I so enjoyed writing my little poem on Colonel Slade the other day that I thought I would have a go at another one.
'Anais Anais' recalls a recurring argument, about Cacharel's famous scent, which I had many years ago with a proverbial 'old flame'... a lovely smelling one at that... as this was her favourite perfume... and, to this day, remains one of mine too! :)
Anais Anais
One day, tenderness will move the world, she said, it’s a slogan for Anais Anais Mispronouncing the name, again she twirled She insisted it’s neigh… it’s neigh… it’s neigh
It’s named after Anna’is Nin, I repeated a feminist writer from French gay Paris which is why the Gallic name is needed and it’s nay Anais Anais !
A little read of Anaïs Nin on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, may enlighten the more curious and interested reader.
Finally, again the curious reader may also be interested and like to read this discussion, How do you pronounce "Anais" at Answerbag.com, which I offer with a certain triumphal glee! ^_^
To celebrate it... I thought I would have a go at writing a poem... something I've strangely never tried before... but here goes.
I dedicate my poem to Colonel Slade. If you have ever seen the film Scent of a Woman... you'll know who that is. If you haven't seen the film, I highly recommend it... it's a wonderful film, a study of a blind man who's impossible to get along with... but nevertheless a man who is a great human being... and lover of women. A man I can strongly relate to for... oh so many reasons. A man whose morals, values and strength of character one could only wish to live up to! :)
Remembering Colonel Slade
She was pottering around the kitchen, as the late evening sun streamed in. I watched her closely over my glasses, assimilating unconcern. my failing sight caught glances a smile exchanged now and then.
Looking back... I remember Colonel Slade Looking back... I too still smell her still sense the texture of her hair still sense the softness of her lips the warmth of her breath as it wafted across mine.
Looking back is an illusion, when sight has gone, but the senses still retain, the scent of a woman, the essence of her.
"Are you listenin' to me, son? I'm givin' ya pearls!" Yes... I remember you Colonel Slade She gave me pearls too and hers will never fade!
I hope you liked it! As always... I welcome any comments... but please remember one thing... the first rule of poetry is... there ain't NO rules!! That's my disclaimer anyway!! lol ^_^
It's been a while since I have had the urge to write up my blog but today a story that's all over the news prompts me to do so!
This is the story of the Cat, the middle aged woman and the wheeliebin. I saw this story develop yesterday and go 'viral', as they say these days, within hours of it coming to my attention on Facebook when one of my friends posted a link to it yesterday morning. Within hours, it was all over the place.
By lunchtime even SKY News were mentioning the story... and last night, most TV and radio media news outlets were carrying it. Here's a video from ITN news that shows what all the hullabaloo is about:
I am pretty sure the first reaction most of us have when seeing this video is one of shock and anger at the wickedness we see on the CCTV footage. I think it's understandable to be angry at the woman. It's also shocking to see a seemingly normal middle aged lady act in this way... to act so cruelly... to show such lack of compassion for a "living breathing creature", as the cat owner herself described it this morning on a phone in on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The thing is... and what prompts me to write today... is that there seems to me to be a lot of lack of compassion ALL around this story!
For starters, and for the sake of those of you who may think I am making some sort of apology for this woman's action... the woman of course, shows NO compassion at all for 'a living breathing creature'... and clearly that is very wrong!
But people's reactions to her action also seem to me to be very lacking in any compassion. I can understand people being angry... but some comments I've heard and read are quite vitriolic... even violent! One friend, who shall remain nameless, told me... and I quote:
"I'd kill that Bitch... I would hunt her down trust me! Why would someone want to do that???? I'd shove her in the bin and hide the bin and fix the lid so she couldn't get out! Oh she'd suffer... trust me!"
This made me laugh... and in this instance I know this particular lady could not hurt a fly... she's too nice (though she may think she's a bitch lol) but it does exemplify the very strong comments being made by many people today.
