I posted photos of red prints of one of my recent illustrations.  As I had mentioned, I've incorporated it into a red and whilte quilt that I'm building. 

Now I have the entire quilt top (measuring 95 by 85 inches) pieces and ready to go.  I have a beautiful backing fabric for it, but I'm on the hunt for the balogne part.  It'll come, I'm on my way to visit my local Sally Ann.

Anywho, here's a sneek peek..

Here's a sneek peek at some of them.  For more details you can check out my Etsy.

KINGSTON HOUSE, the seat of William Morton PITT, Esq. M. P. is an elegant and stately pile, the walls of which are built with brick, and cased with Portland stone. It was built by George Pitt, Esq. of Stratfield Say, which was commenced in the year 1717, and finished about 1720. It is very pleasantly situated on a rising ground near the great western road, distant from Dorchester one mile and a quarter. The form is an oblong square, 101 feet by 62, and is surrounded by avenues of trees, which, in every quarter, render the views agreeable and romantic. The gardens behind the house are pleasant and extensive, adorned with terraces, a large bason, and canals ; and, from a branch of the river Frome running near it, there is a plentiful supply of water.

En la tarde fuimos a un mall. Estoy buscando botines. Me compré una nueva memoria para la cámara. 2Gb. Kingston. Compact Flash. Ahora puedo tomar como 1000 fotos sin borrar ni una (antes unas 350). A las 6 estuvimos en la casa de la tía de Rodrigo que vive a unas 8 cuadras [ver Día 1]. Tomamos lonche y la Goya (la antigua empleada de Rod) nos había preparado pie de limón. En la noche, finalmente, salimos al cine con la prima Javiera. Vimos X-Files: está buena para verla en la tele. Experimentos con humanos... "bueh".

Information from the CCN is that about 3:30 p.m., Jones was reportedly among a group of boys swimming at the Harbour, when he got into difficulties and drowned before help could reach him.  The police and JDF Coast Guard were summoned and his body retrieved. The City Centre Police are investigating.

Di dalam flashdisk itu ada beberapa program yang baru gw download dan mudah-mudahan aja semuanya udah gw copy ke komputer. Terus juga ada data-data OSIS Smasa. Terus ada beberapa lagu dan video, tapi itu ga terlalu penting. Yang penting, di dalam situ ada foto-foto editan gw yang udah susah-susah gw bikin. Sayangnya di komputer gw ga ada copy-nya. Duh, mudah-mudahan si Dian kemaren sempet nge-copy ntu file-file gambarnya. Hope so.... Terus yang lebih penting lagi, di sana juga ada CERPEN ma PUISI gw!!! Iya, sih, gw punya copy-nya, tapi sejelek-jeleknya bikinan gw, tetep aja ga rela kalo mentahnya ada di tangan orang laen. Terus juga di situ ada data-data pribadi kayak password-password account gw di internet gitu!!! Argh!!! Ini nih yang penting! Mesti buru-buru gw selesein masalah yang ini. Kalo jatuh ke tangan orang iseng bisa gawat, gw.

Ngomong-ngomong soal orang yang kemungkinan akan menemukan si Kingston Ijo, gw punya beberapa harapan:

1. Orang super gaptek yang bakal mengira kalo benda itu sejenis maenan. Dia kagak bakal peduli itu benda apaan. Entah bakal dia buang (hu hu hu...) atau gimana, ga tau juga.
2. Orang pinter yang baek hati. Jadi kalo dia nemu flashdisk itu terus dia buka isinya, dan dia nemu data-data gw, liat e-mail gw kek, apa kek, dia bakal ngehubungin gw buat ngembaliin flashdisk gw itu. Ha ha ha

Tapi harapan pertama udah dibatalkan dengan hampir ga ada kemungkinan orang yang nginep di hotel itu orang gaptek. Mau ngapain orang yang bukan ilmuan, atau orang bisnis dan sejenisnya datang jauh-jauh ke Tanjung? Emangnya dia mau wisata batu bara??? Orang paling gaptek yang bisa gw harepin cuma tukang bersih-bersih hotel. Itu juga masa iya dia gaptek banget. Desh... Dubrakk....

Harapan kedua digugurkan dengan kemungkinan si orang yang nemu karena dia tau itu flashdisk malah seneng dapet flashdisk Kingston dengan kapasitas 2GB. Hu hu hu....

Tau, ga. Baru kali ini gw berharap flashdisk gw bervirus, dan virusnya yang parah. Lebih bagus lagi kalo  bisa sampe bikin komputer yang dimasukinnya crash. Lumayan, kan. Kalo yang nemu flashdisk itu orang iseng misalnya, ga jadi dia dapet data-data di dalemnya. Terus yang berniat make flashdisk itu juga jadi kena batunya. Hwakakakakakakak...

