You Want Chunes, Man?

Yesterday morning, I had a private message (PM) on the Belize Forum (http://www.belizeforum.com/), responding to a widget I had added to the blog. That widget allows me to showcase some tunes for folks reading the blog (You can find it near the top on the right sidebar).

"Thank you so much for the play list on your blog. I have gotten into the habit of turning it on then perusing the Forum. Its great, thanks for sharing."

I answered also with a PM. But then, after the fact, I thought folks might find it of some interest, if they like the music in the widget. My answer and then some, is below:

I'm glad you like it. Music's been an important part of my life, and reggae especially for the past ten or so years - more especially roots reggae. Some of the best of that is coming out of Africa, Alpha Blondy, for example (who I incorrectly identified as Buju Banton, a Jamaican favorite of mine, in the PM). I've included some songs on the list from Alpha Blondie and Majek Fashek, another African reggae artist.

If you're really into it, Deadly Dragon Sounds (http://deadlydragonsound.com/index.php)in New York is the Mecca for roots reggae from the 60's on up.

The best music to have come out of Belize, in my opinion, was the late Andy Palacio. His great Garifuna African-influenced poly rhythms were amazing. Just as his career was taking off internationaly, he passed away.

You might want to check out Stonetree Records (http://www.stonetreerecords.com/music/albums.php). Stonetree is Belize's own music source and recording studio.

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Patron Saint of This 'n That

I've been curious about this for a while. Sometimes on our morning walkies, we pass down 1st Street South, beside the Catholic church, heading toward the Thunderbolt pier.

Just past the church, on the opposite side of the street, there's a fenced garage and small parking area. As you can see, one of the corner posts has two silver-painted busts.

What I wonder, is this a representation of the patron saint of parking lots? Or, is Mother Mary burdened with yet again another tasking... Sort of a de facto parking garage attendant? Does this put the fear of God into the hearts and minds of neer-do-well's and other criminal elements that might otherwise pilfer or tieve the church's property - in this case, the parrish wheels?

Patron Saint of Parking Lots On the Post

Patron Saint of Parking Lots - Close Up

Probably not. It might just serve as a reminder for those being tempted to stray from the path of good behavior to think twice.

Anyway, I thought it was just something kinda quirky and worth shooting. Just a tad unusual.