text:
In response to numerous requests for more information on the defunct Safe House Pilot Project that was to address the growing numbers of displaced and homeless LGBTQ Youth in New Kingston in 2007/8/9, a review of the relevance of the project as a solution, the possible avoidance of present issues with some of its previous residents if it were kept open.
Recorded June 12, 2013; also see from the former Executive Director named in the podcast more background on the project: HERE also see the beginning of the issues from the closure of the project: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

Friday, February 12, 2016

The Line in the sand for the PNP part 16: Pre-election debate dodging.

 Gleaner photo of leaders shaking hands at code of conduct signing

Gleaner's Lasmay touched the latest controversy

Is the PNP machinery obfuscating on the election debate to avoid controversial issues as buggery?

check out previous lines in the sand (PNP) series:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 & 8 & 9 & 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

I must really vote for the PNP after all this? ..... When they had captured my interest despite the buggery law baiting by some of their own; plus the CCJ dangling carrot trick by Mark Golding earlier this year.

Independent candidate favours J’cans making decisions on Buggery & CCJ (sister blog), Golding, Buggery And The CCJ and Review regional buggery laws, says UWI Guild Council and The line in the sand for the PNP part 10 : Buggery referendum & more CCJ

Male PNP supporters in makeup in a motorcade ... the caption by: NJ Chocolat Brown

A dem su'm Portia wah free up inna ja.. An d damn ppl dem a bout 'powa, powa. Kmft das y mi seh str888 showa all wen mi dead mi a laborite
So it seems to me as the suggestion (seen as a promise by others) of a conscience vote from 2011 has arisen again; advocates and ordinary LGBTians are wondering if the matter will return once again on the expected pre-election debates but with the justice minister’s previous utterances both publicly and also his private thoughts on the law also made public by him it seems the PNP is afraid of a backlash as has been the case for so long in this country while giving me pause. Even as the Gleaner’s headline today says Portia is more favourable according to polls this was an old survey I imagine by Dr Herbert Gayle (projected seats win) and Bill Johnson but in recent hours and the rise in rage regarding the expected debate she is bound to lose some political stock from 45% she rose to. Also see (Portia On Top - Simpson Miller Ahead Of Holness In Favourability Poll) Holness stood still on favourability but his unfavourable has fallen from 23% to 16% and seems unable to capture those on the fence.

also see: #JaVotes2016: PNP Withdrawal From Debates Could Trigger Businesses To Pull Funding

I am now wondering as I cannot believe that a simple barb about who is a con as expressed from both sides is now the reason being banded about as a cop out from a pre election debate. Bearing in mind that in 2011 it was the PNP via its leader Portia Simpson Miller who despite a perception of her less than articulate skills in public speaking who came out shinning none the less against her counterpart leader of the opposition Andrew Holness. Social media has exploded since the release of a letter via general secretary Paul Burke with awful comments and why was the letter dated February 12 despite the fact the letter was released on February 11. Is the 10 point plan and the central minimum wage increase suggestion by the JLP is too strong to challenge by the PNP so they are using all kinds of methods to tear it apart? The rebuttal by the Finance Minister though sounding plausible on the face of it when stripped down is nonsense and the press conference also yesterday alongside the signing of the code of conduct by both parties in 11 parishes seems to suggest an orchestrated strategy to avoid addressing it fully. The JLP’s 250k jobs proposal has simply died down since the new brouhaha as that plan seemed unreachable to me.

one of the latest barbs thrown at Simpson-Miller

remember this?:

I thought such pre-election debates were for eligible parties present their platforms for the elections so that the electorate can make their decisions on the faithful day behind the scene. Although the issues seem lost over the smoke screens the 10 point plat by the JLP seems to be gaining some traction especially on the minimum wage matter/threshold but there is a deceptive move by some PNP propagandists who claim the JLP said it was going to repeal buggery when that was NOT what Mr Holness proposed. An obvious talk show targeting response was in play both yesterday and the day before as known ‘PNP callers’ propagandists tried to shift the accusation that the JLP said it was going to remove or repeal buggery; in every instance I heard and others who were monitoring it the hosts of the shows reiterated the referendum suggestion. Holness has since moved from saying he will accept gays in his party and administration (although we all now they may not come out openly) post the 2011 elections to siding with the religious right anti gay movement on a referendum especially since a series of public rallies effectively threatening any administration in the future from touching the so called buggery law. On this blog at least I have tried to show the trajectory of this and even though JFLAG has finally and sensibly changed its position from a full repeal demand in 1998 in the first parliamentary submission then a 14 year run on same to the present position of an amendment or decriminalization both the JLP and the PNP have been dithering deliberately as it is radio active politically for them both.

Observer headline click HERE

So they both create smoke screens over the years to obfuscate the matter instead of having a sensible emotion free debate. I guess the Prime Minister or PNP party leader Simpson Miller does not want to be cornered into making any more suggestions of a buggery amendment/review or promises for that matter. I am in shock as well to think that the rest of the PNP hierarchy has agreed to this obvious debate dodging exercise it something else is happening behind the scenes we are not aware of. Are there pressures pulling on the structure in terms of funding and what issues must be addressed? Let us bear in mind that LGBT considerations come fast furious within the last couple of years with regards to grant funding from places like the EU, the UK and the of course the US since Obama’s ascension to the Presidency. China’s buying influence strategy worldwide does not come with such considerations and I dare say trample on some rights environmental considerations as we have seen in Africa and even locally. China Harbour’s (CHEC) seeming shoddy handling of the dynamiting of areas nearing residencies only for said residents impacting with property damages being misled in a pretentious administrative processing to be told the company cannot be held responsible; leaving many in rage over it especially in St Catherine with the recent completion of the latest toll booth and the highway towards Flat Bridge.

The JLP is obviously courting the religious groups as a previous post had dealt with but the PNP has a problem as well in that department; the tradition so called big churches are also aligned with them and has been so for so many years but the the strong theocratic typed opposition is coming from extremist section of the Christian community who have formed themselves into groups; so the Jamaica Council of Churches, JCC aka PNP at prayer as coined by former PM Edward Seaga decades ago has been very cautious in its public pronouncements on homosexuality and the buggery law while espousing tolerance (whether they mean it or not is another matter); hence there is a rift sometimes made bare by the antigay groups that traditional churches tend to ‘hug up’ homosexuals more so than supposed true fire brand Christians. So we get a two tiered approach to this matter being properly ventilated.

Pryce & JFLAG Reps at Health for All 2015

remember this from the last campaign?:

labelling or profiling suspected PNP MSM

One would think the PNP knowing the party enjoys larger LGBT support for so long would not be afraid to join the pre-election debate and deal with the matter. The utterances from the outgoing if not pushed out unceremoniously Raymond Pryce often perceived as gay and who in 2014 via a Jamaica Observer forum spoke to the buggery law in his own opinion could help and that he Pryce is close to the party leader and even writes her speeches could assist her to articulate the navigating of the matter and the broader issue of homosexuality. We cannot leave out the other party stalwarts and rising stars who also subscribe to popular sentiments to remain popular and the aforementioned propagandists to say the JLP will change the law.

The PNP’s use of logistical incongruence to avoid the debate too is also disingenuous suggesting they wanted a town-hall structure similar to the USA style as they want not just journalists to ask questions but members of the public. Yet the middle of the road suggestion to have every three questions from journalists posed then a member of the public can also pose a question was flatly rejected by the PNP. The numbers game has not worked in terms of the taxes issues, minimum wages, GDP targets, extra liquidity and the NDX payout seems insignificant in the eyes of the ordinary man as they have not translated to improved everyday living for him. Then there is the issue of the timing of the high court constitutional challenge to buggery via Maurice Tomlinson plus the tolerance ad appeal pitted against the aforementioned Justice Minister Mark Golding’s baiting of the same to force a positive vote on the CCJ one wonders if the election call is also to race towards wining it despite the uncertainty of the judgement of the two actions. Curiously the minister had mentioned the challenge long before the press release and announcements came on Tomlinson’s legal action so someone inside the PNP was obviously aware of what was on the horizon although public photos on Facebook of a supposed consultation in Kingston was out.