*tawa jahat orang setrez*

Jadilah gw nangis bombay pas udah dapet kepastian nasib flashdisk gw itu. Duuh....

Parahnya adalah, flashdisk itu ilang di tempat yang hampir ga mungkin gw bisa ketemuin lagi.

Ceritanya kan selama beberapa hari ini gw sama ade gw yang paling kecil pergi ke Tanjung, ikut Ummi (nyokap.red) yang lagi ada kerjaan di sana. Tanjung itu kalo kata temen-temen gw sih salah satu kota yang ada di paling ujung atas Kalimantan Selatan. Seumur-umur gw di Banjarmasin gw belom pernah tuh ke Tanjung. Bahkan tempat paling jauh tempat gw pernah datang (yang sampe nginep, bukan cuma piknik dan perjalanan sehari) cuma Banjarbaru.

Di sana kami nginep di Hotel Tabalong. Tempatnya lumayan enak, deket keman-mana. Di depan ada masjid gede. Sebelahnya lagi pasar. Di depan hotel ada tukang buah. Sebelahnya lagi ada taman segala lengkap sama air mancur. Jadi mikir, di Banjarmasin yang katanya ibu kota propinsi kok ga ada air mancur segede gitu, sih, boro-boro taman juga cuma Taman Warik doang.

Setelah sekitar dua hari keluyuran di jelas dan banyak ngendon di hotel doang (soalnya Ummi kan kerja, jadi ga bisa maen jauh-jauh, paling ke sekitar hotel doang), akhirnya tibalah saaatnya pulang.

Selama dua hari itu, si Kingston Ijo gw nempel dengan setianya di laptop. Bahkan sampe malam terakhir pun masih dengan setia dia nempel di situ. Pas pagi-pagi gw bangun, tau-tau laptopnya udah rapi semua masuk dalam tas. Rupanya udah diberesin pas gw lagi tidur karena pagi itu mau pulang. Lalu tanpa merhatiin lagi gw pun mandi n siap-siap juga. Nyusul Ummi ma ade gw itu. Dalam pikiran gw, flashdisk gw udah selamat di dalam tas laptop.

Pas udah duduk di dalam mobil. Gw masih ga mikir apa-apa. Tapi pas mobil udah jalan, beberapa lama, udah keluar kota Tanjung, tiba-tiba perasaan gw ga enak. Apa flashdisk gw emang udah masuk tas ya? Tapi gw ga sempet mikirin itu soalnya ada kakek-kakek ngerokok di dalem mobil yang bikin pikiran gw jadi beralih dari masalah flashdisk. Duuh, tu kakek-kakek jangan ngerokok di tempat umum, kenapa?

Pokoknya gw bener-bener ga sadar lagi. Sampe setelah lima jam perjalanan. Yang untungnya ga kayak perjalanan perginya kemaren, yang sampe delapan jam dan bikin badan gw kaku nempel ke jok (yah perjalanan lima jam juga bikin kaki gw sakit, tapi toh ga separah perginya).

Waktu nyampe di Mess Tabalong di Banjarmasin. Gw langsung ngaduk-ngaduk tas laptop sambil nungguin Ummi nyari taksi. Ternyata sodara-sodara...

FLASHDISK GW GA ADAAA!!!

Gw langsung panik dan udah ketar-ketir walaupun masih berusaha berhusnudzhon kalo flashdisk itu nyelip di tas yang lain. Selama perjalanan naek taksi ke rumah gw udah gelisah aja. Nyampe rumah ternyata ade gw yang kedua belom pulang sekolah (dia ga ikut karena sekolahnya udah masuk lagi, Senin kemaren, sedangkan ade gw yang paling kecil itu bolos karena masih kelas tiga, dubrakk deh...)!!! Dan dia ga nitipin kunci rumah ma tetangga!!! Ya ampuun!!! Bertambahlah jam-jam penderitaan gw.

Setelah akhirnya ade gw itu pulang sekolah, gw bongkar-bongkar tas ternyata ga ada juga. Mampus, deh.

Ummi nelepon temennya yang masih ada di Tanjung dan minta tolong cariin flashdisk itu. Terus barusaaaaan.... aja ditelepon. KATANYA GA ADAAAA!!!

Jad, kesimpulan dari cerita gw kali ini adalah...

FLASHDISK GW ILAAANG!!!

(Disclaimer: I don't have any profession training, standing, or anything to back up my critiques and comments on the sweets I've eaten, but I do have a mouth with taste buds :D.)

