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Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Letter to the Editor: Condolences to the McDermott Family
The San Pedro Sailing Club at Caribbean villas wished to express its grief and condolences to the McDermott family on the passing away of Corry McDermott. He was a staunch supporter of our youth training program; he always gave generously of his time and resources, up to and including the donation of a sailboat. R.I.P., Mr. Corry from all of us and our sailors.
Wolfe's Woofer: Christmas Present
"Hey, Bob. Bring your coffee and have a seat."
Bob came over to my table with two cups of coffee from Celi's Deli. One was for his wife, Nancy, who arrived shortly carrying two breakfast burritos.
"Nancy's off to Mexico for a week," Bob said to me. "She's going for a seminar on the tourist business."
"Where are you going in Mexico?" I asked.
"It's being held in Mexico City."
"I'll be surprised if you don't like it," I said. "The size of the city makes New York look like a small town. Plus, they have the same shops like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany's."
"That sounds interesting," Nancy said. "I'll do some shopping. Can I bring something back for you? Maybe a Christmas gift?"
"Oh, no thanks."
Tropic Air honors employee of the month
Every day, our Employees demonstrate a passion for serving our Customers with world-class service. This is why we feel it's very important to engage and recognize our Employees by listening to their suggestions and ideas as well as their concerns and rewarding them for going the extra mile.
Our Employees are known for friendliness, attention to detail, operational excellence, and working efficiently. They go above and beyond each and every day to provide our Customers with the best possible Belizean flying experience.
Our Employee of the Month program recognizes an individual who has served Tropic Air and our Guests in an exceptional manner by exemplifying outstanding service through his or her work, and exhibiting a positive and supportive attitude.
Doctor Love: L.S.
Dear Doctor Love
I just moved in with the love of my life and I am hoping we will marry in the next year. The problem is his two children from a previous marriage. He has visitation for two weekends a month and they come to stay with us. These children are undisciplined and uncontrollable. The youngest is two years old and is not toilet trained fully. He has "accidents" that I am almost certain are not really accidents at all. He refuses to eat most of anything I make for him. He often wakes up in the middle of the night and ends up sleeping between us in our bed. I have told his father that this is not proper but he will not make him go to his own bed. Even worse is the older daughter. She is six years and she has him wrapped around her little finger. She is jealous of me and whines to have his attention constantly. She wants to go with him every where he goes. She has to sit between him and me when we watch television. I have tried to be nice to her but if I give her any instruction, she defies me outright. I am thinking of telling him that his kids should only come for day visits until they are old enough to know how to act properly.
What do you think?
/s/ L.S.
Misc Belizean Sources
Free class in technology on Caye Caulker
Student teachers from Miami University of Ohio are offering free night classes in technology as well as English lessons for Caye Caulker youth and adults. This community service-learning project is an annual collaboration between the University, CCRCS, Little Stars and Ocean Academy.
Belize on Lonely Planet's 2017 Best Value Destinations
Belize is number 6 on Lonely Planet's Best Value Destinations for 2017. Picture is of the Jungle Splash pontoon boat on Vaca Lake.
"Belize is often thought of as one of Central America's pricier options - but let's take a fresh look. Here you can dive or snorkel as though you're in the Caribbean and tour Mayan ruins such as Caraco, found deep in wildlife-packed jungle that could only be in Central America. And you won't face long journeys: Belize is the same size as Wales or Massachusetts. Belize's proximity to Mexico and the Caribbean has ensured a lively and exceptionally good-value street-food scene, making budget meals effortless. Yes, there are big-ticket resorts on Ambergris Caye, but head south to Placencia and Hopkins for laid- back beach culture that's still making its way onto the map."
Western Ballaz Back in Practice
The Official Western Ballaz are getting ready for the next season of the NEBL. The host the San Pedro San Pedro Tiger Sharks this Friday, January 13th, at SHC.
See anyone you know? The teams have changed up a little bit this year.
The Reporter
High-powered Carbine rifle taken off the streets
The Southside Strike Team discovere a high calibre Carbine rifle, along with an extended clip containing 5 live 9mm rounds off the streets on Friday afternoon.
Reports indicate that the success came after the Strike team searched an abandon lot on Iguana Street extension in the Collet division.
No one was found in the area, and the rifle has since been labelled as found property.
Thieves hold up and rob couple, burn getaway stolen vehicle
Thieves held up and robbed a couple inside their home on Hibiscus Street in Ladyville.
The culprits made off with several valuable items, along with a 2010 white Ford Escape, which was later found completely destroyed by flames.
Official police reports have indicated that 28-year-old Steven Wade of East Collet Canal in Belize City, was at his girlfriend's house in Ladyville at around 11:40 p.m., and was walking from the bedroom to the kitchen when a masked gunman dressed in black clothing held him up.
