Articles written by Bar de Ness

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About me - Bar de Ness

I share my time between London, England and Laguna Province, Philippines. I've travelled extensively throughout both countries, and each in their own way have been inspirational in my writings, particularly in the areas of travel, culture, history and conservation.

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Celebrations & Holidays > Christmas Christmas traditions and celebrations in England: 1 of 14

The Christmas we celebrate today is chiefly the Christmas of the Victorians. Whilst we all understand that the celebration acknowledges the birth of Jesus Christ, and is a very special Christian holiday, few of us ever question the common symbolism in use. Santa Claus, Christmas trees, cards, crackers, and even turkey are al...
Society & Lifestyle > European Culture The significance of the British community pub to society: 1 of 14

The colloquial view of the English pub is that it quintessentially nestles idyllically in a sleepy hamlet with low oak beams, horse brasses, inglenook rafters and cottage garden scenery. Here it sits a stone's throw from the village green, and the sounds of cork on willow from a sportsmanly cricket match can be heard to brea...
Pets & Animals > Birds The Dodo and how the now extinct bird met its end: 1 of 12

The Dodo, an ungainly flightless bird, is extinct. "As dead as a dodo" is a phrase synonymous with finality. Yet in truth it also represents mankind's ignorance, exploitation, and failure to recognise natural and delicate balances of ecology and habitat. Today we can frown upon those early seafarers who during the course of ...
Travel > Destination Guides (Other) Best cities in the world: 2 of 23

Baguio is a city of style, culture and sophistication. Created by the Americans in 1901 on the site of the Ibaloi tribal village of Kafagway, it is a testament to town planning which defies convention. Also known as the City of Pines and situated amidst the mountainous Cordillera region, it is regarded as the summer capital ...
Sports & Recreation > Sports & Recreation (Other) A guide to cricket terms and expressions: 1 of 11

Explaining cricket and it's terminology is akin to lecturing about quantum mechanics or the string theory in particle physics. Cricket is a sport synonymous with England. Just like Rugby it has influenced the world. General terms like "It's not cricket" means that it is not sporting behaviour. To "bowl a maiden over" does no...
Computers & Technology > Internet Issues What is a blog: 1 of 10

Before the advent of social networking on the internet most people wrote diaries. They were a very personal record of daily activity, thoughts, emotions and relationships. The weblog (blog) has to all extent replaced that intimate friendship with the writer and his book. Just as facebook and twitter are now platforms of peop...
Entertainment > Movie Reviews Movie reviews: The Mummy, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor: 1 of 7

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, was shown on British Television over Christmas 2010. Casting a critical eye, I was aware that I was surely suffering from over indulgence, and discovered my brain required little stimulation to see me through Boxing Day. Thankfully, Mummy III (to give it a simpler title) fulfilled the t...
Travel > Italy Destinations Tips for visiting Rome, Italy: 2 of 12

"Are you English?" asks the charming stranger who has suddenly appeared. "I love England. And the girls! Belissimo!" he bellows, whilst kissing his palm and throwing the residue into the breeze. "What size are you sir?" he continues "I have some leather jackets here. I've just been to a fashion show and I don't want to retur...
Personal Finance > Smart Spending Will the Amazon Kindle save you money over traditional paper books?: 1 of 6

Will the Amazon Kindle save you money over traditional paper books? It will certainly save you weight. Sleek, slim, stylish and light, the Kindle is a 21st century tool for 21st century readers. Weighing in at 241g, or 8.5 oz. it slips with ease into a pocket or hand-carry, yet can hold thousands of books as well as accessin...
Creative Writing > Novel Excerpts Novel excerpts: Life: 28 of 142

As Mrs Leibermauch hit the elevator button for her sixth floor suite in the Park Avenue Grand Hotel, her thoughts were interrupted by the forgotten zucchini she'd promised for her daughter in Rochester. This sudden realisation was brought to her attention by an odd looking young bell-hop who, strangely resembling the vegetab...