Rastaman and Bootleg Media

 I have arrived in Punta Gorda which is in the southernmost district of Belize.  We came here to attend an education union annual meeting.  The first thing that we thought was quite cool was this business meeting had a DJ.  The music had a really cool groove to it.  I was kinda concerned that the reggae music would just be Rastafarians with the tin drums that look like inside out trash can lids.  Well, just like music in the States, reggae has evolved.  My friend Matt—master of all random facts, told me that this new genre is dance hall reggae.  Quite cool.

The issues at this education summit were those the US had in the 1980-90s.—maybe even before.  They were afraid of taking prayer out of schools and were trying to figure out ways to make education more equal.  They are on their way to the content standards and the joys that we have in LiveText, Murray State University’s online portfolio dream for all education majors.  I wanted to tell them to look at the progression of the US in its’ education.  The choices that they were making were leading towards No Child Left Behind.  Lots of it were good.  Some need to be polished.

I spoke with a Rastaman today.  Apparently (according to Matt), the Rastas trace their heritage back to the said child the Queen of Sheba and Soloman had had.  They claim Judeo-Christian roots although they don’t follow Christianity.  I wish I could have gotten a picture of his hair.  He had natural Black hair.  I asked him how he takes care of it.  He says that you have to throw the comb away and let it be.  He had done or not done this hair style for over 10 years.  Even his beard had been “Rastafaried”.  It was an interesting way of life—vegetarian, close to the earth and sea—but I think I will stick with my comb.

Last thing for the day.  I usually go to a internet café of sorts to check my email and such.  They do all the computer stuff and they also burn and sell bootleg DVDs of the all kinds of movies.  I even saw Tyler Perry!  Amazingness.  I will probably buy one, just to say that I supported an illegal, legal store.  I can get whatever movie or CD I want for only $2.50!  This beats Blockbuster.