Dragon Eyez Bahamas Blog

My 2012 Movie Review

2009-11-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

INTENSE EPIC 2012

Yesterday my buddy and I decided to go and see 2012 in the cinema and I gotta let you know that it was one helluva ride. It was like riding a roller coaster without the roller coaster! In a word 2012 was Intense.

The start of the movie was a little slow but that's probably because I just wanted to see all of the destruction straight away. It was nicely setup giving the viewing audience an insight to the main and supported characters.

A lot of well known actors were in this feature film some of which you may not know the names of. Such actors that were apart of this epic movie are John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Danny Glover, Woody Harrelson, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, George Segal and John Billingsley.

2012 is a movie about the end of days, Armageddon if you will. The Mayan calender ends and The Planet Earth as we know it becomes unstable.

I give the movie 2012 a 10 out of 10 for being so Awesome!

49er's Annihilate The Rams!

2009-10-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

The last few seasons of football I have not been very much into, I guess you can say that I didn't have the football bug, or maybe you can say that I did have the bug; The Bah Humbug! Basically it just wasn't doing a thing for me. I looked at my family and friends around me and they were very much into it.

Why did I feel that way? I guess it was because the team that I grew up rooting for had not been preforming well. I got tired of them always loosing, not by much, but somehow they fell apart in the 4th quarter and the other team was able to put more points up on the board.

This year however has been the opposite - I have been very much into this football season. It started off seeing how the San Francisco 49er's were playing, predicting who was going to win on Game Day....and putting money on it.

The 49er's have been playing well this season. I have been so proud of them. This is the best I have seen San Francisco play since the dynasty of the 80's and 90's. Go 9er's Go! Go 9er's Go!

If you missed the game watch it here:

Follow the link below to view the 49er's Highlight reel:
http://tinyurl.com/y892e77

“We’re moving forward,” Shaun Hill said. “By no means are we where we need to be. We have a lot of tough opponents ahead, but we’ll just keep grinding and work our tails off.”

My G.I Joe Movie Review

2009-08-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to see 'G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra' in the cinema after my friend would not stop talking about how much he wanted to watch this movie.

After ordering popcorn and a soda we found a place in the theater and sat down expecting to see an action packed movie...and it was. If you are looking for an action movie then this is for you! There's so much action in this movie that there is action within action!

The story line was pretty good, though I did not know what was happening in the beginning of the movie - There was just too many character's been introduced too fast with their story amidst the action.

The ideas were far fetched and at times it felt like I was watching some sort of parity of Star Wars especially during the battle under the ice.

All in all 'G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra' was an entertaining movie filled with action sequences, computer graphics, and Love Interests. I would only recommend this if you are an action freak.

I give this G.I Joe movie a 6 out of 10.

Worst Fishing Day Ever?

2009-08-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at seven o'clock in the morning I joined Ian "Still Green" and my brother on a Tuna fishing excursion to Andros. It took us about an hours time to reach our destination. Andros Island, which is located to the left of New Providence Island, is the largest island in The Bahamas.

Thanks for that little information. Great!

Anyway, after reaching our destination we rigged up and dropped our lines. After waiting for a while the line is taken and we fight to bring in the fish. We notice that it's a shark - Great; nice way to start it off. We cut the line and drop new ones again. Nothing bites. "Where are the fishes?"

"Time for a beer" suggested my brother.
"Yeah!" I replied,"What time is it? It doesn't matter, cause it's beer thirty!"

We cracked our beers, said "cheers" and realized that the rest of the day might remain fish less. After remaining out in Andros and catch-and-releasing five sharks and four barracuda, we decided that enough was enough so we headed back to Nassau, New Providence.

After cruising through Nassau Harbour, we cut around to Paradise Island, anchored, and jumped into the cool inviting aquamarine waters. It was a welcomed and most deserved reward for our hard work in the blistering heat.

Worst day fishing? I don't know. It could have been a hell of a lot worse. Trust me! All in all it was a good day out, we just had a very unlucky day fishing.

"Next shark I catch - I making Shark Fin Soup!"

'Funny People' not so funny

2009-08-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend an idea was suggested to go to the theater to watch the movie Funny People starring Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen. We expected that the movie would be funny because of the starring roles and because the title of the movie "Funny People" suggests this. However this was not the case.

Funny People was the most depressing movie I've watched in years! Who thinks of this stuff?! Was it a trick to lure us into the movie theater with the hopes of a nice funny movie to relax to just so you can grab our heart, squeeze and twist it with emotions of empathy and sympathy?

I was, we all were mislead about this movie. The previews and the title speak This is a Funny comedy, but it never came close to that! Funny People is not a comedy. It is a drama with funny parts. Nothing more, nothing less.

Who should watch this? If you would like to watch a depressing movie, then this is for you. If you want to see a man get ill and hate the world, watch this movie. If you want to ponder endlessly about your own life and the shit that has happened to you, then this movie is perfect!

Otherwise, don't bother to watching Funny People. You're not missing anything, and if you did manage to watch it you'll have to quickly forget about it or you'll be lost in a dark dark room filled with your sins and the demons of a thousand torchered souls.

Take my advise, look over this one.

I give Funny People a 4 out of 10.

Worst Year Ever!

2009-07-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

Who is having the Worst Year Ever? Celebrities that's who. "Why?" Doesn't it seem that every other day you hear about another death in Hollywood? Aren't these names of people you have heard about before? There have been famous people that I looked up to that have previously passed away, like John Ritter, but nothing when so many died in a short period.

Below are some of the names that stuck out for me:

Bea Arthur (May 13, 1922 – April 25, 2009)
Dom DeLuise (August 1, 1933 – May 4, 2009)
David Carradine (December 8, 1936 – June 3, 2009)
Ed McMahon (March 6, 1923 – June 23, 2009)
Farrah Fawcett (February 2nd 1947 – June 25th 2009)
Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)
Billy Mays (July 20th 1958 - 28th June 2009)
Karl Malden (March 22, 1912 – July 1, 2009)

It's Hot, Hot, Hot!

2009-06-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

A record was almost made today when the temperature in Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport hit 101 degrees for 30 seconds. In order for the temperature to be recorded it has to be constant for at least 1 minute. If it remained 101 degrees for 30 seconds more that would have made the history books!

Look here at the info the National Weather Service provides.

X-MEN Origins Wolverine a Smash!

2009-04-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough last night to go to a viewing for the upcoming X-Men Origins Wolverine movie which is to be released in cinemas 1st May 2009. Well it was not a viewing like you may be thinking with movie stars and the red carpet, it was really like watching the pre-release director's version amongst friends. And I gotta say, "It rocked!"

Since I was a little boy Wolverine has been my favourite X-Men character. He was the one I would pretend I was. He was the one I felt more alike. He was the one I looked up to in awe and he was the one who is shrouded in mystery... at least he was...

I am an avid fan of The X-Men especially Wolverine, and because of that I am able to say that this movie delivered the punch Stan Lee and MARVEL intended providing the answers to many questions the majority of the world's population had.

X-Men Origins Wolverine movie is set in the past before there were any X-Men. The movie starts when Login (Wolverine) was just a little boy and continues through his life giving the background story to his character.

When the end of the movie came I was unprepared. I did not expect the movie to end when it did. I thought that there was more to tell, and there is, it's just not in this particular movie. Perhaps there is to be an X-Men Origins: Wolverine II in the future, because as I said, the story continues on.

Apparently the next scheduled release in the X-Men Origins series is to be on Magneto.

Here are some links you might like:

The official X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) website
http://www.x-menorigins.com/

X-Men: First Class (2010)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1270798/

X-Men Origins: Magneto (2011)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499519/

By the way I will be watching X-MEN: Origins Wolverine in the Cinema on the BIG SCREEN when it opens soon. Will I see you there?

I give X-MEN Origins: Wolverine a 8 out of 10.

When is a good time to start dating after your spouse has died?

2009-02-26T23:56:00.000-08:00

I asked this question "When is a good time to start dating after your spouse has died?" on Yahoo! Answers so that I can hear what some peoples opinion are.

Click this link to read what Longhorn, tatersma1, and shortmama7j have to say in response to the question I posed.

Valentine's Day Slaughter

2009-02-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

My alarm went off at quarter past four in the morning on Valentine's Day. I had only a few hours of sleep since hitting the sheets a little bit before midnight.

Everybody who knows me, knows that I am not a morning person, but this Saturday was not ordinary. I was going on a Dolphin fishing and camping expedition to the Exuma's.

I gathered my bags that I had packed the night before, loaded them into my car and headed to the Royal Nassau Sailing Club, the location of the transport. The air was fresh and had a crisp chill to it. I knew that it would be a cold trip to the islands.

My brother and his wife arrived at the dock and we all began offloading the cars and loading the boat. I looked up to the sky and I saw the sun peeking through the dark morning clouds. We secured the luggage and headed out to sea.

About an hour later we were in the Exumas. My brother drove us to an area he had fished for dolphin before and put the boat in neutral. As the boat idled we baited up the roads and grabbed an ice cold beer.

The lines were cast as the boat moved forward. We navigated around the area in large circles so as to not cross and potentially tangle the lines. After about thirty minutes of not getting a bite I decided to let the right reel out about ten or fifteen feet more than it already was.

The line on the middle rod appeared to be moving but no sound was heard. I investigated it further by getting close. I noticed that the line was definitely moving - the clicker was not on! I realized that a fish was on the hook so I switched on the clicker and grabbed a hold of the rod. As I did my brother shouted, "Get the belt on!" My sister in-law attached the belt to me and I continued to reel the fish in. He was a fighter.

We were excited that we had hooked one. My bro and sis in-law shouted "Reel him in" as they watched me fighting with the dolphin. Then suddenly, the clicker from the rod on the left started making noise and then the right rod did so as well. We had three fish hooked at once!

I finished reeling in the dolphin I had and attached the fish-belt around my sister in-laws waist. She was holding the rod on the left and my brother had the one on the right. Their arms were winding up as much fishing line they could, as fast as they could.

After battling her fish for a few minutes and reeling it in close to the boat, the dolphin spat out the hook and swam away. "Sonofabitch!"

We were done fishing for the day so we decided that we would go to Highbourns Cay so that we could gut and clean the fish we caught. When we arrived we saw some friends of ours who were also in the area fishing for Dolphins too. They were getting ready to head back to Nassau but we convinced them to camp with us since we had tents and had had such a wonderful day so far.

We arrived at Norman's Cay and learned that there was indeed no room for us in their cottages so we made it back to the beach and set up our campsite. Later that evening we went to McDuff's Bar and Grille for cocktails and dinner. After having our fill of drink, food, and fun we headed back to our campsite to close our eyes and dream of catching the 'BIG ONE'.

The next morning we headed out into the ocean to continue our Dolphin fishing venture. Unfortunately we were not successful, but hey "A bad day fishing beats a good day in the office!"

We made it back to Nassau as the sun was setting and we all mixed another cocktail. It was a great getaway from the hustle and bustle and we shall be fishing again 'reel' soon.

Joe Not doing Well

2009-01-29T13:33:00.000-08:00

My brother In-law returned from seeing his father in Florida yesterday and he did not bring any good news with him.

Joe and his wife Barbara were down for Christmas and I could see the difference first hand from the last time I saw him in September when they came down to visit the grandchildren. I saw that he was in a great deal of pain. He would shake so badly that one might think that he had Parkinson's disease.

It's so sad to see Joe like this. So sad to know that his time is near. This time, seeing Joe become weaker, is reminiscent of my father

Traffic in Nassau

2009-01-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

Why is it that when it rains commuters drive super slow? I don't understand. It's one thing to be careful because the roads are wet, it's another to barely move at all.

Listen, when the roads are wet I am more careful driving because I could get in an accident, or rather someone else could involve me in an accident. I am a great driver, and everybody else sucks at it! I keep joking saying that "I'm going to open up my Hard Knock Driving School and teach these idiots how to properly drive" for all sorts of reasons.

