Tuesday, November 09, 2010

On the Right Track with The Fastest Woman In the World

Here is a poignant memory for most Belizeans. Marion Jones, the way she was in all her Olympian Glory carrying, nay waving aloft, the Belizean National Flag at a triumphant moment at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney Australia. 

That's the way she was before her complete and ultimate fall from grace after admitting to taking performance enhancing drugs and lying to the universe about this. She paid a high price for her dishonesty including a stay in a federal penitentiary for six months, being disbarred from her sport for life, and losing all the medals she won at the Sydney games. 

Well, this is not the end for Marion Jones who is now staging a comeback in the sport of basketball which is the second love of her life. She has also brought out a new book, On the Right Track (Simon and Schuster) in which she tells her story of coming to grips with the consequences of her actions. 

You may ask. Well, why does Belizegial care about this fallen star? The answer would be that in the tropics, we are proud to lay claim to her roots. You see, her mom (also named Marion) is from Belize. So, in our little corner of the world, the two Marions are a big deal to us. Bottomline is, we care what happens to Marion because in our lingo, 'she da fu we'. Translation, she belongs to us. 

We wish her all the best in her second career as a professional basketball player with the WNBA's Tusla Shock and will continue to follow her story onward. 


Sunday, September 26, 2010

HEAVENLY BELIZE!

The month of September is almost over and here in the tropics, life has been hectic for this blogger. This is the time of the year when school reopens, the national celebrations occur and the hurricanes come hither and tither.

We had a very worrying time this past week when it was predicted that Tropical depression "Matthew" was heading directly our way and it had the potential to develop into a hurricane when it reached our tiny jewel. Of course, we all made the necessary preparations. No one was sad, however, when the threatened storm veered away from us and a big sigh of relief was collectively heaved around here by everyone.



In other news from the tropics, a coffee table book entitled "Heavenly Belize" has been released in digital format. It is a captivating aerial view of beautiful Belize captured by Lithuanian photographer, Marius Jovaisa. The book includes photos of the Mayan Ruins, swamps, forests and the outlying islands which are native to our homeland by the sea. Please give the video a review and let me know what you think of this aerial marvel. If nothing else, you will agree that Belize is a land of lush beauty waiting to be explored by the adventurous at heart. Could that someone be you?



Sunday, August 29, 2010

AMEN SISTER!

Recently, I received this from Frannie, an online friend. This is so refreshing a view that I want to share with you...




In a large city in Australia , a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said, "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"


A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.


To Whom It May Concern,


Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans.) They have an active sex life, get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia.


Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.


Mermaids don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don't have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex? Just look at them ... where is IT? Therefore, they don't have kids either. Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?


The choice is perfectly clear to me: I want to be a whale.


P..S.. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver, and a piece of chocolate with my friends.


With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.


Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, Good grief, look how smart I am!

Monday, August 02, 2010

The Biggest Loser Club

 I thought these two kids were too cute for words. The shocked expression on the baby's face is priceless. LOL

The blogosphere and I have temporarily parted ways as more pressing matters such as work and my personal life have taken a hold of me and will not let go.

It's not that I don't want to, it's finding the time in an already crowded schedule to post a new blog or even to make visits to my favorite links has become somewhat nigh impossible at this time.

No matter what, I wanted to welcome in the month of August with a new blog and to let you all know that I am still here fighting the good fight in my weight war. So far, I am able to say that I am now a proud honorary member of the biggest loser club and I will share more on this when time allows.

For now, please enjoy this featured song, What Do you Want From Me, from my all time favorite idol, Adam Lambert

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Good Morning World!



How is everyone doing out there?!  As you can tell from the Brown Pelican's proximity to the water's edge, it is very hot in the tropics at the moment. We are in the middle of a heat wave and the best place to be is at the water's edge or in the water itself.



