Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Unfit for Democracy? - NYTimes.com
Unfit for Democracy? - NYTimes.com
Nicholas Kristoff never fails at writing an interesting article that is sure to provoke many. This time, it discusses Democracy in the middle east.
Yes, democracy could be messy in Yemen but just as much as it is in America. The form of government should be what the people want their desires. What are they asking for? is it Democracy? if so, then let em have it!
Who are we to tell the people of Libya, Yemen, Egypt, Bahrain, and etc that democracy is unfit for them!? even our own "democratic state" can't seem to provide a good example of what "Democracy" looks like. so why do we even think we can advise countries on their political system when our government can't even advise themselves?. We should be looking at ourselves first before we start pointing fingers. Perhaps maybe the arab nations will end up providing a better example of what democracy really looks like.
the rebel of egypt
Wael Abbas is the most famous blogger in Egypt and apparently an award winning journalist ?.. oh and he's the face of GOOGLE in the middle east.. this guy's pretty legit stuff.. this is his blog :
Rebel With A Cause
Rebel With A Cause
Friday, February 25, 2011
The art of revolution
If you are in Cairo and into music we recommend participating and making this event a blast.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25 · 1:00PM – 4:00PM | EVERYONE IN CAIRO
Here is the message from the event organizers:
To all artists of Egypt :Go down to the streets and play music or make a mini gallery with your artistic production. This is a call to all of you Artists of Egypt ( amateurs or professionals ) to express your art freely in the streets. each one of you pick up your tool (paintings, musical instrument, handcrafts or whatever artistic production you make,call your friends and specially the artists to join you in your chosen artistic spot on Friday the 25th of February after the prayer and play free art for a free country.
This is a way to practice the freedom we’ve just achieved, so go down and express yourself : FREEDOM IS NOW
Suggestions:
1- ( For musicians) avoid playing under people’s houses ( your freedom stops where other people’s freedom starts ).
2- light equipment is easier to carry around in case you need to change your spot ( be mobile, moving while playing is a good idea as well (musicians)
3- call all your friends to come watch you/participate
4- inform all artists friends ( amateurs or professionals )that don’t know about the event
"I am Tahrir: The Art of Revolution" is an online exhibit calling 4 creative submissions Email: tahrir.art@gmail.com http://bit.ly/gxbLX1
the project is now documenting and collecting art produced during, inspired by or dedicated to the January 25 Revolution from around the world. Please send your submissions, be it music, chants, slogans, humor, photography, poetry, comics, to tahrir.art@gmail.com. All art forms are welcome, and authors/creators will be fully credited for their work.” .
the project is now documenting and collecting art produced during, inspired by or dedicated to the January 25 Revolution from around the world. Please send your submissions, be it music, chants, slogans, humor, photography, poetry, comics, to tahrir.art@gmail.com. All art forms are welcome, and authors/creators will be fully credited for their work.” .
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Venezuela and Libya forever allies.
Words of the Venezueln president and his top diplomat :
"Washington is fomenting to justify an invasion to seize North African nation's oil reserves."
Chavez tweets: Gaddafi is facing a civil war. Long live Libya. Long live the independence of Libya.
As someone who liked Chavez, it came as a big disappointment to hear his support for Gaddafi. Chavez, labeled as a rebel by the U.S, was one I admired. I embraced his strength and courage of keeping the west away and not giving into their game. Because of his tolerance, the U.S. was quick to create propaganda labeling him as an enemy simply because he did not want to be the U.S.'S puppet.
Though, I do believe the government of the U.S. is to blame for half the worlds problems, Libya's unrest isn't one to be found on that list. It's true, Libya has oil and we may find that down the road the CEO's have forced the U.S. government to take advantage, still i find it unfair that Gaddafi and Chavez are believing this to be a conspiracy of the west.
A plot ignited by "American agents"? nah the only conspiracy i see here is that Gaddafi has mesmerized Chavez.
