Featured documentary: India Reborn

Ex-Guantanamo Bay detainee is released

After seven years without trial, Guantanamo Bay Prison detainee Binyam Mohamed has been released from the controversial prison.

I'm aware the when David Hicks was released, there was an enforced media ban on him which prevented him from speaking publicly about his ordeal.

Since, his release - Mohamed's lawyers have requested that President Obama release documented evidence (including photographs) which detail abuse and torture inflicted upon Mr. Mohamed during his incarceration.

My question is: Can Binyam Mohamed sue the United States government? If so, on what grounds?

Through their eyes: The Darfur Genocide

I've recently signed up to be a member of The Hub which is the world's first participatory site where individuals, groups, networks and organisations can bring their stories of human rights abuses and draw the attention of citizens worldwide. Members can upload videos, photos or make comment on posts. It's a great site - volunteers all over the world with acclaimed human rights advocacy organisations such as Amnesty International make frequent postings as well.

Well, so we all know that George Clooney didn't rock up to this year's 81st Annual Academy Awards...instead he was briefing U.S. President, Barack Obama and Vice President, Joe Biden on the ongoing conflict in Darfur, Sudan. This genocide has been going on for a few years now and the fact that someone of George Clooney's celebrity and association with the United Nation's (he is a U.N. Messenger of Peace) brings great publicity before this modern day genocide went off the radar. You would have thought that world would have taken a more firm stance in the aftermath of Rwanda.

The Sudanese government has time and again denied supporting the mass killings and atrocities that have been instigated by the Jajaweed Militia, however, witnesses continue to raise claims about Government helicopters being used in the assault against innocent civilians. To difuse the Government's rejection of any involvement, video below is a shocking testimony from four alleged perpetrators who have been involved in the Sudan crisis - one was a senior officer in the Sudan Army Force, one a high-ranking Janjaweed commander, another a Janjaweed footsoldier, and the last a Sudanese soldier. In this video you see the genocide through the eyes of these four men. They give very key details about who were financiers behind some of the attacks through to detailed accounts of some of the attacks. The stories of these four men make a direct link between the accounts of witnesses claims and their own experiences in the lies that the Sudanese government has been telling the world over and over again. Phil Cox, an independent film-maker who assisted in the production of this film states the importance of this footage as being "the first time that the people can see a Sudanese, Arabic-speaking, high-ranking commander saying that 'We did this.' It never happened before." In a nutshell, the testimonies of these four alleged perpetrators could be used against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and others if this case was to go the the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Watch the video here.

Related articles:

Group releases film allegging Darfur war crimes - International Herald Tribune
Shocking video testimony from Darfur perpetrators (Aegis Trust) - By Samir Padania, The Hub online

Get it right, Buai Chewer

(Mustard, Betel Nut, and Lime)

This post in retaliation to an article posted in the Post Courier's Viewpoint Section entitled "Get right NCDC with your buai ban" by Buai Chewer:

"...Your supporters can then go around and collect the rubbish in their trucks twice a day and while doing so the public is educated on how to dispose of their rubbish properly instead of going around in convoys harassing people".
Read the full article here.

I agree with Buai Chewer that more bins need to be located in smart spots - locations where betel nut chewers can easily dispose of the betel nut shell itself instead of throwing it on the ground and littering public areas. One thing I've noticed (and I'm sure every other Moresby-ean) is the spilling of 'red blood' on our streets and walkways. This 'red blood' itself isn't actually 'human blood' but the product of a chemical reaction between the lime, mustard and saliva in the mouth. If not swallowed, a lot of betel nut chewers usually spit this out of their mouths onto our walkways and from their moving vehicles onto our roads. If the purpose of the betel nut ban is to promote cleanliness and hygiene in Port Moresby, in order to also prevent betel nut chewers from ruining our pathways and especially our roads, (1) all buai chewers on our PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles) should be refused entry on all our PMVs if they are chewing betel nut. (2) NCDC should also enforce all betel nut chewers to carry a plastic bottle (for example only) to spit into instead of smearing betel nut spittle publicly.