The robber stole two iPhones, worth $1,200 each from the couple, along with a black MK brand bag valued at $185, and a wallet with $250 and an assortment of documents.
Breaking Belize News
Police arrest teen for Sunday afternoon Police Street shooting
Earlier it was reported that Faber's road taxi driver, Kyron Tyrell Santiago, was shot to the back and hand on Police Street in Belize City this afternoon. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he is listed in a stable condition. [�]
Ten people injured in collision on George Price Highway
Several persons suffered varying degrees of injuries in a road traffic accident that occurred over the weekend. Yesterday evening around 5:15, a truck that was delivering cement allegedly reversed unto the highway and into a Westline passenger bus around mile 10 on the George [�]
Taxi man reportedly shot on Police Street in Belize City
Reports reaching BBN indicate that a taxi driver was shot a short time ago on Police Street in the St. Martin's area of Belize City. The victim, reportedly one Kyron Santiago, was shot as many as four times while inside his vehicle. He was rushed [�]
Cool weather expected to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for cloudy, windy and cool weather with light rain mainly over the south and along the coast and little or no rainfall in other parts of the country.
The wind will blow from the north at 15-25 knots with higher gusts.
The sea state will be rough.
A small craft warning is in effect.
High temperatures are expected as follows: In the coast, 76 degrees Fahrenheit; 78 degrees Fahrenheit inland and 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the hills.
Blogs
2017 Travel Coupon Codes Flight Sales and 3 Month Calendar
It is the start of a new year and the new tacogirl coupon codes are ready to use. Click through to see participating businesses and download Belize Food and Shopping coupons. These codes are valid from January to June 2017 and offer you a few ways to save money on your vacation with a % based discount or complimentary food and drink with purchase at a local favorite. Belize Transportation Coupon Codes page will help you Save 10% on Tropic Flights and Carts. Visit the main Tacogirl Travel Coupon Codes page for ongoing list format additions for all the new coupon code specials. You will also find a good example using tacos, of how much money 2 guys saved on their Tropic Air flights.
Between These Lines
by GLENN TILLETT. "Languishing at the lower end of the global labour system is the precariat, a social class whose condition of economic precariousness has been ascribed to the rise of neo-liberal capitalism around the world. The precariat can be divided into three further groups - atavists, who look back to a lost past; nostalgics, who look forlornly for a present, a home; and progressives, who look for a lost future. The last consist largely of those who go through university only to emerge with large debts and little hope of a career or personal development." - The 5 biggest lies of global capitalism, by Guy Standing
As I listened to presentations on the ascension of Belize to the United Nations Convention on Corruption by Senator Dr. Carla Barnett, UNDP resident Coordinator Christian Salazar Volkmann, and BCCI President Nikita Usher I was struck by the incongruity of the panel, which is at the same time atypical testament to what is Belize.
The fact is that what should be significant, transformative legislation was being presented by unelected political executives who are simultaneously dampening expectations even as they tout its consequential virtues.
Our national government, in acceding to international pressure, acquiesced reluctantly to the treaty because the now-beleaguered but corrupted plutocratic class itself felt the pressure to yield to the demands from its plebeians (the precariat). The subsequent signing is another small step in the slow-walking of the political executive through our convoluted bureaucracy towards some approximation of greater transparency and accountability.
Improve your mood immediately by looking at these Placencia, Belize beach bars!!
OK, that title is not totally backed by science, but we hope you enjoy these images from Barefoot Bar and Tipsy Tuna - our guests RAVE about the food and atmosphere at these two....they are the template for all beach bars!
This is the (famous Placencia) sidewalk in between CBC and Barefoot :)
This is the totally charming entrance from the sidewalk, heading to the beach at Barefoot Beach Bar...
Being Santa Claus
Christmas or the "Holiday Season" for all you political correctness weirdos out there is a magical time of year. People seem kinder, the air is full of excitement and joy, and most notably the short fat white guy is in high demand - the one time of year everyone wants to be around that dude; I am a short fat white guy. As many of you may know I am not a huge fan of miniature or wannabe people; most of you call them children. The small ones are cool cause they just look at you and stuff, but mobile talking kids - not my cup of tea in general. Interestingly enough though I absolutely and undeniably love being a Santa. Am I discovering some deep need to connect with children? I am feeding my inner desire to bring peace and happiness to the masses? Or am I fueling an deep seeded lust to be the center of attention?
Like most things that happen in this place the answer is simple - Brittney O'Daniel called me...and I can't say no to her. Not because she my brother's girlfriend that makes the best kitchen fried steak ever, but because she does such amazing things and I would like to be a part of that - a very small part as I am lazy, but a part none the less. So I agreed willingly to be the Santa for San Pedro Pre School; and once I met my helper Elf Carolina (far right of the picture) I was even happier I agreed!