I agree with Professor Trevor Munroe of the National Integrity Action, NIA that the 2007/11 pre-elections debate that they are needed and had both leaders promising transparency and dialogue while the campaign ads have not addressed the issues properly and are more about belittling each other’s parties. The debate is a chance to raise issues and not one-upmanship in the old style of politics that have come to still be a factor of campaigning and hustings work. The JLP despite the change in strategy from JFLAG et al of decriminalization advocacy instead of a full repeal they via its leader have been deceptively too obfuscating the matter towards a suggestion of a call for a full repeal being justifiably denied when that is not the case for the call by LGBT lobbyists.

The stoning of a PNP motorcade on its way to Junction last evening is not helping any alongside the two shootings of persons in western Jamaica since last Sunday and on nomination day in Flankers is disturbing and reminds me of the old days of violence and fear driven action to stop middle of the road prospective voters from participating. The rapid signing of contracts and sudden accessibility of the Prime Minister by media, sudden decreases in student loan interest rated conveniently as the JLP has an ad saying if they win they will do, MPs now showing up after protracted absence are indicators of the silly season once again but yet all the political parties including the lesser visible ones do not want to touch the buggery law not even with a long stick and are more pandering to popular sentiments of outright rejection of any suggested change or the misplaced perception of a repeal.

Sense & sensibilities anyone.

Peace & tolerance

Also watch & see:

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Bad Man Nuh F*** Batty (Masculine Men Don't F*** Ass) (The Fear of The Feminine in JA ) 16.04.15

A look at the fear of the feminine (Effemophobia) by Jamaican standards & how it drives the homo-negative perceptions/homophobia in Jamaican culture/national psyche.

After catching midway a radio discussion on the subject of Jamaica being labelled as homophobic I did a quick look at the long held belief in Jamaica by anti gay advocates, sections of media and homophobes that several murders of alleged gay victims are in fact 'crimes of passion' or have jealousy as their motives but it is not as simple or generalized as that.

Listen without prejudice to this and other podcasts on one of my Soundcloud channels

hear recent pods as well:

Information & Disclaimer

Not all views expressed are those of GJW

This blog contains pictures and images that may be disturbing. As we seek to highlight the plight of victims of homophobic violence here in Jamaica, the purpose of the pics is to show physical evidence of claims of said violence over the years and to bring a voice of the same victims to the world.

Many recover over time, at pains, as relocation and hiding are options in that process. Please view with care or use the Happenings section to select other posts of a different nature.

Not all persons depicted in photos are gay or lesbian and it is not intended to portray them as such, save and except for the relevance of the particular post under which they appear.

Please use the snapshot feature (if available for your device(s) to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.

God Bless

Other Blogs I write to:

Recent Homophobic Incidents CLICK HERE for related posts/labels from glbtqjamaica's blog & HERE for those I am aware of.

APJ Website Launch & Link

Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website on December 1 2015 on World AIDS Day where they hosted a docu-film and after discussions on the film Human Vol 1

audience members interacting during a break in the event

film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

See posts on APJ's work: HERE (newer entries will appear first so scroll to see older ones)

The Hypocrisy of Jamaican Anti Gay Groups & Selective Actions of Societal Ills

The selectivity of the anti gay religious voices on so called societal ills is examined in this podcast as other major issues that require the "church" to have spoken up including sexual abuse by pastors in recent times yet mere silence on those matters is highlighted.

Why are these groups and so called child rights activists creating mass hysteria and have so much strength for HOMOSEXUALITY but are quiet on corruption in government, missing children, crime in the country and so much more but want to stop same gender loving persons from enjoying peace of mind and PRIVACY?

Also is the disturbing tactic of deliberately conflating paedophilia with same gender sex as if to suggest reforming the buggery law will cause an influx of buggered children when we know that is NOT TRUE.

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard

When are lives interrupted be allowed a real honest chance to move from interruption to independence and stability? I just cannot tell you friends.

An article appeared in the gleaner today that just sent me into sadness mode again with this ugly business of LGBTQI homelessness. The author of the piece needs an intervention too as he (Ryon Jones) uses terms such as cross dressers and or homeless men which if transgender persons are present they cannot be described or seen as such, sigh another clear display of the lack of impact and reach of so called advocacies and advocates who are more interested in parading as working but really aint having much impact as they ought to or claim.

We are told of houses being put together from time in memorial; the Dwayne’s House project seems dead in the water, the Larry Chang (named after a JFLAG cofounder) seems stuck in the mud and Colour Pink’s so called Rainbow House seems insignificant in relation to the size and scope of the national problem. JFLAG as presented on this blog is obviously not interested in getting their hands dirty really on homelessness save and except for using the populations as cannon fodder and delegating same; as far as I am concerned presenting them as victims of homophobia which is true but where are the programs and the perceived millions donated or granted since President Obama’s visit to address LGBTQ matters?

Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?

Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?

It seems like homosexuality is on everyone's tongue. From articles in the newspapers to countless news stories and commentaries, it seems like everyone is talking about the gays. Since Jamaica identifies as a Christian nation, the obvious thought about homosexuality is that it is wrong but only male homosexuality seems to influence the more passionate responses. It seems we are more open to accepting lesbianism but gay men are greeted with much disapproval.

Dancehall has certainly been very clear where it stands when it comes to this issue with various songs voicing clear condemnation of this lifestyle. Currently, quite a few artistes are facing continuous protests because of their anti-gay lyrics. Even the law makers are involved in the gayness as there have been several calls for the repeal of the buggery law. Recently Parliament announced plans to review the Sexual Offences Act which, I am sure, will no doubt address homosexuality.

Jamaica has been described as a homophobic nation. The question I want to ask is: What are we afraid of? There are usually many reasons why homosexuality is such a pain in the a@. Here are some of the more popular arguments MORE HERE

also see:
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation

Sexuality - What is yours?

The Deliberate Misuse of the “Sexual Grooming” Term by Antigay Fanatics to Promote Their Hysteria

Just as I researched on-line in NOT EVEN five minutes and found a plethora of information and FACTS on Sexual Grooming (and thanks to Dr Karen Carpenter for some valuable insight I found out what Sexual Grooming was) so too must these fanatics go and do the same and stop creating panic in the country.

The hysteria continues from the Professor Bain so called protests to protect freedom of speech and bites at the credibility of the LGBT lobby collectively continues via Duppies Dupe UWI articles when the bigger principle of the conflict of interest in regards to the greater imperative of removing/preserving archaic buggery laws in the Caribbean dependent on which side one sits is of greater import when the professor’s court testimony in Belize went against the imperative of CHART/PANCAP goals is the more germane matter of which he was former head now temporarily reinstated via a court ex-parte injunction. The unnecessary uproar and shouting from the same hysterical uninformed quarters claiming moral concerns ....... MORE CLICK HERE

also see if you can

JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness

In a shocking move JFLAG decided not to invite or include homeless MSM in their IDAHO activity for 2013 thus leaving many in wonderment as to the reason for their existence or if the symposium was for "experts" only while offering mere tokenism to homeless persons in the reported feeding program. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ENTRY HERE sad that the activity was also named in honour of one of JFLAG's founders who joined the event via Skype only to realize the issue he held so dear in his time was treated with such disrespect and dishonor. Have LGBT NGOs lost their way and are so mainstream they have forgotten their true calling?

also see a flashback to some of the issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless LGBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

Steps to take when confronted by the police & your rights compromised:

a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist

c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tense

d) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports

f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)

g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible

h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violated

i) When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions

j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it

Vacant at Last! ShoemakerGully: Displaced MSM/Trans Persons were is cleared December 2014

CVM TV carried a raid and subsequent temporary blockade exercise of the Shoemaker Gully in the New Kingston district as the authorities respond to the bad eggs in the group of homeless/displaced or idling MSM/Trans persons who loiter there for years.

Question is what will happen to the population now as they struggle for a roof over their heads and food etc. The Superintendent who proposed a shelter idea (that seemingly has been ignored by JFLAG et al) was the one who led the raid/eviction.