As for me, I've been crowded into a corner where my unhealthy eating habits are concerned. So, from now on, I have to lessen my consumption of foods like Salbutes (pictured above)  which I love to pig out on whenever I get a chance to visit our local version of Bel Taco. I can only patronize the deli shops here which promote healthy products rather like one I came across recently which had this hand written sign posted up for all the world to view on its front door. Well, I just had to step in to take a peek and to see what the fuss is all about....


Inside I found that the shop owner had a variety of fruits in season for sale which included watermelons, papayas, bananas, plantains, fresh eggs and oranges as seen in the photo below. Of course, mixed in with all the good stuff were items like Vive Condoms and ubiquitous bags of salty corn chips which are loaded with lots of unhealthy stuff.




Welcome to Belize everyone, this is how we do it. The good and the bad all mixed into one happy heap. LOL

If you find yourself here, look me up so I can guide you in the right direction, ok. In the meantime, have fun and stay healthy. See you on the equinox.

Belizegial

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Flightless Bird

It has been a crowded couple weeks, hence my bloggy break. However, I've been browsing through the blogosphere whenever I get a chance, so that I'm able to stay in the loop. Sylvia aka Heiresschild (A New Journey), welcome back! You were missed. Congrats to Sylvia on her recent achievement of earning her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Sylvia and I have been blogging together for awhile and I have known that it has been her burning ambition to earn her degree for sometime now. It's good to see Sylvia's efforts come to fruition; and, wouldn't you know it, she now has a new goal post, a Master's Degree. We'll be watching her from the sidelines and cheering her on. Ian, if you're reading this, the twin set mangos were not intentionally suggestive. However, I can see what you mean. LOL 


Thanks to everyone who stopped by and offered helpful ideas and suggestions reference my game knee. Things have been improving and though I can't say that I can do 'the split' as gracefully as this lady here, there has been some improvement. Due in no small part to my recent introduction to Lady Gaga's music from another blog buddy, Josie. This is something I will post about soon, once I see where this is heading.
If you haven't done so as yet, please take a moment to visit Michael Manning's blog where you will find a plethora of delightful topics to browse through.

Have a fun weekend and stay healthy!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

It's Mango Season here!

Dear blogging buddies,

I've been busy, very busy. Rushing around, even injuring my knee in the process. Now, I'm laid up so to speak. God's way of telling me to slow down and enjoy the journey. So, I spent the better part of yesterday and today on my back with my feet elevated and my knee ice packed whilst randomly appreciating the view of the blooming Mango Tree in my backyard. My daughter took these photos today before she 'raided' the tree. LOL


I don't know about y'all, but we love mangos. One of the fun things to do here in the tropics is to eat ripe mangos, ripe, juicy and dripping with sweetness. There is even a song written about the Mango Tree by Monty Norman for the classic James Bond Movie "Dr. No". Let's see, it goes something like this .....




I intend to get back into the gym as soon as possible and walking is always a good idea to get fit. However, walking is out for the moment as stepping on my right leg triggers intense pain in my right knee. If anyone out there can give some advice on the best way to get my knee joint back on track, let me know.

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Asi Fue - And that's how it went

My time off from blogger was enforced due to technical difficulties on this end, much of which has been since resolved.

Much has been happening in my little corner of the tropics, not the least being the upcoming graduation of daughter number one. She is burning the midnight oil lately in preparing for her exams and has been looking online for prom dresses, graduation gowns and the like. As you can imagine, there is a cost to all this! LOL

On a lighter note, the KTV Latino (karoake tv latino songs competition) is over and the champion has been crowned. It wasn't my favorite, but she came in a handy second in this competition. Congratulations to Ms. Natalie Arceo for her gracious presence and elegant musical stylings throughout the competition. She has provided the fodder for much of the latin songs I have been airing lately on this blog. Keep up the good work with your students in San Pedro, Natalie, and buena suerte!


