16
The History, Origin, and Importance of Diwali
Diwali, or Deepavali, known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The name comes from the Sanskrit words deepa (lamp) and avali(row),meaning“arowoflamps.”
Diwali holds deep spiritual meaning across faiths. In Hinduism, it marks LordRama’sreturntoAyodhyaafter defeating Ravana, with lamps lit to welcome him home. Many also honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, while others celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. Jains observe Lord Mahavira’s enlightenment, and Sikhs commemorate Guru Hargobind Ji’s releasefromcaptivity.
FiveDaysofCelebration:
Cultural Preservation
The Struggle and Strength Behind Traditional Events 9
- Dhanteras – Honoring prosperity andnewbeginnings.
- Chhoti Diwali – Cleansing and preparation.
- Lakshmi Puja – The main night of lightsandprayers.
- Govardhan Puja – Giving thanks forprotection.
-Bhai Dooj – Celebrating sibling bonds.
More than fireworks and sweets, Diwali symbolizes inner light and renewal. From India to the Caribbean, North America, and beyond, it unites families and communitiesingratitudeandjoy.
In today’s world, producing cultural events is no longer just about entertainment, it’s an act of preservation. Yet, for community groups, cultural promoters, and event organizers, the challenge has never been greater. We live in an era defined by speed, screens, and short attention spans, where the soul of tradition must now compete with the algorithm.
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have reshaped how people experience the world. Attention has become the new currency, and engagement is measured in seconds. Audiences scroll past cultural depth in favor of instant amusement. As a result, the people and organizations working tirelessly to sustain traditional art forms, from Carnival and steelpan to dance, storytelling, and folk music, find themselves fighting an uphill battletostayrelevantandvisible.
For many community-based event organizers, especially within the diaspora, culture is not a product, it’s a lifeline. These events connect generations, preserve identity, and give voice to heritage. But promoting a full-day festival, a parade, or a concert rooted in tradition now means competing with content creators who can capture a million viewsinunderaminute.
We face audiences who crave experiences but hesitate to commit, who want authenticity, yet scroll past it when it takes too long to unfold. The rhythm of cultural engagement has been replaced by the rhythm of thefeed.
Where people once planned weeks ahead for community events, many now wait for a trending post or video to decide if it’s worth attending, turning cultural participation into a chasefordigitalvalidation...Cont'd on pg# 5
Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor
Reclaiming Your Peace in a Changing World
Intoday’sworld,changeisconstant.Political
tensions shift overnight, social movements rise and fall, and global crises fill our screens with constant noise. This unending pace can quietly wear down our mental health, fueling depression,anxiety,andself-doubt.
Uncertaintyhasalwaysbeenpartoflife,buttoday’sversionfeels inescapable. Philosophers remind us that certainty itself is an illusion, yet our deep human need for stability makes its loss profoundly unsettling. Constant information, news alerts, social media debates, breaking headlines, keeps us overstimulated and emotionally drained. Depression doesn’t always come from one crisis; it often builds slowly from the exhaustion of trying to stay afloatinanunstableworld.
Self-doubt follows close behind, whispering that we’re not doing enough or strong enough. But our minds were never designed to process the world’s chaos every hour of the day. In times of upheaval, fear often drives reactive behaviors, clinging to the familiar, over analyzing, or freezing in indecision. Psychologists call this unproductive uncertainty, a mental state that limits perspectiveandblockscreativity.
Theemotionaltollisheavy.Anxiety,overthinking,andburnout can leave us feeling paralyzed, especially in high-stress environments like healthcare, education, leadership, or selfemployment. But even amid turmoil, there are ways to protect ourmindsandfindresilience.
Grounded awareness begins with stillness. Before reacting to stress or fear, pause and breathe. Ask yourself: What am I feeling right now, and what can I actually control? This simple mindfulness step helps calm the nervous system and refocus energyonwhattrulymatters.
Not all uncertainty is the same. Sudden crises require quick action; long-term instability demands patience and adaptability. Recognizing which you’re facing helps you manage emotional energywisely.