(Click to Englarge)
Left: Brioche Bread Pudding from ChikaLicious Puddin' -- I went here with Carmen & Jenn for part one of our adventure. The pudding itself was delicious, but I just wish there was more of it. The little container the pudding came in PiyoChan sized. As adorable as it was, I wish it was bigger and came with more pudding.
Right: Cinnamon Raisin Twist from Amy's Bread (in Hell's Kitchen) -- Me and Kingston passed by and decided to go in for a snack while scouting for a restaurant for my Dad's birthday. The twist was really good, but a little bit on the sweet side. Then again, anything would've tasted really good at that time. I hadn't eaten anything and it was like 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

Left: Red Velvet Cake from Veniero's -- We bought the smallest sized cake for the five of us to celebrate my Dad's birthday. There's just something about the red food coloring that makes me want to eat Red Velvet. (I must have problems.) The cake was moist, yet flaky and the cream cheese frosting was just sweet enough for my liking. My only negative remark is that Veniero's itself is located in a somewhat shady neighborhood.
Right: Coconut Green Tea Cupcake (at least, I think that's what it was) from Batch -- This was from part two of the Debb Car Jenn adventure series. Atmospherically speaking, Batch is a cute little store in the village. The owner was very welcoming and nice. The cupcake didn't look very appetizing (as you can see, it kind of looks like a lump of wasabi), but I like green tea so I thought I'd give it a shot and I'm glad I did. I ate mine with a spoon to save myself the mess. The frosting was just sweet enough and the cupcake itself was the right texture, according to me at least. The filling inside was the good kind of tangy.

Left: An assortment of cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery -- The image of the perfect cupcake was shattered when I took a bite out of the apparently "famous" cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery. I got a couple as the cake for my sister's birthday. I had the Sunshine Cupcake (yellow cake with vanilla butter cream). It was way too dry inside and, as a result, the cake was too crumbly. The frosting was way too sweet. The picture of the place on its website was misleading also. I walked right past it twice before I realized where it was. To add, the neighborhood is a little scary to be walking around alone. The Lower East Side is scary. (I'm a wuss.) However, the servers there were very friendly and helpful so I guess they have that going for them.
Right: Cream Puffs from Beard Papa's (on Broadway and Astor Place) -- One word: Yum.

I'll leave you with a picture of this sexy man who has stolen my heart.

Last month when Usain Bolt beat Asafa Powell at the national stadium in Kingston not much was made of it. Powell was suffering from an injury and a rivalry was for the most part played down even though some in the media tried to build it up to be more than it was.

Today in chilly Stockholm, Sweden 25 year old former 100m record holder Asafa Powell was quickest out of the blocks timing 9.88. In contrast 21 year old current 100m record holder Usain Bolt made what some in the international press is calling a “dreadful” start and was never a real threat to Powell’s victory.

The much anticipated match up played out in front an eager capacity stadium. This was Powell’s third straight win at the venue and his personal best for the season. Before the race Bolt had mention that the chilly weather was not to his preference and hoped it might change. Powell said before the race that he was expecting a close out come.

These are two Jamaican sprinters which all Jamaicans should celebrate. With our outstanding talents we do not want a situation where there is any rivalry between these two sprinters. After the race Bolt instead of congratulating his countryman said:

"That doesn't change anything”

The question still looms on whether the world record holder will compete in both the 100 and 200m. When asked about this Bolt said:

"Am I going to do the double in Beijing? It is my coach Glen Mills who will decide"

Asafa Powell said this about the race:

"My goal was to win. My start was quick and fast. And the speed stayed with me through the finish.

Powell who has in the past had issues bringing his great form to huge events said after that race said:

"I'm really looking forward to the Olympics."

Tyson Gay was missing from this meet in Sweden and one can't help but wonder if he is not somewhere training and watching replays of the video of this race. Planning strategy and identifying weakness. But wi deya f idem.

If I had a crystal ball I would look into it and see how it will pan out in Beijing next month but I don’t.There is one think I know though, it will be fast.

Reports from the CCN’s Liaison Officer for St. James are that about 10:30 p.m., Dunkley went to visit his girlfriend and while parking he was pounced upon and shot several times.  He    he died on the spot.  The police were called and the body removed to the morgue for post mortem. The Montego Bay CIB is investigating.

We were haunted this weekend. Not maybe haunted. Haunted haunted. When Sonya and I checked in at the Hochelaga Inn, we went up to our room (pics to come) to settle in. While we were chatting away we heard a click click, and the door to our room opened. Strange, we thought, but we just assumed we hadn't closed it properly.

The next day while I was showering, Sonya heard a click click. The door had opened again. Finally, it was Sonya's turn to use the washroom and while I was sitting on the bed putting my makeup on, the sound of click click came again and the door opened in front of me. I was fed up. Was it a ghost? Was it a faulty door? I called for Sonya to help me investigate. Without turning the knob, I pulled at it, hard, to see if it'd come loose and open. It didn't. Then I thought "Maybe it opens from the outside, when another guest opens or closes their door." So I went out in the hall and closed the door behind me. I tried to push the door open without turning the knob. Nothing. Then I tried to turn the knob. It was locked.

