Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees dies at the age of 62 from colon Cancer

Robin Hugh Gibb 1949 - 2012

Today is a very sad day as I woke this morning to hear of the death of musician Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. Although this news was not unexpected it was nonetheless saddening.  Robin Gibb had been ill for some time, he went into hospital some 18 months ago for an intestinal problem and it was whilst he was in having tests that they discovered a tumor and he was diagnosed as having Colon cancer whish had also spread to the liver.

Born Robin Hugh Gibb in December 1949 to Barbara and Hugh Gibb in Douglas on the Isle of Man, the family later relocated to Manchester before immigrating to Australia.

Robin Gibb along with twin brother Maurice and eldest brother Barry formed a group in their teens called the Bee Gees (B.G’s a pseudonym for Brothers Gibb) and began writing and performing their own material but it wasn’t until they relocated to the UK that success came, with such songs as ‘To love somebody’ ‘New York Mining disaster’ ‘First of May’ ‘How can you mend a broken heart’ ‘Gotta get a message to you’ and countless other timeless classics. Robin also had success as a solo artist with a number of hits that included the rather odd ‘I started a Joke’ (odd because no one to this day, not even the Bee Gees knew what it was about, some say it was a reference to Jesus Christ and others had their own take on the lyrics, Robin himself was at a loss to explain the meaning behind the song. Although Maurice and Barry are credited along with Robin, they helped with the middle section, the main body was Robins. )

The Brothers fell out for a while, each going their own way until common sense (or financial sense) prevailed and thankfully it did otherwise we would not have had the 70’s (imagine what life would have been like without Saturday Night fever!!!) they were credited with beckoning in the Disco era (Cheers lads!)

From thereon in there was no letting up and success followed success as they wrote and produced for stars like Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Elvis,  Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Dianna Ross, Dian Warwick and countless others, their music was covered a thousand times over in some cases. They were eventually honoured by HM Queen and awarded CBE’s in 2002.

Tragedy was to strike though and the premature death of youngest brother Andy Gibb from a heart attack, the passing of twin brother Maurice Gibb from colon condition and then Robin has caused mother Barbara Gibb to say that this was payback for all the success the band had, maybe so, maybe not but Barbara Gibb is now in her nineties, maybe longevity has its drawbacks.

Thankfully we have been left with lots of music and other material from this fantastic of singer /songwriting group and their music will last many lifetimes. RIP Robin Gibb, thanks for the memories.

I started a Joke

I started a joke, which started the whole world crying,
but I didn't see that the joke was on me, oh no.

I started to cry, which started the whole world laughing,
oh, if I'd only seen that the joke was on me.

I looked at the skies, running my hands over my eyes,
and I fell out of bed, hurting my head from things that I'd said.

Til I finally died, which started the whole world living,
oh, if I'd only seen that the joke was on me.

I looked at the skies, running my hands over my eyes,
and I fell out of bed, hurting my head from things that I'd said.

'Til I finally died, which started the whole world living,
oh, if I'd only seen that the joke was one me.

What do you think it's about? let me know becasue I'm baffled as well!
http://www.jamaicantreasures.com
Email lisa@jamaicantreasures.com
We also recommend you visit this link for Sandals Holidays in Jamaica http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/sandals.php  

 

Jamaica Gleaner - Wednesday | May 16, 2012

Collaborating for change - Lead Stories - Jamaica Gleaner - Wednesday | May 16, 2012

http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/
Email lisa@jamaicantreasures.com
We also recommend you visit this link for Sandals Holidays in Jamaica http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/sandals.php

Anthony Bourdain No Reservations, Jamaica

Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations - Jamaica 1:3

It’s hard to describe Jamaica or anywhere for that matter if you have never been there and so very often we rely on TV programs to give us some insight, quite often this leaves you at the mercy of the programmed editors and presenters and you may get an overly jaundiced view or on the other hand, if the program is sponsored, you get a sugary, rose coloured view of the place.

Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations - Jamaica 2:3

There is a TV chef of some repute called Anthony Bourdain who has an excellent show called ‘No Reservations’ which is a play on words (‘I have no reservations about sending you here”..”Sorry, there are No reservations available at my restaurant!” you get the picture?) And in this program Anthony Bourdain travels around the world checking out the very best and sometimes the very worst of food locations.

Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations - Jamaica 3:3

Fortunately for us, Anthony Bourdain travel to Jamaica to check out the food, he also gives you a very good insight to what Jamaica is all about and ventures to both the luxurious side of Jamaica whilst not ignoring the poorer side of the capital Kingston. Some people would say it was a fair portrayal whilst others would say it was not, either way, this is an entertaining program and the food on display is mouth watering.

Whislt I am at it, why not try out our Jamaica villas from My Luxury Villas website as well as our many other location such as Anguilla villas, St Martin Villas, St Lucia Villas, St Lucia, Barbados, St Barts Villas and many more!

http://www.jamaicantreasures.com
Email lisa@jamaicantreasures.com
We also recommend you visit this link for Sandals Holidays in Jamaica http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/sandals.php

Aunt May's Fish Place in Kingston Jamaica & Iggies Beach Bar St Thomas

 Red Snapper, carnival and Quarters at Aunt May's Fish Place

Over the last week or so I have been rummaging about the Caribbean looking for the very best bars and restaurants and I have come across some real beauties, the best, according to the readers of the Caribbean Travel and Life is a place on the beautiful island of St Thomas called Iggies Bar but on the other hand I was given some photographs and links for another place near Kingston in Jamaica called “Aunt May’s Fish Place” on Hellshire Beach which is in Hellshire Bay.

The two places could not be more diverse, Iggies Bar is a rather up market, high profile, all singing and dancing (literally!) bar cum restaurant that has its own troupe of entertainers that includes fire eaters, stilt walkers, clowns and limbo dancers, the menu goes from Chic to common or market and the prices are about 38$ for adults and 15$ for kids. The menus can be found on their swanky website and the whole package looks like a real professional “bums-on-seats” affair.

 Iggies Beach Bar on Carnival Night

Aunt May’s Fish Place on the other hand looks like a shack, the menu is written in chalk outside on a board, the décor is “understated” and the kitchen would not win any design awards. What then makes Aunt May’s Fish Place such a good option when you consider that you are within spitting distance of the capital and it’s mass of restaurants? ‘Fresh fish and plenty of it!’ straight out of the sea and into the frying pan be it realizes it’s been caught. Not just that but you get a great choice from the catch of the day.

Such is the reputation of this fish shack on Hellshire beach that none other than Anthony Bourdain took the film crew from “No reservations” to Aunt May’s to see for himself what was cooking, he wasn’t disappointed. I’ve added the video for you to take a look at. If you have ever been to Aunt May’s Fish Place in Kingston Jamaica or Iggies Bar Restaurant in St Martin, please send us some feedback (no pun intended)

Theres more great news! If you book a vacation in St Thomas or in Jamaica you can visit these very places I have just mentioned. You will of course need accommodation but that isn't a problem as My Luxury Villas have some amazing places in St Thomas and some excellent luxury villas in Jamaica. Take a Look; Villas in St. Thomas Link  and Villas in Jamaica Link.

Anthony Bourdains 'No Reservations' Aunt May's Fish Place appears at the 11 minute mark.

http://www.jamaicantreasures.com
Email lisa@jamaicantreasures.com
We also recommend you visit this link for Sandals Holidays in Jamaica http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/sandals.php

Happy Anniversary

May 7th 1983 - Burnley, UK

How time really does fly! One minute you’re in Burnley, a small northern town in England dressed to the nines ready to stagger down the aisle and promise to stay together “Till death us do part!” and the next minute your sat behind a computer in the Andalucia mountains wearing a scruffy housecoat, pair of 1990 Everton shorts and flip-flops, all the time trying to stop the cat eating your toast. Where have 29 years gone already?

