Read one Irish entrepreneur's blog as she operates a business in Dublin
Shame or Support?
December 30, 2004
The other day I was frolicking around in the waves at Wadegos beach. Zooming in towards the shore on my body board and lying low for waves to crash over my head on the way back out.
I was really enjoying myself, but, while I was lying low watching an approaching 5 footer come my way, I couldn't help but think about the poor people in Asia. I mentioned this when we got out of the water, that I felt guilty to be enjoying myself in the sea when not far away there were thousands grieving for loved ones and fighting for survival.
"You Irish, you always feel guilty about something. Just like a Jewish Mamma!", was the reply.
Contrast this Irish woman's guilt with the guile of some British holiday-makers in Phuket. I was almost sick to read over my breakfast this morning on BBC News that a group of tourists are back on Patong Beach in Phuket. There is a ghastly picture of 4 bodies lying in the sun, sipping beers and enjoying the ambience.
How can they be so callous and self-centred? They are witness to the greatest disaster in living history and they are acting as if nothing happened. If they choose to stay on in Thailand, why don't they go north and have a holiday there? Or stay where they are and lend a hand?
Kevin French from Peebles in Scotland is quoted as saying "This is a tourist place and they rely on tourism so if everyone runs, the place will be destroyed." Er Kevin, the place has already been destroyed.
"I didn't think about going home. I stayed and looked around to see if my friends were still alive - most of them were." What about the ones who weren't Kev?
"I've had no pressure to come home. I've not contacted them yet, but I will on New Year's Eve." No pressure to come home? Is that because they know you well enough already and despise you?
I heard from a Thai friend here that the Thai government is working hard to stem the flow of news stories because of their fears for their tourist industry. Is this item on BBC a propaganda piece, or is it for real?
The Biggest Relief Operation Ever
December 29, 2004
The earthquake and tsunami that have affected so many people in Asia is a tragedy of a scale we have never experienced before on this earth.
I am unable to write anything that even begins to capture the pity that must be felt the world over for the thousands of families that are still fighting for survival. Dealing with the loss of so many family members and the material things will come later. For now, it's a case of avoiding disease and keeping food and clean water in tummies.
If you haven't given anything yet - STOP - think about your Christmas. And your plans for new year. Now get your credit card out and be generous. I recommend donating to an Aussie charity. They're the nearest in geographical terms so your aid will get there quickly. Medecins sans Frontieres is always one of the first in to trouble spots around the world. And Unicef already has operations set up in all of the affected countries.
Medecins sans Frontieres
Unicef
Now - whatever you were planning on giving - DOUBLE IT. You know you can afford it.
Thank you.
If you follow sand-dunes and salty air...
December 27, 2004
Quaint little villages here and there."
Then don't read this entry.
If you're looking for Internet Marketing, then visit the home page of the Brightspark website and have a browse through the internet marketing services we offer.
However if you'd like to slip away from the crispy cold of Ireland and come on a journey to Byron Bay, then read on...
The reason why there has been no entries whatsoever since early December is because I have been relaxing and unwinding in Australia. Melbourne, Sydney were great to see friends and family again, but Byron has been the most relaxing place on earth.
How about this?
Spending a day on the beaches and then driving through the hills around Byron. A bright and sunny day punctuated by mouth watering healthy food.
Australian beaches, are quite simply, the best in the world. Miles and miles of wide sandy beaches, buffeted by sand-dunes (where all the Australians hide out) and when you look to the ocean - oh how you lose your cares and worries - facing you is usually three shades of blue, deep navy blue, 'sea blue' and that wonderful turquoise colour that comes about when the wave is just about to break. White horses that would make the Guinness ad look like a still lake. And shining sand for breaking on. Because this is Australia - and beaches are one of the things that this country does best - there are no scrabby stones or seaweed lying on the seashore. The odd jelly fish maybe, but hey - that's not such a bad thing!
A drive through the hills to get back to base is along a windy country road bordered on either side by 100 foot gum trees, lounging scribbly bark, and other natives that I'm not quite familiar with. Tunnels of green broken every now and then by macademia and banana plantations - green leaves glistening almost wet in the sun.
Arrive back at town and take a scout around Byron's beaches looking for the best surf. Like Goldilocks, we're spoiled with choice here. Tallows is too rough. Clarks is too flat. But at Wadegos the waves are long and slow. Just right. :-)
I describe Byron Bay as like Dingle but surrounded by gorgeous surf beaches and always in the sun. Not a bad place to spend Christmas don't ya think?
Christmassy Logos
December 05, 2004
Remember the offer made to Brightspark clients and contacts a week or so ago?
It was to have your very own customised logo created for use on your site over the Christmas period. Two stunning designs were on offer: the Santa Hat and Rudolph Reins.
Well, I've just sent some customised logos out to some clients. They have just been sent out to all the clients who requested them. Below are links to 2 of them, why not view their sites and see them in action? (Give them a day or 2 to post the new logo up) CollierBroderick went for the Rudolph Reins, and The Travel Broker opted for the Swinging Santa.
Good choices and hopefully they will create the right effect for their site visitors - a topical feel to the site that makes the content more relevant, as well as a bit of fun for Christmas.
Award Winner
December 04, 2004
The annual IIA love-in took place last Friday and I am delighted to say that Fergal Lawlor from Strata3 won the award for best web designer.
Fergal is a great designer in terms of pushing corporate sites to the edge in terms of funkiness! He also did a rather good job designing mine.
Well done to you Fergal and here's to continued recognition for your creativity in the future.