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Testing Your Core

By S3S

Sometimes, life throws up challenges that prompt us to rise to them and renew our passion and appreciation for life. Such is the situation that confronted my friend, Chris Eglin, in 2008. 

As an experienced Systems Analyst/Developer, specialising in 'stress' testing complex systems, Chris has worked on numerous extended projects in many industries, including Investment Banking and e-trading.  His work has taken him to locations around the world, most recently, Boston, Santiago and San Francisco. In 2008, Chris was on a project in Stuttgart, when he was senselessly attacked on the street by a knife-wielding mad man for no apparent reason.  As he said, 'there is no template for recovery from something like that' but for more of what Chris did in response to his near fatal encounter, see: http://www.justgiving.com/Spitalfields-Crypt-Trust

On Sunday, Chris leaves London on an awesome 10-day Expedition to the North Pole to complete his response that will test his physical and mental endurance to the core.  He will raise money for charity in the process, on a trip that will take him by air to Oslo and then by air to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (Svalbard), before travelling by helicopter to Barneo Ice Camp: http://www.icetrek.com/?id=937 from where his 4-man team's 110 km trek to the farthest point north will commence. 

"You could be a part of this epic adventure by making a small donation to the SCT Charity that will be the main beneficiary of Chris' efforts, for which he has been training for the past seven months, the last three of which have been intensive endurance training with weights":
http://www.testyourcore.com/#!donate/c1ghi

BEC to absorb cost of CARIFTA electricity because taxpayers have a social responsibility to a sporting event?

"We have a social responsibility to the people of The Bahamas and we must continue to give back in tangible ways to the community." Leslie Miller (PLP), MP & BEC Chairman (from The Tribune, Saturday, March 23, 2013).

Since when is a public company that is reported to be on the verge of bankruptcy able to "donate" money as if it's manna from heaven?

And when did paying for a sporting event become a "social responsibility"? Or is there is a new definition of this over used phrase?

This... recent article by Dr. Alejandro Chafuen might help with defining social repsonsibility.

As politicians try to find a way to make bad public policy relevant, they continue to pollute words and definitions. Professor Walter Block has written widely on this subject here…

This all goes to show the National Stadium, donated by the Chinese is a major boondoggle. If the Chinese would pay the ongoing expenses, maybe that would make the stadium worthwhile. Providing the stadium and the leaving the attendant costs of maintaining it, is a huge burden for the Bahamian taxpayer.

Suggesting BEC has a social responsibility to provide electricity at taxpayer expense for a sporting event is little more than melodrama.

Antique Auto Club, Auto Show & Steak Out, Saturday, March 23, 2013

A Tribute to Otis Ferdinand (Fred) Kanitsch - 1932 to 2013

Brothers-In-Law (l - r) David Albury, Fred Kanitsch, Vincent Higgs

by Vincent M. Higgs

(The following Tribute was given by Uncle Vincent at the funeral service for one of his closest friends, "Uncle Fred", as we affectionately knew him, on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 3:00pm at Trinity Methodist Chrurch).

Friends, we are here today to pay our last respects and to remember someone who in my opinion is one of the finest sons The Bahamas has produced.

Fred was a compassionate person; he was always reluctant to receive help when offered because he didn't want to put anyone out. A friend told me once that when Fred called him, he spent the first few minutes apologizing for bothering him. Yet when it came to helping others he would go to any lengths to help, without even thinking or expecting thanks. Such was his nature.

In his personal life he had a great faith in God and he showed his christian life by putting it into practice. His family life was the same. He was devoted to his wife, Sheila, of fifty-six years, and to his three children Alison, Neal and Denise as well as their spouses. His greatest delight was reserved for his six grand-children whom he doted on.

He was an active member of Royal Victoria Lodge and eventually became Deputy to our Third Grand Master, Peter Cole. His participation in the brotherhood did not affect his christian faith, but rather enhanced it. Here is what Peter says about him;

"Fred was a dedicated Freemason and loved his lodge, being one of the old school. He was active in anything he joined. However, first and foremost his dedication was to his family and several years ago he devoted all his time to his beloved wife Sheila. I am sure that his greatest concern at his demise was that Sheila would be cared for in her twilight years. We have missed Fred's presence at our assemblies in recent years, and will continue to miss him as we move on."

In his early life he attended Ebenezer Methodist Church with his family, but when he started courting Sheila he started to come here to Trinity where Sheila's family was established. Trinity's gain was enormous because Fred was very active, especially when he was superintendent of a flourishing Sunday School. All the children loved him and many would remind him of the good times with him.

He had many friends, especially those with whom he went hunting, spear-fishing and sports, including softball, bowling and rugby. His favourite sport was rugby and he played with the Sea Scouts. They played against the local team and sometimes against British Royal Navy teams. One of his teammates said that in one particular game Fred scored several touchdowns and was so fast that not one hair on his head was out of place.