What's incredible is that these protests has shaken up the world, awakening the people to believe in themselves andin their own strength bc with that change will come. They have buried fear and are taking to the streets streets demanding the most basic need, life.
Like Mubarak, Gaddafi attempted to put down protests with a violent crackdown but the difference lies in their mental state. Gaddafi makes Mubarak look sane compared to him. the psychopath is responsible for the worst bloodshed in the two months since unrest began sweeping across the Arab world..
Thankfully, Senator Kerry was the first form the U.S. to express his concern and demand the UN along with the U.S. to do more to help the people of libya. Yesterday, Obama finally spoke and now talks about NATO and Economic sanctions have been discussed. So far,I think those are all excellent ideas for this given time.
"Washington is fomenting to justify an invasion to seize North African nation's oil reserves."
Chavez tweets: Gaddafi is facing a civil war. Long live Libya. Long live the independence of Libya.
As someone who liked Chavez, it came as a big disappointment to hear his support for Gaddafi. Chavez, labeled as a rebel by the U.S, was one I admired. I embraced his strength and courage of keeping the west away and not giving into their game. Because of his tolerance, the U.S. was quick to create propaganda labeling him as an enemy simply because he did not want to be the U.S.'S puppet.
Though, I do believe the government of the U.S. is to blame for half the worlds problems, Libya's unrest isn't one to be found on that list. It's true, Libya has oil and we may find that down the road the CEO's have forced the U.S. government to take advantage, still i find it unfair that Gaddafi and Chavez are believing this to be a conspiracy of the west.
A plot ignited by "American agents"? nah the only conspiracy i see here is that Gaddafi has mesmerized Chavez.
What's incredible is that these protests has shaken up the world, awakening the people to believe in themselves andin their own strength bc with that change will come. They have buried fear and are taking to the streets streets demanding the most basic need, life.
Like Mubarak, Gaddafi attempted to put down protests with a violent crackdown but the difference lies in their mental state. Gaddafi makes Mubarak look sane compared to him. the psychopath is responsible for the worst bloodshed in the two months since unrest began sweeping across the Arab world..
Thankfully, Senator Kerry was the first form the U.S. to express his concern and demand the UN along with the U.S. to do more to help the people of libya. Yesterday, Obama finally spoke and now talks about NATO and Economic sanctions have been discussed. So far,I think those are all excellent ideas for this given time.
President eases on violence
Yemen's president, Ali abdullah Saleh has promised protestors that the army will guard them from violence.. hard to believe because in the south an activist was killed by a land mine
Yemen to 'protect protesters' - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
Yemen to 'protect protesters' - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
Rally in Benghazi, Libya
INCREDIBLE!.. never did i think this would be happening in my time.. it's just unbelievable and amazing to be living during a time like this. it's beautiful.
who cares about these made up lines, together we are all Libyan, Algerian, Egyptian, Yemeni, Palestinian, Saudi, Omani, Bahrani, Syrian, Jordanian, and etc etc.. in the end all these lines were made by foreign powers after the world war.
who cares about these made up lines, together we are all Libyan, Algerian, Egyptian, Yemeni, Palestinian, Saudi, Omani, Bahrani, Syrian, Jordanian, and etc etc.. in the end all these lines were made by foreign powers after the world war.
sending love to protestors
"I would like to kiss every martyr's mother on the head," she says before a huge poster of her late son. "And I pray that God may grant them the serenity and patience to bear the unbearable. May Libya become a free country."
On December 19 last year, 26-year-old Tunisian Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire in response to his anger of the corrupt regime. His revolt initated demonstrations that have now taken place worldwide. Not Ghonim of Egypt but rather Mohamed of Tunisia become the hero of the world and the symbol of freedom.
Bouazizi, set himself on fire to protest the police that wanted to confiscat his fruit cart bc it was "unlicensed".
After his revolt, a domino effect of of demonstrations followed, first in Tunisia, then in Egypt and Yemen and Bahrain and Libya. I am sure Bouazizi never would have imagined this happening but because of him, the people have awoken.
