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I had the pleasure of attending the Howth Peninsula festival yesterday, and it was indeed a pleasure. The event is well organized and provides a variety of top notch entertainment, so if you haven't been yet, go today.

There is also an ample supply of edibles and of course the enchanting atmosphere of Howth. A highlight of the festival is definitely the "Slingshot" ride provided by Xtreme carnivals. There was a constant line at the ticket booths, and the excited screams of both ecstacy and fear from the riders could be heard throughout the day.

Highlights of the entertainment for me was the Celtic Dance Fusion performed by the Abbey Tavern Dancers and the performance of "Sick Boy" a three piece outfit that definitely rocked.

Sickboy, comprised of brothers Brian (guitar) and Colin (bass) Giles from Howth and drummer Dan Doherty from Bayside have a unique sound, their songs well performed and quite melodic. I didn't catch the entire act, but what I did see had me longing for more. Their last song "Sitting in the Grass" was awesome, something I would definitely want in my music collection.

The band have been together for about 2 years, are young, stylish, and if they continue together, should achieve great things in the rock world.

Sick Boy's next performance is not until August 4th. at the Castle Palooza Festival, Charlesville Castle in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The band have been playing quite alot according to drummer Dan Doherty, and are taking a short break to refresh themselves before, I'm sure, rocking the crowds in Tullamore. Get out to see Sick Boy, you'll be glad you did. (Go to URL)

July 2, 2007 10:39 - Bermuda Independence Bound

Brown Finally Clear on Independence

Bermuda's Premier Ewart Brown was clear to a group of reporters in the Cayman Islands last week that his goal is most definitely independence for Bermuda. Dr. Brown was in the Cayman's attending the Caribbean Overseas Territories meeting.

The Caymanian Compass, which lays claim to the title of the Cayman's national newspaper, quoted Dr. Brown as stating : “It is a matter of timing and political sense as to when that issue is put before the electorate. It is my personal belief that all living things should seek to be independent. Those people who would like to see such a vote (for Independence) or other method lose, would like to rush into it tomorrow. Those of us who would like to see it succeed, will take our time and try to choose the correct time.”

Dr. Brown also said that timing is essential in order to successfully realise independence. What he means by this is open to interpretation. Based on the current political situation and polls in Bermuda which indicate that the PLP will squeeze by and return to power in the next general election, it is quite possible the PLP and Dr. Brown will speed up the process rather than wait till they bungle another spell in power and lower their popularity even more.

The PLP has been exposed as a corrupt government that cannot be trusted or even respected. Their attempts to silence the Auditor General after he exposed $850 million missing from the government accounts has been reckless, obvious and amateurish, though they apparently have succeeded in frightening the Auditor into sheepish silence. The corruption of their individual members has also been brought to light through recent events, two having been imprisoned for thefts of millions of dollars. This is the government that wants to rule Bermuda free of any British intervention. What could their motives possibly be?

As it so often does I'm sure this mention of independence has sent ripples and waves of fear throughout certain factions of Bermudian society, namely the white and wealthy, and rightfully so.

Bermuda would become Dr. Browns personal playground. Can you imagine the fun he and his buddies will have pilfering the coffers and persecuting those who are decendants of slave owners and segregationists? “Undoubtedly for me, Independence is inevitable. Bermuda will not be isolated in that regard. Our political development says that one day our country will be politically independent,” says Dr. Brown. Unfortunately Dr. Brown has given myself and others the impression that to him independence means only freedom from the "white man's rule", as it does to much of Bermuda's black populace.

These are people so full of racial hatred and prejudice that they would follow Dr. Brown and the rest of his bent-on-revenge henchmen into hell rather than return to the stability of an agenda-less government be it black or white. As far as I'm concerned those people deserve what they get. It's unfortunate that they will take some innocent people with them. If the PLP get into power again, say goodbye to Bermuda as we have known and loved it. It will no longer be a stable country where wealth can be easily pursued and accumulated and people can live in relative harmony, but a punishing ground for those who have persecuted the black race in the past.

July 2, 2007 23:19 - Die Hard 4 - Live Free Or Die Hard

Never mind the plot, terrorists with enough money, resources and technological power and knowledge to take over the complete financial system of America, realistic plots are not the reason we watch Die Hard movies. I'm not going to be a critic and punch holes in the plot, there are many, and you'll see them for yourselves. But who cares?

