Last year when we looked at 2008, we did it on the basis of what drew comments to merit review as the last of the Bush Jr era wound down… Would you believe one of the top commenters is a story from 2008 STILL??

This is when Barbadian Christian Roger Marshall did a College Thesis on why “Umbrella (Ella, Ella, Ay, Ay)” is really a subliminal tract in praise of Satanism, the last comment made was 24 November 2009 and that made 21 remarks (and counting?) …. most of them agreeing with the postulation.

Rihanna continued to dominate The Bajan Reporter for much of then fresh-faced 2009… Like after her nasty break-up with Chris Brown, her nude photos for Brown leaked out as he was about to appear in Court for battering her and Rihanna’s response later on was that all gals should do naked pics for their men if they’re on good terms, I cannot understand this endorsement as it backfired on her (14 comments)!

BR also wondered if the blows knocked away some of her sense since she did many attention-grabbing stunts almost simultaneously – like her Cockatoo hairdo, gun tattoos on her midriff after experiencing violence, as well as Brazil-Carnival type of pasties over her nipples as a

‘bra‘? Sean Field went to Barbados Free Press and defended her, instead of responding where the story originated. (7 comments, not including Sean’s extracurricular reply)

I have also slapped Rihanna, however, unlike Chris Brown, my ‘blow‘ was verbal, and it was to attempt to draw her out of her chaotic spiral as she did a horrendous photo-shoot for the Italian edition of Vogue. This really drew some ire on BR especially from Ndelamiko Lord, the SunGoddess who usually praises me, LOL (23 comments)!

Rihanna was not the sole topic here for 2009, nevertheless, certain aspects of USA held sway too… Such as the revision of displays for Network Marketing Venture known as Amway Global formerly Quixtar and also simply as Amway. The comments it drew seemed mainly from failed folk with grouses, I also failed at it, but I simply recognise that I cannot devote the requisite time and effort it takes to make it successful (8 comments).

Another American situation was when BR learned that George Washington House by the Garrison had a section showing what manacles were used by slaves at the Plantation he boarded with his brother, who was recovering from Tuberculosis. Did we really need to revive that chapter of history and create animosities between races anew? Many felt it’s important to see how both blacks and whites have evolved over the centuries (6 comments).

Speaking of race, this was a hot topic at another historical venue – Tyrol Cot, where the late PM “Tom“ Adams was born.

When Bajan Yankee and haiku proponent Beny Blaq visited here, there were other poets – or griots as they consider themselves – who made comments that I found overdone and passe but woe betide me for daring to say so! There were just as many for as against in the end, the anger it drew even made hinted threats of slander (9 comments)! It was one of the reasons I have a Disclaimer on my banner and in the topics above.

Damon Corrie is a regular contributor for the Web-Magazine almost from its inception, when he dared to look at the Thompson Regime’s proposed plans to deal with illegal immigrants he drew the rage of many a Bajan… We don’t want to cut cane, yet when a Guyanese agrees to do three times as much for half what we expect to be paid – Bajans turn around and get vex, wanting to call Immigration, sigh! (13 comments)

Shortly after my birthday, I was annoyed at certain retrograde practices in Barbados and I wondered if we really deserved our Independence and wrote to say exactly why… Imagine my shock when all six remarks supported my contention? Not a dissent anywhere?

What will the rest of this year hold? For that matter in 2010? We’ll take a Holiday break ’til perhaps the 27th, but there may be a sweet surprise in store… So don’t you move! As for next year, there are financial concerns, polo season, a film festival and more to keep this Web Magazine busy! Comments at the site, once reasonable are welcome, ok? All slots for remarks are listed at the bottom of each item.