The other side of the coin are the people who are actually congratulating the woman for wanting to get rid of 'another effing cat'! I've seen some horrible comments made by people who actually think all cats are vermin and should be cruelly eliminated... in all sorts of uncolourful ways! Certainly not much compassion there!! Personally, I think these people are a bit sick. I cannot understand why or how it is that a sane, balanced human being can have such feelings towards a cat... or any 'living, breathing creature' for that matter!
But coming back to the yet unidentified middle aged woman... I can't help feeling a certain compassion for her today. Many I know, will be happy at the suffering this woman must be going through right now. Imagine... She must surely have seen herself on the news by now... so must her family have done! They must already be aware and will possibly have confronted her about it... they are in fear, wondering what to do.. wondering what is going to happen to her? She may be some guy's wife (God help him! lol), a mother, a daughter, a sister??
My point is, while what this woman did to the cat is clearly very wrong... I think we should have compassion for her. What makes a person do such a thing? Cruelty, yes... but why? To my mind... this woman has a problem... she's not 'right in the head' as we might say... bloody mental others might say! Either way, treating her with our anger... I don't think shows much compassion. I know she didn't show much compassion for the cat... but surely if that is wrong, so is not showing another human being some compassion!
I hope they identify this woman soon and that she gets the help she needs. A person who has such little compassion for another 'living, breathing creature' clearly needs help and our compassion... not our anger and punishment... in my humble view! :)
Gibraltar gave a rapturous 'welcome home' to Kaiane Aldorino, Miss Gibraltar yesterday afternoon, following her spectacular crowning as our very own Miss World, at the glittering beauty pageant finale in Johannesburg South Africa, last Saturday!
In scenes reminiscent of the returns to Gibraltar of Sir Joshua Hassan and Sir Peter Isola, following their visits in the 60's to the United Nations, thousands turned out to welcome back this triumphal daughter of Gibraltar, now crowned as the most beautiful woman in the world... Gibraltar's own Miss World!
Today's Gibraltar Chronicle reports that Gibraltar came to a buzzing standstill yesterday afternoon, showered in red and white, and bathed in sunshine, to welcome Miss World 2009 Kaiane Aldorino back home.
There were unprecedented scenes of jubilation of enormous magnitude, with an entire population wanting to join in this once in a lifetime celebration, wanting to be a part of history – not just local but world history.
On Main Street the crowds were three and four lines deep, with flags unfurled, and confetti hurled high into the air. In John Mackintosh Square the scene was simply unbelievable – standing shoulder to shoulder Gibraltarians jam-packed in the square rocked in cheer. The Spanish press itself cited some 15,000 people.
There was an uproar of elation as the most beautiful girl in the world stepped on to the balcony at the City Hall.
The sentiment was warm, heartfelt and sheer delight. ‘I love Gibraltar,” cried an emotional Miss World. The rapturous cheers were deafening. The pouring of emotion, - of hopes, aspirations and dreams come true was overwhelming.
As humble as ever, she added, “If I was a proud Gibraltarian before, I am even prouder now, and proud to be here with everyone – thank you all for all your support.”
GBC Television 'Live' video
Gibraltar's local televiion channel, GBC TV, covered Kaiane's arrival live and has made the footage available via 'Livestream':
As the champagne flowed and Kaiane made a toast, her family joined her on the balcony and she proudly introduced them… and again she addressed the crowds:
"This is a dream come true and I would not be feeling half of what I am feeling inside, if it was not for you. It is a day for all of us. I am proud to be your ambassador!"
As everyone sang, rocked and cheered to ‘We are the Champions’ – the feeling was one of euphoria.
Steve Douglas, Miss World Event Director, in disbelief at the scenes he was witnessing declared:
"I have taken many Miss Worlds home but we have never had a welcome like Gibraltar – never did we expect this – what a beautiful, beautiful country!"
He announced that during her reign she would be travelling to more than 50 countries, and that she would tell the world about Gibraltar.
Still taken in by the moment, he said:
"It was our job to bring your daughter home, the daughter of Gibraltar, to celebrate with the whole country!"
As Culture Minister Edwin Reyes joined her on the balcony he proclaimed:
"Kaiane, you will always be in our hearts!"
