Culture From Around the Worls Part 5. Live Forever: Life After Death Ancient Egyprian Desire to Live

What is culture? Culture is the way of life of a people and it includes all of the habits, rituals, celebration, and rights. It also includes the food they eat, the clothes they wear, the method and means of preparing such and their reason for doing what they do; in other words culture include the entire way of life of the people. An understanding of ones culture and the culture of another aids to make us cultured, which is: it shapes our attitudes, behaviors and beliefs; it also affords us characteristic that positively aids and impacts our social and general conduct. So in my effort to contribute to and transform my friend in Bermuda into even more cultured citizens I will take the time to share with you exhibits as is displayed at the Brooklyn Museum. I hope you will share in my experience and quest to be even more cultured.

Egyptian Coffin resting place of the rich

                                            Stone Engraved Egyptian Figures in Stone

 Coffin that housed a female Egyptian

 Engraving of Relief of Khamwasemen and his wife seated at the table of offerings with standing Priest dated

1292-1190 BC

Block Statue of Padimahes 680-540 BC

Black Statue of an Egyptian High Official

 Same as below

Mummy Portrait of Demetris 305 BC

Mummy Dog (Canine) 3054 BC

Canopie Jar of a Jackal, Hawk, Human & Baboon

 Mummified Figure of Osiris 664-332 CE

Seated Statue of Superintendent of the Granary Irukaptah. From Saggara Egypt Dated: 2425-2350

Fragment of an inscribed door lintel. Dated 1292-1190 BC

Katrina Lanay "Trins" Flood: Please Rest in Peace and May your Children be Blessed

 

While perusing the Royal Gazette today, I came across a story that was captioned: Woman becomes Island seventh road death. It was saddening to learn that it was my dear friend Katrina Layna "Trins" Flood who met such a sad, sudden and tragic death. Unfortunately; she die on the 12th June, 2010, while recovering at the KEMH from injuries sustained from an accident she had seven days earlier.

I got to know Katrina Flood, who was only twenty eight years old when she die; through a police related incident. Although I knew Katrina was not driving the car that committed the traffic violation, for which she was ticketed; she choose to take the rap for her friend who was driving the said vehicle without a driver license. Unfortunately there was nothing we could have done to prove the contrary. But that is the type of person I have come to know Trins to be; one who will go the extra mile for her friends.

From my interaction with Katrina while dealing with the Traffic Violation, I dubbed her the respectful rebel. For although Katrina resisted out counsel and the ticket which was given to her, she did so with respect and with humor; it was because of this experience that I was forced to admire her and as a result; I quickly became friends with Katrina and her traffic violating complies.

Although Trins and I was not best buddy, we had a common bound and a mutual understanding; which was base on respect for each other. I have had many conversations with Katrina and at times she will seek me out, for my opinion on different matters. As my custom is, I will be frank and honest with her, not telling her what to do but guiding her into making the correct decisions. Like each of us, Katrina Flood was not perfect; she was a down to earth person, who was straightforward in expressing her thoughts and she was good by nature. She was very knowledgeable about the Bermuda under world and its activities.

Katrina’s childhood experience of losing a mother at a very tender age, which went untreated, left her traumatized. The psychological trauma that she had to bore, at times got the better of her and was responsible for her early rebellion. I can associate with Trins, for like her, I was the baby of the family and I also lost my mother at the tender age of seven years old, to death.

The last time I saw Katrina, who always find pleasure in heckling me about something or sharing a laugh with me was in August 2008, (Just before I left Bermuda). She was working at the Market Place Mini Mart in the City of Hamilton. By this time Katrina would have surpass her detractors prediction for the length of time she would have hold onto the job at Market Place, to the point where she was training new cashiers, and supervising the other girls on the cash line. This accomplishment made me proud of Trins and I did not hesitate to let her know how proud I was of her achievements. I will challenge her to continue to do what she was doing and encourage her to aspire to bigger things. I had no doubt as to Katrina's ability to achieve anything she wanted too, for she was intelligent and street wise.

Although my mother prepared me for her death the emotional trauma was tremendous. I do not know what preparation Katrina’s mother made to cushion her children from the psychological impact of her death but as I have experienced there is no preparation that can adequately prepare a child of tender age for the death of his or her mother.