In his business life he was very successful and respected as fair-minded and a man of his word. As the property manager at Sassoon's, a Vice-President of the Bahamas Real Estate Association, his own real estate company and the founder of Whim Automotive Company which he managed until recent years.

He always had a great sense of humour and even in the last few years when both he and Sheila were having difficult health problems, he would show this at unexpected times.

He will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him well, especially his siblings and extended family.

Benjamin Franklin once said that "a brother may not always be a friend, but a friend would always be a bother".

And now as we bid farewell to our friend and brother we will always remember him and pray that he will be carried on wings of angels to his God and Father whom he served so well during his lifetime.

Amen and Amen.

NFL Super Bowl 2013 Prediction

Okay I'll lay my cards on the table, I'm a Pittsburgh Steeler fan so as a rule support the AFC in the Super Bowl.

And this Sunday will be no different. I'm sticking with the AFC and the Ravens!

And here's a quote from Bruce Raffel and his post at SB Nation, from a little earlier today:

"Expect the points to come slowly and be within one score until the game-sealing defensive play puts enough of a distance between the two teams late in the game with one final score to let everyone know which team will be holding a victory parade in the next day or so."

Sounds like a good game to me.

Read his entire "Preview & Prediuctions" here…

"Enjoy the game everybody".

1975 Harley-Davidson FXE Superglide Custom for sale

Engine:  74cid Shovelhead, Wiseco forged pistons, Crane pushrods and lifters, Manley valves, updated valve stem seals, Crane Fireball 296 camshaft, S&S billet aluminum high-volume oil pump, S&S Super E carburetor and air cleaner, K&N air filter, custom-built 2-into-1 exhaust system, stainless braided oil lines, oil cooler.

Transmission:  Factory 4-speed with RevTech gear set, Primo 1.5" enclosed belt primary drive, chain final drive.

Brakes/Controls:  GMA 4-piston single-disc front caliper, GMA 2-piston single-disc rear caliper, BDL billet hand controls, BDL billet forward-mounted foot controls, braided stainless hoses/cables.

Electrical:  Crane Hi-4 dual-fire ignition system, Paul Yaffe custom headlight, tachometer built into speedo, cat eye taillight with side marker tail/brake lights, Accutronix 30-amp charging system, Big Dog high-torque starter.

Body/Chassis:  American Racing billet Aviator wheels (21" front, 16" rear), Metzeler ME880 tires, 41mm billet aluminum front end and triple trees, 5-gallon fat bob tanks, 4-qt chrome oil tank with spin-on oil filter, custom-built Twisted Choppers rear fender, rear adjustable air shocks, custom-built handlebars, hand-made Diamond T's leather saddle.

Asking $12,000

Serious enquiries please call 242-475-6064 and ask for Brant.

UWC Triathlon Bahamas - Sunday, November 4, 2012

by Rick Lowe

What a great event.

A good friend was participating yesterday, his second triathlon in two days, and suggested we come out, and I'm sure glad we did.

With participants of all ages and skill levels, it was wonderful to see.

Visit their web site here… and on Facebook here…

Just a couple photos below to provide a feel for the event. Unfortunatley I missed the Olympic/"Pro" athlete start.

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A view on Bahamas hosting new IAAF World Relays Competition (2014, 2015)

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced recently that a new series of international track events, the IAAF World Relays, will be held in Nassau in May 2014 and 2015.

http://www.iaaf.org/news/newsid=67324.html

Lamine Diack, outgoing IAAF President said "We were delighted when the Bahamas stepped forward to host because this country is passionate about athletics and has a tremendous reputation in the relay races. We have received strong support and financial guarantees from the Government of the Bahamas which will help us, together with our partner the Bahamas AAA to deliver an excellent and exciting product."

We should all celebrate this victory because to attract one major international event is wonderful, so to get two must be at least twice as wonderful!  I am hopeful that we will aim to ensure that the potential economic benefits are harvested fully and any costs associated with hosting the events will be outweighed.

An instinctive question begs however: How come Jamaica (which finished 18th in the Olympics Medals Table with 12 medals, including 4 gold) and a country, whose national sport reportedly is track, did not attract either of these major events? I am very surprised that the Jamaican Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) did not step forward. Assuming the JAAA did not, a recent Economist article may give clues as to why:

Jamaica at 50: On your marks, get set…oh

http://www.economist.com/node/21559348

This is not to mock our Caribbean neighbour but to draw attention (again) to the fact that the country has failed to exploit its potential thus far and this may be affecting her confidence. Ironically, Jamaican confidence should be sky high after the London Games and the country should be able to ride this 'bump' for sometime. To attract such a high profile track competition would have been the ideal way to crown the recent achievements and extend the country's feel-good factor.