I am going to say that if it's fast paced, intense action, suspense and drama you want, paired with awesome stunts and spectacular special effects, then buy your ticket now!

From beginning to end the pace of this movioe is relentless, and I could see how Bruce Willis said it was a tough movie to do physically. The old man looked good though, and yes, he does get his butt kicked by a woman, it's only a temporary stback for our hero.

It should be noted that the acting is also good, and Bruce Willis as John Mclane is his usual stellar self, while Justin Long puts in a good performance as computer geek Matt Farrell. Not to say Long is completely geeky in this flick, but he starts off that way.

This is a well produced and directed movie as well, and could well go down as the best Die Hard yet. I'll leave that to you to decide! But see it, for real!

July 10, 2007 11:06 - Zeitgeist

If you haven't seen Zeitgeist you're missing out on what is a real life horror story as much as an interesting and educational documentary. The film makers take us on a well thought out and researched ride through time, exposing the history of how the religious institutions, governments and the bankers who head the federal reserve and world banks have duped and enslaved us.

Very interesting and informative expose of how the good ole US of A has played a major role in effectively encouraging and financing wars throughout the 20th and 21st centuries to simply and heartlessly generate profit for those who control the world's wealth. You'll be truly amazed and angered by the evidence given to substantiate this deplorable accusation.

There is alot of information given in this film and of course not all should be believed simply because someone is saying it. However, some things are obvious and you will know when you see them, others should be researched by you in order to satisfy yourself if this is absolute truth, and this is in fact encouraged by the film makers.

A full listing of sources is given on the website and the time spent investigating them will be well worth the investment. I will personally investigate them, so if you haven't already, subscribe to my RSS for updates. Click on the Go to URL link to visit the Zeitgeist website and view the movie. (Go to URL)

July 12, 2007 15:53 - Students urged to "tone down protest"

You know, I hate to keep harping on the racist/dictatorship attitude of the PLP in Bermuda, but by God they won't allow me.

The latest development in Bermuda has a member of the PLP Youth Wing telling students who protested against the evident corruption and pro-independence policies of this government to "tone down their fight." Of course, in typical PLP fashion, she absolutely denied this, but according to the students whom she approached, she absolutely did.

To quote from two of the students; Stephanie Smith, 16, said it was suggested that they phone up their MPs rather than drawing attention to themselves in public. She said: "We were told we were too oppositional and we should try a different approach.

"Miss Wadson suggested that now we had got people's attention, we should try a different strategy. She said we should make less noise and be more neutral."

What a crock of horseshit, don't you agree?

Stephanie added: "I felt uncomfortable as it's as if we were being advised to stay behind the scenes. She said if we wanted to be taken seriously by politicians, we needed to ease back a bit."

Yes, lots has been accomplished by protesters easing back. Thank God the rest of the world "eased back" when Hitler implemented similar policies.

Luisa Olander, 17, added: "We talked about what we wanted to do as our next step and Miss Wadson said we should tone things down a little bit and try something different. "She said we had taken an oppositional stance and needed to be more neutral, but you can't be completely neutral when you are being critical of the government.

"We felt as if she wanted us taken out of the public eye."

Next she'll have your eyes taken out by the public.

This is so typical of these idiots who purport to be educated, rational, intelligent human beings only seeking the advancement of all Bermudians. Right. The only message I hear is "Don't rock the boat white people or we'll throw you off."

To the PLP silence is golden. With silence from the people they can continue to raid the taxpayers money, advance their racist and dictatorial policies, and line their pockets with the golden "fleece" of the public.

You go girls. One thing I did notice was that the protesters pictured and quoted were all females. Where are the young men of Bermuda? Too busy getting stoned and dealing drugs? Or perhaps they are are too busy making excuses to their mamas about how come they "don't have no money" too help with household expenses. Or maybe, they're simply cowards.

July 20, 2007 16:30 - I've Had Enough

Today I have decided I have had enough. I have had enough of feeling depressed, lethargic, physically ill and unproductive. I'm 47 years old and untill about three years ago was full of energy, grand ideas, hope, confidence to the point of arrogance and joy. Though my life up to that point had been somewhat bipolar in nature, the highs experienced far outweighed the inconveniences and morbidity of the lows. In fact the lows were quite infrequent and mostly tolerable. Whether I am an alcoholic, manic depressive, eccentric artist or some other form of social misfit I do not know. If I am a social misfit at all is a matter of opinion, perhaps the majority of our society are the actual social misfits. Whatever the case is, these things don't matter. I have had enough as I said.