"Buai selling (betel nut selling) is their lifeline and as soon as they are deprived of their income..." - Buai Chewer

Growers, PMV operators and village people will not be affected by the betel nut ban - they can still grow, distribute and supply betel nut vendors! The current betel nut ban only restricts WHERE betel nut vendors can sell betel nut. They still can sell betel nut - just not on public property. This is legally enforceable because first of all, betel nut sellers who sell betel nut in public places do not pay the people that the NCDC contracts to clean up the streets. By restricting betel nut vendors to sell betel nut only on private property reduces the costs that the NCDC has to cough up paying street cleaners and also gives the responsibility of cleaning entirely up to the betel nut vendor. Which is very fair. Think of it as a form of 'corporate responsibility' - only on a smaller business scale. In addition, the fact that NCD govenror, Mr. Powes Parkop has established a taskforce of enforcement officers - they aren't mobilised to 'harass' people as Buai Chewer suggests. Yes, they may be intimidating but this is not unlawful harassment. These betel nut sellers know it is illegal to sell betel nut in public places.

By banning the sale of betel nut in public places - there is only a slight change (as opposed to complete difficulty) in terms of moving and purchasing betel nut, I've made a few suggestions to make purchasing betel nut, more 'efficient' for betel nut lovers:

• know your 'suppliers' and their location. Liase with them. Get their mobile numbers if you're that desperate. If you can't go to them, let them come to you! Most importantly, know where they live so you can go to their house and buy it. This all sounds very hilarious but I can't figure out anything more practical. It shouldn't prove too difficult as there is a high probability that there is at least one betel nut vendor who alread resides on your street/has a betel nut stall on their property.


• Buy in BULK. Simply, less trips and frustration in finding and locating your supplier.
  

Buai Chewer, I suggest you start to not only stop thinking selfishly, but start acting responsibly. If you haven't noticed, the Health Department, other NGOs as well as the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) have spent millions to educate citizens on how to dispose of their rubbish properly in paid TV, radio and print media. The argument that spending K80,000 so that "the public is educated on how to dispose of their rubbish properly" is a reckless argument. Obviously, lazy and ignorant people have failed to comprehend one-line advocacy campaigns such as "Please Help Keep Port Moresby Clean". It's time to toughen up.

Yes Buai Chewer, betel nut is here to stay, but please be smart and responsible.
Enough is Enough.

He doesn't mean to be rude...But

he is undeniably sexy.

Who is he?

Simon Cowell, of course!

For someone who has been most noted for his controversial insults and wisecracks, I can't help but have a tinge of cheekiness everytime I watch episodes of American Idol!

Here are some of my favourite Simon Cowell quotes:

I hate political correctness. I absolutely loathe it.

If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning.

Not everybody is perfect, and I don't think we should be looking for perfect people.

Shave off your beard and wear a dress. You would be a great female impersonator.

Bored: Watch Simon getting punk'd here.

Danny Boyle wins Best Director Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire!

Winners so far:

Milk
1. Best Original Screenplay
Slumdog Millionaire has won an Oscar in the following categories:
1. Best Cinematography
2. Best Adapted Screenplay
3. Best Sound Mixing
4. Best Film Editting
5. Best Original Score
6. Best Original Song
7. Best Director
8. Best Picture
The Duchess
1. Best Costume Design
Dark Knight
1. Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Heath Ledger.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
1. Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Penelope Cruz
The Reader
1. Kate Winslet, Best Actress

I believe that Slumdog Millionaire has already cemented a definate win for Best Director and Best Picture.

Winners and Losers: The 2009 Oscars

The red carpet has been rolled out and the excitment and tension has intensified.

In their respective categories, here is a short-list of who I think SHOULD win at todays' 81st Annual Academy Awards:

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger in Dark Knight. Unquestionably.
Best Actor: Mickey Rourke. It's a serious toss between the star of The Wrestler and Sean Penn's portrayal of California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk in Milk. It's been noted that the Academy in history have always taken preferrence for actors who have played the characters of famous individuals, however, my bet is on Mickey Rourke. When one considers the similarities between Rourke's own personal life over the last decade and the character he plays, you must have nothing but pure admiration for the strength and bravery of this actor who in this raw and honest portrayal, reveals himself.
Best Adapted Screenplay - Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) It's either Best Picture or Best Adapted Screenplay for Slumdog. The film deserves to win both categories out of its ten nominations tally.
Best Actress - Kate Winslet. Although a few reviewers have suggested that Kate Winslet's portrayal in Revolutionary Road is the film that should be the film receiving the accolades for the actress' performance, it is most likely that her portrayal in The Reader is the film that will win this category.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Undecided between Viola Davis (Doubt) and Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler)
Best Art. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

I will be updating my blog as the live ceremony progresses.