Sonya and I stopped in at a mystery bookshop and she picked up a book that told stories of the hauntings in Kingston. We read that our B&B was indeed haunted by a woman. But it was also haunted by a child - that cries in the night. Luckily, I didn't hear any sounds (that would have freaked me right out). But we did hear about a guest who stayed on the third floor of the Hochelaga Inn while he was on business trips. We too were staying on the third floor. He said that he was repeatedly visited (year after year) by the ghost of a woman who sat in a chair by his door and promptly switched to the first floor. We also had a chair by our door. My solution? I plopped all my bags on the chair hoping the ghost would take the cue. I think she did....at least I hope so...

Have you ever been haunted?

Image by Theramina

"Pray for the salvation of the unsaved visitors to Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Kingston, Jamaica."

As the summer season has come upon us I took the time to speak to a new swimwear designer Jodi Swack about her new line Solaris Swimwear.

Bubbling with excitement Jodi begins to describe how she started Solaris.

"I had problems finding swimsuits in my size..I spent a whole day walking around to every store that sold swimsuits and what I did find..just didn't look good...so I had my very skilled mother make me a swimsuit because we had run out of options..be ugly but semi comfortable..or get a custom fit on of a kind design....I chose the better of the two...I then realised that I could market my mothers talent because alot of other people were complaining about the same thing.."

Jodi first began to design swimwear when she was in 5th form.Because she was still in school she wasn't able to promote and build her brand as she would have liked and also her mother wasn't ready to take on the task full force.Years later she decided to rename and revamp the brand coming out bigger and better.

" I loved to design my own swimsuits..and others seem to think they looked really good..and it was the only thing that made me happy..so I turned it to a profitable hobby"

Jodi's amateur designs were seen on the beaches of Negril in the past 2 years but this year with Solaris Swimwear, her designs were showcased at Summer Tease a party held in Montego Bay Jamaica.Jodi has no plans to have any formal showcases at the moment but is doing self promotion at ATI in Negril this year.

Jodi states that she offers her own designs but customers may bring their own ideas to the table as well as log as they are happy.

Solaris Swimwear generally ranges from $1,800 - $2,500 as she says that swimwear seems to be over priced and she wants to offer excellent service for an affordable rate.

Jodi may be contacted at

876 889 6071 or solarisswimwear@hotmail.com

or

facebook group Solaris Swimwear

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24199931081&ref=ts

Lo primero que se nota al pisar la isla es lo precario de la infraestructura con que cuenta. El aeropuerto es poco más que una central urbana de autobuses, a pesar de recibir diariamente tres vuelos de American Airlines y periódicamente vuelos de Copa, Air Jamaica y algunas otras aerolíneas.  Una vez en la vía se puede ver a lado y lado el espejismo de una ciudad cuyas construcciones sufren con la salinidad del mar y donde ninguna de ellas cuenta con un sistema de flujo de aguas al alcantarillado, creando enormes inundaciones en las épocas de lluvia.  El centro de Kingston es similar a los rincones más pobres de las ciudades latinoamericanas, donde el murmullo habitual de estas zonas se ve opacado por la fuerza impresionante del sol que hace que las calles parezcan, en algunos lugares, partes de un pueblo fantasma.  Las casas y los sitios de esparcimiento reflejan una pobreza que sería comprensible si en las calles no se vieran rodar automóviles último modelo y, en las manos de cada jamaiquino, no se viera un celular de la más reciente tecnología. Este  tipo de contraste se hace incomprensible durante algún tiempo mientras uno se va adaptando poco a poco a la forma de vida y la forma de pensar de un pueblo que además de haber sido traído a la fuerza desde África, debe soportar ahora que los africanos no los reconozcan como suyos precisamente por ser hijos de esclavos.

La pobreza que se ve en las calles contrasta con la aparición de uno tras otro de algunos de los bancos más grandes del mundo y de múltiples organizaciones financieras. Las empresas cuentan con tecnología de punta y a la mano están cientos de canales de televisión satelital. Además, sin importar su elevado precio, la ocupación hotelera es casi total durante todo el año. Se nota que hay dinero en el ambiente pero por algún motivo este no se ve reflejado en el estilo de vida privado de los jamaiquinos. La comida ha conservado ese sabor de desperdicio que quizá tuvieron que soportar los primeros grupos traídos del otro lado del océano y cuyo gusto tuvo que haber sido tolerado por los mismos hasta que se convirtió en lo habitual. Por supuesto los grandes hoteles tienen platos apetitosos, a precios prohibitivos, pero para el ciudadano común la comida es de una monotonía y sabor angustiante.