I suppose if you look back and took it year by year and recounted the highs and lows then it would seem a long time but as another anniversary arrives it just seems like yesterday, it really does. Friends ask ‘what is the secret of a long marriage?’ my answer is always the same, very simple and straight to the point ‘Stay poor!” and the reason for this is also very simple, if you notice, you never see anyone being taken to the high court for a divorce settlement who hasn’t got a pot to pee in, do you?

I suppose being married for this length of time gives me some right to offer advice to newlyweds or anyone seeking to tie the knot but I never have done, no, not once have I ever offered anyone advice on married life and the do’s and don’ts of married bliss, why should I? You’ll find out yourself in time.

I’m allowed to tell one of my favourite jokes being as I have arrived at the 29^th year of a life sentence and this is it;

An old gent goes into the local newspaper office and finds the Classified Ads desk, whereupon he asks the girl behind the desk how much it would be to place an advert in the obituary column because his wife of 70 years, Doris, had passed away. The girl tells the old gentleman that it is 1 pound per word!

“Oh dear! I have only 3 pounds to spend!” says the old man

“Well, if you keep it short, it may fit?” said the newspaper girl.

The old guy thinks for a little while and then writes on the advert slip “Doris is dead” When she read it the girl felt a lump in her throat and rushed in to the editor and recounted the story about the old man and his wife passing away and him only having 3 pounds to spend on the obituary.

“Tell him there is a 2 for 1 offer on today, tell him he can have 6 words for 3 pounds, that might help him!” said the editor who was not unsympathetic to the old chaps plight. The old man was delighted at the extra three words and thought for a little while before writing out the new obituary message:

“Doris is dead, Fiat for sale”

Hey ho! 29 down, god knows how many more to do? How long did the Count of Monte Christo do?

Remember, if your getting married in the Caribbean to check out Jamaican Treasures fantastic wedding deals! http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/wvilla.php 



Chillie Peppers - The Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Chilli

I have seen some scary sites in my time believe me, I have but when I saw this photograph of a Little girl with a Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper in her mouth, ready to bite into it, the first thing that went through my mind was “I wonder if she did?”

I love spicy food, I even grow my own peppers as I live in Andalucia in southern Spain, in the mountains above the Costa del sol and the folks here do not like spicy food, the nearest they come is a mild curry sauce that they have on diced pork kebabs, nothing more although they do grow peppers in their millions to use in Pimenton, it’s like Paprika and is added to foods such as black pudding, sausages, Gambas Pil-pil (Pirri-Pirri) prawns in olive oil, and lots of other things, in fact, pimenton is the main ingredient for most dishes. There are two types, Dulce (sweet) and Picante (Hot!!!!)

I grow the Birds Eye Chillies along with Marbles and the Red and Green Anaheim type chillies we see in salads and used in stir fry cooking but not the red hot ones and I haven’t seen any Scotch Bonnet plants on the markets. In fact, I’m a bit of a Chilli geek, if that’s the right phrase, I really do love my food hot and if you said to me you could cook something for me with the mighty Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Chilli (2009,231 Scoville units) I would be your friend for life.

Scoville Units, for those not familiar with the term is a way of classifying the heat or strength of Chilli Peppers. For example the Bell Pepper is rated 0 on the Scoville Scale and the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Chilli is the same strength as ..Wait for it..US Police Pepper Spray! Pure Capsicum is the hottest pepper weighing in at about 15,000,000 – 16,000,000 Scovilles.

So, you can understand why I was wondering if this little sweetie was about to bite into the Jamaican Scotch Bonnet (100,000 – 350,000 Scovilles) I was sent the photo by Lisa, the CEO of Jamaican Treasures (yes, the best luxury villa rentals company in the Caribbean Islands) and apparently, the little kids grow their own Jamaica Scotch Bonnet  chillies and were in the process of harvesting them when the photos were taken. Competition time. Did the little girl take a bite or was she just posing for the photo? Answers to Robbie@jamaicavideos.co.uk



I noticed her brother was doing the same but looking at him, I bet he did (and enjoyed it!)