During the final show, all four finalists came together to sing Asi Fue in musical harmony which was their final musical tribute to the crowd of fans which had squeezed into the Bliss Institute to see their favorite finalists. This is a much loved latin song here in the tropics emanating from the great Mexican artist, Juan Gabriel. Here is a rendition of this song from Playa Limbo.


Friday, April 09, 2010

You, Only You

Thoughts for today...

"You may not be able to change the world, but you can change your surroundings."

"The bible says the race is not won by the swift and the sure, but by those who can endure."


Happy Weekend thoughts. LOL


Here is another lovely song from Mexican Songbird, Ana Gabriel ~ Tu, Solo Tu (English translation, You, Only You) dedicated to all my peeps who come often to this little tropical corner of the blogosphere. And yes, you may need to start learning some rudimentary spanish if you intend to continue coming here. LOL

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Easter - the renewal of our faith

In celebration of Easter Sunday and the renewal of our faith, please take a moment to read this inspirational verse from the Apostle Paul.

The Apostle Paul has given an incomparable depiction of charity: "charity is patient and kind, charity is not jealous nor boastful; it is not arrogant nor rude. Charity does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Charity bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Charity is superior to all of the virtues. It is the first of the theological virtues: "So, faith, hope, charity abide, these three; but, the greatest is charity". Charity upholds and purifies our human ability to love and raises it to the supernatural perfection of divine love.

By faith, we believe in God and believe all that he has revealed to us.

By hope, we desire, and with steadfast trust await from God, eternal life and the graces to merit it.

By charity, we love God above all things and our neighbor as our ourselves for the love of God.

Charity, the form of all the virtues, "binds everything together in perfect harmony and love"

Thank you ever-so-kindly for dropping by. I hope you are enjoying your Easter wherever you are.

Have a splendiferous weekend!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

The Sights and Sounds of next door neighbor MEXICO


As you can see from the map above, Belize is located in Central America with our closest neighbors being Mexico and Guatemala. As a matter of fact, tiny Belize is sandwiched directly between these two larger countries. In my early teens, I traveled all the way by bus to Mexico City and beyond to the beautiful city of Cuernavaca as an ambassador of the Belize Girl Guide Association. We were to be housed at Our Cabana, the international Scout Centre of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. It was my first trip abroad ever and I was excited to have escaped the tiny confines of Belize. At this event, we met girl guides from the world over and it was my first exposure to other cultures. The real shocker, I suppose, was that no one knew where Belize was and our group was subjected to much queries from girls who came from England, Canada, Mexico and the United States.At the end of our trip, we were assured by those present that they would spread the word back home about the girls they had met from 'beautiful and untouched Belize'.
Since then, I have been back to various parts of Mexico, the most memorable being to the beautiful resort city Cancun which has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Numerous trips, mostly for shopping, have also been made to the border town of Quintana Roo, Chetumal. My spanish, whilst not perfect, is passable and I can hold my own when bargaining with the vendors located in the sprawling outdoor markets of Chetumal. 

I recently read an article about Mexico's Cave of Crystals which stunned geologists when it was first discovered in 2000. Since then, cavers in Mexico have braved extreme conditions and found extraordinary beauty in the underground chambers of the Naica Cave which contains some of the largest natural crystals ever found anywhere. 

It has been said that nothing can actually prepare you for the extreme conditions found in the cave's cavern. It's extremely hot in there, but it's the virtually 100% humidity added on top that makes the cave a potential killer. When you breathe, the surface of your lungs is actually the coolest surface the air encounters. The fluid starts to condense inside your lungs and that's not really good news. Those brave enough to venture inside, must wear a special cooling suit which is like a suit of chain mail but filled with ice cubes. Despite all the dangers, it's the sheer beauty of the place which overwhelms those who enter the portals of the Naica Cave. Sooner or later, when the economics of the mine changes, the pumps will be taken out, the Naica Cave will be flooded out and the crystals will be beyond our reach.