Daily routines restore balance. Simple rituals—morning walks, journaling, preparing a quiet meal, anchor the mind and remind us that stability still exists in small ways. Protect your focus by setting boundaries: limit doomscrolling, turn off notifications, and take “no-news” hours. Staying informed doesn’tmeanbeingconsumed.
Isolation magnifies depression and self-doubt. Seek spaces of empathy, friends, family, faith groups, or support circles. Shared understanding dissolves the illusion that we face chaos alone. When we connect authentically, we replace fear with hope and belonging. "How do you eat an elephant - "one bite at atime"
When external systems feel unstable, grounding yourself in values brings direction. Compassion, integrity, and care for others act as internal compasses when the outside world wavers. Our worth isn’t defined by how much we can fix, but by how we show up, with kindness and courage,eveninhardtimes.
Uncertainty can be painful, but it can also spark transformation. The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic showed how communities can adapt and innovate when forced to rethink old habits. Change can inspire creativity when we stop resisting and start reimagining.
• Begineachdaywithmindfulness,prayer,orreflection.
• Limitnegativemediaandseekupliftingvoices.
• Stayactive—moveyourbody,evenbriefly.
• Setsmall,achievablegoals.
• Practicegratitudefordailycalmorkindness.
• Offergracetoyourselfandothers.
We can’t control the storms of politics or society, but we can control how we navigate them. By caring for our mental health, connecting with others, and living by our values,wecreateinnerstabilityinachaoticworld.
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For Media Information email: Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info: .Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Should you desire to review past copies of the publicationgo to http://caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the 'Print Archive'.
Sam Roberts
Editor & Publisher...............................................................
Publisher ...........................................................
Guenet Gittens-Roberts
Samuel Roberts
Graphic Design & Layout .................................................
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Tony Dyal
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Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
Cultural Preservation - The Struggle and Strength Behind Traditional Events
Behind every cultural celebration, whether a J’Ouvert, a Diwali show, a steelpan competition, a folklore presentation, Carnival parade, or a heritage festival, there’s a team of organizers, volunteers, and artists working for months, sometimes years, to bring the experiencetolife.
They’re navigating rising costs, shrinking sponsorships, and the relentless pressure to make traditional art forms “marketable” in a digital world. It’s not just about putting on a show, it’s about adapting without diluting the message.
How do you translate the deep emotion of a pan yard rehearsal, the communal spirit of a Mas Camp, or the sacred connection of drumming and dance into 15 seconds of viralcontent?
How do you get younger audiences to look up from their screens long enough to feel the magic that no video can replicate, the bassline of a steelpan vibrating through your chest, the smell of curry in the air, the shared joy ofmovementandfreedom?
Many cultural groups now face a kind of burnout rarely discussed, not from overwork alone, but from emotional exhaustion. The joy of creation sometimes collides with the discouragement of dwindling turnout or minimal onlineengagement.
It’s not that people don’t care, it’s that the way they connect has changed. Social media has trained us to consume culture instead of participate in it. And for event producers, this shift is profound. When engagement becomesfleeting,sustainabilitybecomesfragile.
Still, there is hope. While attention spans may shorten, the need for connection remains timeless. People still crave belonging, authenticity, and experiences that feel real, not justscrollable.Thechallengeistobridgethegapbetween
...Cont'd from page 1
culturalintegrityanddigitalinnovation.
Organizers must now become both storytellers and strategists, finding creative ways to package tradition for a modern audience. That might mean live-streaming events, using reels and short clips to tease deeper stories, ormergingliveexperiencewithdigitalstorytelling.
But evolution must never come at the expense of identity. The drumbeat, the song, the costume, the ritual, thesearen’ttrends;they’retestamentstoresilience.
Tobringpeoplebacktotheculture,wemustremind themofwhatcan’tbefoundonline:
• Thesharedheartbeatoflivemusic.
• Thehumanconnectionofcommunitygatherings.
• Thespiritualenergythatfillstheairwhentradition comesalive.