Also see:

the CVM NEWS Story HERE on the eviction/raid taken by the police

also see a flashback to some of the troubling issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless GBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

May 22, 2015, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston

New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker Gully LGBT Homeless Population

Superintendent Murdock

The same cop who has factored in so many run-ins with the youngsters in the Shoemaker Gully (often described as a sewer by some activists) has delivered on a promise of his powerpoint presentation on a solution to the issue in New Kingston, problem is it is the same folks who abandoned the men (their predecessors) from the powerful cogs of LGBT/HIV that are in earshot of his plan.

This ugly business of LGBTQ homelessness and displacements or self imposed exile by persons has had several solutions put forth, problem is the non state actors in particular do not want to get their hands dirty as the more combative and political issues to do with buggery's decriminalization or repeal have risen to the level of importance more so than this. Let us also remember this is like the umpteenth meeting with the cops, some of the LGBT homeless persons and the advocacy structure.

Remember JFLAG's exclusion of the group from that IDAHO symposium on LGBT homelessess? See HERE, how can we ask the same people who only want to academise and editorialise the issue to also try to address their own when they do not want to get their hands dirty but publish wonderful reports as was done earlier this month, see HERE: (re)Presenting and Redressing LGBT Homelessness in Jamaica: Towards a Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Anti-Gay Related Displacement also LGBT homelessness has always been with us from the records of Gay Freedom Movement(1974) to present but the current issues started from 2009, see: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009 as carried on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch. CLICK HERE for FULL post of this story.

Gender Identity/Transgederism Radio discussion Jamaica March 2014

Radio program Everywoman on Nationwide Radio 90FM March 20th 2014 with Dr Karen Carpenter as stand-in host with a transgender activist and co-founder of Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica and a gender non conforming/lesbian guest as well on the matters of identity, sex reassignment surgery and transexuality.

CLICK HERE for a recording of the show

As promised here is another periodical update on an income generating/diligence building project now in effect for some now seven former homeless and displaced MSM in St Catherine, it originally had twelve persons but some have gotten jobs elsewhere, others have simply walked away and one has relocated to another parish, to date their weed whacking earning business capacity has been struggling as previous posts on the subject has brought to bear.

Although some LGBT persons residing in the parish have been approached by yours truly and others to increase client count for the men costs such as gas and maintenance of the four machines that are rotated between the enrolled men are rising weekly literally while the demand is instead decreasing due to various reasons.

Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14

debate by hosts and UWI students on the weekly program Issues on Fire on legalizing polygamy with Jamaica's multiple partner cultural norms this debate is timely.

Also with recent public discourse on polyamorous relationships, threesomes (FAME FM Uncensored) and on social.

What to Do .....

a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone

b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council

c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state

d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police

e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number

f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided

g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence

h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail

i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail

j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence

Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you

The following may apply:

1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries

2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial

3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.

4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.

5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence

6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts

7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.

Notes on Bail & Court Appearance issues

If in doubt speak to your attorney

Bail and its importance -

If one is locked up then the following may apply:
Locked up over a weekend - Arrested pursuant to being charged or detained There must be reasonable suspicion i.e. about to commit a crime, committing a crime or have committed a crime.

There are two standards that must be met:

1). Subjective standard: what the officer(s) believed to have happened

2). Objective standard: proper and diligent collection of evidence that implicates the accused To remove or restrain a citizen’s liberty it cannot be done on mere suspicion and must have the above two standards

 Police officers can offer bail with exceptions for murder, treason and alleged gun offences, under the Justice of the Peace Act a JP can also come to the police station and bail a person, this provision as incorporated into the bail act in the late nineties

 Once a citizen is arrested bail must be considered within twelve hours of entering the station – the agents of the state must give consideration as to whether or not the circumstances of the case requires that bail be given

 The accused can ask that a Justice of the Peace be brought to the station any time of the day. By virtue of taking the office excluding health and age they are obliged to assist in securing bail

"Bail is not a matter for daylight

Locked up and appearing in court

 Bail is offered at the courts office provided it was extended by the court; it is the court that has the jurisdiction over the police with persons in custody is concerned.

 Bail can still be offered if you were arrested and charged without being taken to court a JP can still intervene and assist with the bail process.

Other Points of Interest

 The accused has a right to know of the exact allegation

 The detainee could protect himself, he must be careful not to be exposed to any potential witness

 Avoid being viewed as police may deliberately expose detainees

 Bail is not offered to persons allegedly with gun charges

 Persons who allegedly interfere with minors do not get bail

 If over a long period without charge a writ of habeas corpus however be careful of the police doing last minute charges so as to avoid an error

 Every instance that a matter is brought before the court and bail was refused before the accused can apply for bail as it is set out in the bail act as every court appearance is a chance to ask for bail

 Each case is determined by its own merit – questions to be considered for bail:

a) Is the accused a flight risk?

b) Are there any other charges that the police may place against the accused?

c) Is the accused likely to interfere with any witnesses?

d) What is the strength of the crown’s/prosecution’s case?

 Poor performing judges can be dealt with at the Judicial Review Court level or a letter to the Chief Justice can start the process

Human Rights Advocacy for GLBT Community Report 2009

Popular Posts

What I am reading at times ......

Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.

Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this blog(immediately below, GLBTQJA (Blogspot), GLBTQJA (Wordpress) and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact: or Tel: 1-876-841-2923 (leave a message just in case)

Activities & Plans: ongoing and future

  • To continue this venture towards website development with an E-zine focus

  • Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives

  • To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

  • To formalise GLBTQ Jamaica's activities in the long term

  • Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere

  • Welcoming, examining and implemeting suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public

  • Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner

  • Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise

  • Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL

Thanks again
Mr. H or Howie

Tel: 1-876-841-2923

Battle Lines Javed Jaghai versus the state & the Jamaica Buggery Law

Originally aired on CVM TV December 8th 2013, apologies for some of the glitches as the source feed was not so hot and it kept dropping from source or via the ISP, NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED and is solely for educational and not for profit use and review. The issue of the pending legal challenge in the Constitutional Court in Jamaica as filed by Javed Jaghai an outspoken activist who happens also to be openly aetheist.

The opposing sides are covered as well such as
The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society
The Love March
Movement Jamaica

The feature seems destined for persons who are just catching up to the issues and repositioning JFLAG in particular in the public domain as their image has taken a beating in some respects especially on the matter of the homeless MSM front. They need to be careful that an elitist perception is not held after this after some comments above simplistic discourse, the use of public agitation as beneath some folks and the obvious overlooking of the ordinary citizen who are realy the ones who need convincing to effect the mindset change needed and the national psyche's responses to homosexuality in general.

John Maxwell's House


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This TITANIUM LED SERIES T8 Tube has been designed and engineered for demanding commercial applications. This plug and play direct replacement tube is compatible with Instant Start and Programmed Start Ballasts and requires no rewiring during installation. This dimmable lamp’s innovative glass design and compact light engine produce 310° of evenly diffused light. The micro-designed driver allows for a smaller end cap and end-to-end lighting with no dark spots. Simply install and turn ON the savings.

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The Great Dane 28 looks rather like the Folkboat, but she has a fairly narrow beam compared to her length of 28 ft. Both her hull and complete coachroof/deck mouldings have always been made of GRP.

The cockpit coamings, wash-boards, hatches and locker-tops are of teak and her transom-hung rudder extends the full depth from transom to keel. This gives her a very traditional appearance. The propeller is sited in a cut-out of the rudder, giving it maximum protection from fouling. The long keel of encapsulated lead gives her a low centre of gravity and a 46% ballast ratio. The cut-away forefoot reduces some of the manoeuvrability difficulties traditionally associated with long-keeled boats in tight spaces.
The off-centre heavy teak main hatch slides on brass rails and the companionway is of a comfortable width and depth. Moving from cockpit to saloon is safe and made easy by the steps covering the forward end of the engine.
Below decks there is surprising headroom in the saloon- just over 6 ft. The layout varies a little, but a dinette to port is common. This converts to a small double berth and there is a galley and quarter berth to starboard, with foot space below the starboard cockpit seat. The generous use of teak below decks gives a warm, traditional appearance. The heads (to port) and hanging locker (to starboard) separate the saloon from the forward cabin with its V-berth, which has large lockers beneath it. The forepeak contains the anchor chain.
The engine is accessed easily by removing the cockpit sole.