Here is another original from Mexico. Maná is a popular pop/rock band whose career has spanned two decades. They have earned three Grammy awards, five Latin Grammy Awards, several MTV Video Music Awards and have been on the hot Billboard Latin Music many times. This group initially received notoriety and commercial success in Mexico and Spain and have since gained popularity in the US, Western Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle East. Here is Mana performing live their hit single,"Mariposa Traicionera" 
( English: Treacherous Butterfly ). This track stayed on Billboard's Hot Latin tracks in 2003 for a total of 26 weeks.
 
 


Eres como una mariposa;
vuelas y te posas vas de boca en boca,
fácil y ligera de quien te provoca.

Yo soy ratón de tu ratonera,
trampa que no mata pero no libera,
vivo muriendo prisionero.

Mariposa traicionera, todo se lo lleva el viento,
mariposa no regreso.

Ay, mariposa de amor, mi mariposa de amor
Ya no regreso contigo.
Ay, mariposa de amor, mi mariposa de amor.
Nunca jamás junto a ti.
vuela amor, vuela dolor
y no regreses a un lado
ya vete de flor en flor, seduciendo a los pistilos
y vuela cerca del sol,
pa' que sientas lo que es dolor.

Ay, mujer como haces daño,
pasan los minutos cual si fueran años,
mira estos celos me están matando.

Ay, mujer que fácil eres,
abres tus alitas, muslos de colores
donde se posan tus amores.

MARIPOSA TRAICIONERA,
todo se lo lleva el viento,
mariposa no regreso.

Ay, mariposa de amor, mi mariposa de amor.
Ya no regreso contigo
Ay, mariposa de amor, mi mariposa de amor.
Nunca jamás junto a ti,
vuela amor, vuela dolor
que tengas suerte en tu vida
ay, ay, ay, ay, ay dolor,
yo te lloré todo un río,
ay, ay, ay, ay, ay amor,
tú te me vas a volar.

Monday, March 22, 2010

I Just Can't Help Believing

The Incomparable Elvis - I Just Can't help Believing.....for more than just a Day.



Does this song bring back any special memories for y'all?

Monday, March 15, 2010

KTV Latino

Ok, so you heard me mention that there is  KTV Latino contest going on here in my little corner of the tropics. You may be asking, so what is KTV Latino anyway? Karoake Television for latin songs. It is aired once weekly on Tuesday evenings and is the highlight of our local programming offerings. All the songs are latin and sung by non-professional karoake aspirants. As I mentioned before, my hand picked favorite is Ms. Natalie Arceo who hails from La Isla Bonita, the island of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Ms. Arceo is short in stature but huge in voice power. This past week, she delivered a powerful rendition of a favorite song of mine, Ana Gabriel's Simplemente Amigos. 


Ana Gabriel (born on December 10, 1955) in Mexico as María Guadalupe Araújo Young, is of mixed descent. Her father Raúl Araújo was of Spanish ethnicity, while her mother Isabel Young was the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Ana first sang on the stage at age six. At age 21, in 1977, she recorded her first song, titled "Compréndeme". During her long career, she has had hits in three different genres of music: rock, Latin Pop and rancheras. Simplemente Amigos speaks of a forbidden love and can be applicable to those in relationships at the moment, about to get into a relationship or those who may have just broken up a relationship. Here is a video clip of Simplemente Amigos.






Ana Gabriel : Simplemente Amigos Lyrics
Songwriters: Gabriel, Ana;

Siempre, como ya es costumbre dia a dia es igual
no hay nada que decir ante la gente es asi
amigos simplemente amigos y nada mas

Pero quien sabe en realidad, lo que sucede entre los dos
si cada quien llegando la noche finge un adios

Cuanto daria por gritarles nuestro amor
decirles que al cerrar la puerta nos amamos sin control
que despertamos abrazados, con ganas de seguir amandonos
pero es que en realidad no aceptan nuestro amor

Siempre, con miradas siempre nos damos todo el amor
hablamos sin hablar todo es silencio en nuestro andar,
amigos simplemente amigos y nada mas
pero quien sabe en realidad lo que
sucede entre los dos
si cada quien llegando la noche finge un adios