Because of Katrina’s sudden and tragic death, I am forced to conclude that she may not have prepared her children for her death. The foregone conclusions give raise new concerns, about Katrina’s kids. Now I am very concerned about Katrina’s children, for it is very possible that they may not get the type of psychological care and love that is needed to help them to cushion the impact of losing a mother at such a young age. There are no substitute for a mother’s love, but continuous love, care, and positive vocal and touch re-enforcement can surely go a long way to help children in such situation that Katrina’s children are, to have a successful journey on the road of normalcy.

To the sisters of Katrina whom I know very well and the other members of the family please accept my deepest sympathy. I am requesting that you do what you can to let Katrina Lanay “Trin” Flood children be a living positive memory of who their mother was and what she was surely aspiring to becoming.

Musical Delight: The Best Classical Music Has To Offer

Etri Andjaparidze captivating her audiance

On Sunday 9th May 2010, I attended the last in the series of classical concerts that was hosted by the Brooklyn Public Library. These performances were held in the newly refurbished: Dr. Durick Auditorium, which is located in the lower level of the building that houses the Brooklyn Public library.

For quiet a while now, I have been thrilled by the best classically trained and renown classical artist on this side of the world. These are people who make their living by touring the world and filling halls with music lovers of all ages, social status and gender.

I have been knocked off of my seat, and drenched with and by some of the best rendition of the classic, I have ever heard and Sunday’s performances were no difference. We were treated to the skills of young yet seasoned artist on the piano.

Kristijan Civlijak

We were thrilled by such musical virtuosos like Yugoslavian: Kristijan Civlijak who received his first piano instruction at the age of six from her older sister and has been performing ever since. Kristijan is currently pursuing his doctorial studies.

Irina Nuzova
Irina Nuzova who have toured and preformed in Canada, Brazil, Italy, Russia and the United States have won many noted competitive awards for her keen piano skills. This Moscow born talent has proven that playing the piano is like riding a bike or easier; at lease, it is for her.

Dror Baitel

There was the display of talent by the Young Israeli Pianist: Dror Baitel; who produced an award winning performance after returning to the music scene having completing his obligation to his country by serving in the Israeli arm forces, as all patriotic Israeli are expected and are obligated to do.

Di Yi Tang

Mr. Di Yi Tang a native of Hong Kong, is a young pianist who is building a reputation in the USA, which he has already built in Asia and Europe. Tang has many years ahead of him and he is expected to grow into one of the world’s elite musician.

Sayaka Tanikawa

Sayaka Tanikawa whose competitive reputation has preceded her has twenty first price and top award in international piano competitive. Her focus and enthusiasm for her craft is evident and can be seen in her performance. This young oriental represents the future of musical excellence.

Etri Andjaparidze

Then like a gentle breeze Etri Andjaparidze swept onto the stage with a humble confidence that was unlike a person that possesses her musical mastery. It was the kind of quality that we have come to expected from a true master. This artistic legend clearly demonstrated that she was at variance with the piano; for she wanted more than the humble instrument was unwilling to give; however, she got just what she wanted from the instrument. Like the piano connoisseur that she is, she squeezed that instrument for all it could give and then more. At the end of the second number, she magically causes the audience to stand to their feet and in overwhelming appreciation applaud with vigor. Like me the other members of the audience wanted more but were to ashamed to put the consummate professional through that emotional affair she had with the instrument.

Creative Kidz Summer Camp: A Doreen James Production

Doreen James nee Williams

She is considered to be an extremely talented woman as well as, a person who is overwhelmed with creativity. This summer, the summer of 2010, the children of Bermuda will be treated to the opportunity to participate in a summer program that has at its core values, wise choices, reuse and recycle.

The person, of whom I speak, is no other than, Mrs. Doreen James nee Williams: the proprietor of Alpha Funeral Home. Although all of Bermuda may not be aware of how talented Williams-James really is; it is no secret to the children, members and friends of the St. Georges Seventh Day Adventist Church that Doreen the mother of two possesses the drive, the skills and the creativity to teach and organize exciting children events. For each week Doreen is given the privilege of conducting program for the children that attend the St. Georges SDA Church.