Today it took me over an hour to commute to my office (which usually takes about 20, 25 minutes) because it rained last night. When it rains the drivers don't drive their cars, they make them crawl. It's pathetic, it really is. It's not the cars fault, it's the driver and the driver in front of that one and the driver in front of that one etc etc. It's a domino effect of idiots driving cars!

The same traffic bullshit is also caused not only by the rain, but also by car accidents and police. Why the hell do you have to drive two miles an hour when you pass an accident on the side of the road? Haven't you seen one before? Why do you have to look up and down when the police have pulled someone over? I understand that you might know the person, but what are you going to do? Nothing except gossip! Why don't you damn Bahamians do everyone a favour for a change and mind your own damn business?!...and while you're at it LEARN TO DRIVE!

Hi Dad

2009-01-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

This time two years ago my father died from a long painful fight with colon cancer. I just wanted to write a quick note letting him know that I love and miss him greatly. I know he will get this message because he reads my blog in the computer department in Heaven. Yes, they have the internet there. What??...you didn't know that?

Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

It's that time again when everything in the world seems alright. A time when we fell all warm inside even if it's 30 degrees outside. This is the second Christmas since my father passed, but the first Christmas where I feel good. Even though daddy is not around in body I can feel him in spirit.

My house was filled to the gills with family and friends this year - the biggest ever! We were all having so much fun opening gifts, chatting with each other and drinking eggnog spiked with Brandy.

Would you believe that my mother invited Drew to come over on Christmas? WTF! She is totally rushing into this and I do not like it one bit. I wish he would go the fuck away. I even thought of committing deviant acts to try to remove him from my life, but that is not who I am. Even thought of confronting his children and telling them what is going on with their daddy and my mom. He has not told them yet "because it's too soon." No shit Sherlock! It's too F'ing soon!

Even though Drew was around I was able to ignore his ass and pay attention to the children, my family and friends, and of course my booze. It turned out to be pretty good.

Mom Dates Again

2008-12-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

My father passed away on 10th of January 2007 which would make it almost two years since he has left us. Last month (November) my mother started hanging out with a man that I knew. She started comforting him a few months prior when his wife died of cancer in June.

Last week mom came to me and said, "I have something to tell you." I knew that I was not going to like what she had to say. I knew by her tone. "Yeah?" I replied.
"Drew and I are officially dating now." she revealed.
"I figured as much"
"Do you have a problem with this?"
"I thought I did. Yes. Yes I do." I replied
She just looked at me waiting for me to continue.

I quickly thought of the nicest way of saying what I wanted to tell her. I said, "I'm not ready to see you with someone else." What I really wanted to say was..."Yes I have a fucking problem! Duh! Of course I do. What the hell do you think it is? Jesus Christ dad has not even been dead for two years! ...And this Drew fella, his wife just died 6 months ago! I don't know who's worse; you or him!?"

I'm disgusted with them. I'm angry at mom. I feel like she is a traitor.

I know all the other side of things already. I know that she has been lonely and I'm sure the same goes for him, but I honestly don't give a damn because I still think that it is wrong. Just because you don't have a significant other does not mean you cannot be happy and not feel lonely. I think it's bullshit and I'm clearly pissed.

Bus Driver gets Charged

2008-11-20T21:54:00.000-08:00

The other day I wrote about a local bus driver who purposely chased and ran over an 18 year old boy killing him.

I was very happy today when I heard on the radio that the bus (jitney) driver is expected to be arraigned this morning on a manslaughter charge. Good.

You can't go around killing people with your vehicle and getting away with it. Then again, if you decide to rob a bus, expect that the driver ain't gonna take it either.

Late yesterday afternoon, the incident that had initially been classified as an accidental death, was confirmed by ASP Glenn Miller, head of the Central Detective Unit, that police intend to charge the driver of the jitney with manslaughter.

Bus Driver Plows into Man

2008-11-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

I was shocked when I heard this horrifying news on the radio today.

Yesterday at about 11am in the area near the 'Seagrape Shopping Centre' on Prince Charles Drive, a bus driver chased a man on foot with his jitney and plowed him into a wall, trapping him underneath which lead to his death. The man who was on foot apparently had attempted to rob the bus beforehand. The departed has been identified as Elton Rufus Butler of Union Village who was killed on his 18th birthday.

The police have classified this incident as an accidental death, pending further investigations.

I Love The Whole World

2008-11-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

I just came across this video on YouTube and I thought I'd share it since it is awesome. This is an advertisement for The Discovery Channel featuring the world aka Earth.

Sing it out loud, "I Love the whole world."

Cable Bahamas goes Off Line

2008-11-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

Two days ago the cable provider for The Bahamas, aptly named Cable Bahamas, went off line during their system upgrade which caused a lot of inconvenience to many Bahamian businesses due to the fact that their websites were down.

Cable Bahamas is the only cable provider throughout The Bahamas islands and because of this they control the industry. Not only do they provide cable television, but they are also Internet Service Providers (ISP) and therefore offer a data center where many local Bahamian companies have their online data stored.

Yesterday they were contacted many times so that we could find out what the trouble was. Their official statement was "We are aware of the problems." Well No Shit! You are the one's who created the problems in the first place because you did not have a contingency plan.

They were never able to give a time when their service would be up and running again, because they had no idea. I was informed by one of my friends who happens to be a CEO of a local web design company with many Bahamian clients, said that one of the guys at the top of Cable Bahamas, Tony Butler said (and I may be paraphrasing this), "I don't care. You want to leave us? Go."

Nice attitude Tony. Nice attitude Cable Bahamas. Way to go!

Today many Bahamian online businesses were still suffering because of the lack of care and lack of preparation by Cable Bahamas. A little after half way today I received my email and since then they have not gone off line. I have my fingers crossed in hopes that they will not go down like this again. If they do I will have to show up on their door step with a shotgun.

Palin 2012 T-shirts

2008-11-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

I came across this web page full of T-shirts and other designs promoting the Sarah Palin for President 2012. There are also merchandise from the McCain Palin ticket in 2008. Have a look and order your favourite ones. I'm going to put in an order myself for a Palin 2012 T-shirt and cap for fun.

See what merchandise you want to get your hands on at:
http://www.cafepress.com/sidesplitters/5923481

The New US President

2008-11-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

I did not stay up last night to find out which way America was going to vote. I was still in need of sleep since I had not had enough from the weekended, so I went to bed 'early' and relaxed with the tube.

When I awoke this morning and changed the TV station to NBC where I watch 'The TODAY Show' every morning, I must admit that I felt a little sick when the words were uttered, "America elects the first black President in it's history."

It's not like it was a shock or something; I had a pretty good feeling that Barack Obama would be elected to 'Commander and Chief' even with having been in the senate for such a short time, but I was still hopeful that that would not be the case. Maybe I was a little afraid of change myself.

I guess that I will just have to sit back and see what this man is actually going to do. I can tell you one thing, he had better do a lot of 'change' or the people will not be happy with him; but then again that's politics and every politician says things which sound good to get in but never do everything they promise.

America Votes!

2008-11-04T07:59:00.001-08:00

What is going to be the outcome of who America votes in to be their Commander & Chief? Will it be the P.O.W John McCain and his running mate 'Hockey Mom' Sarah Palin? Or will it be the 'Black Hussein' Obama and his 'Stunning White Teeth' counterpart Joe Biden? It's a 50/50 split race right now and anything can happen.

I saw this morning on the way into the office, The Tribune had as it's title "Obama Grips The Bahamas" and he has. Barack has spoken and a lot of people have listened, but a lot of the black community are just going to vote for him because he is black himself. No one should vote, or not vote for someone because of the colour of their skin.

The majority the people of The Bahamas are black and think this way and that is how I know that if Barack Obama wins, this place is going to go ape wild!

If there is such a problem with McCain being the oldest candidate to run for the Presidency along with a woman from Alaska no one ever heard of before, or to have a black man lead the country with a man who has been flip-flopping all over the place, why not elect the third choice?

Who is the third choice?
Why Ralph Nader of course!

What if real life had video game sound effects?

2008-10-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

I came across this vid on YouTube by TwinklyCandy and thought it was worth a watch.

Have you met Eve?

2008-10-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is Eve

Where's my Finger?

2008-10-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

"I think it's on the floor somewhere."

Do you watch Hell's Kitchen? Do you remember the episode when Matt cut his finger tip off when preparing food for a full dinner service in the restaurant this last season? If not here is the video:

Most of us have cut our fingers while working in the kitchen at one point or another. I've accidentally sliced myself every now and then, but last night I pulled almost the same manurer as Matt did.

Around 8:30ish I was slicing my Biltong into smaller pieces. I had just taken it out of the drying box after 4 days of anticipation. I was busy cutting a small piece of tough hardened meat, and a thought popped in my head, "This is not a good idea; Just leave it." It was a passing thought, and just as it passed I continued to slice. I wish I had listened to that inner voice because the blade slipped and went straight through my finger.

I did not know what happened at first even though it was really sore. I thought that I just sliced my finger, but the knife had gone in one end and came out the other taking a chunk of flesh off the tip. I realized this shortly after the damage was done as I had shoved my finger in my mouth and felt the fresh bleeding wound with my tongue.

The bleeding would not stop. An hour after my finger had been wrapped with bandages and held with pressure, the blood still flowed. Sleeping sucked later that night as I had to keep my hand up so that I would not feel the throbbing pain.

It could have been worse though; It can always be worse. I could have pulled a "Mr. Butter Finger's"!

See the clip below from the 1989 movie 'UHF' where Weird Al Yankovic (George Newman) interviews a strange local wood shop school teacher played by Emo Phillips (Joe Early) who demonstrates how to "properly" use a table-saw on the show Town Talk.

"Just call me Mr. Butter Finger's" from UHF

Hurricane Hanna Comming

2008-09-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Today it was been a scramble to get everything together before we get the brunt of the storm. I have been running around all morning trying to get certain things out of the way like buying Duct Tape, Candles, Soup, Batteries, Water and other key items.

This morning when I awoke I thought of Hanna first so I switched on my television to see what the latest information was. I was informed that Hanna was a category 1 hurricane with 80 miles of winds. I was later relieved at the next advisory at eight o'clock that Hanna had been down graded to a Tropical Storm at 70 miles per hour.

Hanna, whether she will be a Tropical Storm or a Hurricane, will be hitting the Island of New Providence on Thursday. The odds are that she will be a hurricane but I still have hope that she will not intensify too much or hit us directly. I am more worried about Ike, but you gotta watch the whole thing...keep your eyes open!

"Hanna is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and comes on the heels of Gustav, which was battering the Gulf Coast on Monday. An eventual strike on the U.S. mainland was in the forecast." ~ ABC news

My New Banner

2008-08-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

Do like this?

Cousin Jude's Funeral

2008-08-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

Earlier today I came back from Cousin Jude's Funeral which was held at Ebenezer Methodist Church on Shirley Street at 10:30 this morning. The church was so packed with family and friends that when I arrived late with my brother and his wife (he was driving behind schedule) we had to go sit on the second level!

It was nice sitting up there, having a birds eye view and staying out of the direct action, though it did not impede me hearing the sermon, eulogy, dedications and feeling the sorrow of my departed family member.

It was a lovely service, which everyone would agree with. It started out with the Reverend Dr. Gerald Richardson reading a poem that was picked out by Jude's widow Doreen, which she thought summed up Jude.

Here is the poem:

MY SOMEBODY

Here's to somebody, staunch and true,
Who's always around when there's work to do
Who keeps a supply of love and cheer
For all the folks for all the year,
Who knows that a gentle, loving smile
Is the best of tonics for all the wile,
That there's nothing so bad that it can't be worse~
A case of blues is a terrible curse;
So here's to somebody, staunch and true,
Of course you don't know it, but
Somebody's you

C.J.B.

Isn't that lovely?