Hay datos que son impresionantes y que ayudan a entender un poco la realidad de la isla comparada con la imagen que se vende hacia el mundo. La rata de inmigración es de -5.88%, es decir, más gente deja la isla que aquella que llega a establecerse; se dice que en el país hay 2.8 millones de jamaiquinos mientras que hay aproximadamente 3 millones viviendo en el exilio (datos no confirmados, sólo aproximaciones hechas por algunos locales).  Es decir, igual que muchos de los países pobres, Jamaica vive de remesas y turismo. En otras palabras, en parte una economía prestada que puede venir a pique con gran facilidad.

La triste imagen que Kingston deja sobre sus visitantes es que un sitio donde el dinero ha llegado a veces en racimos y sus ciudadanos, quizá acostumbrados a no tenerlo, quieren mostrarlo en objetos que ellos presumen como bienes de lujo que brindan estatus. Es una lastima que estos pueblos no sepan aprovechar las bonanzas y terminen desaprovechando el dinero que pueden usar en mejorar su infraestructura, gastándolo en bienes de consumo que finalmente no generan progreso y sólo dan una falsa sensación de bienestar.

I think I'll put it as my main feature on my slot for Handmade Kids on Etsy.

The CCN’s Metro Officer is reporting that about 9:35 p.m., residents alerted the police after explosions were heard in the West Parade area. On arrival of investigators, Barnaby was seen suffering from gunshot wounds on the roadway beside his Mitsubishi Libero motor car registered 3151 EQ.

He was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Major Investigations Task Force has commenced a probe into the incident.

Feel the Raw Blues with Papa George & Steve Simpson

Papa George & Steve Simpson Thur 24 July 2008 8:30P £3

STAINES RIVERSIDE CLUB, 6 LALEHAM ROAD STAINES 01784 452302

The Papa George Band has built up a solid reputation in its own right, and their recent CD brought in some fine comments, from both live playing for BBC Radio 2 and also at many gigs… “The first song was an upbeat shuffle, from the new CD, “DOWN AT THE STATION” – the very apt “Man With The Blues”. Papa George is a true picture of the man with the blues, with his pinstriped suit and Strat in hand, bringing in next, the favourite, “Blackjack”. His guitar sound is what a Fender Stratocaster is all about. He made it sing on, “Cleansin’ My Soul”, a new soulful blues number."

The tools of his trade are Fender Stratocasters, Flying Finn Guitars, an Amistar Reso-phonic Stager (specially commissioned by Resound, UK) and National Reso-phonic steel guitars. Papa George’s solo version of his self-penned “Broken Mirror” (“Being Free…ain’t no crime” PG – Solo CD) was selected for the “Artists in Resonance” CD, which forms part of the National Reso-phonic Guitars 2003/4 catalogue. Two songs (from “DOWN AT THE STATION” PGB) have attracted recognition: “Blues With A Feeling” was used as part of the soundtrack of “World Without Waves”, which won the Milagro Award for Best South-West Film, at the 2004 Santa Fe Film Festival and “Moonshadows On Coconut Grove” was included on a compilation album, “A Place Called Hawaii 3”, which won an Hawaiian Music Award for Best Compilation Album.

If you don't catch Papa George with Steve Simpson at STAINES Riverside Club this week then check them here:

Fri 27 July TURKS HEAD St Margarets, Twickenham
Sun 29 July CARDINAL WOLSELY The Green, Hampton
Fri 03 August CARDINAL WOLSEY The Green, Hampton

Links:

http://www.papageorge.co.uk/
2.

Enjoy the liberty of an exciting Argentinian Tango

Libertango: Barrio de Tango - July 24 2008 at The Electric Theatre, Onslow Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4SZ 8:00P £11

Enjoy the beauty, passion and sensuality of this fantastic dance! The show leads you from the essence of tango to the stylish modern tango revival. Revelling in the beautiful dance art of Argentine Tango, the show combines a touch of history, humour and drama for an entertaining evening with live band and singer. The show takes place in a street in Buenos Aires.

Part of the Guildford Summer Festival Links: Electric Theatre Box Office on 01483 444789

3.

Go ProgRock with Magenta, Kingston

MAGENTA, House Of Progression, The Peel, Kingston , JULY 26 8:00P

When Rob Reed released Revolutions in 2001 under the banner Magenta little did he realise that he had started something that would take on a life of its own. Revolutions was a huge success, and this led to clamourings for a live show, so, in characteristically meticulous fashion, Rob put together a band built around his keyboards and the exceptional voive of Christina Booth.

