2013-08-28

Gambling is already legal in Bermuda

While the current government hems and haws and pretty much remains ineffective, the issue of legalising 'gaming' remains stuck in neutral.

Yes, the OBA painted themselves into a corner by pledging to a referendum which at this time, I'd imagine would fail to pass; however by sitting on their hands instead of at least doing *something*, they're only frustrating the public.

At least former Premier Alex Scott tried to get the ball rolling on discussions for Independence, despite the majority of the public appearing to be against the motion. If the issue of tourism revitalisation is so critical for Bermuda, one would think that after over 6 months in office, something would have started. No Town Halls, debates, nada. Just random soundbites from a few MPs (that may or may not contradict each other as it is). The Green Paper rolled out during the last administration is more than a few years old already.

Just get the ball rolling, and end the uncertainty.

With regard to gambling itself, I've already come out in support of ending the ban on gambling that doesn't fit Bermuda's current exceptions list, because really. There is no difference whatsoever between blackjack and poker tables in a licensed venue and blackjack and poker tables in a fundraiser environment. You put in money, you 'hope' to win rewards, the house comes out on top in most cases. There is no fundamental difference at all.

I can walk to Seahorses, Triple Crown or GameTime and gamble all day on horse racing. I can go to a church hall or club anytime and spend the whole evening putting in cash playing Bingo with the hopes of landing rewards. I could go on the Web and play online poker at any time. So if there's concern that gambling will shred the fabric of society and lead to a proliferation of gambling addicts, why haven't those persons spoken out against those establishments? Even once?

2013-08-26

How many more...

Many in our community are saddened by the continued violence here. Was reminded of an old tune from Barbadian John King:


Still relevant and poignant today. 

2013-08-14

Phishing on overdrive

This is getting ridiculous now.

Seems that it's not just one "company" blitzing my e-mail inbox with junky scams, they're now coming in thick and fast.

Yesterday:
"Capital G. Internet Banking." wrote: 

New CGIBS6023 Security:
Dear Valued Customer,
(Please be informed that there was a recent upgrade on our banking  server, all customer account was disabled for verification)
All clients with Current and Savings Account are hereby required to activate their account now.
Activation: http://CGIBS6023[SCAMMY LINK]
CAPITAL G.
Today:
"CAPITAL G Internet Banking." wrote:
(Please be informed that there was a recent upgrade on our banking server, all customer account was disabled for verification)
All clients with Current and Savings Account are hereby required to activate their account now.
Proceed with activation:
https://ebanking.capital-g.com/Security.aspx (The text here is correct, but the link behind it points to a scammer)
CAPITAL G ONLINE SERVICES
Lord, scammers are a persistent lot. Don't get tricked, folks.

2013-08-13

A Deacon's blog

No, the Bermuda clergy haven't waded into the blogosphere just yet. The former Acting Editor of the Gazette has launched a blog, which ought to provide some useful insights into the goings on around the island from a different point of view.

Looking forward to future postings and musings. Hopefully he won't have to deal with everybody asking him "what happened", "why isn't the paper taking comments" or the like.

2013-08-07

Lego Cup Match

Because part of me is still 11 years old, I was inspired to dig up my old Lego collections from the 80s and see if I could come up with a cricket scene for the office Cup Match decorating festivities.

People seemed to enjoy it, I had to do some customisation to produce cricket uniforms for the players but for a first draft at short notice I was pretty happy with the effort. If only Lego wasn't so expensive nowadays, I'd be really enticed to expand on this project in future years. As it is, I'm there are some budding young future engineers and architects in Bermuda that could do a smashing job at creating a miniature Wellington Oval or Somerset Cricket Ground and enter it in those Phoenix Stores competitions they have every year.

Perhaps though, I could add "More lego bricks" to my Christmas list (ahem, for my son, of course... ahem).

A coworker suggested that I go a step further and try to make a video of some of the scenes, but I don't really think I had that kind of time on my hands this year.