• Wemustteachthenextgenerationthatcultureisn’t justcontent,it’salivinginheritance.
Every ticket purchased, every volunteer recruited, every post shared about a community event, it all matters. Supporting cultural events isn’t just about attendance; it’s aboutsurvival.
Promoters and cultural leaders are not just hosting parties or parades; they are guardians of memory, builders of identity, and keepers of the flame in an era thattooeasilyforgets.
As we continue to adapt and create, the goal is not just to stay visible, but to stay vital, to ensure that even in the fast scroll of modern life, our culture stands strong, proud,andunshakablyrooted.
Because while trends fade in 24 hours, heritage lasts forever.
Cafecito con House y Reggaeton
By Lez Correia By Lez Correia
Black Girls Night Out
BlackGirlsDayOffHighlightsRestandMentalHealthforYoungBlackWomen
Author Leah Williams celebrated the launch of her new book Black Girls Day Off with an empowering event at CAP Village. The gathering encouraged young Black women to prioritize rest, reflection, and mental health by creating space to pause andreconnectwiththemselves.
“When I first shared this wild idea in my head with CAP Village Orlando, I didn’t know what would come of it,” Williams said. “But Guenet Gittens-Roberts didn’t even blink—she said yes before I could finish explaining. And Israel Torres? He saw the vision, believed in it, and helped carryitforwardwhenitwasstilljustadream.”
The event brought together laughter, courage, and community as attendees shared stories and embraced the power of slowing down. “Our young queens left glowing— full of pride in who they are,” Williams said. “Watching them shine reminded me whythisworkmatterssodeeply.”
Williams hopes Black Girls Day Off will grow into an annual event that continues to uplift and inspire young Black womentocarefortheirminds,bodies,andspirits.
AuthorLeahWilliams
Miss Orlando Carnival Queen Pageant Showcases
Culture, Beauty, and Empowerment
The Miss Orlando Carnival Queen Pageant celebrates the vibrant spirit of Carnival through elegance, empowerment, and cultural pride. Presented by the Orlando Downtown Carnival Organization, the pageant gives women a platform to showcase their intelligence, beauty, talent, and heritage while serving as ambassadors for the Central Florida community.
More than a competition, it’s a cultural celebration of unity and creativity. Each delegate embodies grace and confidence, reflecting the rich Caribbean and Latin traditions that define Orlando’s Carnival. With stunning costumes, inspiring performances, and moments of true sisterhood, the event highlights the strength and artistryofwomen. Who will capture the crown and represent the spirit of Carnival? The winner will reign as a symbol of leadership, unity, and cultural pride throughout the Carnival season.
Black Girls Day Off Black Girls Day Off
By Lez Correia
By Lez Correia
MCO means Business 2025
In September 2025, GreaterOrlandoAviationAuthority (GOAA) staged its annual outreach event, “MCOMeansBusiness2025,” at a major Orlando venue. Thegatheringservedasakeybridgebetweentheairport system, namely, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and OrlandoExecutiveAirport (ORL), and the business community of Central Florida. Its purpose was straightforward yet strategic, to present upcoming contracting and procurement opportunities, to engage local and small business vendors, and to foster stronger partnerships as the airports continue their ambitious growthandmodernizationphase.
His leadership arrives at a moment when the airport system is investing heavily in terminals, technology, concessions, and expanded mobility access. Under his direction, the event and the broader strategy signal a commitment to inclusive growth, innovation, and responsiveness to the Central Floridamarketplace.
With breakout sessions spanning construction, engineering, concessions, corporate services, and supplier diversity, the event catered to both emerging entrepreneurs and established companies eager to position themselves for involvement in airport projects. Networking rounds paired prime contractors with smaller firms. At the same time, workshops offered insights into how businesses can align with GOAA’s capital improvement plans. The underlying message was clear: the airports are more than just travelhubs;theyarealsoenginesofregionaleconomic development.
Stepping into this dynamic setting is Lance Lyttle, newly appointed CEO of GOAA. A seasoned aviation executive from Jamaica, Lyttle is now leading in Orlando, bringing a global perspective and a proven track record in managing significant airport infrastructureprograms.