PS. The reason for this post is to get Chef Broderick, the bestest chef in the whole of the Caribbean to send me his recipe for Jerk chicken. C'mon Chef Broderick, I'm waiting!

http://www.jamaicantreasures.com
Email lisa@jamaicantreasures.com
We also recommend you visit this link for Sandals Holidays in Jamaica http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/sandals.php

Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Sauce and how the advert is made

"Him alook like I!"

If you have ever wondered what goes into the making of a animated video for Regggae Reggae sauce, that Jamaica brown gold that is being gobbled down on chicken wings and sausages all over the world, take a look at this video of the making of the Reggae Reggae sauce advert. It's cool., the music sucks though!

If your in the mood for looking at videos, then check out this cool crib in in Jamaica Hermosa Cove!



Skatalites' Lloyd Brevett dies in Jamaica

The Guns of Navarone

I woke up to sad news Friday morning, the Ska music legend Lloyd Brevett had passed away in Jamaica at the age of 80. This was another terrible tragedy for the family as Lloyd’s son, Okeene Brevett had been murdered. Heres a nice write-up on the BBC News website.

Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Sauce TV Advert

"Meh caal eet Reh-gay, Reh-gay Saarse!"

Since starting this humble Little Blog for Jamaican Treasures luxury villas I am starting to become obsessed, or so it would seem, with all things Jamaican. I’m seeing things I never saw before or things I took no notice of. For example, last night whilst watching the telly I nodded off but was woken to the sound of some rather mundane Reggae music, I thought I heard the singer saying “Reggae, Reggae Sauce….” And prizing my eyes open I thought I saw sausages, chicken wings and Kebabs dancing on a BBQ??? Had my Cocoa been spiked with LSD???

Nah! It was just that Levi Roots and his bloody Reggae – Reggae Sauce that everyone is slopping on their butties. They should be careful y’know, things like that can send people over the edge. It is a bloody good commercial, don’t know about the Reggae sauce though, we don’t get it here in Andalucia. Whilst I’m at it, have you lot had a peep and Hermosa Cove Villas? Have a look.

Sand Dollar - Jamaica Villa Sand Dollar

Sand Dollar



During my day to day Blogging for Jamaica Villas by Jamaican Treasures I often come across villas with strange names, villas like Sea Wyf (named after a film made in Jamaica) Sol mar (Sea Sun)Anchor Listings and others that have me wondering why they came to have such names instead of Dunnroamin or 35 Acacia Way or whatever. I suppose if you have a villa in Jamaica then you would opt for the more exotic name, so when you come to send photos of your place in Jamaica to your family and friends, it adds to the allure (This is my exotic Jamaica villa, 34 Bilge way drive, Montego Bay! Nope! I don’t think so.)

One such villa is Sand Dollar. Sand Dollar? What an unusual name for a place, OK the sand bit I get, Jamaica is surrounded by sandy beaches but “dollar?”  It turns out that the villa Sand Dollar at the beautiful Silver sand gated community is named after this rather odd looking object in the video.

Heres what Wikipedia says; The term sand dollar (or sea cookie or snapper biscuit in New Zealand, or pansy shell in South Africa) refers to species of extremely flattened, burrowing echinoids belonging to the order Clypeasteroida. Some species within the order, not quite as flat, are known as sea biscuits. Related animals include the sea urchins, sea cucumbers and starfish.

I suppose calling your house Villa Pansy Shell or villa Clypeasteroida would be just as exotic. Anyway, now you know.

http://www.jamaicantreasures.com
Email lisa@jamaicantreasures.com
We also recommend you visit this link for Sandals Holidays in Jamaica http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/sandals.php