His mother talks to aljazeera and recorded a message to the protesters in the other Arab states, specifically Libya, reaching out to those who are losing their lives to dictatorial regimes the way her son did.
a Superb blogger unleashes the truth of Gaza
This is good coverage on the bloodshed of Gaza. Laila El-Haddad is a Palestinian journalist, a mother, and a blogger. Back and forth from the U.S. to Gaza, she is currently in North Carolina, where she's lived since the borders were closed in '06.
She blogs about the how day-to-day life is being impacted for ppl in Gaza. You can read her on the the Guardian which i posted below and u can read or watch her at Al Jazeera English.
Laila El-Haddad | guardian.co.uk
She blogs about the how day-to-day life is being impacted for ppl in Gaza. You can read her on the the Guardian which i posted below and u can read or watch her at Al Jazeera English.
Laila El-Haddad | guardian.co.uk
Peace & Love becomes reality in this logo
i believe in religious freedom and religious coexistence. I believe that every religion is a different way to the same truth;that there is One God and that we should unite all religions. Perhaps the reason there are many religions is to deal with many different issues of life ppl come across everyone has there own way of finding there way of connecting god
i love the logo bc i feel it is a way to communicate peace, tolerance, and a shared sense of community where we can gain an understanding for one another and give an equal voice to all religions...with an understanding of the message of COEXIST you begin to question...
WHY can’t we just get along?
WHY can’t we find peaceful ways to remedy our differences?
WHY can’t we respect each other for our differences & learn from our differences instead of trying to tell each other where we are wrong and then try to convert each other?
that being said,it's hard not to love this logo or even believe in it. its an awesome and powerful message. It is a message the world needs to hear more often and it is a message that Islam teaches.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Update on Yemen's unrest
it's their 12th day and continuous shots have been fired at demonstrations in Sanaa.
Thousands of people have staged sit-ins in the cities of Ibb and Taiz, demanding the departure of President Ali Abdullah Saleh,
it's been confirmed that 7 employees of the parliament have resigned. GREAT NEWS ! A step in the right direction!
Yemen MPs resign over violence - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
Thousands of people have staged sit-ins in the cities of Ibb and Taiz, demanding the departure of President Ali Abdullah Saleh,
it's been confirmed that 7 employees of the parliament have resigned. GREAT NEWS ! A step in the right direction!
Yemen MPs resign over violence - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
The unrest of the arab region creates a domino effect, West bank next?
This is a great article i found on al Jazeera .. Iran's leader, Ahmedinejad asks "how can a ruler kill his own people?"
What a fantastic question! I look forward to him, as a ruler who does just that, to answer it.. and as for prime minister Netanyahu who too has criticized Qaddafi's violence must be blinded by his own hypocrisy.
Ahmedinejad oppresses his people and in the past has used violence as his approach to silence his people and how can anyone forget the worlds biggest humanitarian crisis, PALESTINE in which israel IS responsible for the war on gaza along with it's refusal to accept a peace deal, and continuous settlements being built in palestinian territories....
Is the West Bank next? - Opinion - Al Jazeera English
What a fantastic question! I look forward to him, as a ruler who does just that, to answer it.. and as for prime minister Netanyahu who too has criticized Qaddafi's violence must be blinded by his own hypocrisy.
Ahmedinejad oppresses his people and in the past has used violence as his approach to silence his people and how can anyone forget the worlds biggest humanitarian crisis, PALESTINE in which israel IS responsible for the war on gaza along with it's refusal to accept a peace deal, and continuous settlements being built in palestinian territories....