Later the Eulogy by Bradley Lightbourn was great. It was light hearted and funny. I would like to get myself a copy of it so I can read it again and again...speaking of, I also need to get myself a copy of my father's as well.

FYI: Cousin Jude was born Arther Roland Kemp on January 5th 1934 in Rock Sound Eleuthera, which coincidently is the same place my grandmother was born. When Jude was a boy he called Junior by his family and his older brother Garth used to tease him by calling him Judy. He didn't like that very much so later his name was settled on something more palatable - Jude.

Dental Work Done

2008-08-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

I just came from my dentist (Dr. Melanie Halkitis) whom I have been seeing since I first moved to The Bahamas in 1982. I had some work done and my top right lip still feels like I was punched in the mouth. I feel like I got cat lips, but only on one side.

Puffy

The last time I went to her she said that I had a plaque build up which caused me to have my first cavities ever. My perfect record is now tarnished! When I left her establishment I went straight to Lowe's Pharmacy and purchased a rinse to remove plaque prior to brushing, dental floss, and a brand new toothbrush - The Oral-B CROSSACTION POWER which I love using! It's so much better than ordinary manual toothbrushes; I recommend it.

Listed on Technorati

2008-08-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

Technorati Profile

Fay Floods Nassau

2008-08-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

When I awoke this morning all I heard was rain pelting my windows and the wind howling as branches of my fruit trees snapped under the pressure.

I did not know what was going on. The previous night at about 11:30pm I saw the satellite image of Tropical Storm Fay and it had passed Nassau and was almost on top of Florida. This was one of it's many bands that hit us.

Forget about 'Raining Cats & Dogs' it was raining buckets of water. The roads of Nassau quickly flooded as the waters had no where to go. Next time I'll have to take the boat to work ;)

This morning I also had the pleasure of having a flat tire. I was loading my car with things to take to the office when I noticed my back right tire was almost on the rim. I could not do anything about it at the time so I hopped in my car and drove to the nearest gas station. I just needed a roof over my head so I could use 'Tire in a Can' which I had in my trunk.

I digress. It rained hard all bloody morning and the sky is still overcast. Fay felt like a hurricane but it was only a Tropical Storm.

FYI
"Fay is the sixth tropical storm of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season.

Two of the tropical storms so far, Bertha and Dolly, have reached hurricane strength."

~BBC News

Cousin Jude Passes On

2008-08-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

I just received a phone call from my Aunt (Janet) who gave me some bad news. She informed me that Cousin Jude died last night at 8:00pm in Doctor's Hospital. He had been in ICU for three weeks now and the whole time he was in a coma.

This is how the events led to this...

Jude Kemp was working out in his yard with a gardener and they were lifting heavy things. Jude had to go to the bathroom and he filled the toilet with blood. He thought that he had an infection and that he had strained himself and pulled something inside of him. He had to go to the bathroom a few more times that day as well with the same results.

Once hearing about this his daughter Beth told him that he had to "go to the hospital." He didn't want to go; he had to be pushed.

When he was in the hospital he underwent a colonoscopy which reveled that his small intestine was filled with blood. They sent him to the Operating Room where they removed four feet from his small intestine.

He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after the operation so they could monitor him better. He passed more blood later and had to have another operation because they found more blood clots in his intestines.

Jude did not wake up after the second operation; he was in a coma. I visited him in ICU and did not recognize who he was because his face was so swollen from all the drugs. If it were not for Beth standing at his bedside holding his hand I would have walked by not knowing.

He had a bunch of tubes going in and out of him and had a cold blanket over his legs and stomach which was used to keep his fevers at bay. Beth said to me "Daddy doesn't like the cold." I replied jokingly that she had " better get a hot water bottle and put that on top of the blanket then." We laughed and made a few giggles at other things too. Laughter is my medicine; it helps to get by the rough patches in life.

A week and a few days later I heard from my Uncle (Godfrey) that Jude's kidneys were not working properly and that Jude had to get hooked up to a dialysis machine. His kidneys were failing him; his body was shutting down.

Two nights ago the doctor overseeing Cousin Jude called the immediate family in and asked them what they wanted to do because Jude had been on life support for a long time. The doctor asked them if they wanted to take Jude off life support and see what his body does or leave him on. They decided to leave him on. I guess God had to make this decision for them because the next night he died.

Joe Reports His Progress

2008-08-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

I received this update from Joe today.

"Hello everyone. As you know I started my chemo treatments on July 29th. I had three pre-medicatipns to help with side effects and then had three different chemos, Taxol, Carboplatin, and Avastin. Six hours of laying with an IV in my arm. That day, Tuesday, I felt pretty good.

The next day I had some tingling in my fingertips, stomach discomfort, and generally tired. These symptoms continued and the stomach discomfort really overshadowed all other side effects. The following Tuesday I went for my weekly wellness visit. I had lost nine pounds (what a tradgedy because you know I don't have it to lose) and my white blood cell count was down to 1.5. Normal for men is 4-10. This was because of the chemo.

They started me on five straight days of Nupogen injections which stimulate your bone barrow to produce more white blood cells. Two days later, Thursday, I started getting chills and when I called the doctor he told me to go to the emergency room which I did and was admitted. My white cell count was down to 1.0 and everyone around me had to where masks.

They said I was "neutropenic", which means that I was very susceptible to everything because of my low white cell count. They saw a small spider bite looking spot on my left thigh and thought that was the source of the infection. For the next couple of days I had x-rays, CT scans, blood work, etc. to rule out other possible infections. The spot on my leg grew larger but reacted well to the intravenous antibiotics which were many and often changed by the day. They said that the spot was a staph infection. My white blood cell count went up to 13.8. All test came back negative for other sources of infection. My red blood cell count is a little low but they decided against a transfusion at this time.

I was released on Monday. We meet with my oncologist tomorrow to figure out where we go from here.

Thank you all for your continued concern and especially your prayers. Love to all."

Road Rage: 'This is My Block'

2008-08-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

This morning I had to pick up the housekeeper for my sister who had gone away to the states with her husband and children who went to go visit Joe who had only been given 6 months to live because of his cancer.

I was heading down the long road where she lives and this car came out of a road on the left. The car pulled in front of my car and I had to slam on the breaks. I swerved around this asshole and shouted at him, "What the fuck are you doing? You trying to hit my car? Watch the damn road!"

I continued on my way to pick up Beanus and this asshole was racing with me! He was on the right side of my car (we drive on the left here) and he was just looking at me. I payed him no mind but he would not let up.

I slowed down so that he would go ahead of me and roll out. He pulled in front of my car and slammed on the breaks. I had to slam on mine too or I would have severely crashed into the back of his car.

His door opened and he started to walk towards my car. I put my car in reverse and backed up. I went around him and told him, "I don't have time for this."

I continued down the road and noticed in my rear view mirror that he was on my tail again. He pulled on the right side and I gestured to him as I lipped "Go. Go. Go. Go ahead. The road is all yours. Go. Just go."

He got in the left lane in front of me and headed down the road. I started to slow down now because I was approaching the corner where I was going to be picking up Beanus. This 'Road Rager' pulled over to the left and got out of his car ten feet from where the pick up spot was.

He walked towards my car as he was saying things which I was not pay attention to.

The dumb ass man who is in dire need of having a driving lesson said, "This is my block. You come 'round here. This my block."

Beanus got into my car, looked out my window and said, "Oh God. Look!" and she immediately got out of my car and started telling the man off in creole. It was obvious that the angry black man was a Haitian at this point since he spoke back to her in their native tongue. I looked out my window and saw this irate man holding a huge rock with both of his hands. I put my window down sightly and said, "Are you serious? You want to break my windows?"

The Haitian man said, "This my block. Don't come fuck wit me."
I replied, " Buddy. You came flying out of that corner without looking."
"I'll bust you." Threated my would be attacker rising his weapon. "This my block."
"Okay fine. Whatever you say. Whatever."

He went over to the spot where he picked up the rock and placed it back down on the ground.

- OR -

The Haitian man said, "This my block. Don't come fuck wit me."
I replied, " Buddy. You came flying out of that corner without looking."
"I'll bust you." Threated my would be attacker rising his weapon. "This my block."
"Okay fine. Whatever you say. Whatever."

He did not want to stop though. He proceeded to approach me in my car gesturing to me that he was going to toss the rock at my car, so I got out. I rose and outstretched my hands in the air and said, "You shoulda left it dead."

I darted towards him and punched him in the face with my right hand so hard he dropped the rock he was holding on his feet. As he wailed in pain he leaned forward and connected his face with my knee. The momentum that I hit him with threw him back and he fell on the road with great force. I then ended the ass kicking by spitting on him and saying, "This is my block. I grew up here. Who the fuck are you?"

Beanus then got back in my car and we departed from the scene. I hope to never see that sonofabitch again. If I do it'll be too soon.

Watch this Road Rage video

I wish I had a Trunk Monkey; he would come pretty handy.

Joe's Cancer Report

2008-07-31T21:49:00.000-07:00

The following is an email Joe had sent out informing us (his loved ones) what steps he was taking with his cancer.

"I went to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa on July 2nd and had a consultation with their top medical oncologist. We discussed treatment options and then I went back on the 7/10 and 7/11 for additional scans and an MRI of the brain. There were no new spots uncovered which is good.
He wanted me to participate in a chemo trial that he was involved with.

I came home and discussed it with my local oncologist to find out he had the same trial available so I decided to do the trial close to home. I started the trial on Tuesday. It was a long day. I had an IV in my arm for 6 hours receiving 4 different pre-medications and 3 different chemotherapy drugs. Other then having some gastric discomfort and feeling a little more tired than usual, I feel pretty good.

I receive a treatment every three weeks with weekly follow-up visits to for blood work and weigh-in etc... After 6 weeks, I will have CT scans to see if the treatment is having an impact. Decisions will be made at that time as to my continued treatment.

I want to thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Love to all.

P.S. When they said that I would probably lose my hair I was devastated. It took me 12 seconds to get over it. My hair has always defined who I am."

Joe is such a joker. The Post Script above shows his personality shine through. Joe has had very little hair for a long long time now...in fact I don't believe I ever knew him with a full head of hair. I'm glad that he is still being witty; his usual self. In these dire times your wits are what get you through the day.

More Bad News - Will this ever stop?

2008-07-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found out that my Grandmother was taken to the hospital in the morning due to the fact that the day nurse taking care of her at home said that her pulse was "deadly low" and that she "needed to go to the hospital".

I did not visit her yesterday but made it there today, but just not as early as I would have liked it. I left the office at around six o'clock and went to Doctor's Hospital where my Grandmother was in ICU.

Upon exiting the elevator on the third floor I spoke to one of the nurses at the nurse station and she informed me that a lot of my family were "going in room 307" and that my "grandmother can only have two people at a time" by her bedside. I saw room 307 to my right and walked towards it not knowing what to expect. I peered into the room and saw a relative of mine which I have not seen in a while. His name is Jude and he is my cousins 74 year old grandfather.

He is not doing so well. He his having a a colonoscopy tomorrow morning. Apparently has has lost a lot of blood and the nurses there were giving him more at one point. He was busy drinking tea and drinking broth too.

I went and saw my grandmother who was totally out of it sleeping. She looks so frail now...well she's been looking this way for a few months now...slowing loosing weight. This is the last of my grands; the rest have already left this world. She is really special to me. I remember back in the day when I was a little boy she would call me 'Bong-see'. It's obviously not a real word, just my nick name she gave me with love.

Later in the waiting room I got the ok from one of the nurses that it was alright to see granny. She was awake now and I was able to talk with her. I stroked her hair and kissed her forehead as I told her "I love Granny." I said to her that she needed her sleep and to have a good night and that I would see her in tomorrow.

After arriving home from 2 plus hours in the hospital I got some more shitty news. I found out that Joe has been given 6 months to live. My eyes welted up with the emotion that filled my heart. "This sucks!!" I can't believe this!