LOA 28' 0''ft. (8.5m)
LWL 21' 4'' (6.5m)
Beam 8' 2'' (2.5m)
Draft 4' 6'' (1.4m)
Displacement 8,500 lbs (3,855kg)
Ballast 3,900lbs (1,769kg)
Tonnage TM 7 tons
Sail Area 370 sq.ft. (34.4 sq.m)
Main 215 sq.ft., No.1 Jib 178 sq.ft., No.2 Jib 155 sq.ft.,
Storm Jib 75 sq.ft., Genoa 250 sq.ft., Spinnaker 608 sq.ft.
RORC Rating 17.75 approx.
Headroom 6' 0'' (1.8m)
Designer Aage Utzon
Builder Klauss Baess, Copenhagen

Any scan or copies of articles or original brochures with plan you'd like to send would be really appreciated!

Visit the picture page to see these numbers in 3D!

Hull and stability factors

Not being an expert at all, don't get upset if I'm wrong!
Great Dane 28 is relatively heavy and stiff, which means she will be slower, but comfortable offshore and will go well in rough seas. With a good ballast, she has a very good stability, even being more on the slim side. Her long roll period for a boat that size indicates a stable vessel. The angle of vanishing stability AVS is the angle of heel at which a boat capsizes (a larger ° is thus preferred) . Lightweight ocean production boats are now coming out with AVS of 110°. Anything added to the boat will reduce that, since it's placed above the center of gravity (radars, genoa furlers, and so on). On the other end of the scale is the Contessa 32 with a AVS of approx 152° and she was one of the only small boat to survive and finish the deadly race Fastnet in 79'. So our 138° AVS is pretty good for our 28 footer. The comfort factor represent a kind of livability offshore. It generally favors bigger boats on which people will generally feel more comfortable, except with smaller boat that have a heavy displacement and narrower beam! The capsize factor (CSF) is a measurement developed after that sadly '79 Fastnet (beam is compared to displacement - to determine whether a wave would capsize a boat) . Values less than 2 are supposed good, the lower the better (1 is a minimum and boats with values over 2 are not considered suitable for ocean races). But considering the actual results of the race, particularly the Contessa 32 finishing (and ahead of larger boats), some of the boats capsized must have had better CSF numbers than the Contessa's 1.77. I really don't know what it really means…

As a conclusion, the Great Dane is a well designed and well built little sailboat having good comfort and seaworthiness, but not the fastest racer (of today!). I've heard someone said once that you can have only 2 of the 3 following options for a sailboat: speed, comfort or cheap price! Well, I guess its acceleration at the start won't destabilize you and that you won't arrive first on the line, but you'll arrive there safely and happily…

Calculation found on A guy there even said she was supposed to be one of the best small cruiser ever built.
Based on Lh = 8,54 m, Lwl = 6,4 m, Bmax = 2,44 m, Bwl = 2,2 m (0.9*Bmax), Draught = 1,45 m, HD = 0,5 m (Guess), Displacement = 4195 kg, Ballast = 1798 kg, Sail area = 36,7 m2, Power = 18 HP. Length/Beam ratio (Lfl+Lh)/2B = 3,06 ; Ballast/Disp Ratio = 0,43 ; Displacement/Length Ratio D/L = 446,35; Sail Area/Disp. Ratio SA/D = 14,34 ; Power/ Disp. Ratio HP/D = 1,94 HP/ton ; Hull speed HSPD = 6,14 Kn ; Potential Maximum Speed PMS = 6,43 Kn ; Velocity Ratio VR = 1,05 ; Capsize Safety Factor CSF = 1,53 ; Motion Comfort Ratio MCR = 38,49 ; Angle of Vanishing Stability AVS = 138 º ; Heft Ratio HF = 1,61 (OK over 1) ; Roll Period T = 3,77 Sec ; Roll Acceleration Acc = 0,04 G's (Malaise 0.1+) ; Stability Index SI = 1,54 (Comfort: 1 – 1,1)

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SILENT HILL 3 / Robbie the Rabbit 1/6 Scale Statue, Green Ver.

Green version of the iconic mascot character of SILENT HILL, "Robbie the Rabbit."

In the bonus movie “兎 usagi” included with the DVD “Lost Memories: THE ART & MUSIC OF SILENT HILL,"
multiple Robbies are thrown together in the underground filled with blood, pus and rust.
The green Robbie appears for a few seconds on the elevator going up and down in the underground.

●Price: US$150.00 ●Prepainted statue ●Material: ABS/PVC ●Size: 1/6 scale(34cm high)
●Release: March 2016 ●Sculpt: Shinya Akao／HEADLONG ●Paint: Norifumi Dohi/FRANKEN ●Paint: Kenji Ando ●Package art: Usagi Tanaka

【Distributor】●D4TOYS (Worldwide)

ⓒKonami Digital Entertainment
ⓒ2012-2017 Gecco Corp. All Right Reserved.


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More “Woo” comes to Central Pennsylvania!

Found this article today:

Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center, 120 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701, March 21, 2011 – Dr. Margaret Smiechowski, North America’s foremost expert on Himalayan salt, is pleased to announce that her latest salt cave design is set to be revealed on March 29th, 2011, at the opening of the Tranquility Salon and Wellness Center in Carlisle, PA. Like all of her salt caves, the Carlisle cave features eco-friendly building materials and a highly sophisticated climate-controlled environment. However, this cave represents what Dr. Smiechowski calls the “new generation” of caves in the United States.
Continue reading More “Woo” comes to Central Pennsylvania!


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Arthur Streeton, Land of the Golden Fleece  1926,
oil on canvas, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
The Oscar Paul Collection, Gift of Henriette von Dallwitz and of Richard Paul in honour of his father 1965

Land of the Golden Fleece—Arthur Streeton in the Western District

27 February to 13 June 2016

A Geelong Gallery exhibition

Geelong Gallery is delighted to present its major exhibition for 2016 as Land of the Golden Fleece—Arthur Streeton in the Western District, 27 February to 13 June.

Bringing together works by one of Australia’s foremost and much-loved artists, the exhibition focuses on Arthur Streeton’s landscape paintings of Victoria’s Western District, and associated coastal vistas, from the years 1920 to 1932 and following the artist’s return from an extended period in Europe. Whilst several of Streeton’s paintings from these years may be familiar to some visitors, it is envisaged that these vividly coloured and virtuoso works will, collectively, be a revelation for audiences.

The exhibition will be configured around a narrative sequence tracing the various Victorian (Western District) locations frequented by the artist during this phase of his career. Groupings will therefore include paintings of Lorne (1921), Port Campbell (1932), Dunkeld, Halls Gap and the Grampians generally.

About Arthur Streeton

Undoubtedly one of Australia’s most signifcant painters, Arthur Streeton was born in 1867 in Duneed, near Geelong. He came to prominence alongside fellow Australian Impressionist painters including Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts and Charles Conder in the 9 × 5 Impressions exhibition of 1889. In 1891, the painting Golden summer, Eaglemont (1889) was exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, and hung ‘on the line’ to widespread acclaim. Between 1897 and 1920 Streeton lived in London visiting France and Italy, and making return trips to Australia where he staged successful exhibitions of his work and re-engaged with the Australian landscape. He was appointed an official Australian war artist during the First World War. After returning permanently to Australia in 1920 Streeton continued painting grand Australian vistas as well as more intimate subjects such as still-life compositions and his own garden in the Melbourne suburb of Toorak. He retired to Olinda, in the Dandenong Ranges, in 1938, where he died on 1 September 1943.

Exhibition sponsors


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Monday, January 10, 2005

Dear Santa Letter Generator.

He has already left the country for another year of procrastination on the North Pole, and probably annoying Mrs. Kringle, but before you know it, it's December again. So, when you're too busy to sit down and write that old-fashioned letter to Santa, this handy-dandy interweb doo-dad can do the heavy lifting for you!

The Generator wrote this letter to Santa:

Dear Obese Trespassing Altruist,

This year, I have been a very good little boy. I have not lied, and I have always helped my daddy with their pyramid schemes. And I always say thank you, which makes me seem like I care, and so I deserve lots of presents this year!