Is the West Bank next? - Opinion - Al Jazeera English
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
VIDEO: DC RESOLVE TO REMEMBER
On December 14, Resolve organization invited friends in the DC area to stand with them and remember the lives that have been taken during the Christmas Massacres of 2008 and 2009. Ofcourse i attended :)
p.s. that's me with the stripped gloves and the light pinkish hat looking down on the floor ;)
DC: Resolved To Remember from Brian Pappalardo on Vimeo.
p.s. that's me with the stripped gloves and the light pinkish hat looking down on the floor ;)
video:go green hip hop style
A group of Kenyan teenagers in the slums of Nairobi created this hip hop video about bicycling and climate change:
current events on Libya's unrest.
Live Blog - Libya Feb 22 | Al Jazeera Blogs
1
at 6pm Muammar Gaddafi gave a speech on Libyan State Television:
In his defiant speech, Gaddafi said he will "cleanse Libya house by house" if protesters did not surrender.
"will not leave Libya and will die a martyr. He criticised 'Arab media', saying it painted an insulting picture of Libyans."
" "when they are prosecuted they will be begging for mercy".
at 7.12pm: Gaddafi's speech finally finished. He gets his hand kissed by a loyalist and waves to what appears to be about half a dozen senior officers still listening. State TV now showing thousands of people cheering...
Libya gets suspended , from the Arab League
0.43pm: Disturbances rocking Libya have killed 300 people, including 58 soldiers, according to figures provided at the venue of a press conference to be given by Gaddafi's son, the AFP news agency reports.
10.00pm: Gaddafi spoke to Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi via telephone, telling him that Libya is fine and the truth about events in the country are being shown on state media. he's delluisonal
10.30pm: After growing unrest and violent crackdowns in Libya, a group of hackers has launched a way navigate the censors and route information to those affected in the north African nation. Red more here
10.39pm: Saif Gaddafi gives a press conference in Tripoli.
John Kerry, a US politician, called the Libyan government's use of force "beyond dispicable". He called on Barack Obama to reconsider sanctions against Libya, and hops these were Gaddafi's last hours in power. also urges international community must send a message to Gaddafi that his "cowardly actions will have consequences".
DISGUSTING Nicaragua's president, Daniel Ortega, says he has telephoned Muammar Gaddafi to express his solidarity with the embattled leader.
Abdul Fatah Younis, Libyan minister of interior and army general is "Gaddafi's No.2" and he resigned.
he was interviewed on Al Arabiya. Here's a rough translation of some of his comments, provided by @SultanAlQassemi:
"the Libyan people have suffered too long. We have so much oil, the people could have lived as in a 5 star hotel.
Al Arabiya asks him: What happened? "There was a crowd of people outside my office, I was with my cousin. A bullet then went next to my right cheek, it hit my cousin who is in a very bad case now.Gaddafi, that dirty man, wanted to say that I was killed by protesters so that my tribe, the Obeidat, will stand by him."
The King of King's speech... Check out this analysis of Gaddafi's speech by Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera's senior policy analyst. a chilling warning from Gaddafi as he reads from his copy of the Green Book.
Defiant Gaddafi vows to fight on - Africa - Al Jazeera English
1
at 6pm Muammar Gaddafi gave a speech on Libyan State Television:
In his defiant speech, Gaddafi said he will "cleanse Libya house by house" if protesters did not surrender.
"will not leave Libya and will die a martyr. He criticised 'Arab media', saying it painted an insulting picture of Libyans."
" "when they are prosecuted they will be begging for mercy".
at 7.12pm: Gaddafi's speech finally finished. He gets his hand kissed by a loyalist and waves to what appears to be about half a dozen senior officers still listening. State TV now showing thousands of people cheering...
Libya gets suspended , from the Arab League
0.43pm: Disturbances rocking Libya have killed 300 people, including 58 soldiers, according to figures provided at the venue of a press conference to be given by Gaddafi's son, the AFP news agency reports.
10.00pm: Gaddafi spoke to Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi via telephone, telling him that Libya is fine and the truth about events in the country are being shown on state media. he's delluisonal
10.30pm: After growing unrest and violent crackdowns in Libya, a group of hackers has launched a way navigate the censors and route information to those affected in the north African nation. Red more here
10.39pm: Saif Gaddafi gives a press conference in Tripoli.