This has indeed been a "Terrible Tuesday", just as my gmail custom message was set to today. I'm so tired of death...but it's one of those shitty harsh realities we all have to deal with. All you can do is live each day like it's your last.

Abaco Wedding Trip

2008-06-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

On the 19th of June I headed to The Abaco's for a week excursion Wedding Trip! We all had such a fantastic time (especially me *wink wink*). First we flew from Nassau to Marsh Harbour via the official air carrier of The Bahamas, Bahamasair.

We arrived safely, though it was a hot flight, and headed off to the ferry dock where we also had lunch at Curly Tails. I got the Chicken Teriyaki Wrap which I do not recommend to anyone! It was so salty...yuck! They used too much bloody sauce. The service however was good and others thought what they had ordered was good too.

The Curly Tails Gang

It was finally time for the ferry to depart to Guana Cay where we all had cottages and golf carts rented. All the bags were loaded except for a grocery bag which slipped off the dock and bobbed against the hull of the boat. The journey lasted about 45 minutes, which is a long time to go without a cocktail, so I had to have a light American beer to get by.

We made it to Guana Cay dock just as it started to rain. We all scurried in the rain off loading our luggage from the ferry and loading them up on carts. As this was going on passengers were also trying to get off the boat, and my brother-in-laws father, Joe had an accident as he tried to climb out. He was unable to pull himself up the stairs and so fell a little way cutting his leg wide open. My brother caught him by his arm as he fell, but the damage was already done.

Joe was carried to a golf cart to relax while we continued to hustle in the rain which began to pour now. Lots of work and laughs were in full swing. Someone had gone over to check the condition on Joe which was not good. Joe is a bleeder and so there was a fair amount of blood on the cart. It was decided that he had to go back to the main land since there is not much to help him in Guana Cay. Joe was helped back to the ferry, and it left shortly after that. If he not left on that departure he would have had to wait about four hours until it arrived again.

We headed off to our destination which is about 200' from the beach, but one can see panoramic views of it from the wooden stairs which was only about 10 to 15 feet from the sliding door. The cottage we stayed was called 'Peas 'n Rice' and the other family of ours stayed in the cottage right next door called 'Crab Claw'. The cottages were the same layout, just different paint jobs. Both had a very homey feel to them.

That night we had a Barbeque at my place (Peas 'n Rice) consisting of Pork Chops, Steak, Homemade Boerewors [a South African sausage which translates into Farmers Sausage.], garlic bread, corn and salad. Everything tasted so delicious. Yum!

After the braai (a South African word meaning barbeque) some of us (the boys) headed off to finish the evening at Nippers. It concluded nicely there.

The next day we hung out at 'Peas 'n Rice' and drove around Guana Cay with friends and family and purchasing extra items like more water & beer :-) Later that day we we gathered at the other house, 'Crab Claw' and had a late lunch or early dinner. After that we headed off to get Nipped at Nippers. This time we were all there! People came out of the wood works and socialized with one another. It was one of the most memorable times I've ever had there. "F to the Antastic!" ...(my new saying people). We even had two bonfires and fireworks lighting up the pitch black sky.

Unfortunately, it was not all fun as someone stole my Chinese Symbol 'Joy' Tervis Tumbler. I was pissed! One moment I was drinking from my cup, and the next it was gone! Someone picked it right off the table where I was. (BTW this picture is not where it disappeared.)

Also one of my friends could not locate their golf cart (because someone took hers), so she hopped in mine and took off. When I decided to leave I could not find mine so I stole one too. Later that evening my friends ran into me and they were looking to beat up someone who took their cart, but had a change of heart when they realized it was me.

We had a few laughs about this and danced in the street...(unfortunately the pix all came out blurry). We went looking for my cart (like they did) but we were unable to locate it, so we decided that I would just steal one, and I did. We pulled up to the yacht club at Grabbers and I tried my key in a few that I liked, but had to settle on another one...it worked though, and got me home :)

The next day on my way to the grocery store for more water I ran into some friends who spilled the beans on who had my cart. I turned the corner and low and behold there was Rachel sitting on my cart. She was about to pull off but I pulled right in front of her so she could not. I told her that the cart she stole was mine and she reluctantly traded with me. Now that cart I had I washed my hands of; it was not my problem anymore. I had my ride back and that was all that really mattered to me at that point.

Here's where things start getting hazy. I guess that the alcohol has taken affect on my memory. I knew what happened step by step, but it's been a little while now since the trip. My memory is good; but in all honestly I am purposely leaving out certain information.

After all the adventures prior...in was finally the Wedding day, which did not go off 'without' a hitch.Things were not going right. Electricity was off and on all morning; mostly off. The water was not working due to the fact that power was needed for the water pump. I had to go get the iron from the office so that we could all get our clothes pressed nicely, which we were able to do before the power went off the first time.

The food needed to be prepared and the tomatoes were a little spoiled. There was also a large collection of clouds which were threating the island and everyone who came thought that it would soon rain. Thunder could be heard in the distance as the storm grew closer. The entire day I kept my eyes open to this fact. It spried a little by there was no down pour, so the wedding was saved.

It was a fantastic time! I'd say "F to the Antastic!" Lot's of people said that it was the party of the year. Everyone had a terrific time. I'll post a link to some videos and pictures later if I do not put them right here soon...

Another one taken by Cancer

2008-06-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

I was away in Abaco and when I returned to Nassau I learnt that another one had been taken by cancer. When I was living in Little Blair Estates the neighbours behind me moved out; they moved somewhere in the States. The new neighbours, The Albury's, moved in and I got to know them very well. It was a family of four consisting of a mother (Christine), a father (Drew), and two young boys (Christian & Stephan). I would go over to their house and play with them, swim in their pool and just hang out. Fond memories. They would also go to the same church I attended.

Christine Albury was there for us when my father past away. She was always there to give a word of encouragement. I knew she was sick, but I did not know how bad. Anyway, when I got the news that her time had come (And i might add that it came to soon), I shed tears for her. I miss her. She was a wonderful person and she will be missed by many.

Love you Christine :)

Burger King closing down?

2008-05-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I decided that I wanted to have a burger for a change so on my way home I took a different route to include Burger King in it. I did not go out of my way too much thank goodness, it was more of a detour.

On my way driving there I was thinking of what I wanted to eat, "What shall I get today?" I asked myself. I felt like a burger, so chicken was out! It only took me a second to come up with having a 'Bacon Double Cheeseburger Combo'. Yummy! The thought of the open grilled, smoked bacon aroma and taste started to get my saliva glans working up a storm.

I pulled into the drive through at Burger King on Prince Charles Drive and told myself that the answer to my cravings would soon be in my stomach. I stopped a little away from the order board because there was a truck in front of me. He moved forward so I was now able to place my order I have been fantasying drooling thoughts about.

"Welcome to Burger King, may I take your order" came the voice over the speaker. "Yes" I replied. "I would like a number 6" (I believe that's the number the Bacon Double Cheeseburger is listed under, at least at this location).

The voice came back, "I'm sorry. We do not have any burgers at this time."
Stunned, and quite upset I replied "WHAT?! What did you say? You don't have any burgers? This is Burger KING right? You don't have any burgers? Is that right?"

Only silence was heard.

I spoke up "Hello. Hello. HELLO! Are you there?!"
"Yes sir" replied the lady behind Burger King's shame.
"Is that right?" I asked again
"Yes sir. We do not have any burgers at this time."
"What time will you have burgers?" I questioned further
"I don't know" she replied, "I just don't know"
I then concluded may conversation with a "Thank you", leaned back in my chair, put up the window and thought "Now how the hell am I going to get out of this line?"

Luckily I was ideally located near the road so I just had to drive over the sidewalk and into the road and I was on my way after that.

Now let me ask you this, What kind of Burger King runs out of burgers? Isn't it the 'Home of the Whopper'? Isn't the Whopper a burger? How can they call themselves 'Burger King' which is like saying that they are the King of Burgers? But where's the beef? There's no burgers here!

But you know what? This is very reminiscent to the time I went to KFC at Saunders Beach and they had No Chicken!

More Sad News - Cancer

2008-03-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I was informed that my brother In-law's father (Joe), who was great buddies with my father, has cancer in the neck. I never heard of that before. Boy cancer doesn't quit...it just spreads and changes it's form.

The first thought was to have the cancer operated on, but unfortunately the doctors said that because of the size and the location, it would not be possible. So the second step of attacking the virus that is attacking Joe is radiation.

Man, I just did 'time' (one year-ish) trying to deal and come to grips with my father passing away; now I got to go through this shit again?! I remember my father always telling me so-and-so has colon cancer, so-and-so has melanoma, so-and-so has breast cancer, and so-and-so just died from cancer. It seems that everybody had, has, or will have this terrible disease.

Good Samaritan: Part 2: "Bush Push"

2007-11-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

As I approached the second to last turn I would have to make before entering my community I saw an old dented car on the road between the left and right turning lane. The driver had opened his door as I passed him and turned left.

I looked in my rear view mirror and saw the man who had gotten out of his car, walk to the front of his vehicle and open the hood. White smoke spied out and surrounded the man in a cloak of vapour. I was sure it was radiator trouble.

A convince store lay a little ahead and I was able to get off the road as a speedster in a large white Ford F-250 truck zoomed by. I turned around to go help the stranger, just like a stranger helped me earlier. Lord knows I've been in those circumstances many times myself.

I neared the wreckage and asked the man "Radiator trouble?" to which he replied, "Yea. She crack." He was a Haitian man of about 50 or so years and he spoke English well enough for the average Bahamian to understand easily.

"Would you like some help?" I continued, "I can help you. What do you want to do? Do you have any Coolant? Any water? A container?"

He stammered as he spoke, "No fluids. Water? Push car and let cool."

"I don't have coolant but I can get water. You want that? Cool down radiator. "

"No. Just push car and wait for engine to cool."

"I can help you move the car" I stated. As I started to move to find a parking space he nodded, confirming acceptance of my help. I found one, turned off my car and got out, walked towards him and asked "Where do you want it?"

He rose his right hand and pointed to the clearing off the road directly behind his car. "There, push car."

I placed my hands on the hood of his car and pushed like a sumo wrestler would while he steered from the driver's side of the car. In a matter of about 30 seconds the car was off the road and out of the motorists way.

"What are you going to do?" I inquired.

"Let cool. Too hot. Cool down, then I drive."

"You can only go so far before she heats up again. You need to get that fixed. I recently had radiator trouble too and took my car to Toms Radiator. You know Toms? On Wulff Road?"

"Yea, yea Toms. I know Toms"

"I'd go there" I continued. "They can fix it good.
Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No. Just wait 'till car cool. Thank you."

"You're welcome. It was my pleasure."

I started to move to go to my car when I heard the Haitian add, "God bless you."

I replied, "Thank you. Hope all goes well. Take care. Bye." I got back in my car, waved goodbye and continued the rest of my way home.

Just as I was helped, I help another. It made me feel really good to help someone I didn't know, someone I'll probably never see again. It felt good to pass on the "doing-good-to-others" feeling. Why don't you be a good Samaritan for someone today? Help spread being human, and be a good Samaritan.

Good Samaritan: Part 1: "Tire Hire"

2007-11-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

When work was over I had nothing planned straight away; nothing except getting home and relaxing for a bit before the evening began.

It was a normal drive in the afternoon traffic as I headed towards the gas station I frequent. I pulled up to a pump to top off the fuel tank in my metal chariot.

Another car pulled up to a pump two over from me and started shouting things. I ignored the shouting at first since I didn't even think that they would be trying to get my attention. They persisted.

As I put down the windows on my side to speak with a pump attendant, I turned my head to the right; the direction of the hollers, and tried to communicate with the driver and his front seat passenger. I thought he was informing me that my back right tire needed some air so I really wasn't too into them. The passenger got out of the car and my eyes went to him. He spoke and I was now able to understand what they had been trying to tell me.

"You only have one nut!"

"What?" I questioned myself, "What did he mean?"

