched this in the '80's are rocking their cell phones where ever they go. Blame it on Sesame Street.

Okay - so all of these are not skits, most of them are songs. Song/skit; it was all part of the learning experience.

So - Which songs and/or skits were your favourites? Leave a comment and let me know.

This post was brought to you by the numbers 5, 14 and 31 and the letter G.

Favourite Tunes so Far - Bucky is in the Lead

It is still early in the season and many tunes have dropped. Some good and some not as good. There are two (2) songs which I liked instantly from the time their first notes played out of my car radio. Those tunes are "Wukking Up Is My Middle Name" by Bucky Wuk Up and "Chaos" by Blood (the artist formerly known as Young Blood). Apologies to Bucky if I spelt either his name and/or the name of him Crop Over offering incorrectly.

In the lead for favourite tune - Wukking Up Is My Middle Name

This song has many of those aspects which a layperson like the Sunflower looks for in a good crop over party tune. The song is:

• Catchy
• Memorable
• Contains imagery
• Has a great beat, and
• High on the dance-ability meter

I just hope that it has staying power. As most bajans who follow kaiso know; if an artist brings out a hot tune in late May/early June; it has the potential to last for the entire season. (A good song can last for decades.) However, the tune also has the potential to be overplayed and become forgotten when another hot tune by a more popular artist hits the airwaves. Sad, but true.

So Bucky, I really wish you all the well this season. May your tune last until the end of August (or later).

One thing I'd like to say to Bucky: Boy you hit this nail on the head. When I heard this song I could think of many people I know for whom "wukking up" becomes their first, middle and last names during the crop over. Just call them Wuk up Wuk up Wuk up. There are many people I don't know who act as though their names have changed to the aforementioned also. I can see the following conversation occurring:

Guy meets girl at wet fete and asks: What is your name?

Girl replies: Jane Wuk Up Smith. What is your name?

Guy replies: John Wuk Up Jones.

It could happen. You see these people every year at the fetes, party monarch finals, in the calypso tents, and jumping down the street on Kadooment Day. They are everywhere during crop over and your song speaks to all of them. It can become their own personal anthem.

In crop over and in time of need

When this season was young

Our great kaiso men sowed the seed

From which this kaiso sprung

Wukking up is my middle name

Wukking up is my middle name

I 'in frighten, I 'in shame

Wukking up is my middle name

(Sung to the tune of the national anthem, them suddenly breaking out into Bucky Wup Up's tune.)

Running a close second - Chaos

This song has many of the aspects I listed above for a good party song. I think it is a great and classic Blood tune.

Whenever Blood gets his hands around a good melody and adds some slamming lyrics, the result is a song which can go all the way to the finals of Party Monarch or Pic-o-de-crop.

I don't expect Chaos to get lost when tunes by Lil Rick, Khiomal and others come out. This is because Blood knows how to handle a big tune, he is a veteran and can be referred to as a shareholder. He cut his eye teeth on "Sport Billy" and has not looked back since. He honed his craft during his many years as frontman for Square One and is very crop over savvy. So my prediction (early as it may) is that Chaos or another tune by Blood will make it to the Party Monarch finals.

To Blood, I also wish you all the best this season. I know you always put your best foot forward. Of you, much is expected.

The Road March and People's Monarch competitions are also other avenues which these two songs can take.

I am looking forward to hearing what else the kaiso men and women have in their repertoires this season.

(All those planning to jump please see my post titled Costume Band Revelry - Five Do's and Don'ts)