International Sources
Running on Fumes: Pandemonium at Mexico's Gas Pumps
The Mexican government has for years maintained artificially low gas prices in Mexico thanks to massive subsidies that are absorbed by the state, but as of this year that all changes. The cost of fuel will finally be adjusted to conform to real market value. The surge in gas prices is the just first major sign of changes to come, but certainly the most tangible so far.
And Mexicans, clearly, are not happy.
Dozens of videos have appeared online showing mass looting across the country in response to the gasolinazo, as the gas price surge is called-from Sinaloa and neighboring Puebla and Mexico State, all the way to the southernmost state of Chiapas, which shares its border with Guatemala.
In Chiapas, a mob of protesters freed half a dozen-likely Central American-migrants who were being held at a detention center on Wednesday. The demonstrators then set the immigration control center on fire before ransacking nearby stores.
In Veracruz, Governor Miguel Angel Yunes tried desperately to call for order at a local shopping center on Thursday, after a restive mob pillaged multiple businesses. He offered would-be thieves coupons for 500 pesos, roughly $23, "to buy food" if they desisted. In Mexico State, where the highest number of violent looting incidents have been reported, protesters reportedly tried to set a gas station on fire on Tuesday, hurling Molotov cocktails and shouting "blow it up already."
Belize to be one of 2017's biggest travel trends says MSN Lifestyle
An article published by the MSN Lifestyle website highlighted the many attractions "off the beaten path" in Belize as part of their Travel Trends for 2017 series. The MSN Lifestyle article featured several popular tourist attractions in Belize, including the active archeological excavation at Xunantunich, an ancient Maya site and the Belize Zoo, an educational rescue center housing hundreds of indigenous species like jaguars, margays and Harpy Eagles.
The MSN Lifestyle article also described the famous Great Blue Hole, a circular submarine sinkhole located on the 130 km-long Belize Barrier Reef. Measuring more than 300 meters (984 feet) in diameter, the Great Blue Hole was rated by French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau as one of his top 10 scuba diving sites in the world.
Other top attractions to visit in 2017 in Belize mentioned by MSN Lifestyle included river trekking, jungle hiking, canyoning, and exploring ancient Maya sacred caves sites, including Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. The MSN Lifestyle article concluded by noting that Belize is the only English-speaking country in the region due to its long history as a British colony. Sites like Placencia and Corozal Town on the coastline were recommended for tourists to visit as a great place to experience cultural diversity and world-class seafood.
The Lionfish: The new Pirate of the Caribbean
The lionfish is an undeniable head-turner. With its vibrant - and venomous - spines radiating from its head like a lion's mane, its voracious appetite and incredible resilience makes it the perfect hunter, a king in the aquatic jungle. However, for the millions living within the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Western Atlantic, they are in the wrong jungle.
For the past 3 decades, the lionfish have made these waters their home, and with no natural predator, they have had a devastating impact on native fish populations. Experts widely agree that total eradication is impossible, but local communities are fighting back in innovative ways, as Keiko Ashida Tao, Environmental Specialist for the World Bank, explains.
Six die in Mexico protests over 20% petrol price hike
At least six people have died and 1,500 have been arrested during days of protests in Mexico against a rise in the price of petrol.
One of those killed was a serving police officer who had tried to halt robberies at a petrol station.
The government announced last month that it would stop subsidising petrol and prices would gradually increase through 2017.
An increase of 20% came into force on 1 January.
It brought the price of a litre of petrol to 18 pesos ($0.85; �0.70).
That makes the average price of a gallon of petrol around the same as the daily minimum wage - 80 pesos ($3.77, �3.07) - and the raise has caused outrage among people dependent on petrol for their jobs.
President Enrique Pena Nieto has called for calm, saying the price hike is necessary after a rise in global oil prices.
In a televised address to the nation, he said keeping the subsidy would have put the country's whole economy at risk.
Amazing Encounter with Horned Guans Mating in the Wild
The amateur photographer was on his first trip to Chiapas' Sierra Madre earlier this year when he documented the endangered birds' behavior.
Apolinar Basora never thought he would get so lucky. He was on his first birdwatching trip to El Triunfo, a biosphere reserve in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, and his group was looking for an entirely different bird. But then they saw it: a Horned Guan, an IUCN endangered bird with a possible population of only 600 individuals, according to BirdLife International.
Just seeing one guan, a turkey-like bird with a red horn on top of its head, would be enough to make any birder's trip, but Basora's luck didn't stop there. He and another birder actually got to see two guans-a male and a female-and watch them consummate. On top of that, he managed to snap the only known photograph of two Horned Guans mating in the wild.