The driver and passenger were both pointing at the tire as I got out of the car to inspect the situation. When I examined my tire I noticed that the men were absolutely correct. All but one nut were missing.

"You got a wrench?" inquired the passenger.
"Yeah" I shouted back, "It's in my trunk somewhere."

I moved to the back of my car, opened the trunk and started my search. It was a little bit of a mess back there since I had not put the things that I stored in there back in their rightful places.

"You got a wrench?" came the question again. I just managed to put my hands on it then, stood up right and as soon as I did the passenger grabbed it, slid it out of my right hand, and went to work on my front right tire. Without a thought this gentleman in dark blue overalls started gathering nuts from two of my other tires.

I thought that it would be a good idea to Jack up my car so that the tire would be straight on the tire rods once the nuts were added, so I grabbed my Jack from the trunk and lifted my car a few inches.

"You lucky" the helpful and kind man said as he did his work. "Man you could have been dead. All you need is to be going 40 [miles per hour] on a corner and your car could have flipped over if the tire came off. You lucky! Man, you lucky!"

"I know" I replied, "Real lucky. Thank you for telling me. Thank you so much. I heard a knocking noise back there and wondered what it was. Thank you again."

I put the Car Jack back in the trunk and organized it as I went along. I was thinking of offering the good Samaritan's some money for their kindness, but when I closed my trunk they were gone; another car occupied the space they had been in.

I got in my car with a thankful smile on my face and continued my trek home.

International Food & Cultural Festival 2007

2007-10-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attended the International Food Festival which is held in Nassau Bahamas at the Botanical Gardens in October every year. I don't remember which annual number this was, but I remember enjoying it as a young boy.

Upon entering the gates and paying the three dollar ($3) entrance fee I headed to get a beer at

I featured a head of fluorescent green hair which I wore proudly representing the the Springboks World Cup win from the previous day.

Springbok's WIN Rugby World Cup

2007-10-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

The Springboks win over England

http://www.sarfu.org.za/

You might be wondering why I have written this stuff here when this is a blog in The Bahamas. Or maybe not. Well, just to let you know I was born in South Africa and support my fellow South African. I've been watching and supporting the Springboks for all my life. What a great sport, and what a fantastic team.

Go Boks!

Happy Birthday Dad

2007-08-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

Today was my fathers birthday. He was born in 1945 ahead of his twin brother and he grew up in a house on Mackey Street with his older sister and parents. Dad would be only 62 years young today.

We celebrated his birthday just like he would have like it; with a barbeque. He loved his B.B.Q's just like we all do, but not with the same zest as he did.

I could just picture him right now at the grill. His back is to me and there is a lot of white smoke pouring out of the black box and enveloping him. There had just been a fire-up and daddy had tossed some water on it to calm the flames. I can see him turn his head with his silly smile and sparkling blue eyes, open his mouth and say,"Eat your heart out!" referring to how much better his grilling was to say, Burger King if he were grilling up some burgers.

This evening we had over the immediate family along with dad's brother, sister and mother. When we were at the dinner table we toasted "Happy Birthday" to dad with our wine glasses. After eating Teriyaki Pork Chops, Johnsonville Italian sausage, BBQ chicken, steak and sweet corn on the cob prepared on the grill along with rice & salad, we got the balloons out.

We all wrote dad a letter or note and attached it to the ribbon on our personal balloon. These colourful devices were filled with helium so that they could float away. We all went outside, sang "Happy Birthday" and let go of the balloons. We watched as the balloons bearing our thoughts and feeling floated away and eventually disappeared in the distance.

"Happy Birthday Daddy"

I Feel GREAT!

2007-08-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

This morning I went on my first chiropractic appointment ever and now I feel GREAT!

Over the weekend I was at my buddy's house with some other friends and I mentioned that I would be going on my first Chiropractic Adventure. Of course everyone had to charm in with their opinion and stories. The overall tone was:

"Don't Go"
"It will make you feel worse"
"Once you go, you keep going"
"You are going to be in so much pain"

So far,.....they were all wrong.

Dr. J Lightbourn of Life Chiropractic Center impressed me with her knowledge and skill. Even though it was my first time going to a Chiropractor and only wearing my socks, boxers, and a robe, I was comfortable and relaxed the entire time. It was a pleasurable experience and I'm sure I will go again when my body needs it.

Bahamas Car Cruize

2007-07-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a video clip I uploaded on YouTube of what you can expect to see during Junkanoo. This will entertain you. Sorry it's short though.

Click here to see the Bahamas Crazy Car Cruize vid on YouTube

Happy Father's Day Dad

2007-06-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Just letting you know that I think about you every single day dad.
Rest In Peace.

My most recent Florida Trip

2007-06-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

I can not tell you the last time I had a vacation. Sure I've had a weekend here and there and I've Island Hopped throughout The Bahamas, but I've not left The Bahamas Islands in ages. I finally decided that I needed to get away from the office, get off the rock and get myself some well deserved R & R.

Plans were in place for a friend of mine who lives in Florida to have a Bachelor party so I figured that this was the perfect time to get away from it all and go crazy.

The first night I was in town I admit I was excited and so was unable to control my drinking as well as I usually do which resulted in me being a little belligerent. Even though some people I was around initially might not have been too fond of me, I was throughly enjoying myself.

"Another Jack please"

My brother joined us the next day. He flew in from Saint Louis from just seeing his girlfriend, and he was ready to party. We got our supplies, Jack, beer, ice, meat, chips etc..

I was fixed at the barbeque grilling up some food for the guys who would be arriving soon to start the pre party before hitting the strip clubs. The limo arrived and we finally got ourself together and headed out the door.

We had a great time. Most of it I don't remember.

My brother was leaving and needed to be taken to the airport, so this was decided to be the pickup point, where my other friend (TA) would pick me up. I was waiting for them to pick me up.

What a way to start the year

2007-02-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

All I hope is that this year gets better and not any worse. It has started out pretty crazy and depressing. Kinda like hitting a large brick wall with no way around or over it, in the middle of your track. Things can go wrong, and it always seems to do so when everything else is going wrong too. Shit always seems to happen together.

So far my father passed away, I surprizingly survived a car crash where I could have easily died, and then I somehow contracted the Chicken Pox virus - all in January; the beginning of the year! What else can go wrong? Don't ask. I've got eleven more months to go through. Let's see what happens.

Look who's got The POX

2007-01-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

After been sick for about 2 weeks I finally decided to go to the doctor and get some antibiotics to rid my body from whatever virus was sucking the life out of me. I went to see Dr. Christopher Basden at The Medi Center. After spending quite some time in the waiting room it was my turn to see him, and so my name was called from the list and I went into one of the examination rooms with one of the nurses who asked me some basic questions and took some of my vital statistics.

Dr. Basden came into the examination room I was in about seven minutes after the nurse had left. He did his basic tests too after reading the information the nurse had written down. He concluded that I had the cold/Flu and he prescribed for me a course of _____________ , an antihistamine (I don't remember the name), and 800mg ibuprofen tablets for the pain I was experiencing throughout my body.

I went home and thought nothing of it until I awoke the next morning to find red spots along my hairline and all on my neck. What had he given me? Was I having an allergic reaction to the antihistamine? I went back to the doctor and found out that I was,"...one of the ones that fell through the cracks." I looked puzzled and questioned the doctor, "What does that mean?"

"You have Chicken Pox" he replied.

"What!? I thought so." I was kinda hoping for that cause I had no idea what else it could be and I was a little afraid of the endless possibility that could surround and consume me. It was 'Sour Relief'. Relief because it could have been a lot worse. Sour because having Chicken Pox sucks! I soon realized this in the coming days.

I'm not sure if you are aware of this or not but, once getting up in age and not having The Pox the chance of you dying increases. In other words the older you are the higher the odds. This tormented me at night when I had the worse of my migraines. So many nights I awoke with high fevers, lots of shivers and migraines so painful it literally felt like my head would split open any minute.

Did I itch? Hell yeah I did. That's what's The Pox basically are - very, very itchy bumps that spread all over your body; careful where you touch. If there is one thing that I can say helped me get out in one piece that would be me being Very Careful. I constantly washed my hands and I had to develop new methods of doing certain duties (if you know what I mean?).

My head caused me the most pain. Besides the migraines the bumps were a dime-a-dozen on my scalp. They were so sore *sniff* *sniff* ;(

The only way to get through The Chicken Pox is to use calamine lotion often. I also highly recommend using Aveeno ® Soothing Bath Treatment which is made from 100% natural colloidal oatmeal which relives itchy skin too. It also helped to have a few cans of LYSOL® Disinfectant Spray on hand to help kill the virus and stop it spreading to anyone else.

Luckily after two weeks of pain and agony The Pox were scabbing up and I'm happy to say that I had no scaring.

This is a picture I took of myself a few
days after The Chicken Pox started appearing.

My First Car Crash In Ages

2007-01-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

My best friend (who is really my brother - just not by blood) and his wife came down from Florida (where they live) to be with me and my mother during this very difficult time. Tyrone, and his better half, wanted to pay their respects to my father by attending his funeral which will be held on Wednesday 17th January at the church we worship at; Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Shirley Street.

My car has been in the shop for a while now getting my transmission fixed by the authorized Honda dealer for Nassau, well it's probably the entire Bahamas. Anyway, Tyrone did not rent a car and his family down here didn't lend him one so I had to borrow my mothers '98 Pontiac so that I could pick up my friends at their hotel and hang for a bit; catch a couple cocktails and chat.

Nassau Palm Resort

On my way to the Nassau Palm Resort at about 8:30ish in the evening I got in a car accident. I was heading west on Shirley Street, and this ass that caused this traffic accident was heading north on East Street. Well I'm just cruising with the rest of the cars heading west when suddenly I saw a car fly from the left (East St.) and was directly in front of me. It happened so fast that I did not have time to hit the breaks and try to stop the inevitable from happening. All I could do was close my eyes.

I felt the impact of our cars and the G-force which accompanied it, then it felt like I was floating. Just bobbing around on white fluffy clouds until I was jolted to an abrupt stop. I opened my eyes and saw that the airbag in the steering wheel had opened and all the white dust was floating in the air. I opened my door and tried to get out but I was moving too slow and had to quickly remove my hand from the way of the drivers door coming right back at me. It slammed. I tried again and this time put my foot out so that the door could not return. I pulled myself out of my seat and my legs were hanging outside the car but they were not touching the ground. I had to hop to reach it; that or fall. I then surveyed my surroundings.

I quickly examined myself searching for ripped clothes, scratches, bruises and blood. A fragment of flying glass from the windshield must have cut me on my right wrist, but I could not find anything else wrong with me. People were now gathering in abundance. I had a small crowd of five to eight people checking out me and asking if I was alright. I then heard a baby crying in the distance. One of the ladies then said,"Oh Lord! She gat a baby wit her." And another lady shouted,"Check if aight. Da baby crying!"

The irresponsible driver that ran the red street light had her child in the front of the car with her. Not only was the driver not wearing her seatbelt, but her baby was not strapped in a child's car seat either. What do you think goes through these peoples heads? Not much, I say. Why on Gods green Earth would you not where your seatbelt, not strap your baby properly in your vehicle, and then not pay attention, run a red light and cause a car crash? WTF!!??

Stupid people do stupid things!

I got out my Sony Cybershot Digital Camera and started taking pictures to document the damage which had occurred. I looked at my moms car and saw that I had crashed into a parking lot wall. The impact threw the Pontiac (with me in it) ten to fifteen feet in the air and right into a brick wall. On the other side of the wall were three cars including a Mercedes Benz, which had blocks, debris and dust on them from the busted wall.

The ambulance had now arrived on the scene to make sure that who ever needed medical help got it. I declined their help as I only had that one small wound on my wrist and it was not bleeding heavily. My legs and arms seemed to be working normally and I did not feel light headed or pain from any part of my body.

