WHY WE SHOULD OBSERVE iNTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY?

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, International Men's Day is celebrated on November 19th each year. The observance of Men's Day serves several purposes, emphasizing the importance of men's well-being, promoting positive male role models, and addressing issues that affect men. 

Here are some reasons why observing Men's Day is considered important:

1. Men's Health: International Men's Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about men's health issues, both physical and mental. It encourages men to prioritize their well-being, seek medical advice when needed, and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
2. Promoting Gender Equality: While International Women's Day is widely recognized and celebrated, Men's Day helps balance the conversation by highlighting issues that disproportionately affect men. It promotes the idea that gender equality is a goal that benefits everyone and involves addressing challenges faced by both men and women.
3. Addressing Social Issues: Men's Day offers a platform to discuss and address various social issues that affect men, such as high rates of suicide, workplace injuries, and homelessness. It encourages conversations about societal expectations, stereotypes, and pressures that men may face.
4. Positive Male Role Models: The day emphasizes the importance of positive male role models in society. Celebrating the achievements and contributions of men from various fields can inspire others and challenge stereotypes about masculinity.
5. Fatherhood and Family: International Men's Day recognizes the role of fathers and their impact on family life. It highlights the importance of positive fatherhood and encourages active involvement in the lives of children.
6. Promoting Dialogue: Observing Men's Day provides an opportunity to open up dialogue about men's issues, fostering understanding and empathy. It encourages discussions on how societal expectations and stereotypes can affect men and contribute to various challenges.
7. Celebrating Achievements: The day celebrates the accomplishments and positive contributions of men in various fields, including but not limited to science, technology, sports, arts, and community service.
8. Building Communities: Men's Day can be a catalyst for building supportive communities where men feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking help when needed. It promotes the idea that it's okay for men to express their emotions and seek support.

It's important to note that the observance of International Men's Day is not intended to undermine the significance of International Women's Day or the broader efforts toward gender equality. Instead, it complements these initiatives by recognizing and addressing specific challenges faced by men. Public awareness, discussions, and events organized on Men's Day contribute to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

The theme for International Men's Day 2023 is 'Zero Male Suicide', which highlights the importance of helping men and boys to manage their mental health.

IT'S BAMBOO BURSTING SEASON: WHAT'S THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE EXPLOSION?

Have you ever come across the traditional game of bamboo bursting in Saint Lucia? Traditionally beginning November 2 and lasting until December end, echoes of explosive sounds are heard over the hills. It’ll often begin by sundown and last deep into the night.

Credits: The St Lucia Star

Participants in this traditional folk method of welcoming Christmas are primarily young boys. With next-to-harmless, non-ballistic cannons, each team tries to outdo each other in achieving the loudest ‘booms’ This game involves a bamboo tube or node filled with a mix of water and fuel, which produces an explosive sound like a cannon when ignited. It has been a popular game played by children since the 1990s, and it is still played in rural areas where bamboo is widely available.

While playing this game may seem like a fun activity, it is intriguing to wonder whether there are any physics principles at work behind this game. After all, the explosive sound and fire release sound like the result of some physical process. In this article, we will explore the working principle of bamboo cannons in terms of energy physics.

The Science Behind the Explosion

If you want to understand the working principle of a bamboo cannon, you need to start with the science of sound production. The sound produced by the bamboo cannon is an example of explosive sound, which is a sudden and brief release of energy. Explosive sound is caused by the rapid and violent expansion of gases, which creates a shock wave that travels through the air and reaches our ears.

In the case of a bamboo cannon, the water and fuel mixture inside the bamboo tube can be considered as the medium that stores energy. When heat is applied to this mixture, the fuel reacts with the water to produce gas. The pressure of the gas builds up inside the bamboo tube until it reaches a critical point where it cannot hold any more pressure. This results in a sudden and explosive release of gas, which in turn creates the shock wave we hear as the sound of the bamboo cannon

The energy released by the reaction between water and fuel is similar to the energy released in a chemical explosion. The difference is that the energy release in the bamboo cannon is not as intense or dangerous as in a chemical explosion, since the quantity of water and fuel used is much smaller. However, the principle of energy release is the same, and it is an excellent example of the conversion of chemical energy into sound energy.

The Role of Kerosene

The fuel mostly used for bamboo bursting is kerosene. Kerosene is a flammable liquid composed of hydrocarbons, which can be burned to produce heat and light. When kerosene is mixed with water inside the bamboo tube and ignited, the combustion of kerosene produces a flame and an explosive sound. Kerosene reacts with water to produce gas, which creates an explosive sound. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the working principle of a bamboo cannon in terms of energy physics involves the conversion of chemical energy into sound energy. When the water and fuel mixture is heated and ignited inside the bamboo tube, it produces gas, which creates an explosive sound due to the rapid expansion of gases. The fuel most often used in bamboo cannons is kerosene, which react with water to produce gas and an explosive sound.

Understanding the physics principles behind the bamboo cannon can be an interesting exercise in energy physics. It demonstrates the concept of energy conversion and the production of sound through the release of energy. So, next time you hear the explosive sound of bamboo bursting, you can appreciate the science behind it.