As the crowds clapped to the beat of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’, Miss World joined in raising her arms with the whole population in triumph – this was definitely her day! And Gibraltar’s!
Miss World Welcomed by Chief Minister
On arrival at Gibraltar Airport, flown in by a private jet chartered by the Gibraltar Government, it was Chief Minister Peter Caruana who first greeted her with a warm Gibraltarian embrace, the embrace that all of Gibraltar wanted to give Kaiane. As he welcomed her he handed her a bouquet of red and white roses. Also there to greet her was Mrs Caruana, and Culture Minister Edwin Reyes and Mrs Reyes.
Kaiane's joy was evident and it was clear it was her family who she was keen to see. Her mother, her father and especially her sister Noelle, who had not seen her since before she left for the Miss World contest, burst into tears on seeing her.
A few hundred people had also gathered at the specially prepared area of the tarmac, to be there and witness this special moment. Standing behind a barrier, along with hordes of press photographers, the first cheer came as they saw the jet for the first time. The cries went up a notch as she stepped onto the red carpet from the Gibjet which had brought her back home. Security was very tight and all awaiting her had to go through security as if they were boarding a flight.
The jet circled the runway to the sounds of the Fire Defence Service fire engine sirens following it, adorned with Gibraltar flags. Co-piloted by Gibraltarian Mark Carreras the plane came to a standstill in front of the iconic image of The Rock of Gibraltar, as Miss World appeared, dressed in a black suit wearing the Miss World Crown, she was greeted to the sounds of a fanfare by the buglers and a piper of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. It was Gerry Fortuna on the bagpipes who serenaded her to the sounds of ‘Los llanitos son asi’.
Speaking at the Gibraltar Airport on her arrival, Chief Minister Peter Caruana, boldly and proudly stated:
"Gibraltar has two Queens, Her Majesty The Queen, and Kaiane Aldorino!"
The Chief Minister excitedly added:
"This breaks all records, and we are all very proud of this global achievement. She will prove to be a wonderful ambassador for Gibraltar and for the Miss World Organisation!"
Speaking to The Chronicle reporter, Kaiane said:
"I am just feeling great. I can’t wait to see what has been planned!"
Her Miss World title, she confessed, "was just beginning to sink in".
Unprecedented Scenes
Following a brief moment with her family and a change of dress, now in a smart red suit and her Miss World Crown, Kaiane was driven past Winston Churchill Avenue adorned with Gibraltar flags and Gibraltar Chronicle posters, and a large banner on the bridge which read ‘welcome home Kaiane – Miss World 2009’, people lining the streets in pockets along the way.
The scene awaiting Kaiane in Main Street were "beyond anyone’s wildest imagination" reports the Chronicle.
Miss World was transferred to the same car that paraded the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles through Gibraltar’s streets during their controversial honeymoon visit to Gibraltar. The Triumph was driven by Odette Benatar, escorted by three RGP motorists, and led up Main Street by the band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.
As she entered through the Casemates Gates, the crowds erupted – as she entered Main Street through a specially created arch of red and white balloons – the tears of joy and cheers and cries of ‘Kaiane’, ‘Welcome Home’, could barely be heard above the general uproar.
From balconies, from windows, and all along the street Gibraltar flags were being waved frantically – there were people of all ages. This was the smiling face of Gibraltar, - the day we all wanted to treasure.
On the balcony of City Hall, Christian Santos, who organised the 'welcome', announced her arrival; "The reigning Miss World 2009, Our very own Kaiane Aldorino" and the gathered crowd of thousands went wild with cheers and applause.
Francis Chipolina sang the emotional Gibraltarian song ‘Llevame Donde Naci’ (Take me where I was born) and tenor Nathan Payas also performed the Gibraltar National Anthem ‘Gibraltar, Gibraltar’, and the crowd joined in and sang along.