In essence, “MCO Means Business 2025” operated as a visible manifestation of leadership, opportunity, and collaboration. With Lance Lyttle guiding the authority, the event underscored that MCO and ORL are not only expanding their physical footprint—but are also opening doors for the business community to participate meaningfullyinthatgrowth.
Supporting Caribbean-Owned Financial Services: The Value of Jamaica National Money Transfer
In the Caribbean community, money transfers are more than transactions, they are lifelines that support families, fund education, and strengthen local economies. Among the trusted namesservingthisneed,JamaicaNationalMoneyTransfer(JN Money) stands out as a Caribbean-owned, communitybasedorganizationthattrulyunderstandsthepeopleitserves.
Unlike large international corporations, JN Money operates withadeepculturalconnectionandagenuinecommitmentto Caribbean development. Its team speaks the language, understands the values, and shares the experiences of its customers, creating a level of trust and comfort that feels personal.
By using JN Money, customers not only benefit from reliable, affordable, and secure service but also help strengthen Caribbean economies. The company’s profits, jobs, and community programs stay within the region, supporting financial growth and empowering localfamilies.
JN Money is more than a money transfer company, it’s a symbol of Caribbean pride and economic independence. Choosing to use and support Caribbeanowned businesses like JN Money ensures that every dollar sent home helps build a stronger, more unitedregion.
BAD BUNNY BRINGS PUERTO RICO TO THE WORLD
Upcoming Election : County Commissioners
The upcoming 2025 municipal elections inOrlando, Florida, will see residents in Districts1,3, and5 of the City Council head to the polls on November 4,2025. These races offer akey opportunity for voters to influence leadership in neighborhoods from Lake NonaandSouthOrlandoinDistrict1,toCollegePark andAudubonParkinDistrict3,andWestOrlandoin District 5. Early voting begins October 27 through November 2, giving voters additional flexibility ahead of Election Day. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff election is scheduled for
Lake Nona to South Orlando, contenders are
where growth meets neighborhood identity.
District3,coveringCollegePark,AudubonPark,and surroundingneighborhoods,emergesasaparticularly watched contest. With the long time commissioner stepping aside, new candidates are competing to define the direction of a highly engaged, historically diversecore Orlandodistrict.
District 5 spans West Orlando and nearby corridors, where transportation and affordable-housing concerns dominate discussions. Candidates in this district must address both long standing community values and pressuresfromregionaldevelopment.
KeyissuesshapingthecampaignsincludemanagingOrlando’s rapid growth, housing affordability, transportation improvements, and inclusive development across neighborhoods.With each district holding a majority vote requirement mobilizing voter turnout andengagement will be critical. Ultimately, these elections reflect the city’s push for responsive local governance. Voters have the chance to help selectrepresentativesfocusedonneighborhoodprioritiesand the results will set the tone for Orlando's next chapter of urbanprogressandcommunitydevelopment.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the CAP Village team attended the Climate Candidate Forum, hosted and moderated by the Orange County Democratic Environmental Caucus. The event brought together five candidates from various districts and political races to share their platforms and thoughts on climate change policy and environmentalprotection. These topics are very important to theenvironmentcommunity
Cornerstone Connections
This month at CAP Village, Cornerstone Connections, Inc. hosted a powerful event titled "A Father’s Voice,” dedicated to counseling fathers and equipping them with the guidance and techniques they need to navigate some of life's most challenging situations. The gathering created a safe and supportive space where fathers could share their experiences, seek advice, and find a sense ofcommunity.
Based in Orlando and serving across Central Florida, Cornerstone Connections Inc. is a non-profit organization that strives on the principle that “when lives are improved, hope is restored, healing begins, and communities grow stronger." The organization offers a suite of programs that together address basic needs, employment, parenting/family relationships, fatherhood engagement, and support for non‐custodial parents. Amongst their multitude of community-focused programs lies A Father’s Voice.