Please bring all this stuff for me and the people in my life: For my mommy, please bring Valium. For my daddy, please bring a new dead-end job. For my little sister, please bring a subscription to Guns and Ammo. For my hampster, please bring breath mints.

Now about me! Please bring me all of the Anna Nicole Smith action figures, and front row tickets to Mary-Kate and Ashley. Oh, and please don't forget to bring my Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0. But if you can't, just remember that more than anything Santa, what I really really want is just $100,000,000!

Anyway, I hope you like the meatloaf I left out for you.
The Generator.

[ Dear Santa Letter Generator ]


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Friday, 18 May 2012

Wha's like us?

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with some other tenant farmers as I am interested in hearing their opinions.

There is a growing dissent and concern amongst this forgotten sector of agriculture, the feeling that they have been thrown on the heap and ignored. They feel demoralised by two recent land court cases which went against the tenants plus they felt betrayed when the Absolute Right to Buy was shelved.

The accent tends to lean toward the new entrants these days and admirably so but many existing tenants feel that their problems are addressed in a dismissive manner or a daunting manner.
Daunting in the prospect of having to go to the land court to resolve issues.

The cost of going to court is enormous and it is well known that some wealthy landowners try to prolong cases in order to bring the cost up; I will not beat about the bush here, they are looking to bankrupt some of the tenants. "The rottweilers" as they are known.
The wealthy landowners have the means, the Q.C.s, the motive and the will to get the tenant out.
There is the added worry of trying to fight the case, run the farm, cope with all the paperwork that farming generates as well as the everyday problems which arise when you are hands on farming.

There appears to be a common complaint against the agents who seemingly run estates these days. I have yet to hear one decent word about these people as their manner is increasingly inhuman and arrogant. I would say that there is no respect whatsoever for these agents and vice versa is most definitely the case.

Tenant farmers tend to be a fairly tacit group of people and although this may be construed as an awfully broad generalisation, they are not usually known for protests, strikes or loud protestations. Probably because they are out working all hours of the day and night. They are in remote areas, possibly without broadband connection or mobile phone range.

Now here is the crunch. Why are most of them afraid of talking out, even if they did have access to internet, etc?
Why are they feeling threatened yet find themselves in a position where the law is prohibitively expensive? Where is the fairness in that?
Why are they afraid and who are they afraid of?

The answer is simple. They are afraid of losing their farms and afraid of the bullying tactics of landlord's agents.

The sleekit wee nyaff who is supposed to liase with us has had some pretty warped ideas in the short time he has been with the estate. How strange to blame our family for leaving gates open so our cattle escape. Who did he think was going to have to find them, round the cattle up, check that they were all there and that none were injured?
Who was going to get the vet out if they were injured and who was going to pay the vet?

Why would tyremarks from several 4x4s appear in our grazing field at the same time as we attended a farm roup along the road?

The refusal to give notice when shoots take place right beside the house.

Other tenant farmers have had barn roofs removed and no new barn provided. One neighbour had to rent a barn miles away, at a greatly inflated rent. Another ex tenant narrowly missed being shot when a 'careless' shot or two was fired as she hung out her washing...
Some tenants have already lost their farms.

Sometimes the police refuse to come out if an incident occurs on a farm. We were told that it was an 'estate matter' when an illegal shoot took place beside our house.
Tenants feel increasingly isolated and therefore become vulnerable.

There are so many other examples of astonishing bullying taking place and you would not be wrong in thinking that you were in Zimbabwe instead of Scotland in 2012.
An entire culture is under threat, a unique culture like the crofters. What some of us are experiencing is akin to a form of ethnic cleansing, we are seen as being inferiors or 'owned' by faceless large landowners.
Our family (under our farm name) are owned by the landowner's trustees and a grandchild, if my memory serves correctly.

Tenant farmers are indebted to people like Andy Wightman who is not afraid to speak out for them and has written a book "The Poor Had No Lawyers" which accurately illustrates the history and the present for Scottish tenant farmers.
There are so few books about us, so little in the media about us (I wonder why that is!) so those who speak out for a tacit culture are thought of very highly indeed.
Here is a man speaking up for those who are too afraid to speak.

Some still have no lawyers.

Some are still bound by agreements made 125 years ago without personal legal representation in 1890.

Yet this stubborn denial by the Scottish government that feudalism still exists?

The catch 22 is that it is cost prohibitive to exhaust legal issues in the land court then escalate them to the European Court of Human Rights.

Your average tenant farmer, therefore, has to bite their tongue and just keep working for the landowner. In one fell swoop, a culture is oppressed, allowed to slowly die out and the land grabbed back.

Eugenics at it's finest.

Wha's like us?

Damn few - and they're a' deid.

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Look me straight in the eye and tell me this is not feudal

An area of our land was taken. Three areas actually.

This land was taken from us for 'sporting' purposes. No notice was given in writing, but the then factor visited my husband to inform him that the areas to be resumed were merely in the pipeline and if they were resumed, other land would be given to my husband as a means of compensation or a reduction in rent.

Nothing was signed, the then factor promptly left the estate and it was quite some time before a new factor took the post.

A fence went up one day in our best field. No notice, no knock on the door to say it was happening, nothing.

The land was simply taken.(2003)

An objection was raised (by our family), letters written, new factor informed etc. A lawyer wrote to ask about this 'resumption'. We continued to pay rent for this area. Still do to this day.

This 'game strip' is a full two acres. Not much you may think but it is a lot if you farm a fairly modest size farm, arable acreage of less than 100 acres. It cuts down the percentage of your grain crop, given that this was our best field for growing grain. It made it tight for turning the combine.
The grain was infested by pheasants. One gamekeeper from another estate estimated some 600+ pheasants in our field one day. In the non resumed side.

We continued to ask the estate to clarify re the land taken, we asked for written evidence of an agreement, we asked if they were going to compensate us.

They ignored our letters consistently. If we phoned, they were in 'meetings'.

In November of last year, we managed to resume a small area of resumed land back. It had been fenced off by the estate, a half assed crop planted in it for pheasant cover which was then left to become overgrown by dockens, the seeds of which blew into our other grain crop and contaminated the yield.

Today, we learn that the 2 acre strip resumed without paperwork is actually a much larger area than we realised which has not been resumed but 'fenced off (at considerable expense to the estate!) to stand guns during a shoot'.
I note that sheep are unable to graze in the fenced off area. which we pay full rent for.

Now, this is the bit that gets me.

The estate ignored our letters and phone calls. They were always very slow to reply to others acting in a professional capacity.

Today, we discover that not only do they claim that my husband 'must have thought it of little value' and that they can find 'little evidence of written correspondence' from my husband so therefore

This, from an entitled, arrogant, junior member of the estate.
Our family have farmed this ground for 125 years.

Patronising and disingenuous do not even cover it.

21st Century Scotland, people. Where land grab is the order of the day and freedom of speech is forbidden.
21st Century Scotland where people are still expected to live in hovels, ingest foul water and keep quiet about it.
21st Century Scotland, the playground of the select few on land which is closed to the majority.

Mr ********, the farmer, may be personally barred from objecting about what has happened. Mrs ******* will have no hesitation speaking on her husband's behalf.

Unless someone from the Scottish government is willing to assist me?
I don't care whether they are SNP, Labour, Tory, Green, Independent or a penguin.

We need land reform urgently to stop this feudal high handedness in it's tracks and support for the tenant farmers who are enduring hellish tricks by unscrupulous landowners.

Mr Salmond, STOP ignoring this.

I invite you here, Mr Salmond, to our farm, to see this for yourself.
Just yourself, Mr Salmond, our family and your aides.

Fellow tenant farmers, land reform campaigners are welcome too.

The estate are not invited.

Sunday, 6 May 2012

The effects of 21st century feudalism

I wanted to write about the constraints on our family and families like ours who, despite The Abolition of Feudal Tenure (Scotland) 2000, are still bound by certain rules, terminology and burdens due to our ancient leases.