John Kerry, a US politician, called the Libyan government's use of force "beyond dispicable". He called on Barack Obama to reconsider sanctions against Libya, and hops these were Gaddafi's last hours in power. also urges international community must send a message to Gaddafi that his "cowardly actions will have consequences".
DISGUSTING Nicaragua's president, Daniel Ortega, says he has telephoned Muammar Gaddafi to express his solidarity with the embattled leader.
Abdul Fatah Younis, Libyan minister of interior and army general is "Gaddafi's No.2" and he resigned.
he was interviewed on Al Arabiya. Here's a rough translation of some of his comments, provided by @SultanAlQassemi:
"the Libyan people have suffered too long. We have so much oil, the people could have lived as in a 5 star hotel.
Al Arabiya asks him: What happened? "There was a crowd of people outside my office, I was with my cousin. A bullet then went next to my right cheek, it hit my cousin who is in a very bad case now.Gaddafi, that dirty man, wanted to say that I was killed by protesters so that my tribe, the Obeidat, will stand by him."
The King of King's speech... Check out this analysis of Gaddafi's speech by Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera's senior policy analyst. a chilling warning from Gaddafi as he reads from his copy of the Green Book.
Defiant Gaddafi vows to fight on - Africa - Al Jazeera English
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
RED BULL STREET ART VIEW
Street Art View is an ever-changing site that lets visitors explore murals, stenciling, and other graffiti from countries around the globe, or suggest their own favorite pieces.
RED BULL STREET ART VIEW
RED BULL STREET ART VIEW
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Egyptian Revolution on Twitter
this is really cool.. the video is composed of ppl that have tweeted and retweeted msgs during the first hr of mubaraks resignation..
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Hypocrisy knows no boundaries
It’s 2011 folks and by now, many of you should recognize and come to accept that a disease, driving millions into poverty and unemployment, is tormenting our world.
Fighting this infectious disease is not easy. It requires a lot of dedication, determination, and willpower.
Together we’ll fight it.
Look around you; isn’t every other country suffering from economic and social development crises. Why?
Simple. Corruption. Government corruption particularly has been the driving force behind all this. People in control live for it.
Corruption is worldwide and has taken the lives of many. It’s so widespread that it would take me till the end of tomorrow to list just a few examples.
Corruption stems from global capitalism. Our modern day capitalism is so susceptible that it resulted us in having a financial crisis, a rise in climate issues, Iraq, Afqghanistan, and a war we cannot get out of. But before I really begin, here’s a little about me to help you better understand where I’m coming from.
1. I love home; the United States.
2. I am a firm believer of universal human rights.
3. When appropriate I believe the U.S. should step in to stop atrocious human right violations.
4. I believe in sustainability.
5. I’m not fond of politics
6. I prefer to shop local and support small businesses.
7. I believe problems of the world are bc of globalization/capitalism.
8. The US should practice what it preaches.
That being said, let’s get back to how hypocrisy knows no boundaries.
The shamelessness of the U.S. government over it’s foreign polices is just one of many reminders of how much of a role hypocrisy plays in this government. Not to mention, the reassurance of where their real interests lay, capitalism not freedom or human rights.
Change is essential now more than ever. This cannot and should not be tolerated any longer. More and more people are falling victim of the tricks by our world leaders. While some countries have been successful in fighting against injustice others have not been so lucky. In many developing countries, the people turn to America hoping for change. Wait, America for change? What did I miss?
As if American democracy is any good.
You see, the biggest problem we face today is global capitalism. Because of this, we are beginning to recognize the hypocrisy of our governments.
Take for example the U.S. government. It rules on democratic policies but clearly that’s not been the case. In recent days, we have learned by the peoples’ revolution of Egypt and Tunisia, that the U.S. has forgotten it’s principal of freedom and democracy. It seems that even my very own government was a victim of deceit. The same government that advocates “human rights”, “democracy” and “Freedom” is shutting its eye on reality, blinding itself to it’s very own hypocrisy.