Cuanto daria por gritarles nuestro amor
decirles que al cerrar la puerta nos amamos sin control
que despertamos abrazados, con ganas de seguir amandonos
pero es que en realidad no aceptan nuestro amor

Cuanto daria por gritarles nuestro amor
decirles que al cerrar la puerta nos amamos sin control
que despertamos abrazados, con ganas de seguir amandonos
pero es que en realidad no aceptan nuestro amor

No, oh, no, no aceptan nuestro amor
no, oh, no, no aceptan nuestro amor

Sunday, February 28, 2010

A Sonic Boom and this Ain't a Love Song

It's amazing how quickly the month of February has flown by. We're just about to head into March and many events have been heating things up here in the tropics. Not the least,  the sonic boom that shook the earth last weekend when the US Space Shuttle Endeavor burst back into the atmosphere somewhere over our area and created a sound similar to a thunderous explosion. Awesome is all I can say about this experience and we had no idea what was happening! 

Our Department of Civil Aviation cleared up what is a "sonic boom" by explaining that it is a relative noise that comes from a supersonic carrier piercing through the air at a rate greater than the speed of sound. 

For those lucky enough to be outside during the shuttle's rare night time descent, the sight was described as seeing an amplification of the air passing through (a long burning tail of flame) as the shuttle skimmed over Belize at a height of 84,000 feet on its way back to Cape Canaveral in Florida.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I've been featuring songs of '95 from Bon Jovi all month long, it's best that we end February with this gem of a single which the group released on their album "These Days".
         
"This Ain't a Love Song"


"Como Yo Nadie Te Ha Amado" ("no one has ever loved you like me") is the Spanish version of this song. Although there have been many renditions, the most successful has been that of Mexican singer Yuridia, whose second album, Habla El Corazon, included it. To date, it is Yuridia's second most successful song, only behind "Ángel", the first single from her debut album. Kudos to our local KTV Latino contestant, Natalie Arceo, who tore up the spanish version of Bon Jovi's song in her own unique rendition of Como Yo, Nadie Te Ha Amado. My vote is on Natalie to be among the top contenders for the ten thousand dollars grand prize.

Once again, dear folks, just for you here is Jon Bon Jovi's live performance in Peru of "This Ain't a Love Song" backed up by his incomparable lead guitarist Richie Sambora:



Yuridia - Como Yo, Nadie te he Amado




Yo no vi las flores marchitar
Ni ese frio en tus ojos al mirar
No, no vi la realidad
Me ibas a dejar

Dicen que la vida no es como la ves
Para aprender hay que caer
Para ganar hay que perder
Lo di todo por ti

Llore y llore y jure que
No iba a perderte
Trate y trate de negar
Este amor tantas veces, baby

Si mis lagrimas fueron en vano
Si al final yo te ame demasiado
Como yo, como yo nadie te ha amado

Cada hora una eternidad
Cada amanecer un comenzar
Ilusiones nada mas
Que facil fue sonar

Tantas noches de intimidad
Parecian no acabar
Nos dejamos desafiar
Y hoy nada es igual

Se que en verdad
El amor al final
Siempre duele
No lo pude salvar y hoy
Voy a pagarlo con creces, oh

Si mis lagrimas fueron en vano
Si al final yo te ame demasiado
Como yo, como yo nadie te ha amado

Esta vez la pasion ha ganado
Y por eso sigo esperando
Como yo, como yo nadie te ha amado

Llore y llore y jure que no iba a perderte
Trate y trate de negar este amor tantas veces, oh

Si mis lagrimas fueron en vano
Si al final yo te ame demasiado
Como yo, como yo nadie te ha amado

Esta vez la pasion ha ganado
Y por eso sigo esperando
Como yo, como yo, nadie te ha amado

Friday, February 12, 2010

It's February - The month of Love - Time to celebrate the Heart Truth



Beginning with National Wear Red Day®—Friday, February 5, 2010—millions helped to spread the critical message that "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear—It's the #1 Killer of Women.®" The Red Dress®, the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness, was created by The Heart Truth®in 2002 to deliver an urgent wakeup call to American women. Everyone can participate in the national movement by wearing their favorite red dress, shirt, tie, or Red Dress Pin. For free information and resources to help you and your community celebrate National Wear Red Day, visit the National Wear Red Day toolkit.