Doreen; the reluctant perfectionist, goes beyond what is expected of her, to ensure that the children under her supervision are well taken care of, she often use props and creativity to ensure the desired lessons are learned and her production are always of a very high standard.

Doreen, who is believed to have the most hats in Bermuda, is also a very adventurous woman. Although she had the physical and facial qualities of a beauty queen; the mother in her and her adventurous side, have blessed her with the quality that can be considered: sophisticated simplicity, which can be appreciated by those she comes into contact with especially her children. For when this mother is out with her two children, she can be found fishing, climbing and doing all the things children love to do.

This Summer Mrs. James have decided to push her creativity a step further by present a summer program base on reuse and recycle; which is titled Creative Kidz Recycling Summer Camp. Doreen is of the opinion that we are destroying mother Earth with our bad habits. Habits which have seen more waste being generated per person than any time in history. Mr. Doreen James said, the unfortunate thing about this is, the garbage that is generated by us are not properly disposed of and very often becomes an unsightly mess that ends up in the sea, on our beaches and at the side of the road and in our places of recreation.

I know I cannot save the world but if I can teach just one child the effects and the consequence of such action and have that child understand the message enough, so that he or she can teach someone else what they have learn, then there is hope.`

The participants in the Creative Kids Summer Camp which should get on the way on Monday, June 7th 2010, will learn  about reusing things that will otherwise be thrown into the garbage, how to make useful and needed items from such unwanted products, learn how our actions are destroying the earth and go on field trip and much, much more. This camp is expected to be lots of fun for the participants and the valuable lessons they are expected to learn will benefit Bermuda for decades to come.

Why Should Ralph Gonslaves Sacrifice Elected Ministers of the ULP for His Misdeeds?

Signs of A dictator

I recently, learn that on May 10th, 2010 Ralph Gonsalves; the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while addressing a the lauders community, publicly declared that his Unity labor Party (ULP) will be presenting at lease ten new candidates in the next general election that is constitutionally schedule to be held in march 2011.

From my understanding of Ralph Gonsalves this is a dictator’s gimmick to trick the Vincentian community into voting for the failed ULP and thus giving them another term to continue their very ineffective and deficient programs, they call governance. This announcement is the basis of this article and which is responsible for motivating a series critical questions that Vincentian need to answer for themselves. I will therefore present these questions for the perusals of all.

St. Vincent is a democratic state and it is expected that all organization, within a democratic state, should operate base on the core values, principles and laws that over sees the general administration of the country. However; with this in mind, I am lead to ask what were the means the UPL used, to decide who will be deny the opportunity to render valuable service, in the capacity of an elected representative of the people. I have a sneaking suspicion; that the members of the ULP who were disqualified from seeking reelection to the seat they have so skillfully won, under the ULP banner; became so disqualified by the socialistic dictatorial personality of the almighty Ralph Gonsalves. There were no discussion on that issue; I am sure Ralph decided who will be worthy candidates then like the master manipulator he is, brain washed the intentional reject into believing that they should not run again.

The first set of questions is:

1. Does the ULP belong to Ralph?

2. Do the other members of Gonsalves cabinet have any say in this matter?

3. Does the members of the constituency have a say in who will represent them in parliament in the next election?

4. Will Ralph Gonsalves be offering himself as a candidate?

5. Will Ralph once again be offering Julian Francis as a candidate?

These are just a few of the questions that the Vincentian community must answer before they go to the poles in 2010-2011 General election. One must also again ask, was the potentially socialistic constitution that was rejected in a referendum by the people, was Ralph Gonsalves' way of holding socialistic sway over all of SVG in the same manner in which he now holds tyrannical sway over the ULP and its supporters?

One must also ask:

• Who is to be blame for the failure of the ULP government?

• Who should take responsible for the arrogance and abusive personality of the Prime Minister?

• Who was responsible for putting the Prime Minister in such a compromising position that a female police officer and the Vincentian/Canadian Human Right lawyer were able to bring degrading criminal allegations against him?

• Who is responsible for bankrupting the economy of the already cash strap country of St. Vincent?

• Who started the faith project (international airport) that caused several billion dollars without a sound plan as to how he is going to secure funding for that project?

• Aren’t these types of faith practice reserved for members of the Christian community that work with no particular deadline in mind and who depends on the generosity of the members and their willingness to solicit?