For many, this does not come as a surprise. The U.S. has long been known as a perpetrator of democracy whilst supporting dictatorship and governments that employ devastating tactics and injustice to its people.
What happened to freedom and human rights? Guantanamo bay and patriot act are clear violations of the constitution. What about our right to a transparent government, aren’t those leaks our right to read? So then why was the government so quick to dismiss wikileaks?
That’s because the greatest hypocrisy is within the U.S. government especially with foreign policies. They pretend to promote democracy and freedom but in reality they are destroying it.
As a society we have a moral duty to work cooperatively to overcome the disease that is slowly destroying our beautiful world. Survival is our strongest trait and as we have learned from the recent uprisings, people have power. As a matter of fact, they hold so much power that governments are so scared. So to all leaders of oppression, including my very own, the silencing of society, a strategy you once could rely on; will no longer be promising.
Fighting this infectious disease is not easy. It requires a lot of dedication, determination, and willpower.
Together we’ll fight it.
Look around you; isn’t every other country suffering from economic and social development crises. Why?
Simple. Corruption. Government corruption particularly has been the driving force behind all this. People in control live for it.
Corruption is worldwide and has taken the lives of many. It’s so widespread that it would take me till the end of tomorrow to list just a few examples.
Corruption stems from global capitalism. Our modern day capitalism is so susceptible that it resulted us in having a financial crisis, a rise in climate issues, Iraq, Afqghanistan, and a war we cannot get out of. But before I really begin, here’s a little about me to help you better understand where I’m coming from.
1. I love home; the United States.
2. I am a firm believer of universal human rights.
3. When appropriate I believe the U.S. should step in to stop atrocious human right violations.
4. I believe in sustainability.
5. I’m not fond of politics
6. I prefer to shop local and support small businesses.
7. I believe problems of the world are bc of globalization/capitalism.
8. The US should practice what it preaches.
That being said, let’s get back to how hypocrisy knows no boundaries.
The shamelessness of the U.S. government over it’s foreign polices is just one of many reminders of how much of a role hypocrisy plays in this government. Not to mention, the reassurance of where their real interests lay, capitalism not freedom or human rights.
Change is essential now more than ever. This cannot and should not be tolerated any longer. More and more people are falling victim of the tricks by our world leaders. While some countries have been successful in fighting against injustice others have not been so lucky. In many developing countries, the people turn to America hoping for change. Wait, America for change? What did I miss?
As if American democracy is any good.
You see, the biggest problem we face today is global capitalism. Because of this, we are beginning to recognize the hypocrisy of our governments.
Take for example the U.S. government. It rules on democratic policies but clearly that’s not been the case. In recent days, we have learned by the peoples’ revolution of Egypt and Tunisia, that the U.S. has forgotten it’s principal of freedom and democracy. It seems that even my very own government was a victim of deceit. The same government that advocates “human rights”, “democracy” and “Freedom” is shutting its eye on reality, blinding itself to it’s very own hypocrisy.
For many, this does not come as a surprise. The U.S. has long been known as a perpetrator of democracy whilst supporting dictatorship and governments that employ devastating tactics and injustice to its people.
What happened to freedom and human rights? Guantanamo bay and patriot act are clear violations of the constitution. What about our right to a transparent government, aren’t those leaks our right to read? So then why was the government so quick to dismiss wikileaks?
That’s because the greatest hypocrisy is within the U.S. government especially with foreign policies. They pretend to promote democracy and freedom but in reality they are destroying it.
As a society we have a moral duty to work cooperatively to overcome the disease that is slowly destroying our beautiful world. Survival is our strongest trait and as we have learned from the recent uprisings, people have power. As a matter of fact, they hold so much power that governments are so scared. So to all leaders of oppression, including my very own, the silencing of society, a strategy you once could rely on; will no longer be promising.