The cheers and cries of the people as Gibraltar’s beauty queen stepped on to the balcony to greet her people was deafening. In a cloud of confetti and streamers, and flags waving, she waved to everyone with a radiant smile. Again and again she moved across the balcony making sure everyone saw her – as they shouted “guapa!”, “well done Kaiane”, “Kaiane, Kaiane, we love you!”
'A Model of Consistency'
Chief Minister Peter Caruana yesterday declared that Kaiane in a very short period of time had transformed the sentiment and emotion of her entire fellow citizens.
"It is difficult to imagine that any single Gibraltarian can ever have a greater effect on the sentiment of the entire country, as Kaiane has had on the people of Gibraltar in the last few days, and today in particular."
Mr Caruana made these comments at the opening of the Press Conference at the Rock Hotel.
"We are unspeakably proud and happy that our own Miss Gibraltar has been able to triumph stunningly in South Africa and is now the reigning Miss World," he stated, describing her as "the most beautiful flower in the world".
"We entrust her to the Miss World Organisers," he added assuring that the Government of Gibraltar would give her and her family any support necessary throughout her reign.
"The Miss World Organisation has now seen how special she is to us all, they have seen what Gibraltar feels towards her, so they know that they are going to have to look after something very precious to lots and lots of people."
Mr Caruana said he had no doubt that she would be an equally successful ambassador for Miss World and for Gibraltar.
Steve Douglas on behalf of the Miss World spoke of the emotional roller coaster the experience had so far been for Kaiane.
He emphasised she had been a model of consistency in everything she had done.
"She has a wonderful way of expressing herself, and making everyone around her feel that they are special. That impressed the judges, and we feel she is going to be a fantastic Miss World!"
Addressing the press (live on Radio Gibraltar), Miss World was obviously content to be back home.
"To see my family, to see all my loved ones, my friends, my community, I am just really happy to be back!"
She admitted she had never expected the support or how Gibraltar had welcomed her with open arms. "I will treasure it forever," she said.
Asked if she now believed that she was really Miss World, she said:
"I should start believing it now because the whole of Gibraltar believes it. Seeing how proud Gibraltar is has given me the motivation and encouragement to do more, and I am truly looking forward to the year ahead."
Her travels begin in January when she heads for Asia beginning with Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
She stated that when she travels the world she will take everything about Gibraltar, "what can I leave behind?" she asked.
Mr Douglas emphasised that this was important year for the Miss World Organisation as it headed towards its 60th anniversary, and continued its charity work and brought to realisation the Miss World motto "beauty with a purpose".
Acknowledgement
I am indebted to David Parody who very kindly provided these great images of Kaiane Aldorino, Miss Gibraltar and Miss World 2009.
The Gibraltar Government have now announced plans for welcoming home OUR Miss World, Gibraltar’s very own Kaiane Aldorino!
Plans for her arrival and 'Welcome Home' tomorrow afternoon, Thursday 17th Dec, are now complete, as was confirmed by a Government announcement earlier.
Miss World... Kaiane Aldorino, will arrive at Gibraltar Airport at 4 pm on a private jet chartered by the Gibraltar Government.
In a press release yesterday, the Government announced that Ms Aldorino will be met by the Chief Minister, Peter Caruana and members of her immediate family.
Members of the public are invited to greet her from a special enclosure being prepared on the airfield next to where the aircraft will park. People wishing to attend at the airport must arrive at the terminal by 3.30 pm at the very latest, as they need to be bussed out to the airfield.
At 4.45 pm Kaiane will parade through Main Street, from Casemates Square to Cathedral Square in (weather permitting) an open-top car. Should the weather be inclement, a different car will be used.
At 5.30 pm Kaiane is scheduled to appear on the balcony of City Hall to receive the acclamation of her very proud fellow citizens.
Francis Chipolina will sing “Llevame donde naci” and Nathan Payas will sing the “Gibraltar Anthem” from the City Hall Balcony.
In the evening, Mr Caruana will host a reception in Kaiane’s honour attended principally by her extended family and circle of friends, Miss Gibraltar contest organisers and helpers, and previous Miss Gibraltar winners.