Anything could happen.

Arthos, Porthos and ??? The Question worth 20 million Rupees

Ayush Mahesh Khedekar as young Jamal.


After receiving much exposure at this film awards season, I recently watched the internationally acclaimed film directed by Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire. At first thought and as per my previous Bollywood film exposure, I had assumed that Slumdog Millionaire would be typical of its predecessors - lots of singing, dancing, eccentric costumes accompanied by storylines that romanticise and celebrate the best of Indian culture and life.

Slumdog Millionaire does share the underlying theme that binds most Western (and Eastern) films of acquiring and earning love, however, the film provides the rare opportunity by allowing a larger audience outside of India to live and see life through the eyes of three young children who live in extreme poverty and experience painful experiences that neither of us would want to see happen to our own children. I believe this to be a more honest and realist portrayal of India - a well-directed film I would definately prefer watching than a perfectly presented, over-romanticised film about India.

Although, certain audiences have viewed this film to be a negative portrayal of a country also richly blessed with wealth and beauty, I know India (just as any other major developed city or country) too has its 'ugly' side. I don't believe I'm as close-minded, poorly educated and arrogant as a xenophobe who has an ill constructed perception about a country overwhelmingly rich in history and culture.

Told and seen through the eyes of the protoganist Jamal (Dev Patel), the movie's horrifiying detail is eased by the innocent, childish humour relayed throughout the script by the other two main characters - Jamal's brother, Salim (Madhur Pintal) and Jamal's love interest, Latika (Freida Pinto).

Among the criticisms of the film's portrayal of India ("a wasteland filled with horror stories of exploitation and degradation" as one critic put it), I believe it is important to remember the intention of the scriptwriter, Simon Beaufoy which was to convey "...the sense of this huge amount of fun, laughter, chat, and sense of community that is in these slums." I strongly believe that the storyline is highly motivational and uplifting.

As a member of the audience, I did not stigmatise nor limit myself to having a constricted and incorrect perception of India as being "one big slum." I guess if the story-line was different and proved to be a lot more unfortunate, then the grounds of arguing that the film was heavily biased could be justified. For example, what if the script had been different and limited the life of "The Three Musketeers" to a life only confined to the slum and their deaths were the result of a common-slum disease? Then I guess, this would be a very negative portrayal of India. This is not the fact in the movie where the lives of the three main characters is not limited to a life of slum-like dwelling and poverty-ridden experiences - we see India's highly visited tourist site, the Taj Mahal, appreciate and breathe the landscape of the interior of India as the two brothers, Jamal and Salim travel on a train, immerse ourselves in Hindi as the characters conversate etc. Unlike the practise of other Bollywood films I have watched that have preceeded Slumdog Millionaire, Slumdog Millionaire accounts and briefly draws the attention of a few segments of India (from the elite through to its slum-dwelling residents). Audiences see the real India- a country that is becoming one of the most competitive economies in the world - rich in its culture and heritage, yet still trying to overcome and solve its own social and development issues. To attest to this dilemma, Slumdog Millionaire has already been hailed by Wall Street Journal critic Joe Morgenstern as, "the film world's first globalised masterpiece." This a story, that is not only limited to the experiences of Third World Countries, but issues such as crime and poverty portrayed in this movie, also occur even in great major developed nations such as the United States of America. There is no need for a group of people to feel attacked or mispresented as poverty is a global issue and in this circumstance, I believe has not been used to humiliate or ridicule the circumstances of a single country.

This movie has not turned me away from visiting India one day and neither has it changed my perception of this Nation. Before my birth, my mother lived and travelled around India for two months and her admiration and love for the culture, cuisine and people further arouse curiosity in me til this day.

Just a thought...