I have undertaken discussions with many people from all over the world, many who cannot understand how some parts of Scotland are still living under positively medieval rules, feudal 'superiors', etc.
Why do we continue to allow this to happen?

Why, indeed.

Our family are still bound by a lease, written in 1890 and where the new tenant farmer was unrepresented by a lawyer but which bound all the generations to a set of rules. Many of these rules contravene modern human rights, the tenant farmer being used like a pack horse.

Talking of pack horse, here is an extract from our lease. Remember, we are still bound by this lease.

" being understood that in the event of the Landlord wishing to use wood grown in his own plantations the foregoing obligation to perform cartage shall include cartage of rough timber from any of his plantations to any sawmill he may consider suitable, besides cartage of such wood to the farm when sawn;

And the tenant binds himself and his successors in this Lease, if and when called on, in the first place, to do yearly free of charge - five- days' carting of peats by one pair of horses and one man from any part of the ******** Estate to ****** *****; and in the second place, to cart yearly, free of charge, eight tons of any substance from Perth Railway Station or any place not farther (sic) by highway from the Farm than the Station to (names landlord's houses) or any place not farther by highway from the Farm than the nearest of those Houses, or instead of such cartage to perform yearly free of charge - five days' work of any kind by -one- man with suitable carts or ploughs, or other implements, at any place not farther by highway from the Farm than the said Station, it being agreed that the Landlord shall fix the places from and to the said tons of substance or any of the same are to be carted, and whether work is to be performed instead of any of such cartage, and, if so, where and what kind;"

Sorry about the lack of paragraphs but the lease is written in one solid lump.

Carting, horses and freebie work aside (and I can assure you that we will all be washing our hair that week), it beggars belief that our family is legally bound by the above in 2012.

This community has slowly been dying for years.

The church was the first to go; a previous landowner built a shiny new church but the deal was that the community change from Free Church to Church of Scotland....

The community dismantled the shiny new church, sold the stone and continued to worship in the manner they were accustomed to.

There are so many empty houses here - they are falling into severe decay, some are dangerous. They have the potential to house several families which in turn would ensure the local primary school had a healthy population: As it is, the school has a stay of execution for five more years....

There is little here. One pub closed, the other, which is leased from the Estate by an excellent chef, is only open on certain days.

There are plans for new houses to be built - 'eco' houses. These expensive houses will be fed by the wonderful water supply we have here which is 'organic' to say the least. Organic as defined by the dictionary...

If our family wish to diversify, we must ask the landowner's permission.
If the permission is granted, we would invest our own money yet have to pay a percentage to the landowner, simply because he is the landowner.

Sadly, the area we had hoped to use as diversification - a wonderful area untouched by machine and rich in flora and fauna, has been let out to the shooting tenant despite the fact that we also pay rent for the same area.

We had hoped to diversify in a low impact way; small scale camping, sharing the beautiful location with people who wanted to see nature as it was intended, peace and quiet...
No point in that when it is littered by shotgun cartridges and the peace shattered by shoots.
Plus, there is the issue of the water and public safety.

So, diversification is made difficult.

Many tenant farmers are horrified at the Scottish government's complete lack of support.

We are very fortunate to have amazing support from people like Andy Wightman, who works tirelessly for Land Reform and change.
Change which has been long overdue, possible for at least three hundred years but forgive me if I'm a few hundred years out.

Lesley Riddoch, journalist and broadcaster, has written about how the Scandinavian system would work here; the Scandinavians who have a common sense and fair system for their farmers, or Scottish communities who have successfully bought out the land from useless landowners and who have transformed their communities into places they are proud of rather than the neglected, run down places the absentee landowners created.

We urgently need to get out of this fugue.

Our buildings are falling down and antiquated; due to the landowner's refusal to invest.
It is far too costly to take the landowners to court to enforce their legal obligations. They just get off with it.
Tenants like us are expected to live in decaying farms, decaying houses. Those of us who have no intention on leaving should be given the chance to own our farms so we can invest in handing something worthwhile over to our children.

When our situation raised awareness in August last year, I was informed by several sources that I had been discredited to the press, that I owned several properties around Scotland (!).
For the record, my Dad bequeathed me a 1/4 share of a 2 bedroomed flat in a backwater Angus village.
I was informed by the solicitors who were dealing with the estate that there was nothing left of my share as their fees took the lot.....

Furthermore, I was insulted by the insinuation that the farm cottage, owned by my husband, was automatically mine.
His family worked for it, built it and therefore it belongs to them, not me. There are women who do not assume automatic ownership of possessions after they get a ring on their finger.

The modest rent pays for the upkeep of the stock.

What that had to do with our farmhouse is beyond my ken.

Dear God, do you think we really want to live like this, tolerating these conditions? I, for one, want my family and families like us, to be treated humanely. It is not asking for much.

It is time to truly end feudalism, to reform, to open up the land to others.

The feudal hangover simply does not work for communities or individual farmers. The existing system merely serves a select few and despite the protestations, the communities see very little, if any, investment as a result.

I am ready for change.

Are you ready to walk with me?

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

Trouble with Blogger

It is 4.19am and I cannot sleep.

Yesterday was incredibly hot and it was a joy to work outside all day but I took a bit more sun than I realised and have probably joined the ranks of many other pale skinned Scots who are also awake suffering from sunburn.

I thought I would try and meddle about with the blog settings to see if I can sort out the spacing issues. It was something to occupy my mind in the middle of the night while I waited for the copious amounts of aloe vera to work on said fried skin.

Honestly, it feels like the first day at school all over again. I can't find anything which relates to spacing and even ventured into the 'advanced' part of the settings for a look. That was a bit scary. Luddites and 'advanced settings' are an anathema.

It is easier to bring colour to my milk white tinged with woad blue Scottish skin than to find the Thing Which You Click On in order to create a space.

My fear is that I click on the wrong thing, wipe the entire blog then end up miserable, confused, with prickly heat and insomnia to boot.

I have mentioned before that as a child of the sixties/ seventies, our nod to technology was the Language Lab where we had to listen to French through earphones while the teacher listened in to our dreadful attempts at emulating French through a thick Black Isle accent.

'Dons the loomin ay, sil voo play". It sounded splendidly exotic spoken by the pupils from Avoch but not in a French way.

Our biggest worry was that if the person who wore the headphones before you had nits or trying to prevent yourself from slipping into a coma by the sheer tedium of the class. And the social isolation of being stuck in a booth so you could not elbow your friend to make her laugh.

"This is the future" the French teacher would boom. "This is the searing end of technology"....

I'm old fashioned and want to write to Blogger in a Dear Sir/ Madam, I am having a faff trying to sort out spacing. Please could you help me? type of letter. With a stamp on it.

What are the odds of this ending up in one paragraph when I press 'publish'? I am compelled to drink Ovaltine. That's it Blogger - you have sent me on the road littered with discarded People's Friends and support stockings.

I have aged and it is all Blogger's fault.

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Not Dull at all.

Please bear with me as they have changed 'Blogger' and I am back to faffling about trying to find my way around again. I've had a right carry on trying to sort out the spacing of sentences and the last entry read as if I had wolfed twenty cups of coffee then some Red Bull anditreadlikethis. Anyway, still on the Perthshire trail, today, Dull. It was our fifth wedding anniversary today, five years which have flown past and have been as varied as the weather. We were married in this house, which has to be one of the most picturesque registry offices in Scotland.
It is not a million miles from Dull
Dull has been mentioned a lot in the media recently due to a proposed twinning with 'Boring'. Quiet and tranquil sprang to mind. We saw one or two new builds coorying up to the old established Victorian stone built houses plus an unusual stone which lends itself to many interpretations....
The village appears to be hiding behind some huge boulders that were left by long melted glaciers.
Now forgive me but this is the closest there is to photographing a swear. Ok, not one but just about all the AngloSaxon I know. AllAtOnce. Loudly.
Unseen and unheard was the military jet which divebombed the glen one millisecond after I pressed the shutter. What was seen and heard around the glen, was my nervous reaction freak out to said jet. The ducks of Dull raised their eyebrows.
It was time to return home, neck some chamomile tea, get our little boy to bed, dance with The Farmer. The road back from Dull. The hills of home.
Me and my farmer.