On Thursday, February 11, 2010, The Heart Truth brought the Red Dress to life once again on the runway at New York Fashion Week with the debut of the Red Dress Collection 2010. This spectacular event reminds women of the need to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action. For the second year in a row, a selection of the designer dresses seen on the runway will be auctioned online in February through a partnership with Clothes Off Our Back. To bid on these Red Dresses this February, visit www.clothesoffourback.org.
Get Involved today: visit the Healthy Action Community, where you can find free tools and resources to help you protect your heart health and share The Heart Truth with others. Be sure to let others know about your event by submitting details to the Activity Registry.
®National Wear Red Day is a registered trademark of HHS and AHA. 


I thought the above information important for all women everywhere to take notice of.  For those of you who are still lighting up a ciggie, you know who you are, this is the year to say quits and breathe easier.




For all my Canajun buddies, good luck to all the participants at the start of the Winter Olympics and keep us updated on the happenings, eh?  Ciao!!


Here's my favorite bad boy who continues to give love a bad name. Bon Jovi live from London's Wembley Stadium (circa 1995)

Sunday, January 31, 2010

The best of the best

I've had a busy weekend. However, it's finally over and tonight I was able to sit and watch the 52nd annual Grammys which aired live. It was a truly interactive show this year as fans were able to vote on one of the songs that  Bon Jovi would play during their Grammy performance.  


For the first time ever, Bon Jovi played the Grammy stage and it was quite a performance!!  The song that their fans selected was their biggest hit ever, 'Livin' on a Prayer' which they rocked out with back up help from Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles. I must confess to singing and tapping right along with them. LOL  


Here's a more recent video clip from Bon Jovi's show live in Honolulu (Blaisdell Arena) at the kick off of The Circle Tour. Enjoy!


Livin' On A Prayer lyrics
Songwriters:  Bonjovi, Jon; Sambora, Richard; Child, Desmond;
Tommy used to work on the docks
Union's been on strike, he's down on his luck
It's tough, so tough

Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
For love, mmm, for love

She says we've got to hold on to what we've got
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
We got each other and that's a lot
For love we'll give it a shot!

Oh, we're half way there
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer

Tommy's got his six string in hock
Now he's holding in what he used to make it talk
So tough, mmm, it's tough

Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night, Tommy whispers
"Baby it's okay, someday"

We gotta hold on to what we've got
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
We got each other and that's a lot
For love we'll give it a shot!

Oh, we're half way there
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer
Livin' on a prayer!

We gotta hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it's all that you've got

Whoa, we're half way there
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it I swear
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer

Whoa, we're half way there
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it I swear
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer

Whoa, we're half way there
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it I swear
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer


© SONY/ATV TUNES LLC; AGGRESSIVE MUSIC; EMI APRIL MUSIC INC.; BON JOVI PUBLISHING; DESMOBILE MUSIC COMPANY; POLYGRAM INT'L MUSIC PUBG GROUP;

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Hollywood arrives!




In the first week of February, Asylum Pictures expects to begin shooting “The 7 Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor” on location here in the tropics. The writer and director is Ben Hayflick.


When interviewed by local television stations, Mr. Hayflick said that it is "an action adventure film with supernatural elements about Sinbad who is a shipping magnate and is cast into a land of adventure when his ship is sunk.”


Will there be starring opportunities for locals? Yes! There was a huge casting call during this past week for those locals who had the talent and will to audition for available roles. The film director was looking for all kinds of people to fill a lot of roles that ranged from extras to speaking parts. They were also looking for crew members.