For those of you who have been following Papua New Guinean politics recently, one topic recently debated more in the media than it has been on the floor of Parliament refers to a recent investigative report done by the Post Courier. Not long ago, the newspaper headlined its front page with a report stating that US$40 million was deposited into a Singapore bank account - allegedly bribes from the logging industry to certain Members of Parliament. When one considers the lack of services and infrastructure that fails to reach the large majority of Papua New Guineans due to the injustice caused by the squandering of public monies, "the people's money", by corrupt politicians, people start to really get pissed off. I mean, wouldn't you? Think about it. When I first read this news article, I had imagined that anti-government sentiment would be brewing not just from anti-corruption lobbyists, but from all levels of society, beginning from the grassroots level. We are talking about a group of people who come from a country that is (and i stress) not poor, however have been subjected and deprived of a wide range of basic necessities such as health and education by a government that every now and then decides to allow its members a hefty allowance increase. Not that they seem to care much about also increasing the minimum wage of the average Papua New Guinean despite the fact that the cost of living has dramatically increased. It's when things like this happen that we begin to ask ourselves whether we should continue to tolerate the way we are being governed. In a normal democratic country, wouldn't you expect the head of the government to resign and let the rule of law prevail upon the discovery of such scandal and humiliation? Not quite.
Despite attempts by certain NGO's, individuals and anti-corruption bodies such as Transparency International to draw angst and resentment, all attempts did not produce such a result. Even the Opposition was gagged to raise questions on the floor of Parliament on this issue! So what hope is there when the House that sits our so called elected members - people that we vote to represent our best interests - are discouraged to let our concerns be heard?
Since, the Post Courier has stood by its report and handed it to the Ombudsman Commission, confidential briefs have been leaked to the media citing revolt and back-stabbing - certain members of the Prime Minister's cabinet are secretly pushing for the PMs possible referral to a leadership tribunal and more recently, the slay of words between Somare and former PM, Sir Julius Chan - after Chan publicly described Somare's leadership style to that of dictator, President Mugabe. Somare immediately retaliated describing Chan's time in the office of the Prime Minister as a historical hindrance to the development of Papua New Guinea.
It must be noted that corruption in our logging industry is not the latest scandal to have hit the fan. A number of reports by government authorities as well as external reports by the likes of the powerful World Bank have concluded that numerous logging operations in Papua New Guinea are illegal. Hooray! The truth is out and freely available. So what? Like the others that have come before it such as the infamous Moti Report, this too will get swept under the carpet as well as others that may "undermine Papua New Guinea's sovereignty", or "be a hazard to development". Thus far, anything that indicts Somare or tarnishes the reputation that he has earned, as "The Father of the Nation" will be rebutted and its grounds challenged. No play up here.
Although Somare assumed leadership through the democratic process known as an election as opposed to President Mugabe of Zimbabwe who assumed leadership, one thing is for certain: the rule of law in Papua New Guinea is severely undermined.
After so much exposure and expressions of revulsion from those who dared to speak, we haven't seen Somare use the same level of passion and flare that most politicians use when campaigning come election time...Why hasn't Somare used the same level of vigor to crack down on corruption within his own Cabinet. Or for that matter, prove and maintain his own innocence and integrity? What is there to hide or protect for that matter? This post is not to intentionally dishonor the contributions that our public servants have made to the development of our country, but to uphold the values of honesty, accountability and development that politicians over-use come speech time and importantly, to seek leadership. More vocal and hard-hitting evangelists of the law would argue that not all efforts have been fully exhausted. But we are lucky; we've still got forums to express our reactions. I've got my blog. How about the other eighty per cent of Papua New Guineans who live in rural areas and depend on a government that fails and cheats them repeatedly. Not merely by squandering millions and engaging in illegal practices but also in terms of representing them honestly and truthfully? What chance do they have when their representative-elect can't represent them? How do we evoke emotion, or better - nationalism, an identity as a collective? I believe that only until then, will we seem some definite change. Otherwise, those in power will remain comfortable because they haven't been hit hard enough to feel long-lasting tremors. To quote Thomas Jefferson: "The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalised version of the first".

Do you know what it feels like for a girl...

It's funny just sitting here behind this computer screen and thinking of what title this post should be, but that moment of confusion was quickly cleared when Madonna's lyrics for her single 'Do you know what it feels like for a girl' quickly streamed through my head.

So I just received an email from a dear friend of mine, one whom I keep very close to my heart and also my unpaid, on-call, therapist who I will call Starfish (to prevent an abusive comment ensueing from her). But for those who are familiar with this blog, Starfish has managed to inspire me to publish this new post.

