Jamaicans love a good race and so it is no surprise that they are focused like crazy on what appears to be the biggest race of this decade occurring right now in the United States of America. I know many persons who spend their evenings switching from channel to channel in a bid to get the latest on the political hustings. They are keeping abreast of the Poll of polls, comparing AP, Zogby and CNN and even participating in mock online polls. McCain's utterances are analyzed to see whether his offerings amount to anything but slurs or attacks on Obama while Obama is embraced as the agent of change, the man who will restore America's image, the man who stands as an example that skin colour oughtn't be a determinant of abilities or character, the man who makes them proud. Oh if the world could vote, Obama would win by not just a landslide but a tsunami!

This was reinforced last week when I encountered a messenger at an office where I had some business. The man was so engrossed in the political discussion on CNN that I decided to engage him.

"Did you see the article in the Observer this morning stating that almost 95% of Jamaicans support Obama?"

"Of course Miss," he replied, "but I want to know who are the other 5%; must be some upper class people."

I had to smile. Firstly he seemed to be offended by the fact that some Jamaicans actually support McCain and secondly he assumed that those supporters are of a certain class.

This was not surprising. Historically Jamaicans have warmed to leaders who lobby for the cause of the poor. In the 1970's when Michael Manley burst on the scene in the early 70’s with his “better must come” theme wrapped around the principle of self reliance, the masses enveloped him. His eloquence and bold rhetoric stirred souls until economic woes (self reliance notwithstanding) and fears of communism stoked by the opposing party who latched on to Manley’s pursuit of democratic socialism helped to sweep him out of power in 1980. Nevertheless by 1989 he was back, no longer in the kariba suits of the socialist 70’s but suitably adorned in the suit and tie, the acceptable “get-up” of leaders. Manley blew away the more conservative Seaga, a friend of big business, who was born in the USA to parents of Arab and Scottish descent. Interestingly he too had succeeded in connecting with the working class. It was not enough however as he acknowledged that he needed to address social issues on a larger scale.

In Jamaica we have had white and black leaders and yes a woman too but somehow the issues that have always taken center stage are the economy, crime and social infrastructure and perhaps ideology but not race, not age, not gender.

Many say that Jamaicans’ support for Obama is influenced by his race and for sure that cannot be discounted after all this is a society that is 90% black, that gave birth to the black nationalist Marcus Garvey and the socially conscious Bob Marley. Hell yes race is an issue and we know that on the flip side there are white people including registered Democrats who just cannot stomach the idea of voting for Obama because he is black. But is it really that simple that black supporters are favouring Obama just because he is black? On some level yes, but Obama offers a redoubtable counter to a stubborn image presented of many young black men in society as shiftless, uneducated and unambitious. Further he has been able to convince the majority of the black populace that he has a grasp of and a clear plan of action to address the issues they care about.

To be sure, Obama had more opportunities than many but he has managed to navigate a path using his brains, skills and no doubt connections to get to this place and he beat the formidable Clintons in the process. That is no ordinary feat and no ordinary black man and it is that demonstration of brilliance and tactical dexterity executed while articulating liberal views that keeps people in awe. Professor Dyson touches on it in this video.

So this time around when issues of abortion, religion and gun control have taken a back seat, the television sets in Jamaica are blazing with American political news and views. Most of the people I speak with express admiration for Obama because he has found a way with the support of the white man to be within reach of a goal previously thought attainable only by a white man. To them he is the underdog and that is what makes it so compelling to watch.

When my son went to school in the USA he took to the Halloween celebration - which we don't really do as much in my country - like a fish to water. Every October he spends time deciding on what to wear to his school Halloween party. Sometimes it isn't so easy to find the perfect costume but usually he ends up doing fine. One year he tried Malcom X. Last year he went as a secret agent.

If you and your kids have faced this problem you should check out Halloween Adventure the Masters of Masquerade. This place is awesome with some 5,000 new products including Pirate Costumes - who doesn't love Jack the Sparrow, - witches, devils, werewolves and of course movie characters.