For those of you who have begun to get excited and think I'm going to commit suicide; sorry to disappoint you. Rather, I have decided to start living again. I'm sure that statement has lost me a good deal of those who were initially beginning to develop an interest as to where this is going. Sobeit. For those that remain, you obviously have an interest in life as opposed to a fixation with death, or you're still curious as to where this is going. Sorry, don't really know myself, but if you like, stay with me and let's find out together.

I have decided to stop smoking and to start exercising, to begin a rebuilding process and to see where it takes me. I'm going to meditate and practice Tai Chi and Yoga. I'm going to eat healthier. I'm going to seriously and thoroughly analyze my thought process and personality to find out who I really am and what I'm all about. And I'm going to write about it. You may doubt whether I will be honest in sharing what I encounter, and rightfully so. I am human, and at times a frightened and introverted one. I am prone to lying and bullshitting as most of us are. But as I said, I have had enough.

I have allowed myself, due to various circumstances and events, to sink into a state of self loathing and pity, which induces me to loath myself even more. Along with this has brought a deterioration in my healthy habits and an escalation in my unhealthy ones. Consequently both my physical and mental health have wained and I feel weak and sickly. In this weakened state I have wished that I wouldn't wake up the next day, though inevitably I'm always glad that I have. I do believe that as long as we posess our faculties and reasonable health; where there is life, there is hope. Anyway, the time will come for me to permanently sleep, in the meantime I would like to enjoy the life that I have left. But I have much work to do.

Everyday I will write in what will veritably be an online journal of my progress or lack of it. Today is the beginning chapter. Whether the journey will be long or short, interesting or boring, helpful or not, I don't know. I'm not even sure why I'm sharing this with you or why I would presume that you'd even be interested. It may be because I like to write and at the moment I have nothing else to write about, or at least feel like I don't.

So welcome aboard. I haven't had a cigarette now for 90 minutes and I already feel like a drink. But I won't. The distaste for cigarettes because of the damage they have done to my health is still strong enough and fresh enough to discourage me from indulging. An hour ago I began to practice Tai Chi again and felt winded and breathless after 15 minutes just from the warm up exercises. Tonight I will have a warm bath, a bowl of freshly made Creole Onion soup with some Salsa Chicken and Avocado sandwiches acoompanied by some nachos. I'll share the recipes with you tomorrow.

Untill then.

July 25, 2007 13:59 - Well............................

What was I thinking! Must have been the preliminary symptoms of a mid-life crisis! Besides having a computer glitch because of our new Hewlett Packard printer's drivers (caused a serious system error), I nearly went off the deep end trying to stop smoking et al. It ain't easy, but it is do-able, I have done it before. But perhaps our fortitude weakens as we grow into mid life, which I am finding it hard to accept I am.

Where did the time go? Maybe I'm feeling tired and sluggish simply because I'm 47. I don't know, I've never been 47 before, but let me tell you, to someone who is in their mind still twenty-something, it's a hard pill to swallow.

I really would like to stop smoking, start meditating and all that, I just don't seem to be able to manifest that desirous energy and focus that I could at will even less than 3 years ago. So................what next?

We have some of Daniela's friends visiting us from Frankfurt at the moment, and I must say my wife has some really nice friends. All of her friends that I have met, and their partners if they've had them, have been exceptionally nice people. I hope that in time they will become my friends also.

The friends that I have are either dead, hopelessly addicted to a drug of some sort or too far away to enjoy their company. But making new friends is nice, especially at my age. Waking up will be nice from hereon in I suppose!

Let's face it, if the average age of man is say 70, I'm running out of time. I'm not so afraid of death as I am of not living. As messed up as life can be sometimes, I'll take a bad day of life over a good day dead anytime. I don't believe in the afterlife as in we become angels or spirits and go to heaven and all, I do hope that there is more to struggling to survive on planet earth though.

Well, that's my blog for today. If you don't know already, I have added a small part of Daniela's pig collection to our Violet section, so check it out. I didn't realize there were so many different forms a pig could take, and this is only a small portion of her overall collection. As usual, we'll be adding more in time, so stay in touch.

Ciao baby, I'm gonna enjoy myself today!