There will be a fireworks display from Detached Mole at 8 pm to "mark Kaiane’s stunning achievement for herself and for Gibraltar", said the Government press release.
The Government has also arranged for thousands of Gibraltar flags and confetti to be made available for use during the parade. These will be distributed, free of charge to the public, as from 2 pm on Thursday at the following places: Grand Parade, Waterport Road (opposite Water Gardens) and Casemates Square.
The Government said they will release all Government non-essential employees on Thursday at 3.30pm to enable them to attend the Miss World home-coming. It requested all businesses in Gibraltar "who are reasonably able to do so", to close on Thursday between 4 pm and 6 pm to allow their staff to take part in this very happy and proud occasion for Gibraltar.
The Chamber of Commerce has already urged businesses to release as many employees as possible but backs shops remaining open in the critical leadup to Christmas.
If the street celebrations that greeted Kaiane's winning of the Miss World contest are anything to go by... it's going to be a ball!!
In a remarkable and historic turn of events for Gibraltar, Kaiane Aldorino, who was elected Miss Gibraltar 2009 back in June this year, was last night crowned as the new Miss World in a glittering two-hour global beauty pageant celebrated in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday.
Dressed in a white-lace evening gown, our very own and statuesque Kaiane, who is 23 years old and works as an HR administrative clerk, had earlier won the swimsuit award and was an early crowd favourite.
At the moment that Kaiane was offered this most-sought-after crown by Kseniasukhi Nova, the Miss World 2008, of Russia and during the celebration that ensued, Kaiane was showered by silver confetti onstage. When her name was announced as the winner, she clapped her hands to her mouth saying; "I have no words!" (Watch YouTube Video below)
Later, when asked to describe her feelings, she said; "I am really happy!"
The crowd was rooting for her since the moment she won the swimsuit competition. She beat seven other contestants in the final round of the show to lift the crown.
Completing her 'court' are Miss Mexico, Perla Beltran Acosta, as First Runner-up and Miss South Africa, Tatum Keshwar, representing the host country, who was also very popular and was elected as Second Runner-up.
Like other prestigious title winners in the past, Kaiane did not talk about her immediate future plans. When interviewed later, Kaiane, wearing her crown of tiny jeweled blue flowers, said she had been impressed with South Africa, which was hosting its seventh Miss World final. Kaiane said:
"I will try to do the best that I can now that I have opportunity and advantage!"
Tearfully, she added:
"Thank you South Africa, this is the most wonderful moment of my life!"
Gibraltar bursts into spontaneous celebration
The show was seen by millions world wide and was televised live in Gibraltar. As result was announced, the news literally rocked Gibraltar!
In their traditional manner on major news moments such as this undoubtedly was, Gibraltarians took to the streets in celebration, following Kaiane's remarkable achievement... which puts Gibraltar firmly in the world's focus in a very positive way.
In typical Llanito (Gibraltarian) tradition, many congregated around the Waterport roundabout, noisily celebrating the wonderful news, car horns blaring and Gibraltar flags waving everywhere.
The local Gibraltar Chronicle blasted out the 'breaking news' headline and historically announced the news saying "It’s a Red Letter Day for Gibraltar today!"
The Chronicle said Kaiane Aldorino, Miss Gibraltar, "has shot to the top and won the Miss World contest".
It reports that mobile telephones were blocked as people rushed to spread the news.
Chief Minister Peter Caruana excitedly said:
!It’s a wonderful achievement for her and for Gibraltar. She's a special lady who deserves her huge success. A Gibraltarian again puts Gibraltar on the map!
We'll give her a home coming fit for a queen! Congratulations to her and her family!"
Speaking from South Africa, the now Miss World, Kaiane Aldorino repeated her earlier statements to the press and told the Chronicle:
"I am extremely happy but I just have no words to explain how I feel! I am just so, so happy!"
Chief Minister Caruana spoke to Kaiane who told him she was desparate to get home and celebrate with all Gibraltar. He told her that no one had ever made Gibraltar prouder and congratulated on behalf of all the people.