Throughout this event, attendees opened up about deeply personal struggles. Some spoke about the pain of separation from their children, while others shared moments of hope—like one father who, after two long months, was finally able to see his daughteragain. Each story highlighted the emotionaljourney that many fathers endure,bringingbothtearsandsolidaritytotheroom.
While there was a lot of venting and heartfelt reflection, the true power of the event camefrom the solutions offered. Counselors and community leaders worked closely with eachfather, providing personalized advice and practical steps to help them heal relationshipsandstrengthenfamilyconnections.
The event underscored the importance of giving fathers a platform to be heard, understood, and supported. By addressing each case individually and offering both empathy and expertise,Cornerstone Connections reminded the community that when fathers are empowered, entire families and futuregenerationsbenefit.
This November, Cornerstone Connections, Inc. isproud to present “A Father’s Voice”, a powerfuland inspiring evening dedicated to celebratingfatherhood and its vital role in building strong families and communities. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 6, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at CAP Village Studios, located at 3201 E Colonial Dr, Unit D57,Orlando,FL.
Part of the Connecting Fathers, Connecting Families initiative, this event aims to amplify the lived experiences, leadership, and love that fathers across Central Florida bring to their families every day. This gathering will spotlightstories of resilience, responsibility, and the enduring impact of engagedfatherhood.
Those who wish to attend can RSVP via the officiallink-www.Cornerstone-connect.com
Business Connect - Village Visitors
His ESSENCE is ESSENTIAL!
Florida Jam Radio – This dynamic station is set to feature an exclusive interview with CAP Village’s own leadership team, spotlighting the platform's creative vision and community impact. Florida Jam's Radio will be working closely with CAP Village to create more engaging opportunities to engage our multiculturalcommunity.
Britanny Robinson was recently crowned Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands 2025 after a standout performance at the pageant held in St. Croix. Excelling in the swimwear, carnival costume, and interview segments, Robinson earned her title through confidence, grace, and Caribbean pride. She will now represent the U.S. Virgin Islands on the global stage at the upcomingMissUniverse2025competition.
THURSDAYS
Shanti Persaud –A vibrant radio station and media platform owner known for community passion, Shanti brings her signature energy, years of experience in broad-casting to visitthe CAP Village.
Isabella Gajira, a proud representative of Caribbean culture , competed in the Ms. Diwali Pageant, showcasing her elegance, confidence and dedication to cultural celebration.Herparticipationhighlightsthediversity
Author's Series
Village dives into the world of on a different author, their writing process, background, and what goal of the series is to highlight voices
Village has interviewed numerous Caribbean authors, the most recent being Javone “Dr. Love” Jones. In his interview, he talked
The book is a guide to unlocking personal potential through self-discipline, positive thinking, and a success-driven mindset by encouraging readers to take control of their own stories
The Author Village Series releases every Saturday on YouTube and Spotify. Authors interested in sharing their work and experiences are encouraged to sign up to be featured in a future episode. Tune in weekly to discover powerful storiesandinsightsfromvoicesshapingtoday’sliterarylandscape.
22nd Annual Community Health Summit
The Delicate Balance:
Knowing When to DIY and When to Call a Homecare Expert
There’s a special pride in maintaining your own home — mowing the lawn, fixing a faucet, painting a wall, or changing a light bulb. For many homeowners, especially those who’ve spent years caring for their property, “doing it yourself” feels natural. But as we grow older, the line between what we can do and what we should do becomes thinner,andsometimes,riskier.
Age brings wisdom and experience, but it also brings physical changes that affect balance, vision, and reaction time. Climbing a ladder to replace a light bulb or clean the gutters may not have seemed like a big deal ten years ago, but one misstep today could cause serious injury. According to the CDC, falls are among the leading causes of injury for adults over 60, often happening right at home. These injuries can lead to long recoveries, reduced mobility, and a loss of independence, outcomes no one plansforwhensimplytryingtofixalight.