The band played some prestigious festivals in those early days, including Progeny in London, and Bajaprog in Mexico. 2004 saw all the early promise come to fruition with the released of the acclaimed second album Seven, a live double album and their first foray into the singles market with two well-received EPs, "Broken" and "I'm Alive", not to mention some remarkable live performances, culminating in The Classic Rock Societies Best Live Band award. 2005 saw the release of The gathering live DVD, a headline appearance at the Rosfest festival in the USA and more yet more awards. The bands reputation continued to increase as an entertaining, dynamic live act, with fans travelling to UK gigs from as far away as Italy, Russia, Hungary, Peru, USA, Canada and New Zealand.

The long awaited third studio album Home was released in 2006 to worldwide acclaim, with live concerts following in Portugal and Holland. In September, the band played in front of it's largest crowd yet, as 4000 witnessed them support Roger Hodgson in Belgium 2007 saw the band moving forward yet again, signing with Tigermoth Records at the beginning of the year. The single “Speechless”, released in March, made a dent in the UK singles chart, and all the band’s EPs were re-recorded and gathered together as “The Singles” in April.

The band also played live in Barcelona, Spain with IQ at the Tiana Festival and made another trip to the USA, this time at Nearfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. After a short break, the band played some highly successful live dates at the end of the year, one of which – at the Point in Cardiff - was taped for a live DVD for release in 2008. 2008 has already seen the band pick up Best band and best Female singer at the Classic Rock Society awards, and with the new album Metamorphosis due in April, the future continues to look very bright for Magenta – the true colour of Progressive Rock.

Band Members:

Rob Reed - keyboards, guitar, bass, vocals. Christina - lead vocals, lyrics. Chris Fry - guitar, vocals. Daniel Fry - bass. Kieran Bailey - drums. Colin Edwards - guitar and keys Steve Reed - lyrics

Influences:

Genesis, Garbage, Marillion, Massive Attack, Mew, Mike Oldfield, Bjork, Renaissance, It Bites, Pink Floyd, Eurythmics, Yes.

Links: http://www.myspace.com/magentauk

4.

See Seal- at Shepherds Bush Empire THIS MONDAY

Seal- Mon 21 Jul 2008, 19:00 The Shepherds Bush Empire

LIVE NATION PRESENTS
SEAL
SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE
U21S REQ ID BUY ALCOHOL
UNDER 16S WITH ADULT 18+
MON 21-JUL-08 DOORS 19:00

Seventeen years ago, before he became an internationally acclaimed, three-time Grammy-winning pop vocalist and songwriter who has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, Seal was a hot property on Britain’s house music/rave scene. He hooked up with legendary producer Trevor Horn and scored two hits, 1990’s “Killer” (with techno artist Adamski) and 1991’s U.S. Top Ten single “Crazy,” from his eponymous debut album — a genre-defying fusion of soul, pop, rock, R&B, and propulsive grooves that announced the arrival of an innovative new talent.

Now the London-born Seal is preparing to release his fifth album, System, due in November from Warner Bros

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/seal

5.

Folk it up with Kindred Spirit at Shepperton

Kindred Spirit - Jul 26 2008 8.00P Barley Mow, Shepperton

Kindred Spirit are renowned for their stunning takes on some classic tracks and will take your breath away with an incredible version of Bob Dylans, All Along The Watchtower. The stunning nature of the treatment of these tracks is due to the hauntingly beautiful and deeply emotional voice of Elaine enhanced by the extraordinary flute playing of Annie Parker in combination with the phenomenal violin playing of Gavin or Sim Jones.

Another very special feature of the Kindred Spirit band is the musical interplay between lead instrumentalists Gavin or Sim and Annie. Not only do they produce beautiful solos and foot stomping jigs and reels but they are superb at on the spot improvisations and fly into thrilling musical duels live on stage. This is a chance for you to experience & enjoy our favourite local folk band.

Links: http://www.myspace.com/kindredspiritukband

Also, see them at:

Sep 27 2008 8:30P The Barley Mow, Shepperton
Sep 27 2008 8:30P The Wheelwrights Arms, Reading

Get Your Tickets for Beck Theatre, Hayes

The Beck Theatre Grange Road Hayes Middlesex UB3 2UE

-Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts-

July 19, 2008

Now that documents have been released detailing the testimony of Julian Fantino at an August 29 2007 court hearing for Shawn Brant, and transcripts of recorded phone calls between Fantino and Brant from the June 29, 2007 "day of action", we are able to gain a rare glimpse into the mind of Ontario's "top cop".

We know that Julian is a bully when there's a camera or microphone around to show off for, and we know that when dealing with anything remotely associated with CANACE, he is prone to making bizarre statements about violence and agenda's that exist only in his head, but what's he like when he's dealing with a Native and thinks nobody is listening?

