GADLING TAKE FIVE week of 12-7-07

Gadling bloggers have been as busy as Santa’s elves this week. It’s hard to choose five posts from so many, so this week I’m offering five categories:

There you have it! Lots of fun stuff to peruse over your weekend — enjoy it!

Photo of the Day (10/26/07)

Wow. This is exactly what I need right now – a blissful landscape gently whispering sweet nothings into my slightly-stressed brain. Can’t you just feel the peace that this wonderful shot evokes and how very wonderful it would be to slip inside and soak it all up?

I suppose it’s possible. All you need to do is hop on a plane and make your way to Negril, Jamaica where Bernard-SD so expertly captured this magnificent shot. Of course, conditions might vary once you make it there, but I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Word for the Travel Wise (01/21/07)

Babble too much and you could be called one of these on your fun-sun beach vaca in Montego Bay.

Today’s word is a Patois word from Jamaica:

Mout-a-massy – someone who talks too much. A gossip.

You can expand your ‘Rasta Patois’ in several ways. The most rewarding way is straight from the horse’s mouth, so you may wish to seek the knowledge from some West Indian folks in your neighborhood. If you can’t learn anything that way due to the low number of West Indian peeps in your circle, try watching films. The Rockers is an awesome and entertaining starting point. The 25th anniversary edition DVD has great features, including a small Rasta Patois dictionary. A good source on the net is Jamaicans dot com and Jahworks seems decent.

Past Patois words:
satta, gwaan, labrish, mash up, budufbaf, tegareg, peenywally, obeah

Word for the Travel Wise (12/12/06)

Running low on luck these days? According to Wikipedia, Obeah, a type of sorcery practiced in Jamaica and various parts of the West Indies contains many traditions for helping, healing and bringing love and money to those who are seriously without. I’d never heard of it until a couple of days ago when I went searching for words for tonight’s word plug and I also wouldn’t mess with it, but I’m also not at rock bottom in my life. Anyhow, just throwing this one out there for anyone who wishes to further investigate.

Today’s word is a Patois word from Jamaica:

obeah – a brand of witchcraft practiced in Jamaica

You can expand your ‘Rasta Patois’ in several ways. The most rewarding way is straight from the horse’s mouth, so you may wish to seek the knowledge from some West Indian folks in your neighborhood. If you can’t learn anything that way due to the low number of West Indian peeps in your circle, try watching films. The Rockers is an awesome and entertaining starting point. The 25th anniversary edition DVD has great features, including a small Rasta Patois dictionary. A good source on the net is Jamaicans dot com and Jahworks seems decent.

Past Patois words:
satta, gwaan, labrish, mash up, budufbaf, tegareg, peenywally

Miami Herald On the Caribbean

Trying to decide on the Caribbean island that’s best for you? I know, the decision can be a toughie, but shouldn’t be too much of a strain. The Miami Herald features an excellent piece highlighting noteworthy hotels, environmental aspects, restaurants and the basic ‘why’ you should come questions all there to help you plan. Ready to go nude? Try visiting St. Maarten’s Orient Beach to score your full body tan. Need a good reason to head over to St. Lucia? If beautiful beaches aren’t enough, grab a sunset cocktail at Ladera and just lounge to the sweet sounds of island music. Whether it’s live or from the stereo I’m sure there will be some coming from somewhere. Oh, and there’s my personal island favorite – Trinidad & Tobago. If you can’t make it for Carnival next year try planning a week long getaway to hike and bird watch. There’s always a blissful thing to do in Trinidad & Tobago – if you ask me. See the Miami Herald for all their spicy Caribbean island recommendations.