I found this recent email I received from Starfish just beautiful, in all its simplicity it really says a lot.

...we need to remember we are young, we are awkward, we are female. youth and
being female is possibly just two of the worst things. being young - means dumb,
unsure, little crazy , female - two minds, wants everything, picky, etc. damn.
when do we stop being young? or being female?
its hilarious what we do. i love it. i love being so imperfect and young. i look in the mirror at this face of mine, this pimply (haha) awkard look and i know one day i will look in the mirror and realise that this girl is gone because i will be a woman. i will not have this youth or that look in my eye that i do now. sometimes i think the
older, wiser starfish* is in me talking to me, looking at me in foresight and
telling me how lucky i am and i can honestly glimpse me, the 18 year old me who
has no fucken idea what shes doing and i am grateful that i am so aware that i
am who i am meant to be at this point in my life. one day, my hair won't be long
anymore and i wont wear as much make up and my skin will clear and my clothes
will be more conservative and simple, and i wont laugh as loudly, i wont drive
around in my little car tooting at hot boys, i wont be dancing in the bars at
clubs, i wont be flirting with older men, i wont be teasing young boys, i wont
be with my girls gossiping in cafes, one day i will lose all of this without
realising. it will all just go and something will come - a job, a family,
marriage, maybe deaths, maybe divorces, who knows, but right now - i am free of
responsibility and i can fuck around and not have to prove anything to anyone. i
dont have to be perfect, i dont have to be right, i can do whatever. we can do
that spowf. we are at our best, right now, this is us, so young, lets not grow
up yet man. lets just be a little crazy, a little childish, a little wild.
because we can.
i am just blessed by the people who enrich it and make me
that more deeper, that more wiser and all i think is that im so afraid i am
going to lose all this and not make the most of it and why the fuck do i make
such a big deal out of nothing? think about it. spowf, these guys, why waste
energy on that? i still have feelings for seaweed* and i am aware that he still
has feelings for me, but not now, i dont want to dwell on it or think about it,
i just wantt to get stoned with my girls and swim naked at the surf break and
drive out in my little car on the worst roads on this island. i want to sit on
facebook when im meant to be at work. i want to do everything fucken wrong. i
want to make mistakes so i can learn. i dont want to be sure of anything. i want
to just be a little dumb while i can, this is it. i want to kiss randoms and not
think 'ohh what will so and so think, does he like me, blah balh' who fucken
cares, argh.
this is our time to shine man, and i fucken intend to do that,
be it blind drunk or so stoned or high on life, whatever, i just dont care
anymore. im young and im going to have fun and be a girl.

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. "

- Albert Einstein

Note: This is my favourite quote.

Capitalism, globalisation and free trade: rhetoric versus reality

So I've decided to start an assignment right and its about bloody time too! I don't think I've spent so much time (honestly speaking) sitting in this chair and actually using my study desk which is usually filled with drink botttles, an alarm clock that doesn't work and the occuring sight of neglected food and cutlery that haven't quite made it to the kitchen yet.

So while researching for this assignment, I came around a very interesting quote that made me question everything from what are our roles as individuals in society to improve the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves to having that 'inescapable' subconcious which makes each and every one of us a global citizen.

Here's the quote:

[T]he emergence of capitalism represents a culture that is in many ways the
most successful that has ever been deployed in terms of accomodating large
numbers of individuals in relative and absolute comfort and luxury. It has
not been successful, however, in intergrating all in equal measure, and its
failure here remains one of its major problems. It has solved the problems
of feeding large numbers of people (although certainly not all), and it has
provided unprecedented advances in health and medicine (but, again, not for
all). It has promoted the development of amazingly complex technological
instruments and fostered a level of global communication without precedent.
It has united people in common pursuits as has no other culture. Yet it
remains to be seen when the balance sheet is tallied whether capitalism represents the epitome of "progresss" that some claim.

- Richard H. Robbins, Global Problems and the Culture of
Capitalism (Allyn and Bacon, 1999), p.11-12

The last time I checked, the CEO of that U.S. multinational company had just received a large salary raise...but at whose expense? How about the low-income earning wage earner in the developing country which the same multinaitonal company has a factory. Don't get me wrong, but globalisation too has good points. It's just a matter of whose side you're arguing from.