• Who was responsible for investing scars state funds in an international airport project, with no sound plan of financing the day to day running of the airport? Thus, this project is going to be another state liability.

• Who invested needed funds in the construction of a cross country road then abundant the project after spending millions of the nation’s monies on a project that did not have any economical significant to the country.

In Ralph Gonsalves eyes, gone are the days when leaders were to man up and take responsibility for their mistakes, indiscretions and failures. It is clear that Ralph is really the problem in the ULP. With the exception of a few learning blunder and expected mistakes the other members of the ULP has function more creditable and with a greater level of statesmanship than their leader.

So you can see, as is usual with Ralph Gonsalves; he is blaming others for his failure. He fail to be a good example to the members of his party, he have failed to be an example to the youths and the nation as a whole, he failed to properly govern and grow the resources of the country and he failed to come up with sound economic recovery plans for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Ralph Gonsalves has failed himself, he has failed his family, he has failed the ULP, he has failed his constituents and he has failed Vincentian and St. Vincent and the Grenadines: the land of his birth.

So the problem is not the members who Ralph will deny the opportunity, to faithfully serve the country they love so much, as an elected representative in the house of parliament. The problem is Ralph Gonsalves, the man whose plan it is to bring back colonialism to St. Vincent and the Grenadines; by making us a dependant of Venezuela and Cuba.

Below are some questions members of Cabinet, Members of the Unity Labor Party and supporters of the ULP should ask and find answers for and they are:

1. Why the faithful elected members of the ULP should be made to suffer for the incompetence and misdeeds of Ralph Gonsalves?

2. Why the elected member of the ULP should be denied the opportunity to run again; when their only offence was to demonstrate loyal to their party and the party leader?

3. Why should Ralph Gonsalves remain as head of the party and be allowed to run again when he was the reason for the decline of the popularity of the party?

4. Has Ralph Gonsalves been an ambassador of the core values of St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

5. Does the ULP belong to Ralph Gonsalves?

6. Why does Ralph Gonsalves get to manipulate the members of the ULP for his benefit and his political survival?

7. The constituent Groups, don’t they have the right to decide who should represent them in Parliament?

As is the habit of Ralph Gonsalves, who constantly manipulate the Speaker of the house, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecution, his ministers and the party supporters in order to look good. Once again, he continues with the manipulation of his cabinet, the card holding members and supporters of the ULP to ensure his own political survival. How selfish could one man be?

Antoinette Montague in Concert

Allan H. F Palmer with the Sensational Vocalist Antoinette Montague

It is always a pleasure to be entertained; however, when your entertainment is a professionally planned live performance, by exceptionally talented musicians, you can expect a thrill that no drug can provide. Tonight, I had the distinguish pleasure of attending a live concert; compliment of New York City Government, who is instrumental in providing brooklynites with free entertainment. The audience was favored with performance by the talented Antoinette Montague; a beautiful singing sensation with a voice that makes you wants to stand to your feet and give her an ovation, each time she opens her mouth. She entertained the audience with many popular Jazz numbers as well as a song that was written by her titled: Behind the smile, this song is featured on her new album.

Allan H. F. Palmer with Tammy James the renown musical Director of the Duke Ellington band

One of the tremendous talents that providing music for Antoinette was her musical director: Tommy James. Tommy is a skillful musician, whose fingers create magic when they tickle the ivories. Tommy “magic Fingers” James is a musician of tremendous skill and class as was demonstrated, by his performance tonight. He also holds the auspicious position of Musical Director; with the Duke Ellington band that is still touring.

Bill Easley the master Saxophone, the Flute and the clarinet

Bill Easley: is known as the Hurricane; he is so named because of the way he creates his magic. Bill is an accomplished Broadway star, but tonight this accomplished musician mesmerized the audience with his skills on the Saxophone, the Flute and the clarinet. It is evident that he had mastered these instruments. Bill blows like a tornado and is capable of knocking you off of your seat; then knocks you over and over and over with his sweet melody. Bill Easley is currently in the play titles: This side of Paradise.