And while Sinbad won’t be shot until February – this weekend scenes for another movie will be shot in Belize. It will be scenes for “Piranha.” Producer Anthony Fankhauser says some stunts – including a high speed chase will be shot over the weekend.


For those of you with inquiring minds, no, I didn't try for a part in this movie because I was too busy at my regular day job to do so ~Sigh~   Anyway, it was still good to feel the excitement of Hollywood right here in our little corner of the world and hopefully when the movies do come out, you will be able to view more of our beautiful little jewel of a country.


Sincere thanks to all of you who visited my blog and contributed in any way to my plea for Haiti. It is good to know that there are so many wonderful and kind souls out there. For Haiti and Haitians, there is hope. Thank God!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Oh God, Help Haiti!

PhotobucketPhotobucket Photobucket

The pictures above are from today's radiothon held today here in the tropics to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The radiothon was sponsored by Wave Radio, Belize Telemedia and the Belize Red Cross. Approximately $25,000 was pledged by radio callers to this event.

For the better part of this past week, we have been deluged with photos of the devastation coming out of Haiti as a result of the earthquake that hit there on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 and which destroyed most of the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

As with most tragedies, among the first to respond were trained rescue unit personnel from the USA and elsewhere whose grim task is to dig beneath the rubble to find trapped survivors. Among the survivors found so far, these incredibly include a 2 year old baby girl who has been without any food or water for several days. Amazingly, she came out with a few scratches only.

The US army and major news networks were there within 48 hours reporting from the tarmac of the airport as traveling to the interior of Port-au-Prince was fraught with difficulties arising from limited fuel supply and remaining tremors which reportedly continue to shake the earth in this Caribbean nation.

Reports continue to indicate that getting the much needed items such as water, food and medicinal supplies to the remaining survivors in Port-au-Prince is a monumental task and many remain without any sustenance or medical attention tonight.

The death toll is massive, as much as 20,000 and may increase to as much as 50,000. US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, is in Haiti tonight visiting with Haitian President, Rene Preval and the floating hospital ship, USNS Comfort, is on its way to Haiti with 1000 beds ready to render medical assistance.

With all of you, I join in sending up prayers to the almighty to help the Haitians to find relief amidst this tragedy and that with all of our help, they can climb out of this tragedy with a renewed will and vigor in their lives.

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed to me.."

Oh God, help Haiti!

For those of you living in the U.S.A., the easiest way to donate to the Haiti Relief effort is to text in your donation. All you have to do is text HAITI to 90999 and an automatic donation of $10 will be sent in to the American Red Cross from you.

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Peace, Love & Joy

The New Year 2010 has started off with a bang literally. To keep things in perspective, I want to extend my sympathies to those in my family who are experiencing loss of a family member at this time. As the New Year takes off, here is my wish list for all my family and friends this year:

May you always make the right moves.

May your cup runneth over with love.

May you always find shelter from any storm.

May you remain good looking and looking good.

May you find the perfect diet for your soul.

May you find perfect balance in the company you keep.

May you have as much fun as you can.

May you manage to take time for a siesta.

May all the new folks you meet be interesting and kind.

May you always know when to walk away and know when to run.

And may your friends always bring you joy....
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I received a lovely card with this song from my friend Suzanne that I want to dedicate to all of you for being in my corner:

Friday, January 01, 2010

Tis the Festive Season, Sir Heathcliff!

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For the festive season remember:


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Alcohol does not make you FAT
- it makes you LEAN.....
- against tables, chairs, floors, walls and ugly people.

I am presently reading Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, hence the blog title reference to Sir Heathcliff. A good book to curl up with on a very rainy New Year's Day over here in the tropics.

To everyone who visits here, may all your wildest dreams, hopes and fondest wishes come through in the new year.

Happy New Year 2010 ******* Feliz Ano Nuevo 2010