Kaiane also spoke to the Minister for Culture Edwin Reyes, who had informed her of the Rock’s reaction to the news. She asked him to thank everyone in Gibraltar for their support. She said she felt very proud and that it made her feel even happier knowing that everyone in Gibraltar was feeling just as proud.
PDP Leader Keith Azopardi said:
"This a spectacular achievement made all the more important because it was on a truly global stage.
Kaiane has made us all proud and we wholeheartedly congratulate her. She will be a fantastic ambassador for Gibraltar during her tenure.
We had sent her a message of support before the finals and she has truly put Gibraltar on the map in the best way possible."
Miss England 'disappointed'
The ceremony was broadcast to an estimated one billion viewers around the world.
Among the disappointed contestants was Miss England, a 22 year old soldier in the Royal Anglian Regiment dubbed 'Combat Barbie' by the British media, who has served in Iraq, was granted leave from the military for the one-month tour of South Africa, where before the live broadcast the contestants competed in sports, a talent showcase and, of course, the swimsuit competition but she failed to make it through in the sports heat after spraining her ankle during training.
"I'm sad to say none of us UK girls made it through to the final round, but I never expected to even be here," she said adding:
"There are a few tears here backstage and some of the girls are not talking to anyone."
L/Cpl Hodge was drafted in to compete in the contest last month after the original Miss England winner Rachel Christie relinquished her title following her arrest over an alleged nightclub brawl.
But the soldier was magnanimous in defeat, praising Miss Aldorino. She said:
"I was so proud to represent England in Miss World in front of two billion viewers; I'm chuffed to bits for Miss Gibraltar, the winner.
She is a real natural beauty who wasn't expecting to win at all.
I've enjoyed every minute of it and looking forward to my six months' reign as Miss England when I get back, as I want to use my title to promote the British Army. Well done Gibraltar!"
Miss India, Pooja Chopra, a hot favourite with the flag-waving international crowd, was eliminated in the top 16 after winning the 'Beauty with a Purpose' title for her charity work.
India and Venezuela have produced the most Miss Worlds, with five titleholders each.
Facebook Groups
Much like the streets of Gibraltar, within minutes of the news, Gibraltarians on Facebook went mad with many comments of ecstatic congratulations, expressing joy and pride in Kaiane's fantastic and historic beauty pageant world win. Within hours quite a number of Facebook Groups had also been created.
As a means of channeling Facebook's highly excited Gibraltarian hordes and the public's huge enthusiasm surrounding this remarkable event, there is already a call for A welcoming street party for our Miss World... not that Gibraltarians need much excuse for a good street party... but this is one of the best reasons I've heard in a long time... to have one!
Some other groups include a call for A Statue for Miss World - our Miss Gibraltar... and perhaps not unsurprisingly, but to my mind... a little over the top now (not a sentiment normally accorded to Gibraltarians... much! ha ha) some are asking for the Government to Create a national holiday for Kaiane Aldorino - MISS WORLD 2009!! Hmmm... does that mean just for her... (in which case I am wholy in favour) or is this intended for the whole of the working population and school children?? Gibraltarians are never slow in calling for a holiday... or indeed taking them! lol In this case... probably justified... especially as if they do organise the street party... the end result will probably turn out to be... by default... a 'national holiday' anyway!
Proud to be Gibraltarian
As always... but today especially, like ALL of Gibraltar, I am very proud to be a Gibraltarian!
My personal congratulations to a lovely lady... well done Kaiane! You have already done Gibraltar proud and I am very confident you shall continue to do so during your tenure as the most beautiful girl in the world!!
Que guapas son las Llanitas.... Ole, ole y ole!!
Video of Miss World 2009 Winner - Miss Gibraltar - Kaiane Aldorino
Acknowledgement
I am indebted to David Parody who very kindly provided the Gibraltar street celebration images.
"Honey, I have been asked to fly to Canada with my boss and several of his friends for a fishing trip. We'll be gone for a long weekend. This is a good opportunity for me to get that promotion I've been wanting so could you please pack enough clothes for a 3 day weekend for me? Oh and also... would you get out my rod and tackle box from the attic?