Thank God no one got hurt in this absolutely preventable accident. The baby was fine too, it was just crying because it was scared shitless, nearly (but thankfully not) lifeless.

I was busy making phone calls. Called my brother in-law to notify him on the situation and rang my blood brother to see if I could have the car towed to his place because the private community that I live in has rules about these sort of things.

One of my friends that I have not seen in about four, five years was there by my side. He was riding shotgun in one of his friends cars when they passed by and he saw that I was involved in the street mess. They pulled over to see if they could help me in any way. I did require their help.

By now the tow truck that had arrived on the scene and had already pulled my car out of the parking lot wall was ready to take the injured Pontiac to it's final destination that night. I organized a plan with my on-site-buddy "Dex" and I jumped into the passengers side of the Tow Truck. Dex and his driver friend followed us to my brothers house which was about fifteen minutes away. After placing the car right where we wanted it, after removing some items from the car, after paying the tow truck driver I hopped in the back seat with my new friends and headed to get a drink. I was really needing it at this point now; it's time to relax.

I called Tyrone in his hotel room and told him that I was coming his way, we were going out and that I had a surprize for him. Tyrone hates suprizes but I had to keep this one a surprize. He said that him and his wife were not ready and to check them a little later so the three of us decided to get a cocktail while we waited for the two of them to get ready. "Flamingo's" was mentioned and we headed that way.

Turning on the corner I noticed that the bar was in darkness so I new they were closed but that really didn't matter because there were police all over the road. They, (the police) were pulling over cars and handing out tickets for a number of things. They even arrested a few people for outstanding warrants.

The cop waved us to the side. We got out after he told us to,"Turn off the car and step out of the vehicle." He wanted our drivers license's and we handed them over without griping. He wanted to see if either of us had any warrants. After about 25 minutes and total disbelief of the circumstances that were happening to me that night we were given the okay to leave. We headed directly to Tyrone's hotel.

When Ty arrived in the lobby of the hotel he saw me and then he saw Dex. It was a nice surprize since they had not seen each other since Tyrone got married a few years before. By the way I was Tyrone's Best Man.

After a little chit chat we all managed to squeeze into the black car Dex's friend was driving. We all wanted, and some of us needed a drink. We hit a number of bars and we all had a great time. It's just such a pity that I had to have such a bad time to have a great time.

Here are some of the pictures I took:

This is the car that ran the red light. You can see in the first picture the street sign in the background. That road is East Street. The main road that the car is pictured on is Shirley Street.

Nice Axel

I can tell you one thing. That car was tough. Dad bought this car for my mother because he wanted a strong, solid car that would protect her and keep her safe. Not only did the car keep me alive and pretty much injury free, but I believe that my father himself took part in protecting me and keeping me from harm.

My Father Passes

2007-01-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday 10th January my father, who had been fighting cancer for 5½ to 6 years, passed away to a better place where he will not suffer in pain and anguish anymore.

We had known that dad was on the final stretch. We had the doctor come over to the house fairly regularly and we also had a nurse who would come by and check in on things. The doctor said that daddy was going to pass on soon because his lungs were filled with fluid. You see, daddy was having a lot of difficulty breathing. He was coughing so much too. He became so weak that he could hardly move his good arm. His appetite had depreciated so much. He always used to eat so good. This was a clear sign to me that his time on this planet was almost over.

Dad was in so much pain from the coughing because the cancer had spread all over his lungs. And every time he would start coughing it would be hard for him to stop. There was so much fluid being produced on and in his lungs due to the cancer that you could hear the fluid vibrating in his throat as he breathed. When he spoke this sound was even more evident.

It got to a point that dad would say,"No more" "Make it stop" "Too much pain" "I wanna go" among others. We discussed with daddy the scenario informing him that we can lessen his pain by putting him on a Morphine drip but that he would eventually be incoherent. He understood us, we made sure of this. He had to understand his options. We knew what we wanted, but the final choice was his.

We put him on the Morphine drip (as per his wishes) which increased from level 1 to level 3 in one day. The next day he got up to 5. He was in and out; sleeping most of the time. This was nice because he was not in any pain when he was sleeping.

We were all there, his immediate family that is. His wife (my mother), his children (myself, my sister & brother), his grandchildren (my two niece's - my sister's girls), his son-in-law and various close friends which came and went throughout the day including his twin brother.

I was keeping myself busy the whole day. Keeping my mind off things because I knew what was slowly creeping up - The Reaper - and he's no friend of mine!

When the time was right (before daddy was incoherent) we each spent some alone time with him saying what we had to say. It was a very personal time for everyone. There was a lot of crying and lots of sniffles. But nothing compared to the overwhelming emotion after daddy's passing.

My sister was on the bed with daddy holding and stroking his good hand and arm while she spoke softly to him. She raised her head and looked at him when she noticed he starting breathing differently. He was gasping and his eyes were now open. She demandingly told my older brother to fetch mom which he did. Mommy ran into the room, but it was too late. Daddy had already taken his last breath and he was just laying there staring.

I've never heard anyone scream like that before. Well, on a side note I have. I had an acquaintance/friend who died in the hospital at the tender age of fourteen after been on life support and in a coma of a number of weeks because of a drunk driving car accident. I still cannot get her mothers screams and wails, and those of all her high school buddies out of my head after six years.

Anyway, my mother took it bad. She was screaming "No!" a lot. She could not believe it. I couldn't either. I found the nurses stethoscope and placed the cold metal on daddy's chest to make sure that his heart had stopped. I kept moving it all over his chest trying my best to find a heart beat. My sister looked hopefully at me but all I did was confirm the horrid end.

Here are some pictures I took that day

It was really overcast and windy that day. Can't you just feel the sadness in the air?

My father, dressed in his favourite shirt, spent some of his last moments with his lovely angelic granddaughters whom he loved so much. He wanted to be buried with two pictures he adored of his beautiful granddaughters, which were placed on his chest next to his heart.

"We were all there, his immediate family that is."

You can rest now dad.

Boxing Day Junkanoo

2006-12-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a video clip I uploaded on YouTube of what you can expect to see during Junkanoo. This will entertain you. Sorry it's short though.

Click here to see the vid on YouTube

Kramer Raps For You

2006-11-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

The other day Michael Richards (Kramer) went-off on some "niggers" at the comedy club where he was preforming. Apparently these guys were talking constantly, laughing obscurely to attract attention, and making rude remarks throughout Michaels show.

If you don't know about what happened, you were probably living under a rock at the bottom of the sea. Have you eventually come up for air? Good.

Click here to listen to the remix.
KKKramer - "I'm not a racist"

Kramer Speaks Out

2006-11-20T19:02:00.000-08:00

Here is the video clip that was taken by one gal who was watching Michael Richards in the comedy club. Michael's top blows off and he unleashes on the black men in balcony seats who were talking throughout his show.

Click here to go to YouTube to see what happened.

Another one taken by cancer

2006-11-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

This morning before I left to go to work, my brother in-law gave me a call to inform me that my co-worker/friend’s father in-law had a massive heart attack the night before and died. Mr. Higgs had flown to The United States so that he can have a PET Scan and some other scans as well so that the doctors can see how far along the cancer had spread.

For a couple of months my friend, the co-worker, said that she was telling everyone (his family) that he needed to go and get himself checked, especially since he had bumps which started appearing all over his body. I heard that he had these bumps on his arms, legs, chest and the largest of these were all over his back. Heard it was real nasty.

Mr. Higgs’ cancer had gone into remission for about a year, and he was doing pretty good. In fact I was a little miffed because his treatment worked for him, and treatment has never seemed to work for my dad. But that’s how cancer goes. Cancer affects different people differently and the medication works on some people and not on others. Everyone is a new experiment to cancer.

It’s like cancer is determining what vital organs to attack, which people to experiment on, how to change it’s own genetic makeup so that one day it will be free from our bodies and walk the Earth causing absolute mayhem, chaos, and anarchy.

Cancer is an epidemic that needs to be killed. All of our money, power and intelligence should be fixed on exterminating this deadly army of life killing cells.

HELP FIGHT CANCER
The Cancer Society of The Bahamas
American Cancer Society
Canadian Cancer Society
Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Foundation

Go Ahead, have another DRINK

2006-11-12T21:22:00.000-08:00

I don't seem to have the desire or the drive to want to do anything with this Blog now days. After I get home from my 9 to 5 job I do not want to spend anytime on the computer - I just spent 8 hours on one. All I want to do is mix myself a cocktail and watch the tube.

I'm an alcoholic. I know that. A lot of people I know are. That's the type of life I grew up in. A life many Nassauvians (locals from Nassau) grew up in. Most of these people would never admit it but they are. I know what I am and it doesn't bother me. I'm not one of those "over-board" or "on-the-edge" drinkers. I don't get all crazy and puke all over the place. I don't fall off my bench or trip down the stairs. I don't embarrass myself or others in public, private, or any other way. I'm a social drinker who no longer needs to be social to have a drink or two,.....or five.

I've been up and down on this Liquor Roller Coaster over the years. I cut down a lot on my drinking and I was doing pretty good (if you don't mind me blowing my horn a little), but then dad was admitted in the hospital because of breathing complications related to his continual progressing cancer. He was nearing the ever so final page of inevitable death;...I just sorta picked back up on an "old" habit.

It's been really hard on all of us. We all have our own way to deal with this "mess" we're in. Some deal with it better than others. I thought I was handling things well, but I might have to reevaluate my own situation.

I enjoy spending time with my father now days and he seems to be getting better, but I know he's not. The cancer has spread throughout his body, it's only a matter of time now. But how much time does he have on this Earth? How long will my daddy be with us physically? No one knows. It could be one month, six months, one year or five. All I do know is that his race is almost over and no matter what happens that finish line will come too quickly.

I can only hope that when that day arrives and the following weeks, months, and even years; that I do not go overboard and drown in the frigged liquids of "what's your poison?" and spiral way out of control with mind altering drugs.

Anna Nicole Smith's Son's Death A Mystery

2006-09-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

Source alleges that the medical team at Doctor's Hospital were unable to find the proper oxygen supply needed to resuscitate the young man.

The "how and why" surrounding 20-year-old Daniel Hogan's mysterious death is being kept under wraps in an autopsy report that should have been completed last night. The only son of American celebrity Anna Nicole Smith died on the maternity ward at Doctors Hospital while visiting his mother and newborn baby sister on Sunday.

According to sources close to the case, preliminary investigations revealed that various medications along with drugs were found in his system.

"All we know right now is that he was on anti-depressants," the source said. "Some things indicate that he probably overdosed on those drugs."

While local and international media and officials are fishing for answers into Daniel's death, there is much speculation as to exactly why his mother was in The Bahamas in the first place.

At a news conference to mark the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, Prime Minister Perry Christie answered that question.

"One of the things I think you should know is that she was granted permanent residency last week," Prime Minister Christie said. "So she is in fact a permanent resident of The Bahamas."

Anonymous sources told The Guardian that Anna Nicole Smith recently bought a house in the high-end area on the Eastern Road. But media reports are also speculating that she might have had a caesarean section or complications during pregnancy because she was still in hospital three days after giving birth. It is still believed that Anna Nicole is still in the country, as Daniel's body was still under investigation by Doctor Govindo Raju, a pathologist at The Princess Margaret Hospital.

Daniel was reportedly vomiting uncontrollably before he collapsed and died. The source added that his mother went into a violent rage helplessly trying to revive her son. The room where they were "was a total mess," the source added, claiming that vomit and blood were splattered everywhere. According to workers in the hospital, seeing Daniel die before her eyes dealt a serious blow to his mother, who fought with the doctors in the room to get closer to her son's lifeless body. The source also alleged the medical team was unable to find the proper oxygen supply needed to resuscitate him at the time.

"That's nonsense," said the hospital chief. "That's total nonsense. I can't make any other comments at this time because number one, it's a police matter and number two, it's confidentiality of the patient that we will preserve."