Double Bass Master Jon Barr

There is the cool but deadly Bass player; Jon Barr, who is a tremendously talented bass musician. From looking at Jon one will come to the conclusion that he allows the music to engulf him. It is not hard to see that Jon and his double bass has a love affair and together they produce great melody, which was clearly seen in his performance but more so when he did his unaccompanied solo.

Master Drummer Payton Crossley

Then we come to the magician himself Payton Crossley. This talented yet unassuming percussionist is surely a genius on the drums. I have seen Payton done things and create sound from his drums I have never seen or heard before. Payton has a tremendous ability and he is not afraid to do what he can to enhance the music and the over all performance of those he is called upon to accompany.

All in all tonight was a good night; I get to rub shoulders with some of New York’s greatest musicians. What next for me in this City? That is the question I cannot answer.

Culture From Around The World 4: Africa

What is culture? Culture is the way of life of a people and it includes all of the habits, rituals, celebration, and rights. It also includes the food they eat, the clothes they wear, the method and means of preparing such and their reason for doing what they do; in other words culture include the entire way of life of the people. An understanding of ones culture and the culture of another aids to make us cultured, which is: it shapes our attitudes, behaviors and beliefs; it also affords us characteristic that positively aids and impacts our social and general conduct. So in my effort to contribute to and transform my friend in Bermuda into even more cultured citizens I will take the time to share with you exhibits as is displayed at the Brooklyn Museum. I hope you will share in my experience and quest to be even more cultured.

!9th Century Mukishi Divination Figure This Figure was used for

Divination and protection. Dated: 19th Century

Likishi Dancer Costrume Zambia 19 Centure (Mwana Pwo)

Photo of a Likishi Dancer preforming live

Allan H. F Palmer Stands next to The Likishi Dancer Costume

Power Figures From the Republic Democratic of the Congo

Dated: 19th Century

This Figure Features a Mother Brest feeding her child

this figure is dated: 19th Centure

Congo 19 Century Water pipe A beautiful Smoking aparatas

Congo Female Figures Dated: 19th Centure

Leangci (broad Collar) worn in the Eastern Cape Provence of South Africa

Dated: 19th Century

!9th Century Neck Ornament (Ibheqe or Umphapheni) Wore in The

Kwazuly- Natal Province of South Africa

South African Waistband Worn In The Eastern Cape Providence

The next feature of "culture from around the world" part 5, will take a look at the egyptians obsession with life after death and the lengths they went through to ensure they were prepared for life after death.  

The Case File Against Allan H. F. Palmer As Prepared By the Bermuda Police Service

Below is the case file as was investigated and compiled by the Bermuda Police Service, in their effort to prosecute Allan H. F. Palmer the author of this blog. There are many events that were left out of the Case the Bermuda Police Service prepared against Palmer. These behind the scenes event that did not make it into the case file; due to the fact, they were not in the interest of the Bermuda Police Service to include them.

Missing from the post are items from casefile, which are the bulkey extract that was taken from the this blog which the Bermuda Police Service used to creat their case. however; we all know from where and why this case found its fuel.

It is the police duty to engage in a search for justice; however, when the police ignore the core principles on which they are asked to function then they becomes the criminals: vigilante. When criminals are in charge of policing the community; then there will have an increase in violent and other crimes.

From Reading, you will notice, the victim and accuse in this matter Allan H. F Palmer PC 2209, rendered his full cooperation with the investigators and their investigation; except in cases when to do such would have been consenting to have his rights violated. He stood up against a discriminatory and prejudicial disciplinary system that exists in the Bermuda Police Service and because Allan knew that the outcome of the kangaroo court was predetermined; he refused to play along with the game of his oppressors and tendered his resignation thus leaving the Bermuda Police Service on his own free will, with his good name and reputation as a honest person and a dedicated police officer intact.

Allan’s love Justice, his appreciation for the law but most important his faith and confidence in Jehovah give him the patience to hang in there while all the foolishness was going on. Allan believes that it is only a matter of time, before all those who cause him unnecessary discomfort, hardship and emotional stress whilst he was in Bermuda, will be dwelt with by Jehovah.

It is Allan's hope, that you enjoy reading through this case file and find a new appreciation for the strength of this man and all who were so unduly prosecuted by the Bermuda Police Service or any oppressive regime or administration be it political or otherwise.

Please note: to enlarge any of the document please click on the document.