Sunday, November 08, 2009

Delusions

Belief systems and religions are a strange issue in our existance. They can either make you or break you. What you believe is the truth form your reality which becomes so part of you that it can drive you insane, makes you sick or liberates you. Everyone wants to know what the truth is and we are all on a search. However, how deluded we often are along the way.

Below are 3 videos that show exactly what I am trying to say. They are not intended to offend anybody's sentiments and beliefs but with these short videos I like to be able to get blog readers to be aware of the mechanism of beliefs and treat it as such - just beliefs. And if need be, there should be the courage to dump these beliefs however long we have been attached to them. Otherwise we are only deluding ourselves by feeling that we need to be loyal to some tradition or other by sticking to our beliefs.






And now check out the next one from Professor Richard Dawkins, author of the book The God Delusion. Here he is answering someone in the audience who was enquiring about the validity of his belief in God. He needed only a short answer for that. But again, will he be able to listen....

Friday, September 18, 2009

WW II

In September 8 the Maltese recall of the past war experiences that many had undergone - memories of hunger, fear and misery back in the 40s.

I came across an interesting link that shows the situation in the world during World War Two. One can see at a glance the horror that took over most countries in so much little time during this war. Check it out here.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Rudolphe Street, Sliema

Rudolphe Street in Sliema is one of the most central streets of the village. A distinctive feature in it is the 4 buildings built in the

photo by Richard Ellis circa 1880

Hispanic-Moorish style by the architect Emanuel Luigi Galizia (1830-1906) around 1880. He had also built the Addolorata and Ta' Braxia cemeteries besides various other projects. In the photo above we see the street in its infancy and the architect started off the street by building these houses and villas one of which he kept it for himself as a summer residence. Until recently there lived 5 generations since then of the same family. He used to have a splendid view of Marsamxett in those days. You won't see that today. Check out the current street in the pictures that follow where modern blocks dwarf these unique structures which are in dire need of care.

You may also check out this link for more interesting info on the Alhambra.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Il-Budaj Third Anniversary

Frans Baldacchino known as Il-Budaj has passed away three years ago today. An evening in his memory was held this evening at Mosta organised by Talent Mosti at Ir-Razzett tal-Marquis Mallia Tabone. His wife Pawla was present. Folkloristic singing and readings from Frans's writings were held. The folkloristic group composed of two guitarists Frederick Mallia and Salvu Tanti together with the only woman folklore singer in Malta Fidela Carabott who at 74 years and 15 children is still going strong being invited to sing at various occasions. She is also a relative to Il-Bambinu, another popular Maltese folklore singer. In the photo below she is addressing the wife of Frans, Pawla (on the right of the picture sitting in the middle with spectacles on and green skirt).


Thursday, April 23, 2009

Malta Buses

The Malta bus is one of the most followed buses by enthusiasts through postcards, photos or videos. They are a breed of their own with their particular character which the Maltese drivers tend to lovingly give with decorations and personalised touches.

The new generation, that was born after the 60s, might not remember the colourful range of buses every Maltese village boasted of. You can spot your bus from far away through its colours. Nowadays they are all in one colour and you notice your bus by the number on the windshield when it is close to you - a rather nuisance to seniour citizens that had used to spot them from afar.

Here are some memory joggers of the times when buses were colourful.

Past Malta Buses Past Malta Buses Mary A selection of past Malta buses before the 1960s when they were coloured according to the village.