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Geronimo Stilton #24: Field Trip to Niagra Falls

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Sunday, August 18, 2013

living is not enough

Thanks Hans Christian Andersen for this beautiful quote! I just love all your fairy tales as they have been part of my childhood lessons, dreams, and fantasies!

The photo is a ginger torch flower soaking the sun.

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History of Bally Games

The name of Bally Games may be familiar to some, but many other online slot players might never have heard about this developer. Bally Games first became well known in the industry for the number of land based slot games that they produced. These slot machines were available in casinos all over the US, and even in other countries around the world.

Bally Games has headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, certainly one of the casino capitals of the world. The company started out as Advanced Patent Technology back in 1968. A bit further down the line, the name became Alliance Gaming, and in 1996 it became Bally Gaming International. The name of Bally was adopted in 2006, and it is this name that the developer is known by around the world. While the history of the company is varied, the standard of this slot developer has certainly continued to impress land based and online casino operators around the world. If you have ever visited a land based casino in the US, chances are that many of the slot games are from Bally Games. In addition, many of the online and mobile titles that you might have enjoyed might also have been developed by Bally.

Online and Mobile Bally Games

The online and mobile slot game market is bigger than ever, and many of the slot titles that you have seen advertised or have even played are from Bally Games. Some of the Bally games that are most popular include 88 Fortunes, Aloha Island, and Big Vegas. These titles are available at many of the top online casinos, and some are available for mobile download. Titles like Cash Spin, Cash Wave, and Cash Wizard provide plenty of winning opportunities for players.

Playing the mobile version of the slot games from Bally Games is fairly straightforward. Mobile players have the option of playing directly from the internet browser on their handheld device, or they can choose to download a slot app onto their tablet or phone. These slot apps are available for iPhone users, for iPad players, and also for all Android devices. Many of the most popular Bally Games slot titles are available, and these can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night. Updates to online and mobile games are also available immediately, ensuring that slot players always have access to the highest quality entertainment.

Bally Games Slot Titles

Bally Games has of course produced a number of other famous slot titles. Some titles that you might like to look out for include Chimney Stacks, China River, Cupid & Psyche, and Double Dragon. Other slots games that are available to online players include Double Dragon, Hand of the Devil, Havana Cubana, and the progressive slot game called Hot Shot.

Progressive slots from Bally Gaming provide some excellent winning opportunities, as with all progressive jackpot games. The principle behind these types of slot games is that the jackpot prize continues to grow as more and more players play the game. The jackpot will continue to rise, often to some very sizable amounts, until one lucky player is able to claim the big win.


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People First—4 Steps To Your All-Org Marketing Team

People First! by Tom PetersI’m in the middle of Tom Peters’ most recent e-book, People Firstand want to share four vital takeaways with you. These four steps—clear and doable by every organization, really—have the potential to absolutely transform your organization, so take some time here.

  1. FORMAL and ongoing marketing training for all employees, leadership and others who touch your organization’s supporters.
  2. 100% of employees involved!
  3. EVERY job is a “marketing job,” and says so in the job description with specific responsibilities outlined.

Here are some examples of how all-org marketing teams work:

  • The person who answers general calls directs callers on with warmth, interest and enthusiasm.
  • The new fundraiser tries to get her idea taken seriously.
  • Program staff members provide a sense of “Welcome” and invitation for continued participation.
  • Your CEO is “marketing” to the person staffing the info line and the customer service team (the importance of that welcoming attitude) as well as to her board members…and these examples are just the beginning.

And now #4—required to make it a two-way street:
FORMAL training in “Aggressive Listening:” 100% of employees!

Learn more about developing your all-org marketing team:
8 Ways to Build a Team of Effective Messengers
Communications Is Everyone’s Job: Proof Point (Video)
Why Can’t We Be Friends

P.S. Get this free e-guide, The Book That Changed My Life. 129 top reading picks from nonprofit leaders around the world.

Note: I’ve substituted “marketing” here, for Peters’ “sales.”

Nancy Schwartz on March 22, 2013 in All-Org Marketing Team | 2 comments
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  • Kevin D. Feldman

    I would add another that may not be in Tom Peter’s book, but will certainly transform any nonprofit. Every customer, client, donor leaves the interaction with the charity’s employee satisfied — even if this means referring a client or donor to another nonprofit that will better meet their needs and desires. Too often, nonprofits send clients and donors away no better off than they were before they walked in the door. The classic film “Miracle on 34th Street” gives a prime example of this level of service and its impact.

    This means that if a homeless man walks into a shelter meant for women and children, an employee or volunteer of the shelter assists him to find another shelter that accepts men. If a curious person calls to inquire about making a gift that would receive a particular tax benefit, and your nonprofit doesn’t participate in that program, then the employee should assist the caller with finding a charity where he/she would receive the benefit.

  • Absolutely, Kevin! Thanks for sharing this vital point—it’s not only all-org, should be all-issue/cause.

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James List

James Nellis is Your REAL ESTATE Resource for Minot Afb, ND

Homes for sale

Minot Afb, ND

*An affiliate of the "Nellis National Real Estate Lists" - a network of top real estate agents dedicated to providing home buyers & sellers the best resources and services to make your dreams come true!

Best Real Estate Experience.
Best Real Estate Professionals.

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important transactions of your life. You deserve the absolute best real estate experience, which means you need the best real estate professional to be your guide.

FEATURED Homes for sale

IN Minot Afb, ND

3 Baths
3 Beds
1900 Area
2car Garages
4 Baths
5 Beds
3400 Area
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4 Baths
4 Beds
2200 Area
2car Garages
2 Baths
3 Beds
1600 Area
1car Garages
4 Baths
4 Beds
3000 Area
3car Garages
3 Baths
4 Beds
2000 Area
2car Garages

Minot Afb is known for its numerous beautiful scenery, historical grounds, urban living and natural surroundings that make it a perfect place to live. Whether you are looking for a contemporary home, a condo or any other type of house for sale; you can find it in Minot Afb.

Condos for sale in Minot Afb

More people today are opting to live in condos and Minot Afb has a high number of condominiums.  Condos attract the modern persons who really don't mind living in a building regardless of how high it may be. When purchasing a condominium in Minot Afb, you need to thoroughly check the condo unit and get professional assistance in inspecting the condo to ensure that it is in good state and that it will give you value. It is also important for you to note that in Minot Afb, all newly purchased condo units also require registration with your local Real Estate Board. You need to fill and submit an application form together with any other required documents. It is also important to note that there is a fee you will be required to pay upon filing of the application for registration.

Townhouses for sale in Minot Afb

Townhouses in Minot Afb, have today increased in demand with more people opting for townhouses as opposed to single family houses. One of the reasons as to why most people opt for townhouses to single family homes is due to the low maintenance. However, real estate market in Minot Afb is generally growing and becoming desirable to many home buyers today. When looking for a townhouse in Minot Afb, ND you need to consider the location of the townhouse. You can choose to purchase a townhouse that is near a metro stop or one that is in close proximity to a major highway giving you an easier commute.  Townhouses that are near a major highway also increase the value of the property making it a great and safe investment. There are two types of townhouses in Minot Afb; interior unit and an end unit. Many home buyers hunting for townhouses always opt for the end unit townhouses since they provide you with a better resale value, offer more privacy and bigger space to enjoy outdoor activities.

Factors to put into consideration when looking for houses for sale in Minot Afb

There are so many factors that many home buyers in Minot Afb need to consider. Some of the most common factors that you should put into consideration when purchasing a house anywhere is your budget, the location of the house and your personal requirements. These factors are great and can be of great help to you when looking for an ideal house for sale in Minot Afb. However, there are more detailed factors that you also need to put into consideration to make your search for a great house in Minot Afb easier and fun. One of these factors is a garage. It may seem less important but it is so important for you to choose a house that has a spacious garage especially if you have several cars. A spacious garage can also be of help when your friends or relatives visit. A garage also provides an additional resale value to your property. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms may also be an important factor to consider. I know you think that this is common sense but when looking for a house; things can get a little confusing that most people settle for what does not match their needs and requirements. Another factor to consider is the basement; if you love a house with a basement you need to look for a house that has a basement with walkout level and separate entrance. This provides a good resale value since most people looking for houses for sale in Minot Afb prefer homes that have a direct access to an outdoor patio or deck. It is also very important for you to learn about the current Minot Afb real estate market situation and mortgage market place so as to make an informed decision on the right time to buy a house and the best home opportunities in Minot Afb and where to find them. The information can also help you know whether to choose regular sales or distressed property sales. If you do not have any knowledge about the current Minot Afb real estate market situation or you find it hard to find an ideal home of your choice by yourself; you can get a skilled real estate agent to assist you. A good real estate agent as the one noted on the top of this landing page will be able to assist you get an ideal house for sale in Minot Afb that suits your needs and requirements and is in a strategic location. Remember to learn about regulations in the area to keep you in the loop about what to expect in the process of purchasing the house.