We're leaving at 4:30 pm from the office and I will swing by the house to pick my things up.
Oh! And please can you pack my new navy blue silk pajamas...? Thanks honey!"
The wife thinks this all sounds a bit odd... but, being the good wife, she does exactly what her husband asked.
Following the long weekend the husband returned home... looking a little tired, but... otherwise, looking good. His wife welcomes him home and asks if he caught many fish?
He says, "Yes! Lots of Walleyes, some Bass and a few Pike!" But he added;
"Why didn't you pack my new blue silk pajamas like I asked you to do?"
You'll love the answer!
The wife replies, "I did pack them... they're in your tackle box!!"
The moral of this story?
Never... Never... Never... try to outsmart a woman!!!
All glitz and glamour of a beauty pageant was in evidence last night as Kaiane Aldorino was crowned Miss Gibraltar 2009 at the Alameda Open Air Theatre.
A veritable bevy of beauties paraded their undoubted talents in this ever popular annual Gibraltar event.
Other prizes went to:
Maxine De La Rosa – 1st Princess
Jordana Lavagna – 2nd Princess
Jair Azzopardi – Miss Catwalk
Tyrene Navarro – Best Interview & Miss Photogenic
Elke Hanglin – Miss Friendship
Acknowledgement
I am indebted to David Parody who very kindly sent me these images. More of David's great pics of Miss Gibraltar can be seen on his Flickr channel
Over the last couple of weeks, I've been rather focused on the issues surrounding the MPs abuse of privileges in the House of Commons and the conduct of Speaker Martin.
I suspect I bored many of my regular readers a little bit (possibly a lot), by banging on about Speaker Martin (a very important issue for me)... for which I apologise... but I'm afraid the whole issue, not least MPs expenses abuses, has quite incensed me.
With the resignation of the Speaker yesterday and the reforms that have been announced, I'm glad to say I am feeling a little calmer today... but I can't promise I will not return to these issues as there is still much to do and to be said in this regard, particularly on my strong belief that the electorate must be given the opportunity to have our say on these issues.
On these, not least is the opportunity we have with the forthcoming European Elections, where I hope you will be supporting the Liberal Democrats lists in your constituencies... especially those of you in Gibraltar (and the South West Region of the UK of course) who I hope will join me in support of our very own Gibraltarian candidate, Jonathan Stagnetto.
Other News to Focus On
Whilst all this has been going on, a number of other news has caught my attention and normally, I would have commented on with a blog post... but I haven't, because my energies and my eyesight, which sadly seems to have taken a turn for the worst recently (could be due to the rise in blood pressure... just kidding), has only allowed me to concentrate on the most important issue... and that was the brink of a possible constitutional crisis that the issue of MPs expenses brought us to, in the House of Commons. Thankfully... I think we have seen the worse on this, at least for now.
Amongst the other items of news that have caught my eye, which have concerned me (by no means the only ones) are these:
Gibraltar's Sovereign Territorial Waters
Firstly, the apparent escalation of incidents concerning Gibraltar's sovereign territorial waters where one more incident was reported this week.
This is worrying and I very much hope Spain can be 'encouraged' by the UK's Foreign Office and of course the Gibraltar authorities, to reign in whatever agenda they are now manipulating, before these incidents become more serious and someone is hurt through some 'trigger-happy' blunder. So far, all concerned have been able to show restraint... but I can see how these could easily go awry. Let's hope this can be resolved soon... before someone is hurt and we are having to deal with a much more serious 'international incident'!
Action Require on Child Porn Laws in Gibraltar
This issue touches on issues which I have been concerned about for a very long time... and not just in the context of Gibraltar.
But in the context of Gibraltar, the remarkably anachronistic legislation that exists in Gibraltar, as my colleague Brian Reyes writes about in his blog, Action on child porn laws…finally « Letters From Gibraltar is long overdue for reform, as he rightly points out.