What is nice is how relevant these costumes are. They have in stock great representations of Iron man, Harry Potter and Indiana Jones. We know too that kids love being heroes and the classic superhero costumes are in high demand. In keeping with the movie inspirational costume Batman is hot.

This site is not for kids alone though. For adults if your workplace is having a dress up day you can join in by masquerading as Abraham Lincoln or a 50's starlet. The range is wide. Indeed Halloween Adventure is known to have the largest supply of costumes and party supplies on the web and so it is more than certain that you will find something affordable. If you order for friends and family you might be able to benefit from free economy shipping on orders over $100.

Whenever I'm invited for dinner I usually opt for seafood. Not only is it healthier than lots of meats it is also tastier than vegetables. I had to pause though when the question was posed as to whether I would eat blue lobster. What's that you ask?

Apparently the blue lobster is blue because of a genetic defect similar to that which occurs in albinos and since it is extremely rare. It is said that there are about one in every two million, it is hardly likely that you will see an actual blue lobster on your plate in a restaurant. Even rarer is the red lobster of which there are only one in ten million. I never knew about this but then given the election season it seems apt as given the polls it looks as if blue will out do red.

My son's college advisor is encouraging him to apply early to colleges. Unfortunately he seems to forget that my son is a foreigner and some of the colleges he might find most appealing, place restrictions on those who can apply early. For example MIT's website states:

"Please note that MIT's Early Action program is available only to citizens and permanent residents of the United States."

On the other hand there are some that welcome early applications from internationals, but those schools just may not be your first choice. At Collegeconfidential, one student from Malaysia whose first choice is actually MIT is contemplating applying early to Stanford. The feedback from readers is encouraging with a "what have you got to lose" mindset. There is more to it however as there is authority for the view based on research highlighted in the book, The Early Admissions Game, that applying early actually increases your chances for admission and apparently this is especially so for African Americans.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling sets out the elements of the various application plans which I will paraphrase.

Early Decision

Student applies early to a college and commits to attending that college if accepted. Such a commitment is binding and can only be escaped from if the student can demonstrate financial hardship in meeting the cost of attendance. The perception tends to be that this is an option for the wealthy who wish declare their desire to attend their dream school. The early decision application deadline is usually early November and decision letters are sent out by mid-December. Remember if you are accepted you are going to that college. The student usually therefore cannot apply early to another college. Eg. Vassar's website says "Students may have only one Early Decision application pending at any time. "

Restrictive Early Action

Student applies early to a college but is not bound to attend that college if accepted. In most cases the early decision application deadline is around November 1 and decision letters are sent out by mid-December. Student cannot apply early to another college. This is the case at Yale and Stanford. Student has until May 1 to decide on acceptance

Early Action

Student applies early to a college but is not bound to attend that college if accepted. In most cases the early decision application deadline is around November 1 and decision letters are sent out by mid-December. Student has until May 1 to decide on acceptance. Student can apply to other schools for early action or regular decision with no restrictions.

Regular Decision

Student applies usually to a college sometime in January and has until May 1 to indicate acceptance.

Here is a neat little table from the NACAC which details the plans. Click to make larger.



One of the determining factors which influences whether kids apply early is financial aid. Remember the earlier reference to wealthy kids applying for early decision? In applying for early decision you are saying to the school, that out of all the other schools this is the school that I wish to attend. Some persons are of the opinion that there is therefore no need for the school to sweeten the pot with great aid offers for these early decision applicants. The school will only give you an estimated amount as to your financial aid offer, then later when the full package finally comes in you may find it inadequate. What do you do as you have already accepted. Indeed in applying early decision you have signed a contract. Others point out that you won't know until much later when other deadlines pass as to the amount of aid you will be awarded. Still others say, the schools use a formula that will be applicable whether you apply early or regular. Remember if the package does not truly meet your needs you can opt out of the contract, but you would have needed to have applied to other schools by their deadline too. This requires careful planning, monitoring and timing. Schools communicate with each other.