James Nellis
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Call: 703-436-9842

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Sustainably Farmed Vineyard   Gustafson Vineyards  Estate Wines Like No Other

Our Story

In the spring of 2002, while driving with his family between Healdsburg and the California coast, Dan Gustafson, a landscape architect and real estate developer, discovered a hidden gem in the mountains above Lake Sonoma. He pulled his car to the side of the road, peered over the fence, and explained to his family that this would be a perfect place to grow grapes. Dan saw his dream of planting his own vineyard come true that year with the purchase of those 87 acres in the Dry Creek Valley appellation of Sonoma County.

  Scroll down to view our milestones.

Lifelong Vision

land   2002

Dan Gustasfon, a landscape architect and real estate developer based in Minneapolis, had a lifelong dream of developing an estate vineyard. He had studied California's Sea Ranch as young landscape architect, and during his time there, had developed a natural affinity for the rugged mountains of western Sonoma County.

Dream Realized

In the spring of 2002, Dan discovered an undeveloped 87-acre parcel along Skaggs Springs Rd. Dan peered over the fence, and explained to his family that this would be a perfect place to grow grapes. Dan saw his dream come true that year with the purchase of those 87 acres in Dry Creek Valley. The old sheep ranch, at 1800 feet above sea level, has rich, red volcanic soil known for producing superb wine grapes.

Vineyard Planting

land   2004

The land had previously been cleared to pasture sheep, and in the spring of 2004, Dan planted 5 acres of vines within those existing clearings. The first five acres included Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and a small olive grove. Dan oversaw the vineyard planting from a vintage Airstream situated near the iconic Heritage Tree.

Stewards of the Land

land   2004

Great care was taken to preserve old groves of madrone, oak, and redwood trees, including the "Sonoma County Heritage Tree." This 300-year-old madrone has a trunk diameter of eleven feet and is thought to be the largest madrone tree in Sonoma County, and perhaps the entire state of California.

Estate Expansion

land   2005

Construction began on the estate residence, which was designed by architect Tim Bjella and built by general contractor Grant Lane. A second round of planting added 7 acres to the estate vineyard, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot.

First Harvest

land   2006

The Gustafson Family enjoyed their first harvest of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from the young estate vineyard, and the grapes were custom crushed at Mauritson winery. Dan also expanded the mountain estate with the purchase of an adjacent 160 acre parcel, which included a ranch home for our future winemaker.

Winemaker Emmett Reed

land   2007

Winemaker Emmett Reed was hired in the summer of 2007 in preparation for the first estate crush. Winery tanks and equipment were installed just weeks before the harvest and the barrel cellar was constructed underneath the estate residence.

First Estate Harvest

Estate Home   2007

The young estate vineyard yielded a beautiful 32-ton harvest of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Owner Dan Gustafson doubled as Winemaker Emmett Reed's "cellar intern." All of the 2007 vintages went on to score 90+ points in the Wine Enthusiast.

Final Estate Plantings

Tasting Room   2008

An additional 12 acres were added to the estate vineyard, including Zinfandel on our beautiful Picnic Ridge and Riesling & Sauvignon Blanc in the remote Summit View Block. Vineyard plantings are now complete at 20 acres; varietals of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Rosé of Syrah.

Ecological Preserve

The balance of the land will remain as an ecological preserve. The 200+ acre preserve is characterized by old growth madrone and manzanita, several of California's native oak species, and isolated strands of redwoods. The preserve is home to many of California's wild and beautiful creatures, including bobcats, rattlesnakes, wild turkeys, red-tailed hawks, and wild boar.

Winery Dog

Wine   2008

Construction on the estate home neared completion, and Emmett produced the first vintage of our famously delicious Estate Rosé of Syrah. Emmett and his wife Jessi also adopted Rampage, the world's best winery dog, from a local shelter.

Tasting Room

Estate Home   2009

The original Estate Tasting Room opened just weeks before Passport to Dry Creek Valley, in a cozy converted garage that doubled as our winery storage facility. Winemaker Emmett Reed recruited his sister, Kaitlin Childers, to manage the Tasting Room and the growing Wine Club. The proximity to the winery allowed our guests a behind-the-scenes look at the estate winemaking process.

First Big Break

Estate Tasting Room 2010

The 2007 Estate Petite Sirah & 2007 Estate Zinfandel were awarded 92 points in the Wine Enthusiast, and the 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon earned a fantastic 90 points. Our Summit View block produced its first harvest of Estate Sauvignon Blanc and Estate Riesling, and the 2010 Estate Riesling won a double gold in the International Eastern Wine Competition.

Vineyard Replanting

Estate Home   2011

A small slide on the lower slopes of our Picnic Ridge block was replanted from Zinfandel to Syrah. The new Syrah planting, which is characterized by cool temperatures and afternoon shade, is dedicated to the production of our popular Estate Rosé of Syrah. The additional planting takes our Rosé production from a mere 100 cases in 2008 to almost 300 cases by 2013.

Developing a Reputation for Excellence

Estate Tasting Room 2012

Our estate tasting room steadily developed a reputation for excellent wines, beautiful views, and friendly hospitality. Additional tasting hours by appointment were added for Friday - Monday, and the Picnic Area became a year-round attraction for Wine Club Members and their guests.

Estate Vacation Rental

Estate Home   2012

The estate residence opened to the public as a vacation rental, offering our guests world-class luxury and a behind the scenes look at our estate vineyard and winery. The popular estate residence is now available year-round via VRBO.

New Faces

Estate Tasting Room 2013

The Estate Tasting Room expanded into its current location in late 2013, and Sharon Garber joined our hospitality team to welcome the increasing weekend traffic. Vanessa Ramirez joined our production team as Emmett's harvest intern, and her knack for hospitality made her a natural fit for our Tasting Room as well.

Hospitality Milestones

Estate Home   2013

Gustafson welcomed 900+ guests during the annual WDCV Passport Weekend, up from 300 guests in 2009. Guests left the event with rave reviews and cases of our estate wines.

Healdsburg Tasting Room

Estate Tasting Room 2014

Dan Gustafson opened the new downtown Healdsburg tasting room at 34 North St. The new location presents our estate wines in a cosmopolitan setting, and features a private VIP tasting room. Vanessa Ramirez began to split her time between the cellar and our tasting room, and Julie Lynn Jette joined our Passport team.


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segunda-feira, 7 de dezembro de 2009

Dark Side of the Moon

This was last college project of the year, wich was, in a nutshell, a "how music translates into image" one. My choice was Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon'. Since the whole album is one big seamless song from first track to last, i decided to translate it as one gigantic panel containing all the songs.
The end result was 5 meters long and 40cm high. Quite epic!
A lot of it i wish i could have had more time to put more dedication into, especially when it comes to typography, but thats what you get when you put too much on your plate and time is short.

Here's some details (they are kind of illustrations in themselves):

And here's a photo of it in the studio:

terça-feira, 1 de dezembro de 2009


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Fear of God & Filthy Christians

One of our favourite bands from Switzerland is Fear of God... Per Tuna (Bruce Banner / Protes-Bengt / Filthy Christians) told me that he had done some digging in his archives and just found photos from a show in Germany 1988.07.03 where he shared stage with F.O.G. I couldn't resist posting some of them here... Make sure to get a copy of "The End of the Fear of God" from Tochnit Aleph - intense!

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