"A few days ago I wrote about a glaring gap in Gibraltar’s legislation. Possession of child pornography, it appeared, was not a crime on the Rock. It wasn’t me who said this, but the judge."
In this, I also very much agree with John Baw, a fellow Gibraltar blogger, who said the resulting sentence in this case, was "Nothing short of outrageous" (WildOx Blog!
Age of Consent Bill in Gibraltar
Not before time, a Bill to equalise the age of consent for homosexuals and heterosexuals, by setting this at 16, the age that already applies for heterosexuals and lesbians, was heard in the Gibraltar Parliament.
Daniel Feetham, the Minister for Justice, took the unusual step of bringing a motion asking for leave to introduce a Private Members’ Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Offences Act.
There is overwhelming international legal and local constitutional pressure to implement equalisation although the issue is untested in the local courts.
"After nine years of GGR raising the public debate on sexual minorities in Gibraltar, we are pleased to see that Parliament has finally considered the question of age of consent inequality currently in force."
I was pleased to see the Bill has been passed to proceed to a formal reading of a Bill in Parliament.
As GGR Chairman Felix Alvarez said:
"Whilst Government has failed to introduce the debate as a public Bill on what, after all, is a public issue and instead, preferred to rely on one of its own members in a purely private capacity, it has, nonetheless passed the motion to proceed on the formal reading of a Bill to equalise the legislation. This, in effect, falls short of Government’s legal requirement to comply with what is unarguably an international law obligation and not, as they have argued, a mere question of ‘conscience'."
As Brian Reyes concluded when referring to the 'Child Porn' case, "Time for the legislators to get moving on this…swiftly, methinks", there's much to be done to bring legislation in these and other matters concerning human rights and anti-discrimination in Gibraltar, to international and European law standards!
This is something that perhaps many men take a little while in finding out for themselves. Personally, I found this out quite early in life and as a consequence, feel very blessed in how my early realisation of this simple and logical fact has much enhanced my... errr lifetime.
On a similar note... speaking of 'bright women' and how attractive that may be... any investor out there looking for some good ideas, might well do a lot worse than to listen to Peter Daily's report on the BBC World Service - Business - Does the crisis need a feminine touch? The ideas and investment opportunity offered by this investment company run by a couple of Icelandic ladies... who offer the slightly extreme proposition that men got us into this current economic mess, maybe women can get us out of it... sounds very interesting to me!
I hope to focus more on all these and no doubt, other issues that will arise, in the foreseeable future.... energy and eyes notwithstanding.
Nine words (or phrases) women use... that men should not be confused by!
(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up!
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house!
(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. 'Nothing'... actually means something... and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in 'fine'!
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not a permission. My advice... Don't Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing.. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing).
(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. 'That's okay' means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay dearly for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you. Do not question or faint. Just say "you're welcome". (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE evil sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' as that will only bring on a 'whatever' - see below).
(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying... F--- YOU!!
(9) Don't worry about it, I'll do it!: Another dangerous statement... meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now having to do herself. Very dangerous. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' (For the woman's response... refer to # 3).
Now... click on 'SHARE' below... and send this to the every man you know... to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember these simple words and phrases that women use... and their terminology!
You can also send this to all the women you know (but are not in a relationship with) to give them a good laugh, because they know it's ALL true!!!
Tonight I'm taking my hat off to... the England Women's Cricket Team... who outclassed New Zealand to win the Women's World Cup with a thrilling four-wicket victory in Sydney yesterday.
An event... that remarkably, has gone largely unreported in the UK and sadly and very surprisingly to me, has not caught the headlines... well, not that I've noticed!
I so enjoyed writing my little poem on Colonel Slade the other day that I thought I would have a go at another one.
ha ha) some are asking for the Government to 
Hmmm... does that mean just for her... (in which case I am wholy in favour) or is this intended for the whole of the working population and school children?? Gibraltarians are never slow in calling for a holiday... or indeed taking them! lol In this case... probably justified... especially as if they do organise the street party... the end result will probably turn out to be... by default... a 'national holiday' anyway! 