Letting go of tasks you’ve always done yourself isn’t easy. It can feel like losing independence. But shifting from “I can do it all” to “I can get help when I need it” isn’t about giving up, it’s about adapting wisely. Being proactive about safety and support is its own form of independence, choosing to live longer, healthier, and moreconfidentlyathome.
Homecare professionals and maintenance providers offer more than convenience, they provide peace of mind. Whether it’s help with cleaning, repairs, mobility, or electrical work, trained experts perform these jobs safely andefficiently.
They also identify hazards you might overlook, like loose railings, poor lighting, or slippery floors, and recommend ways to make your home safer and more comfortable.
The goal isn’t to give up do-it-yourself projects, but to recognizelimits:
DIY: Light organizing, gardening at ground level, or creative projects that bring joy and gentle movement.
Call a Pro: Anything requiring climbing, heavy lifting, electricaltools,orriskofinjury.
Knowing your limits and accepting help isn’t losing independence,it’sprotectingit.
If the task makes you think twice about your balance or strength — call in help. Saving a few dollars now could cost far more later in medical bills, recovery time, and peaceofmind.
Growing older doesn’t mean losing your ability to care for your home, it means caring smarter. Trusted homecare experts help you stay independent while removingtherisksthatcomewithcertaintasks.
So next time you look at that flickering bulb on the ceiling, remember: sometimes the wisest thing you can do…ismakethecall.
Caribbean Dish of the Month
History of Jamaican Curry Goat
Curry Goat is one of Jamaica’s most beloved and iconic dishes — a flavorful blend of African, Indian, and British culinary influences that came together on theislandduringthe17thto19thcenturies.
After the abolition of slavery, British colonial planters brought indentured laborers from India to Jamaica beginning in the mid-1800s. These Indian immigrants introduced curry spices — turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and others — which quickly found their way into Jamaican cooking.
Meanwhile, goat meat had long been part of the island’s food traditions, especially in rural African-Jamaican communities, where goats were easier to raise than cattle and were often reserved for special occasions such as weddings,funerals,andholidays.
The fusion of Indian spices with local ingredients and African cooking techniques gave birth to Jamaican Curry Goat,adishbothcelebratoryandcomforting,knownforits
deep flavor and slow-cooked tenderness. Over time, it became a Sunday and festive staple across the Caribbean, particularlyduringChristmas,Easter,andlargegatherings
Curry Goat symbolizes unity and cultural blending — a perfect example of how Jamaica’s diverse heritage shaped its cuisine. Today, it’s a must-have at family dinners, dancehall parties, and cultural events across the diaspora, often served with rice and peas, fried plantain, and coleslaworfestivalbread.
Zen Tavern opens up in Pine Castle.
The Pine Castle area welcomed a new addition to its dining and entertainment scene with the grand opening of Zen Tavern. The establishment hosted its first signature event, “1st Friday,” marking the beginning of what promises to be a lively monthly tradition. Guests enjoyed an inviting atmosphere filled with great food, good company, and the sounds of the best Soca hits that kept everyone on their feet. Zen Tavern has quickly made a name for itself as a place where culture, flavor, and community come together — a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy an evening of food and music in Pine Castle.
HUMOUR WITH OR WITHOUT
“Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the best live shows from the funniest stand-up comedians, ranging from witty and irrelevant to deeply raunchy.” Well, I look for that in both ways- one, because I loved humour almost from birth, and secondly, thirdly, fourthly, and more, I love humour so much that I don’t joke about it at all, at all. After all, according to a bunch of Ph.D.’s, Doctors, and other people with Health & Wellness, “Laughter is the best Medicine.” It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body, strengthens your immune system, and protects you from thedamagingeffectsofstress.
SOANDSO
The part that I remember even now is that as children we used to laugh hundreds of times a day in school, home and on the way to and from, back and forth, and even fight, shout, quarrel and, for boys, tell you things about your mother, sisters, female teachers and even neighbours, especially if your friends heard them calling you out by your name. What was interesting is that the boys would rush together to the side of the school to stand up and let go the “water” from inside them to outside in the drain. I was lucky because the boys had to joke about what they thought about our sizes, width, colours, thin and mashup, or things about who your mother went out with to get a “so and so” thatwasyou.