The 38-year-old actress and model has not been spotted since the incident unfolded, but The Guardian news team was able to get a good view of her new born daughter as she was being carried out of the hospital on Sunday.

Her lawyer, Howard K Stern, used that opportunity to rush out of a side exit of Doctors Hospital, thereby avoiding the press.

Anna Nicole Smith, whose birth name is Vickie Lynn Hogan, is famous for her many Playboy magazine appearances and movie roles. Anna Nicole gave birth to her only son at age 18.

By IANTHIA SMITH & INDERIA SAUNDERS, Nassau Guardian Staff Reporters

My Father's in ICU

2006-09-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

I just want to let you know that my father is not doing to well. He is in the Intensive Care Unit in the hospital.

On Monday July 17th he had a spasm in his left arm which caused it to "lock-up". Tuesday (18th July) he was admitted into Doctor's Hospital for observation. This was after a scan of his head. The doctors noticed 3 spots that they believe are cancerous because of his history dealing with it. The doctor's are not sure wheather the spots in his brain are indeed cancerous or not. The only way they can do this is to do a biopsy. However they cannot do this because of the small size and the location in his brain. They do not want to go in there and do more damage. Basically dad was bleeding from these locations in his brain which are inflamed. The only other option to "treat" the damaged portions of his brain is with radiation.

Dad was released from the hospital on Thursday (20th July). It was so nice to have him at home again.

Since then dad has been having the radiation on his brain. Chemotherapy had to be stopped since the two forms togther can do more bad than good. Chemotherapy & radiation do not mix well together.

On Saturday 26th August dad had a 104 degree temperature.

Dad has not been able to speak like his usual self. He has been running out of breath easily. His breathing has gotton so bad. Quick short breaths.

On the Wednesday another high temp. And on Friday it was back up to 104 again. Dad looked really, really bad. He was buring right up but he did not want to go to the hospital because that night (Friday) was a planned suprize birthday party for mom (who's actual birthday was on the following Monday). Even though daddy did not want to go he had to, so he confessed to mommy about the party.

On Sunday (3rd Sep) he was admitted into ICU and has been there since. Dr. Curling said that dads breathing passage had been clogged with a clot. He said that the cancer was making it hard for him to breathe. Also they found out that dad had pneumonia. The doctors decided to open up his lunges so that he can breathe easier. They inserted a tube down daddy's throat into his lungs and he was put on a resperator (the breathing machine). He now also has a staph infection as a result from the "operation".

Monday it was believed that dad had had a stroke because he was not moving his left part of his body. He had a scan done in the morning to see what changes occured in his brain. If there was a stroke it would be visible in the results. We would also be able to see if the spots in his head had grown in any way. There were no changes compared to the previous scan done in July.

Mom has been in the hospital by daddy's side straight through. She is so tired and worn out. She's a trooper though. If she did not have her children, and good friends to support her I just don't know what type of state she'd be in. She's not eating well, a little piece of something here and there. At least she's eating something. We all keep asking her if shes hungry, if she wants a sandwitch etc.

The wedding goes off without a hitch.

2006-05-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

I am writing this a lot later then the events occurred but I did want to include this in my blog so I decided to write a little sumthing sumthing anyway.

The Wedding took place on
Saturday 6th May 2006 at
Ebenezer Methodist Church on Shirley Street.

Even though I felt distant from the groom; (he had previously said over and over again that he wanted me to be apart of his wedding) I summoned my courage, left my pride and did as he had asked me to do. I butched up and put my sorrows in a jar and ushered his wedding.

By the way there was more to being an usher than showing people where to sit, which is funny because that’s all I did for my sisters wedding ten years ago. I was so busy in the days leading up to this wedding and I had my hands filled on the special day itself. I escorted the groom’s mother down the isle and then I picked my nose in the back of the church.

It was a nice and quick ceremony; just the type I like. Short and sweet don’t they say? I have to admit that I was looking forward to the reception which was held at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa located on the Cable Beach strip. I was not looking forward to this because of where I was going (I seem to be there often enough), heavens no, I was looking forward to the reception (as I’m sure most people do) because I live to party and there is nothing better than a wedding party. And there’s nothing better to keep those jarred sorrows quiet than a couple of shots and a few cocktails of rum and whiskey and coke.

Dude, there's my car!

2006-04-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

I’ve been looking for another car since my last one was stolen from me in March.

My eyes were open as they scoured the Tribune (one of our local papers), the internet, and car lots hoping to find that perfect something. In my mind I wanted an SUV but I did not want a massive vehicle, gas guzzler, or something that put a serious dent in my bank account.

I placed a number of calls to an individual inquiring about an Isuzu Rodeo, but no one ever answered the cell phone. I tried the other phone number that was mentioned in the advertisment, and nobody knew what I was talking about. Clearly I’m not the stupid one here. Hells no! The bright, enlightened one who placed the classified ad in the paper should go ahead and shoot themselves and everyone else at that home number in the foot; might as well shoot yourself in the head whilst you’re at it. The world needs less stupid people. "Go ahead! I dare you!" All the idiot needed to do was to tell everyone at the land line that he wanted to sell his car and to expect the phone to ring with inquiries. "Dumbass! You'll never sell anything." Needless to say (but I’m about to anyway), I didn’t buy that car.

I knew what I wanted now but I still had to find it. I thought that the best thing for me to get would be a Honda CRV. It’s not too BIG, and it’s higher off the ground than a regular car, and I don’t think that they drink lots and lots of gasoline. Well, I never ever saw one of these advertised in the papers so I had to move on and open my options.

Anyway, to make a long story short (too late) I received a call from one of my friends informing me that his father had an extra car that he wanted to sell. I had a look and a test drive and fell in love with it. So a few days later I purchased it; done deal.

What I ended up with was a 2001 white Honda Accord with leather interior and a 2.3 liter VTEC fuel injected engine. Sweet! I have so much more room than my 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. I’m way more comfortable and proud of this car. Let’s hope that this one doesn’t get swiped from me, and that I take really, really good care of it.

Easter Weekend in Hope Town, Abaco

2006-04-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a trip! I thoroughly enjoyed myself this long weekend (Friday 14th to Monday 17th) in Abaco. This was my 1st time back to the islands since my sixth grade school trip, which was so like 16 years ago.

A fairly large group of us spent our Easter weekend vacation together. The only stress we had came from my sisters two little girls who are only two and four respectively. The youngest is a “mommy-clinger” or as my dad says a “sucker fish” (you know, the fish that sticks to sharks and clean them). Anyway, it was such a joy spending time with family and friends together on a different island.

We had planned for just about everything. We took coolers filled up with food. We even made a very large pot of chicken souse and froze it before we came to the island. Beers were purchased locally in Hope Town by one of our friends before we arrived. It was nice to get off the ferry, walk about 120 feet or less, and crack open a cold Stella Artois from the cooler filled with beer and ice.

We stayed in Hope Town in a perfectly sized wooden home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, front porch, back patio, equipped kitchen, family room with sliding door to main patio area with barbeque grill and steps to the Crows Nest where one could easily gaze at the famous Hope Town Lighthouse, the marina, and the rooftops of many Bahamian island homes.

I had a blast in Hope Town and the day I spent at Nippers on Great Guana Cay. I’ll absolutely go back again; sooner rather than later. Well, it definitely won’t be another sixteen years.

I did not want to leave Hope Town; I felt right at home. However Marsh Harbour was a different story. It’s the “main land” like the city and that’s where all the trouble making people live. It was reminiscent of Nassau, which I don’t like at all. I’m thinking about leaving Nassau and making a move to Hope Town, Abaco.

The Talk

2006-04-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

I walked into Niko's, the bar where JP and I decided to meet. I did not know anyone there, which is a good thing because JP and I had serious discussions to have.

He was running late. Stuck at a clients longer than he thought. I was finishing up my second Anejo & coke when he joined me at the bar. I must have been on my sixth cigarette. I was feeling a little nervous meeting him, because I knew we were going to get into some really deep shit. JP ordered a Bud Light and another Anejo & coke for yours truly.

We began with small chat which lead to "bullshit" and finally to the reason why we met at the bar that day. Drinks flowed from the bartender and down our hatches. More and more cigarettes were smoked as the conversation grew larger and larger.

I had the letter in my shirt pocket but JP did not want to read it. He didn’t even want to touch the paper that I printed my thoughts and feels on. It was like that letter was his kryptonite. I never expected to change the decisions that he had already made. I just thought that he needed to hear what I had to say before the wedding.

We discussed a lot of things at the bar that day. Guess you can say that I’m still a little miffed, but whatever. The funny thing is that JP is not my bestest, or even best friend. We’ve done a lot together and shared a lot of good times but maybe that’s where the buck stops. I never really thought about it too much, and I shan’t any more.

Today is the day.

2006-03-31T13:05:00.000-08:00

Today JP and I are meeting at one of the bars to talk about things after work. Today is the day that JP reads the letter that I wrote below.

I don't intend to burn any bridges and I don't think that will happen anyhow. Wish me luck.

I'm NOT the best man ?? !!

2006-03-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

My friends wedding is coming up shortly (sometime in May '06) and he had given me an invite to his wedding about 4 weeks ago. I said nothing as he handed me the invite though I was thinking that I should have known about this earlier since I expected to be his Best Man.

We have been close for a very long time. In fact his parents and mine are best friends. I even started it all back in the day. I've thought about this and if I had not gone out of my way to say "hi" to him that day, his parents and mine would not be the type of friends they are today.

Below is a letter that I had to write to him so that he would know where I stand. Before I get to that I just want to explain that since JP had been seeing KC she appeared to have something against me. I never was able to figure it out. I even asked JP about it and he basically told me to forget about it because it was nothing.

Note:
I have changed the names of the people mentioned in this letter to their initials so as to "protect" their identity.

PS - TC is KC's brother & NC is TC's wife.

Dear J***s R****t P****r,

Today I find myself writing you a letter so that you will know exactly how I feel about your wedding plans and us.

Perhaps I am mistaken, but I thought that we were best friends (or the like). I have known you, and been your (bestest) friend for more than twenty years! That’s a long time to know someone, especially since we’re not even thirty yet.

I could not, and still do not believe that you did not ask me to be your best man. That is an insult of the worst kind! In my mind, I was able to accept that TC would be your best man, but now I cannot especially after finding out that there is more in your party than TC and NC. Another slap in my face! I completely understand your brother standing in your wedding, but what about JH? If JH if standing in your wedding (next to TC I might add), I definitely should be, (and he agrees).

I’m absolutely appalled and baffled on your decision to not have me in your party (especially me not being your best man). You asked me if I wanted to be an usher at your wedding. What is this? Some sort of ‘runner up prize’? Remember I asked you “Do I have to [be an usher in your wedding]?” Clearly I did not want to be. And truthfully I still don’t.

Did you feel sorry for me (for you not asking me to be in your party) after I spoke to you at Green Parrot, or did you just need a person to usher your wedding guests? Either way I have made my decision. I will not be insulted further. I refuse to entertain you, KC, the C****r Family, and anyone else, by being an usher at your wedding, when in my heart of hearts I believe that I should be standing next to you in the church. But it is clear that you do not.

Furthermore there is no reason for KC to have a problem with me. I have done her no wrong. And if I have, I have no idea what it possibly could be. Both you and her smile in my face like nothing is wrong, but there is indeed something amiss.

I must reiterate that I wrote you this letter so that you would know exactly how I feel. I am so hurt by your actions, or lack thereof. It feels as if you have tossed me aside like yesterdays trash. I can only hope that you never feel the astounding pain of betrayal that I feel inside right now.

From your ‘friend’

And then I signed the letter.

Everyone that I have spoken to, or whom has spoken to me, does not understand why JP did not ask me to be his Best Man. My mother, father, sister, brother in-law, co-worker and friends are all confused by this. So it's not just me.

I know that KC must have influenced JP into asking her brother to be his best man and to not ask me to even be in the wedding party. It's not just HER wedding, it's HIS wedding too!