CHOISEUL BIDS FAREWELL TO MODESTUS DESMOND aka COCKSHOW

A congregation of well over 500 gathered in the  Choiseul Catholic church and in the vicinity of the Choiseul presbytery last Friday to bid farewell to Choiseul's most popular auto mechanic, widely known as Cockshow.

Viewing Body

The gathering came from the length and breadth of the island as well as Canada, the UK, and the United States of America, wearing a kaleidoscope of colours.

Upon arrival via a mini motorcade from the Crick's Funeral Home, the body was set up for viewing at the Church. Scores of person paid their final respects as the filed passed the body on their way to their pews.

Sherrie Alcee

Ms Cherrie Alcee, niece to the deceased delivered a heart-moving eulogy. "Modestus Desmond aka Junior/Cockshow  -  a simple man– my uncle, was the third son of the humble family of Augustin Desmond widely known as Mazoraye and Roslyn Desmond. He was born in the Choiseul village on November 29, 1961, Her opening salvo was.

Looking quite composed and with the fluency and diction of a top executive's secretary of a big corporate institution, she delivered.

 She mentioned Modestus' early education his passion for auto mechanics his early struggles to found his first garage at Reunion and the person he really was. "Junior was hard-working, compassionate towards everyone, and deserved the success and life that he enjoyed."  

She continued, "He taught us many, many things, but I think most importantly he gave us the ability to know that if you really put your mind to something, anything is possible, and never to be afraid to give anything a go."

Junior was a family man. Junior was also a family man. He met the love of his life Meuris Stephen in the 90s and they have a beautiful daughter Amanda Merline Alcee – their only child. He was also always there for Meuris and for 36 years they shared everything life can offer - together. They were a great team supporting each other in every way, Cherrie told the congregation. 

Meuris Stephen

With regard to the family's loss, Sherrie said, "We are all humbled by Meuris’ strength over the past few weeks and days and her ability to focus on the amazing life she shared with Junior and not dwell on what she has lost. We hope that through this we can find strength from her example and be there for her whenever she needs us."

Before she ended her message she let the congregation know that Junior’s love was unconditional and this is something we will cherish from his character – and take with us forever. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The service officially began with the pallbearers following the priest as he led the body to the altar. The service which lasted less than an hour followed the routine Catholic program for the dead - entrance hymn, first reading, seconding reading, the gospel reading, the comments by the priest, etc.

The Priest, among other messages in his homily, mentioned that he personally knew Modestus and he believed that Modestus was a happy man since he crossed over the bridge. He referenced the song "Across the Bridge" to bring out his message.

Last moments at tombside

At the cemetery, Junior was laid to rest in a concrete tomb. With flowers spread all over the tomb Junior's family took their last photo with their beloved. Farewell, my dear friend!!

THE HYPOCRISY OF THE ENGLAND TEAM

Simon Taufel, who is a former ICC Elite Umpire and current member of the MCC laws sub-committee, has written this post on LinkedIn discussing the Jonny Bairstow dismissal during the second Ashes Test at Lord's:

"Was Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal at Lords a breach of the Spirit of Cricket? This is a question I have been inundated with, so I thought it best to share my thoughts publicly by asking everyone a question or eight to consider…

1. "Have you seen any umpire tell a fielding side that the keeper standing back is not allowed to attempt a stumping?

2. "Was there a complaint from anyone when Bairstow tried to stump Marnus exactly the same way in the first innings?

3. "What has Jonny Bairstow said about his dismissal? He has been very quiet. Why?

4. "My experience is when people don’t like a dismissal under the Laws of Cricket, they cite the Spirit of Cricket to support their view.

5. "Which part of the codified Preamble (the Spirit of Cricket) was breached by the fielding side?

6. "What did the fielding side do in effecting a legitimate dismissal that unfairly impacted the ability of the batter in their attempt not to be dismissed? (Did they run into him or distract him or prevent him making good his ground?)

7. "Should a batter be immune from dismissal as per the Laws by simply being negligent (and leaving his ground too early)?

8. "Did England retire Ben Duckett when they disagreed with the Starc catch decision as per the Laws and umpires’ decision?

"The hypocrisy and lack of consistency from some people and groups is quite interesting and concerning for the future of our game.

"Maybe I am the odd one out here?

"The good news is that we are actively engaged with Test cricket, the best form of the game."

Damning.

A supporter wrote: Honestly, as parents of cricketers (and other sports) we spend years teaching our children to respect the decisions of the officials who are umpiring/referees of the game… to carry on about ‘spirit of the game ‘ because they don’t like a decision which can only be made by the officials is a slap in the face to every parent who’s trying to raise a child who has respect for officials! The umpire is there to uphold the laws of the game and their decision is the beginning and the end! 