My view: if you want to apply early the best option is early action. Single choice early action or restrictive early action is not so bad either as you can still send in your regular decision applications knowing you haven't committed to attending another school.

As for internationals, they should read the information on the schools' websites carefully to see whether or not they qualify to apply early.

So as it is fall, it is time for seniors to take a serious look at college applications. By now they should have downloaded application forms and have looked at the various questions covering EC’s, personal statements, art supplements and so on.

The common application is not a complicated form. It asks questions about the student’s personal data, parents’ data, extra curricular activities, academic subjects taken, summer activities, test scores and of course the personal statement. This is information that the student ought to have at his finger tips. It is important however to present the information in a way that gives the admissions officer a clear idea of who you are.

I know many students who are applying to ivy league universities come to this site. Regardless of your college choices, if you’d like to see an example of a completed application by a student who matriculated to Harvard no less, I suggest you take a look at I Need a Pencil. Jason Shah’s site is chock full of information and resources for students prepping for the SAT and applying to college. He offers lessons, practice tests, mentor communication, email support and best of all it is FREE. He even presents his own application to Harvard for all to see. His application highlights the importance of conveying to the college admission more than statistics. He conveys through his short answer statement, his interests through his EC’s and his personal statement, a clear and cohesive depiction of himself that shows Jason as a leader, innovator and budding entrepreneur.

Jason's application reminds me of a bit of advice I received and told my son some time ago. When preparing the college application, students should bear in mind the theme of the application. For example, if you are leaning towards the sciences show how you have demonstrated your interest in science. Your EC's, your teacher's recommendation, your short answer can all contribute together to communicate a main message that you would like to send about yourself as a budding scientist or actor.

This suggests that a methodical approach is recommended. Therefore kids should make lists of their interests and activities and carefully consider them when addressing those areas over which they have some control such as the personal statement, short statement and choosing teachers for recommendations. Also a reminder, November, December and in a few cases January are the only dates left for sitting SAT's if you applying for entry to college next fall . So get cracking. Ace those College Applications!

Having spent a little over a week in the North East United States (hence the hiatus) I’m back with flu like symptoms and not a little fatigue. I always enjoy visiting the States though as there is always so much to do.

I barely managed to spend time in New York City but Tuesday evening when I hit 34th Street at around 6pm the place was bustling with activity. All the way from 5th Avenue to around 8th Avenue there was none stop action. The Empire State Building stared down in all its majesty on the workers trekking home, the foreigners sight seeing, the sidewalk vendors hawking and of course the shoppers, shopping (window or otherwise). The smells of hot dog, pretzel, kebab and smoke permeated the air as I strolled hurried along in a bid to see everything there was to offer before I could eat a meal.

For dinner it was a toss up between a Chinese place which had a fast food aura and Macy’s Cellar Bar & Grill where I could rest my feet in a more comfortable atmosphere. So I chose the Cellar where, by the way, they offer dinner for two starting at $24.50. I had Caesar Salad, shrimp and fries and dessert (key lime pie). Then it was off shopping in Macy’s, where as a visitor I got an 11% discount card.

42nd Street was also magnificent with its huge buildings and their splendid facades. Madame Tussauds, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Station were some of the places that caused me to pause. But time would not permit anything but a cursory glance and of course I had to get to Barnes & Noble for my books and coffee fix! I had to drag myself out slightly before closing at 9pm. As always New York was exciting. As Nathan Bransford says, "Thank you New York!"
I’m looking forward to my return when I can explore a bit more and be more of a tourist. I made my way up to New Hampshire and the scenes were beautiful. I imagine that upstate New York must have equally stunning views too.

It was a CEOmum kind of trip though so I’ll write more later on college applications, college visits and financial aid stuff that came to the fore in discussions with college advisors and others this past weekend.