***

“We welcome the process of globalisation. It is inescapable and irreversible.…” However, “…if globalisation is to create real peace and stability across the world, it must be a process benefiting all. It must not allow the most economically and politically powerful countries to dominate and submerge the countries of the weaker and peripheral regions. It should not be allowed to drain the wealth of smaller countries towards the larger ones, or to increase inequality between richer and poorer regions.”

- Nelson Mandela

What do you think? Not just about capitalism but the bull and hypocrisy of free trade ideologies that are meant to ensure equal economic benefits for everyone? Leave a comment!

O arise all you sons of this land

Post Courier

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Motigate debate
gagged in Parlt

GOVERNMENT yesterday gagged the Opposition from
asking questions relating to two controversial issues – Motigate Affair and
Mobile War.
On the first day of the sitting yesterday, Parliament Speaker
Jeffery Nape walked in an hour after the ringing of the bells and stopped
Parliament from raising any questions or issues concerning the Moti affair.
Mr Nape said, “I understand that the matter is before the court or the
Defence Council, therefore I wish to inform Parliament that we should not
discuss it.
“Any questions relating to the Moti case will not be entertained
until the report is tabled before Parliament.”
And the Opposition decried
this and termed it dictatorial.
At a news conference attended by all
Opposition members, they said the gagging of debate on important issues
concerning the nation was a disgrace.
Opposition Leader Sir Mekere Morauta
said the Speaker misled the Parliament.
He told reporters that his office
checked with the Supreme Court only on Monday and there was nothing to say that
the Moti issues was before the courts.
He said the Opposition had some
questions regarding the issue and the report was explicit where it said laws
were broken and responsible people should be prosecuted.
Sir Mekere,
supported by his deputy Bart Philemon and former Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan,
said the recommendations of the report is clear and the alleged threats by the
PNG Defence Force to arrest the Prime Minister and NGOs’ outcry were symptoms of
the leaders not doing the right thing.
In saying this, the Opposition called
for the Prime Minister to step aside immediately.
“There is a growing chorus
of dissatisfaction everywhere.
“We are doing injustice to the people,” Sir
Mekere told reporters.
Sir Julius called on respective government bodies
like the Ombudsman, police and public prosecutor to act independently and act on
the recommendations of the Moti report.
Mendi MP Francis Awesa said there
seem to be two laws, one for the small people and the other for the leaders,
supported by Sir Mekere who said a small person gets belted up for stealing a
packet of biscuit and a leader gets free after all these allegations.
Meanwhile, attempts to ask the Communication Minister Patrick Tammur on the
alleged submission to the Cabinet was also gagged with the front bench of the
Government interjecting with points of order and calling on the speaker to rule
it out of order which the Speaker eventually did.
Parliament adjourned to
this morning at 10.

This article raised a number of questions. What does it mean to be independent and free? Are we really independent and free? As outlined in our National Pledge, do our leaders really pledge to:

"Build a democratic society based on justice, equality, respect and prosperity of our people"

Have Papua New Guinea's leaders become so ignorant and blinded by their own visions of personal wealth, status, power and self-interest? Is our society going to the dogs? Maybe one needs to provide certain public figures with clearER definitions of these fundamental governing principles, imperative to the promotion and enforcement of the rights of the men, women and children of any democratic country. It makes me wonder...

Setting the benchmark: Powes Parkop

During his election campaign for the Moresby Regional seat, Powes Parkop was quoted as saying:

"I don't have millions of kina to give you but I have millions of ideas to share..."

Powes Parkop's swearing into office is a strong indication of the people's will and desire for a new change of leadership style as it has been publicly acknowledged that NCDC, as with most other public offices, has been the milking cow for too long - a haven for those tempted to make a quick buck and in the process, steal monies from the public purse. When I found out that a human rights lawyer had won the Moresby Regional seat and was the governor-elect for the National Capital District, I had felt an overwhelming sense of reassurance that there are truly inspirational Papua New Guineans, who use virtue and power not for the sole purposes of self-interest, status or wealth but who do have a passion to improve the lives of the marginalised and underpriveleged. Studying in the same field of profession as Mr.Parkop, a man I had never heard of or met, I now look up to this man as an inspirational role model for young Papua New Guinean's like myself, to actively play a role in the development of their country.