After reading 4 sets of transcripts I came two conclusions. Fantino is a man who appears to have no respect for basic human rights, and he gets as riled up by our peaceful, law abiding, demonstrations against injustice as he does by a terrorist shutting down the 401 and CN rail line.

I have no love lost for Shawn Brant. The man is a terrorist, and Canada would be much better off with him behind bars where he belongs, but that doesn't excuse the despicable, childish, school yard bully rhetoric that was spewed at him by the supposed leader of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Not knowing that Brant's phone had been wiretapped, our beloved temper tantrum prone Commissioner made some statements that can only be described as threats to Brant while trying to convince him to remove his barricades of the 401, Highway 2, and the CN rail line. Not threats to arrest him for his crimes, but threats to use his position of power to destroy the public image of Mr. Brant both in the mainstream media, and in his own community.

Some of the more interesting excerpts of the transcripts:

"You know, if you pull this off, I'm liable to say that your issues are critical and they're important and I'll speak to that, but if you don't, then I'm going to go the other way, and I'm going to say that you're just destroying, and you're abusing, and you're using the people, and you're actually being a mercenary about it, using the suicide of children and all those legitimate issues, and you don't want that because I think I can play the media routine like you do."

"Your whole world's going to come crashing down"

"I'm now telling you to pull the plug or you'll suffer grave consequences."

And the one that best sums up the belief Julian has that he has a right and a duty to use his position of authority to attack private citizens as he has attacked the members of CANACE.

"I will do everything I can within your community and everywhere to destroy your reputation"

Fantino not only admitted during cross examination by Brant's lawyer that he made these statements, he actually claimed he was being "respectful" of Brant while making them!

When questioned about the legality of the wiretap which was placed on Brant's phone by the OPP without a warrant, the fact that there was discussion within the OPP about illegally withholding the wiretap evidence from the defense, and asked point blank if he would investigate any possible wrongdoing on the part of OPP officers, the commissioner said no, and when pressed he offered the following explanation:

"I believe that everything that we did was in the greater good, and that's my understanding."

Translation - Julian Fantino believes that he has not only the right, but a duty to threaten, slander, intimidate, and violate the rights of private citizens if it will benefit what he considers "the greater good".

Unfortunately his idea of the "greater good" is handing out speeding tickets instead of returning the rule of law to places like Caledonia, and answering 911 calls from the children on the Sixth Line.

References:

Transcript of Julian Fantino's testimony on Aug. 29, 2007

Transcript: Fantino & Shawn Brant Phone Call #1

Transcript: Fantino & Shawn Brant Phone Call #2

Transcript: Fantino & Shawn Brant Phone Call #3

Shortly after 12 p.m., the lawmen commenced a three hour operation in the mangroves at Portland Bight in the Old Harbour area of St. Catherine where the drug and one hundred gallons of gas oil, was seized. Investigations continue.

About 10 minutes out of Merrickville I had a flat tire. What a start! No energy just then to try to find the hole, I wanted to get somewhere! The goal for the day was somewhat ambitious anyway... So I postponed that and just threw on the spare tube. Some side roads to start off this time before getting back onto the Trans Canada, close to Smiths Falls. And with a nice little break in between - the bridge was turned when I reached the locks at Wolford-Chapel, and I was allowed the pleasure to watch 3 strong men open the gate, let the boats out and then turn the bridge again. All still hand-operated. Wow ;-o

The Cataraqui Trail would have been easy to find even without GPS, just look for the signs. No need to worry at all. And again very straightforward to follow, pretty much drawn with a ruler. The 'unknown' surface was a bit rougher at times though, varying from gravel and hard packed dirt in the best places to mostly cut grass and fairly loose sand. Altogether, the scenery was getting slightly wilder. And more picturesque. Quite often there was quite a drop on one side. Or a lake. Or marshes on both sides -no good for stopping, to many mosquitoes... Other animals too, mostly very pleasant to see. Just one very disconcerting encounter. I was going pretty fast, there was a stick lying on the road. A bit black for a stick, and when I ran over it turned up its head. toward me. I felt dreadful! What to do, could I help it somehow? Probably not.

This time, the trail seemed to have no end, on and on, across another street, and another. When I finally came to the turnoff, I missed it. Luckily didn't go to far before I noticed. From here it was all paved roads. Smaller ones at first, later slightly more trafficked. Mostly downhill, easy to ride. Getting dark though - maybe I should have stopped earlier, found a place to set up my tent along the trail? I wanted to get to that beach on Wolfe Island, specially recommended for a stopover from a trusted friend. I knew it would be worth it. So I pulled on a sweater and continued, sure I would make it to Kingston in time for the last ferry at least...