We need not be reminded that we turn 40 next year, but a look at Jamaica 10 years on must remind us that we must not end up where Jamaica is now. Continued investment in our infrastructure ('by hook or crook') will increase the likelihood that we can have the confidence to compete for such events going forward. However, we should look to the day when all Caribbean countries have the confidence to solicit major events, sporting and otherwise, because regional competition for the attention of the world does not have to be a zero-sum game.

© S3S

No need for a referendum on gambling

by J. Barrie Farrington, CBE

Posted with the kind permission of the author.

The debate on the legalization of a lottery rages on. It is regrettable that the issue is so divisive particularly when there are so many national issues requiring unified attention such as job creation, education reform, and crime eradication. But, it is what it is.

About 40 years ago while travelling through Connecticut, I discovered that a state operated lottery had been introduced with a declaration as to the use of revenue derived from the lottery.

When I returned to Nassau, I immediately wrote to Prime Minister Pindling suggesting the introduction of a national lottery in The Bahamas possibly along the lines of the one in Connecticut. The response from the Prime Minister, although polite, was that a lottery could not be considered at that time. Without being said, I felt that to move in that direction would unsettle the political landscape as well as religious community. However, we must remember that the Bahamian environment in those days was not dissimilar to what we are experiencing today. Lotteries, albeit “illegal” were in full flight. I am sure, many of us can recall the names of Percy Munnings, Stokes Thompson, Gene Toote, and so on. The biggest change in this activity from yester years has been the introduction of sophisticated electronic technology/communication.

Lotteries are virtually a way of life in the United States today. There is much good work being done for the benefit of individual states and citizens.

I personally favour the formalization of Bahamian based lottery subject to certain hard and unbreakable conditions being applied.

Much revenue can be generated for so many worthy causes in our country.

One of the many comes to mind right now. Take a moment and read the article that appeared in The Tribune , Wednesday, July 25, 2012, headed “Bahamas National Youth Choir Accomplishes Great Feat.” They won two gold medals and one silver at the World Choir Games in Cincinnati – this in the face of economic challenges. The statement that caught my attention was, “The Choir Games are held every two years. However, the Choir will not be participating in 2014.” The strain of raising money creates too much pressure. The Government subsidy is welcomed, but insufficient. “Some of the costumes are rotting on the back of the girls, but they prefer to stitch them up and go out and perform.”

This should never be and there is a remedy right before us.

I do not believe that a referendum on this issue is necessary. Generally speaking, we all understand that life is enshrouded in some uncertainty. What happens should the referendum reject the “legalization” of the lottery? Does anyone believe that this so-called illegal gambling will stop? That cannot possibly be an expectation.

In my opinion, the Government should without delay lead and approve the “formalization” of the lottery and commence the process of developing a legal and functional framework for implementation.

Here are some early thoughts on some ingredients:

• Licences should be issued to each approved operator.
• Each applicant must withstand scrutiny. Any criminal history is cause for immediate disqualification.
• Limit licences to six applicants and with each licence a limit of six locations/cafes with online play being considered as a location.
• Control and regulation of lotteries could be a subset of the Gaming Board – new name: Gaming and Lotteries Board.
• The Board should comprise members without regard for political affiliation.
• Supervision by Board staff should include electronic access to all activities.
• Tax should be a minimum of 50 per cent of gross income with threshold minimum tax. This tax can be graduated upward based upon monthly income in aggregate to year to date.
• Licences can be issued for five years with an extension provision, but each licence holder (including all staff members) must be relicensed annually.

We simply must proceed to introduce a national lottery; delay will be to the neglect of many of our social institutions and our citizens particularly the young and unemployed.

July 30, 2012

Congratulations to all the athletes but a single Caribbean sports academy in Jamaica? Come on.

by Rick Lowe

Watching the Bahamian men's relay sprinters blow past the American team to win gold was an amazing moment. Bahamian's every where are justly proud.

Of course it was also great to watch the Jamaican runners come in for bronze, silver and gold. What a feat.

However, I see no place in their achievements for the political class. Of course the Prime Minister and the Minister of Sports rush into the spotlight to congratulate the "heroes" and fill the air waves and newspapers with so much hyperbole, you'd think they ran the races and not the athletes.

Then along comes Sir Roland Saunders to suggest "A single Caribbean sports academy to ensure future world champions" for the region headquartered in Jamaica of course.

There are many Bahamian, and regional athletes that benefit from coaches and trainers etc at the American University or college they attend it would be pointless for The Bahamas government to spend taxpayer money on such a pursuit.

Our athletes spend much of their own time, energy and talent to succeed and The Bahamas capitalises at times like this as they represent the country, but let's face it, we deserve no more of the credit and costs that we already enjoy.

Congratulations again to all the athletes representing The Bahamas and all the other countries that were at the London Games.

By the way, if Sir Roland would like to pursue his idea, and can raise the money privately without using the coercive power of the state to extract tax dollars to accomplish his ends, he's free to do so of course.