Last Friday's issue of The National Newspaper which included an article by Harlyne Joku entitled "Parkop suspends four senior execs" demonstrates the type of virtue and honesty that is reflected in this man's leadership.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop
yesterday suspended and charged four senior managers for alleged abuse, funds
misuse and fraud.The alleged anomalies against the city government were
committed between January and August this year, Mr Parkop said.The governor said
he would terminate the services of the manager for social services for failing
in his job.In a statement yesterday, Mr Parkop said prior to his swearing-in and
assumption of office last Aug 21, he had requested among other things the
commission’s financial report for the said period.“It had become obvious to me
that there was massive abuse of the commission’s during that period,” Mr Parkop
said.He further said the financial status and dealings of the commission had not
been secret and that he was advised by many people to terminate all his
managers.But Mr Parkop said that he had refused to do so to give them
opportunity to explain the figures in the financial statement.“This was to
ensure that whatever decision I make, it was directed at arresting the
problem
instead of undertaking a massive termination and replacement which
may not solve the problem of abuse and misuse of funds in the first place,” he
added.

Read the rest of the article here.

A few months ago, Kevin Pamba in his article "Parkos victory is a welcome benchmark" stated that "only time will tell how Mr. Parkop will reciprocate the overwhelming trust bestowed on him." I have a firm belief that the act of him suspending four senior managers for alleged abuse, funds misuse and fraud is a great cause for emulation. And for once, I am briefly persuaded and enlightened to observe that a segment of Papua New Guinean voters are not influenced by bribery, false promises, gifts or handouts, but have once voted with their conscience.

At war with the sea

A recent report on global warming warned that entire
cultures are at risk of being wiped out if nothing is done. There is still
a lot of debate about whether rising sea levels and rising temperatures are the
result of pollution or simply normal cycles of climate change. But there's one
group of people (a group of people too close to home) that doesn't need any
convincing about this. In the documentary 'That Sinking Feeling', Steve Marshall
visits a group of islands in the South Pacific that seem to be disappearing one
hut, one garden, one village at a time.

- World's Untold Stories

Global warming effects on Cateret Islands Part 1

Global warming effects on Cateret Islands Part 2

Images from Riverfire 2007

Taking things seriously

My dearly father who is in Sydney at the moment attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Australia 2007 Business Summit gave me a call last night to remind me that he did not get a call from me on Father's Day only to hear me say that 'I was thinking of him?'.....but really had been seperated from my sim card celebrating Riverfire for most of the weekend.

I don't watch television shows that much. However, when I do it usually involves me and a litre of greek mango gelati watching something hilarious to console and comfort my barren mind. This usually involves me watching Thank God You're Here or some piece of comical commentary such as The Chaser's War on Everything.

Whether or not you have greek mango gelati, I thought I'd entertain you with a skit from Chaser's War on Everything borrowed from Myspacetv.com which tests how tolerant people are when it comes to the security arrangement surrounding APEC.

Make Poverty History images

A few months ago, I made a post about Siobhan getting selected as a ZeroSeven Ambassador. I also promised to get some pictures off her and post them up. Well here they are: The wait is finally over!

"Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural"

MPH: Make Poverty History

It's Our Time

To Change

Make Poverty History!

The journalistic shot heard around the world

Both these images have been strategically juxtapositioned in order to raise an issue that relates to the priority placed on events or people that are considered to be "soft entertainment news" and ones that register on a more important global agenda. Some critiques may argue that celebrity news is totally irrelevant and important air-time should not be dedicated to the lives of those who live 'comfortable' and 'priveleged' lives when the time set aside to feature such unecessary headlines may have covered other headlines that register on the economical, social or political agenda - issues that are more 'real'.

The 'journalistic shot heard around the world' was one which involved MSNBC's co-host and news reader Mika Brezezinski, in which she refused to read Paris Hilton's release from jail as the news lead.