Of course, I missed the 10 o'clock boat by 10 minutes, next was 11.20. Oh well, Kingston has a very good ice cream parlor, I'd kind of looked forward to going there anyway, here was my chance. A mild Friday night, everybody was out on the street, there was some sort of festival going on, plenty of music, gute Stimmung. Felt pretty weird biking through town in my all sweaty cycling outfit. Nobody seemed to take too much notice though, and the people who did were rather curious about all my gear. A nice couple eating ice cream was kind enough to keep an eye on my things while I stood in line to get some of my own. Hmm, yumm. A bit of conversation, then back to the ferry terminal, use the convenience of washrooms to throw on some warmer clothes, take care of my sore butt... Ok, I'd get over to Wolfe Island, but how much further?

I did make it in the end, the almost full moon pulled me on. Walked the last 1.5km to the beach. Was dazzled by the beauty of the night sky. Could I be seeing the Milky way from here? Put up just the inner tent as mosquito protection, a quick dip in Lake Ontario. Not too much stargazing anymore - 2 o'clock after a 130 km day!

This Saturday playing the rest of the Ian Foster's CD whose interview I played last week. Yes the CD got thru customs and arrived on Monday.  Talk about bad luck last week with it not arriving in time.  Wasn't the company's fault just customs being a pain as usual.  It's a Compact Disc people why do you need to keep that at the border?  Try to get music legally and this is what you have to deal with. ha ha.

Also playing some new tracks from the new 'Your Favorite Enemies' CD.  I interviewed Alex Foster last fall for those who remember.  Nope, no relation with Ian.  The band's music video has been getting some play on Musique Plus in Quebec.  That's the french version of MuchMusic, who used to play music videos. Now it's mostly bad TV shows.  Except 'Video on Trial', that's usually good.

'Open Your Eyes' has been the 'Combat des Clips' champion for 2 weeks now.  Same title as a show Much had on years ago.  I remember 'Enter Sandman' going for something like 13 weeks straight.  There was this old technology in the days before email or text messaging.  Called a 1-900 number.  Oooooh.

10pm EST on Saturday Night. CFRC 101.9FM in Kingston or streaming live at www.cfrc.ca

The 2M Group is an alliance of local authorities concerned at the environmental impact of Heathrow expansion on their communities. The membership comprises the London Boroughs of Brent, Camden, Ealing, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Kingston, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond, Southwark, Sutton and Wandsworth, and the boroughs of Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead and South Bucks District Council. The group, which took its name from the 2 million residents of the original 12 authorities, now represents a combined population of 4 million people.

In January the 2M group of councils sent 20 key questions to transport secretary Ruth Kelly who announced her backing for a new runway at the airport before the start of the Government's consultation on the plan. The 2M Group of councils drew up the list after residents complained that the Department for Transport's consultation document had been made deliberately complicated and one-sided.

A spokesperson said: "Many people have said they find the 238-page consultation document and the eight-page questionnaire bewildering. Yet for all the great mass of detail so much of the vital information on environmental impact and economic benefits is missing. We hope residents will find it useful to include some of the 2M questions in their own response to the minister. We are not saying these are the only questions but they do cover the main concerns people have expressed so far. The Government has made this consultation as difficult as possible - our aim is to simplify matters so that residents can test the minister on the key assumptions that lie behind her support for expansion."

Now in the next major development of their campaign the Group are about to launch a plan for a new £30 billion high-speed rail line linking Liverpool and Manchester to Heathrow. The proposal envisages a single England-Scotland spine route and several spurs that would reach out to major cities including Liverpool and Manchester. It would run alongside the M1 and use the disused Woodhead line to Manchester, including the rail tunnel.

Edwards Lister, leader of Wandsworth Council said: "We are delighted to publish these proposals because we want a debate. We have a Government that can't see further than the next runway. "It's time for some imagination in UK transport planning. We don't pretend for one minute we have all the answers but at least we're asking the right questions."

Richmond Council leader Serge Lourie added: "The country's roads are grinding to a halt and all ministers want to do is put more planes in the sky and more cars on the ground. Even expanding just the existing Heathrow runways would bring another million road journeys. The real demand is for sustainable transport options that actually help people and businesses move around the country."

If you are disturbed at the way the UK Government is trying to push through the case for the 3rd Heathrow runway why not drop a note to your MP. You find all the details you need to know here. You can use the e-mail link provided on the site, or if you would rather send a real letter, once you have the name of your MP you should address it to:

The House of Commons
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Reports from the CCN are that about 8:30 p.m., residents reported hearing explosions and summoned the police. On the arrival of the lawmen, Duncan was found suffering from gunshot wounds and a 9 mm pistol beside him.

The firearm which bears serial number H02531 and a magazine with nine 9mm cartridges was seized by the police. Duncan was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The St. Andrew South Police who are investigating theorize that Duncans’ death was gang related.