The Media are the ones who never play by ‘the spirit of the game’

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER WEST INDIES MAY NOT QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP

 Zimbabwe inflicted a significant blow to the West Indies' chances of World Cup qualification today (June 24), beating them in the Cricket World Qualifier by 35 runs'

Tendai Chatara took the final wicket in Harare to complete Zimbabwe’s 11th ODI victory over the West Indies, and second in three matches. Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl had shared an 87-run partnership in Zimbabwe’s innings to help them post a target of 268. Despite a fifty from Kyle Mayers early in the West Indies’ chase, they slipped to 180-6 and lost their final three wickets for 16 runs as they fell short.

The result puts the West Indies down to third in Group A, behind Zimbabwe and the Netherlands after three games each. Nepal and USA sit in the bottom two positions in the table. However, West Indies have already played both sides, meaning their final match will be a tougher fixture against the Netherlands.

While West Indies have already qualified for the next stage of the tournament (the Super Six), they now risk entering as the third-placed side from Group A. Teams will carry forward their points, win count and net run rate from the group stage against other teams that qualify for the Super Sixes into the Super Six league. As Zimbabwe have also already qualified for the Super Six, the West Indies will carry forward their loss today.

They will also have to play Sri Lanka as the top qualifying side from Group B, as well as, most likely, Scotland and Oman. While Zimbabwe and the Netherlands will also have to play those three sides, Zimbabwe will not carry forward any losses from the group stage, having also beaten the Netherlands. Even if they lose to Sri Lanka, two wins against the other two Group B teams will put them in a strong position to qualify at West Indies’ expense.

West Indies have never failed to qualify for a World Cup before and won the first two editions of the tournament. They beat Australia in the final of the first-ever men’s tournament in 1975 before overcoming England in the final four years later.

At the previous World Cup in 2019, West Indies finished in ninth place – second from bottom of the main points table. They won only two matches in the competition, their first against Pakistan and last against Afghanistan.

Zimbabwe failed to reach the final ten for the 2019 competition after they lost to the UAE by three runs on DLS in the Qualifier in 2018. If they qualify for this edition of the tournament, it will be their ninth appearance in the competition. Their best result came in 1999 when they finished in fifth place.

Editor's note: Source:-    Click here .  

DISTRICT 7 DOMINATES JUNIOR CALYPSO COMPETITION.

TL- Reunion, TR - Piaye, BL - Mongouge, BR - Saltibus

As a past organizer of the Roblot Combined School calypso program in the late 1990s I was more than happy while scrolling FaceBook on Friday past to come across a link shared by the Principal of the Roblot Combined School, Vern Charles -  Carnival Saint Lucia.  What I was greeted with grabbed my attention; I laid back and took it all in. 

The talk was already brewing on social media - "all places coming down south," while the competition was still in its early stages. True to form, the schools in District 7 - Reunion Primary, Piaye Combined, and Mongouge Combined gave a superb account of themselves and secured first, third, and fourth places respectively. 

Reacting to District 7's success, the Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul/Saltibus, Bradly Felix remarked, "Congratulations to the four primary schools Mongouge Combined School, Piaye Combined School, Reunion Combined, and Saltibus R.C Combined School which participated in the Junior Calypso Finals! Your outstanding performances and exceptional talent have left us in awe. The Primary schools from District 7 have truly demonstrated their dedication and commitment to the art of Calypso, and their achievements reflect the vibrant music culture within our district............ This momentous win and the success of all the participating schools serve as a testament to the hard work, creativity, and talent of the young performers.

The King 

 Reunion Primary's contestant was exceptional - his moves, use of the stage, gestures, and clarity of his voice were outstanding - the lyrics were relevant to today's society and bore a strong bond to the title....as for the introduction the skit was exhilarating plus being prerecorded added a touch of novelty to it all......BRAVO REUNION PRIMARY TEAM!!

I was really taken aback by the Piaye performer as he reminded me of one of Roblot Combined calysonians called Kent, who was very popular with the controversial song "All they do is for Their Family."Comments on social media during Piaye's contestant performance equated him with Pep. 

Mongouge Combined's "Society that doing this" was a rocker. the performer's diction was proper and overall he gave a good account of himself, I was surprised at the use of the walk-out clip in Parliament as part of the introduction,  Hmmm! In this polarised society, that may have cost Mongouge a few points. (Stand corrected)

The full Primary School Calypso Results:

1st: Reunion Primary (393)

2nd: Ave Maria (365)

3rd: Piaye Combined (357)

4th: Mongouge Combined (354)

The ten Primary Schools competing in this year's competition include Augier Combined, Ave Maria Primary, Canon Laurie Anglican Infant, Canon Laurie Anglican Primary, Carmen Rene Memorial, Gros Islet Primary, Mongouge Combined, Piaye Combined, Reunion Combined, and Saltibus Combined.

Bradly applauds the teachers, mentors, and parents for their support in nurturing the children's talent. Their achievements he believes, highlight the importance of cultural preservation and the power of the arts in fostering creativity and self-expression.

 At the time of writing this piece, the DEO  for District 7 was not available for comments,

You can watch the Junior Calypso 2023  show here

HAPPY 44th INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

 Being free means being able to change the world. We are proud to say that our independence gives us an opportunity to make positive changes every single day. Cheers to that! 

It's a special day to celebrate independence and to wish your friends and relatives with some heartwarming wishes, messages and greetings.