What are your thoughts out there?
Do any of you have anything to relate?
Have any of you been in a similar situation?

Stolen Car Inventory

2006-03-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

What did I have in my car when it was stolen?

Here is a list of the things to my recollection:

1. CD’s. Tons of CD’s. In fact just about all my CD’s. Well, all my working CD’s.
2. A bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance (for Men)
3. My book I was reading – “The Big Bad Wolf” by James Patterson
4. A red igloo cooler
5. My baseball bat that was in the trunk
6. My T-shirt designs
7. My wallet which was in my glove box. It only had four dollars in it at the time and none of my VISA cards were in it, though I did have a $50 gift certificate to “The Sports Center”. I also had my driver’s license in it. I guess I’ll have to get another license (again).
8. My reversible red jacket that protected me so well against the elements.
9. My new sandels.
10. My spare keys to my brother’s house and my keys to my office. My business cards were in my car too so I had to re-key all the locks at his house and at my office.
11. My liquor flask
12. My cell phone charger
13.

Dude where's my car?

2006-03-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

I have been staying at my brothers house while he has been off the island in the U.S. Taking care of his dogs and relaxing was the only things I had to do. My brother was supposed to return on Wednesday, but he rang and said that he would not be. The next day (Thursday) I spoke to him and he said that he would be returning on Sunday. If only what was supposed to happen actually did then I would not be in this situation that I'm in right now.

It poured that night; raining cats and dogs. After relaxing in front of the tube I hit the sack at 11:30pm. At about 3:30am I felt the urge, so I got up and went to the bathroom.

I awoke with my cell phone alarm at 6:50am and eventually got out of bed. After dressing I surveyed the household and headed out the kitchen door into the carport. I expected to see my Silver 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer quietly waiting for me, but I found nothing. I was in disbelief. Where was my car? I looked by the street. Perhaps I had a bit too much to drink last night and forgot what I did. Maybe I parked the car elsewhere. Then I noticed shards of glass in the carport. I didn't park it elsewhere. It was right here. I last saw my car at around 8:00pm the night before.

I have been feeling so strange today. I may still be in shock. It feels like a dream going the wrong way. It's not supposed to happen like this. I want to wake up all over again, but I know that's not going to happen. It's never happened before when I really needed time to go back. Why would it do it now? It wouldn't. It won’t.

2002 mitsubishi lancer

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T22:36:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate Valentine's Day; the holiday of love.

Did you remember to purchase any flowers or chocolate for that special someone? Did you remember to make all the necessary arrangements for the evening? A candle lit dinner for two at a fine restaurant. A hotel or motel room with a bath tub filled with bubbles and the bed covered with rose petals. Tickets for all the FREE beer you can drink at the super charged monster truck show. For your sake I hope you remembered and thought of doing something with your 'better half'.

So just how kinky are you going to be today with your lover? I personally like it all. From handcuffs to dripping wax. If I haven't done it I wanna try it. Keeps things fresh and new.

Anyway, I came across these beautiful pictures of gorgeous woman and I thought that you'd like to have a little peek at 'em.

Do you want to see more? You can go here to see the rest of the photo shoot of these two hot girls.

Corey Hepburn Recaptured - Nassau, Bahamas

2006-02-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Criminal Detective Unit (CDU) last night said at a press conference on Thompson Boulevard that Corey Hepburn was found at approximately 8pm hiding out in a building in Coral Harbour. Police said that they also found a small quantity of marijuana in the building.

On intelligence, plain dressed CDU officers were able to apprehend Hepburn in a matter of minutes; which were uneventful. Corey was probably HIGH at the time when police raided his hiding spot, and that's why he didn't put up a fight or run and get shot, because we all know he had it coming.

But he still has it coming to him. The prison system over here is so. He will probably be beaten continually by police officers, prison guards, and prisons themselves. I wish Corey absolutely NO good luck. I'll bet that he will never be able to leave the maximum security section of Her Majesty’s Prison. In fact, he'll probably never see the light of day again.

Here is a photo taken by Felipe Major a photographer for The Tribune as Corey was escorted by the plain dressed Police officers.

Corey Hepburn; Still At LARGE - Nassau, Bahamas

2006-01-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

The Royal Bahamas Police Force announced this morning that they believe that Corey Hepburn is hiding in the eastern district of Nassau by some of his 'friends'. The Police said that they are going to 'beef-up' the search by offering a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) reward. I'm pretty sure that someone will give him up for that money. Do you know how much 'Bling' you can buy for that? If no fish bites the bait; don't worry they will. Maybe not now. They may hold out for more money. But soon someone will say something that will lead to Corey Hepburn 'going down'.

WANTED - Corey Hepburn - Nassau, Bahamas

2006-01-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

WANTED
BY
CENTRAL DETECTIVE UNIT
(C.D.U)

COREY HEPBURN
REF : MURDER & ESCAPE

DESCRIPTION

Date Of Birth: 01/10/1979
NATIONALITY: Bahamian
WEIGHT: 150LBS
HEIGHT: 5ft. 9in.
EYES: Dark Brown
HAIR: Black
COMPLEXION: Dark Brown
BUILD: Slim

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: #69 Trinidad Ave. Elizabeth Estates.

PLEASE APPROACH WITH CAUTION

COREY HEPBURN is being sought by police reference to MURDER & ESCAPE. He is considered ARMED and EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

If you have any information concerning this person, please contact the
Police at (242) 394-4541, or (242)394-4540 Ext. #919,
C.D.U at (242)502-9998
or Crime Tipsters at (242) 328-8477

Prison Break - Nassau, Bahamas

2006-01-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

The escape of four prisoners in the early morning hours (around 3:00 am) of January 17th 2006, resulted in the death of one prison officer, Corporal Bowles, as well as one of the escapees.

"The prisoners did not like [Corporal Bowles] because he did his job [in Her Majesty's Prison properly] and unfortunately that is what probably got him killed [during the escape]," Mr Edwin Culmer said - former prison chief.

Corporal Bowles was stabbed to death and two other prison guards were wounded after being overpowered by four inmates at Fox Hill's maximum security block during an escape before daylight Monday morning.

Of the four inmates who escaped, one was killed, two others were immediately recaptured and one remains at large - convicted armed robber Corey Douglas Hepburn, who is being hunted by police.

Here is a picture of Corey Hepburn

Club 'bambu' - Still going strong

2006-01-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

Hey, I just wanted to let you guys know that since my first time at bambu things have changed, well not really, but I go there on a pretty regular basis. The drink prices are the same ($6.00) and they still have those uncomfortably hard stools at the bar, but things will be changing soon. They know it. They’ve told me. They are going to get some cushions….YEAH! Woo-hoo. Yes-I. Okay, ok that’s too much energy on that.

This place is really jamming now with the staff from the cruise ships that are pretty much regulars there. Friday night is always packed. It’s a great atmosphere. Good friends too. In fact I’ll be heading there tonight.

Party on people!

Merry Frickin' Christmas!

2005-12-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

No seriously, Merry Christmas.

May the joy of peace and love fill your hearts and everyone around you this day. Enjoy yourself. Today is a celebration.

Speaking about celebrating; I'd like to celebrate myself with these two blonde chicks ova here. I think we'd have a wonderful time unwrapping and playing with each others toys.

"I brought the Missile Toe and brandy spiked eggnog. Let’s get this party started!"

It's Been A Long Time

2005-12-01T13:19:00.000-08:00

Well I've not written anything here since November and I thought that the best way to get back into action is to get back on the bike, or horse (which ever you prefer). The next problem however is that currently I have no idea what to write here. What am I thinking?

First time at 'Bambu' - Nassau, Bahamas

2005-11-16T20:25:00.000-08:00

Last night my brother and I headed to a new bar/club/social water hole that we were invited to check out by one of the owners.

When I first arrived on the curb of 'Bambu' I smelt the sent of horse shit in the air. As I entered the establishment, I still felt the odor forcing it's way up my nostrils. I never mentioned this to anyone as I thought that it was bloody obvious. After consuming my first cocktail I no longer smelt the sweet perfume smell of a horse's ass. I did however feel that my legs were going to drop off.

The stools at the bar are made of solid, and I mean solid wood. It's pretty heavy too, so no one's going to be able to steal any of them easily, but on the other hand, they'd make great weapons in a bar fight. I might as well have been sitting on a rock cause the stool was so hard, - they are going to need to get cushions. Pins and needles, if you know what I mean.

The music was like house music - very slow and monotonice. Dino, my old school mate, was the DJ and I informed him that he was playing good music with great base lines. This was after I had a number of drinks and the music actually had changed to good music. I started to jam until I found out that the drinks are $6 each and I was been charged $12 for my personal cup to be filled (I always travel with my own cup in Nassau). WTF? These guys must be retarded! There is absolutely no way that this place will survive for too long with that mentality.

New / old drivers licence

2005-11-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

I decided that today I would go and get my new drivers licence which vanished last year around Christmas time (that would be December 2004). I know where it went. It left my pocket, riding in my wallet, that was taken from me at gun point. I told the masked man that he can have the cash, I just wanted the leather wallet and the rest of it's contents....including my licence.

The robber agreed and proceeded towards me when his partner in crime warned him that the "Police coming", so they both ran off in the bush, with my wallet no less. I was out of my car and I hailed the police vehical down. He pulled over and asked me "What da matter?" unconcernedly. I let him know that I had just been robbed and the two culprits made away through the brush.

The police man gently started moving his car forward when I exclaimed, "Arn't you gonna do something?!" He calmly replied,"No."

Irritated, I questioned him , "Arn't you the police?" to which he answered, "Yes, but I ain't stupid." I interjected before he sped away, "No. you're a fucking poor pathetic excuse for an officer! You're a disgrace to that badge"

I then jumped into my ride and took off, screeching around every corner.

Almost a full year later I decided that I should get a new licence since I found out that my old one expired that same month (Dec '04). I'm looking at it right now as I type. It was not an easy thing to do. It requires a lot of time and even more patience. The system sucks! "Go ahead and take your own sweet ass time!" They need to be a lot more efficient otherwise someone gonna go all 'postal' on them.

Wilma

2005-10-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Well, Hurricane Wilma came on land in Florida at 6:00 am this morning. I have been watching the news stations pretty much all morning. I live almost on top of the water on the South East side of New Providence. The wind has been ripping right through pushing chairs and tables, debris and the sea water with it. I even found a snake in my pool. I can only imagine how it must have been for the Floridians who felt the might of Hurricane Wilma first hand.

What am I thinking?

2005-10-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

Currently there is one large thought occupying my mind and that is Wilma. That's right,...Hurricane Wilma. What is she going to do? Is she going to hit Florida and it's cays like so many have? Is it going to reduce in strength or is she going to put a slam down on our candy ass'? Who really knows right now. Only time will tell. She's still quite away from us but you gotta wonda.

Hey The Bahamas Islands have not seriously been hit by a hurricane in a few years now. The people of The Bahamas don't really notice or even take caution until it's right ontop of us. They say things like,"Man dat storm aint coming nowhere near us" and,"Don't worry, we ga be aight." This is the sort of attitude that grates my goat and gets me vex about 'em. And by the way, how the hell is a damn piece of tape gonna save your window, your house and even you?

I'm sorry to say, but it's about time we get hit by a strong hurricane and show these ignorant people that they are not immortal and that Mother Nature is wicked.

First Time

2005-10-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

This is my very first entry on my own blog and in any other blog what so ever. So needless to say, I'm not too sure what to write here in this first entry. Well I suppose I should introduce myself to the rest to you *cricket, cricket* I am the Original Dragon Eyez and I reside in Nassau, Bahamas. I have very strong views about a lot of things that go on in the world and especially here in The Bahamas. Most things I don't dissucss because I can get real heated in these conversations. When I have a view, That's It. FULL STOP. Don't try to sway me. I already have the evedince in front of me. Thanks, but no thanks.