"On June 26, 2007, near the
beginning of Morning Joe, Brzezinski
refused to read a report about Paris Hilton's release from
jail. One hour later during another news break segment, her producer Andy Jones
again pushed the story as the lead, ranking it over Republican Senator Richard
Lugar of Indiana's break with President Bush on the Iraq war,
which Brzezinski considered more important. After several unsupportive remarks
from host Joe Scarborough, she
attempted to burn the story's script on the air, but was physically prevented
from lighting it by co-host Willie Geist. She then tore
up the script, and one hour later, got up and ran another copy of the script
through a paper shredder retrieved
from Dan
Abrams's office. The incident was quickly popularized on the Internet, and
in the days that followed Brzezinski received large quantities of fan mail
supporting her on-air protest as a commentary on the tension between 'hard news'
and 'entertainment news."

(Source: Article on Wikipedia about Mika Brzezinski)

This video has raised a number of issues personally. Firstly, I admire Mika Brzezinski for her ability to actively stand and vocally argue her views for being 'such a journalist' as Joe Scarborough had called her. My question is to Joe Scarborough is: "If she is such a journalist, then what are you?" Obviously, Mika Brezesinki through her actions and views has expressed an absolute distaste and has obviously put her own career and job security on the line with her reactions. Unlike Joe Scarborough, she is not willing to compromise or sacrifice her beliefs and attitudes and conform to expectations of what people think she should do or say. Secondly, not only do Joe Scarborough's remarks connote a sense of misogynistic views that he has deep-rooted within his immature mind (as his actions and words suggest in the video), it is even more disturbing when he blesphemises with the following: "How do I further the kingdom of God on heaven". Seriously, what a PIG! Overall, I salute Mika Brzezinski on her ability to stand up for what she believed in - in front of millions of viewers, which compromised her career and job security, as well as for her ability to control and poise herself whilst arguing her point with two immature, unprofessional, pigs whose equivalents I would hope never to have as co-workers.

"To the news now..."

- Mika Brzesinki

My favourite mp3s at the moment: August

1. C-Mos - 2 million ways (Axwell Remix) mp3
2. Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (Tittsworth Remix) mp3
3. The Boys and Girls Club - Summer in the city mp3
4. Junior Senior vs. Lil' Jon - Can I get low mp3
5. Take me to the sun - The Disco Freaks (Freemaons Remix) mp3
6. Greenlight - Beyonce (Freemasons Remix) mp3
7. Thunderheist - Jerk it mp3
8. Make me sweat (Original Mix) - Basement Jaxx feat Roxanne Shante mp3
9. Lindsay Lohan's Revenge - Pase Rock (Klever Remix) mp3
10. Spencer Product - Ruffmixx 4 summer mp3
11. I'm not coming to your party girls - 30h!3 mp3
12. Moving Units - Crash 'N' Burn Victims (Felix Cartel Remix) mp3
13. The Teenagers - The Homecoming (Guns N Bombs Remix) mp3
14. DJ Pumpkin Patch - Daft Crunk mp3
15. Dragonette - Take it like a man (Kissy Sellout remix) mp3
16. Grits - My life mp3
17. Designer Drugs - Sex Machine (Remix) mp3

I saw a UFO and nobody believes me

Think stiff beats, thick bass lines, lush melodies, haunting vocals, rolling
guitar licks and urban tales of love and loss. It is part-melancholic beauty
but
for the most part, it's party mayhem...

(courtesy of Sneaky Sound System's myspace)

I just saw Sneaky Sound System live!

It was great! The sound audio guys could've done a bit better with organising the audio stuff better so that the vocals came out clearer (i'm not sure of the technicalities) but either way, it didn't matter because everyone knew the lyrics anyways.

I didn't have my camera with me but my friends did so when I get a chance to, I will post some cool pictures of them including sassy pics of Miss Connie Mitchell up!

True to any other great performances (ie where the audience gets what they want), the trio ended and exited the stage much to the surprise of their fans without singing their hit, UFO. When they did, MC Double D carried a banner with the words "I believe in you" when he exited. They came back on for an encore, after the audience chanted for "UFO" and then Black Angus said upon returning "This is for all of those that believed". The crowd when crazy, when the intro for UFO started!

My favourite song they performed live would've had to be 'Goodbye' because ... ahm, doesn't Connie's vocals just BRING IT! It gives me so much hope now as I look forward to Thursday, October 11th when Paul van Dyk plays at the Family!

"Woop Woop, when you run come around cos I know you're the talk of the town yeah" (R.I.P Natasja).

p.s. MC Double D has a new admirer! Ahah