CALLMEACARROTANDIWILLCALLYOUABRAT
Fortunately, by the time I had children, especially the younger two who were born in Barbados and lived in several Caribbean countries by the time they were 10, the kids were lucky enough to mix the hardcore humour about women and race to what I had grown to like as humour. Some quickies were like, “What did the hat say to the scarf?” You hang around and I will go on ahead. Or “What did one tomato say to the other tomato?” You go ahead and I’ll ketchup. Then, as they get into it and look forward, I went for, “What’s orange and sounds like a parrot?” Since we had one of each, they had no problem, “A Carrot, daddy.” I responded, “You call me a Carrot again and I will call you brats!” Then there is, “What’s the difference between a teacher and a book?” You can shut a book up. Most times, I always returned with, “Who granted the fish a wish?” and when they stopped joking, “You do that” or “Must be the dog. He like to catch them but not eat them,” I said, “It’s the fairy cod-mother.” Then I asked, “Where do fish keep their money? In a riverbank and if you don’t do your homework, you’re ending up there too!” And when they had no school and I had to head out for work, I used to go for something like, “What do you call a fly?” and without waiting for them to say anything, I pick up my bag and head to the car with, “A walk.”
THE GREAT LADY COMEDIANS: PHYLLIS DILLER FIRST
In my case as a writer type comedian, I see no reason to go on stage. They will laugh at me, with or without. More, becauseofthethingssaidbymyfriendsaboutthewomen,I
by Tony Deyal
will start with the top female comedians. Even though she was born on July 18, 1917, and died on August 20, 2012, the most successful of all was Phyllis Diller. He humours quotes were in many areas like, “Housework can’t kill you, buy why take a chance?”: “Old age is when the liver spots show through our gloves.”: “I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. The I wanttomoveinwiththem.”:“Nevergotobedmad.Stay up and fight.”: “I’m at an age when my back goes out more than I do.”: and one I know very well, “We spend the first twelve month of our children’s lives teaching them to walk and talk about the next twelve telling to sit downandshutup.”
LUCILLEBALLNEXT
For me, the second at the top was Lucille Ball. She is remembered as paving the way for so many women in comedy. She was an American actress, comedian, producer, and studio executive. She was born on August 6, 1911, and died when I was just over forty years old on April 26, 1989. Like her (from one of her favourite lines) was, “One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.” That is very true, if only for me but I know many of you, my readers, feel the same. Then she said, “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly,andlieaboutyourage.”Shealsowentwiththese, “Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead.”: “Politics should be the part time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and who would preserve what is good and faithful in our national heritage.”; and my favourite, “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really must love yourselftogetanythingdoneintheworld.”
THENCOMESTHEMEN:KEVINHART
Heading to the men and remembering my friends at school, I will start with Kevin Hart, an American comedian and actor who has received the Mark Twain Prize for Humour and nominations for two Grammy Awards and four Primetime Emmy awards. His humour though is different like heck. In his “Poop Puns” when asked, “Ready for a poop joke?” he replied, “Nope, they stink.” And “Poop jokes aren’t my favourite jokes. But they’re a solid number two.” Under “Fatherly” he said, “Did you hear about the constipated accountant?” He just couldn’t budget.”: “Did you hear about the constipated movie? It never came out.” Then he said, “I ate four cans of alphabet soup yesterday. Then I had probably the biggest vowel movement ever.”: and in another, “Why couldn’t the police officers find the toilet thief?Becausetheyhadnothingtogoon.”
JERRYSEINFIELD
As the last in this series, Jerry Seinfeld—comedian, actor, and master of observational humor—continues to inspire. Born April 29, 1954, he’s nine years my junior and still adding humor and insight to our lives. He once said, “You need talent, brains, and confidence—three essentials for anything. Confidence has no upper limit, as long as it doesn’t become arrogance.” His advice to the young: “Keep your head up in failure and your head downinsuccess.”