Coca-Cola recipe cracked?
US radio show producers say they have come across a copy of "original 1886 recipe". It's been top notch secret for so long now, so could it really be that the secret formula has been revelead? or is it a replicate ?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Media: sustainability? or lack there of...
from good magazine
Do you buy organic apples because you think they taste better or because you're trying to buy redemption for your own participation in a pernicious capitalist system? In this lecture, compellingly illustrated by the RSA Animate crew, the philosopher Slavoj Zizek criticizes charity and what he calls "cultural capitalism"—think TOMS shoes or Fair Trade coffee—as palliatives that only perpetuate an immoral economic system.
Zizek's views actually aren't that radical. His point isn't that socially or environmentally enlightened buying habits aren't good. He's just arguing that there's an "element of hypocrisy" involved because those acts also support the economic structures that cause environmental and social problems in the first place.
As far as I can tell, Zizek would prefer you to buy Fair Trade coffee as long as you recognize it isn't the ultimate solution to the injustices suffered by coffee growers.
Do you buy organic apples because you think they taste better or because you're trying to buy redemption for your own participation in a pernicious capitalist system? In this lecture, compellingly illustrated by the RSA Animate crew, the philosopher Slavoj Zizek criticizes charity and what he calls "cultural capitalism"—think TOMS shoes or Fair Trade coffee—as palliatives that only perpetuate an immoral economic system.
Zizek's views actually aren't that radical. His point isn't that socially or environmentally enlightened buying habits aren't good. He's just arguing that there's an "element of hypocrisy" involved because those acts also support the economic structures that cause environmental and social problems in the first place.
As far as I can tell, Zizek would prefer you to buy Fair Trade coffee as long as you recognize it isn't the ultimate solution to the injustices suffered by coffee growers.
U.S. Vetos on Israeli Settlements; hypocrisy at it's finest
Anyone who thought that the U.S. has learned anything from these past sucessfull revolutions in the arab region should start to think otherwise.
We didn't.
On Thursday, as the Egyptian revolution was at it's peak with the collapse of the Mubarak regime, the Obama administration announced that it intends to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution, sponsored by 122 nations, condemning Israeli settlement expansion.
why on earth would the U.S. VETO a U.N. resolution to the conflict. this is too insane.. Hypocriscy of our govt once again emerges.
This is so frustrating, anyway here's the article.
Josh Ruebner: U.S. Veto on Israeli Settlements Resolution Would Be Nadir for Obama
We didn't.
On Thursday, as the Egyptian revolution was at it's peak with the collapse of the Mubarak regime, the Obama administration announced that it intends to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution, sponsored by 122 nations, condemning Israeli settlement expansion.
why on earth would the U.S. VETO a U.N. resolution to the conflict. this is too insane.. Hypocriscy of our govt once again emerges.
This is so frustrating, anyway here's the article.
Josh Ruebner: U.S. Veto on Israeli Settlements Resolution Would Be Nadir for Obama
Monday, February 14, 2011
media: revolutionary
Everything you see in this video is drawn, modeled, and created on a computer. Nothing, is a real object. Made by the geniuses of CGI; Computer Generated Imagery (aka Pixar).
Silestone -- 'Above Everything Else' from Alex Roman on Vimeo.
lens: photojojo
this website is awesome for cool photography gadgets .. i want to get this for my slr...
The Dreamy Diana Lens
it creates cool imagines like this
Buy the The Dreamy Diana Lens at the Photojojo Store!
The Dreamy Diana Lens
it creates cool imagines like this
Buy the The Dreamy Diana Lens at the Photojojo Store!
Lens: Bokeh
i want to get this and it's only 25 bucks. look how pretty
Bokeh Masters Kit at the Photojojo Store!
Bokeh Masters Kit at the Photojojo Store!
Culture: the story of stuff
I saw this youtube video a while back but stumbbled upon it once again and it reminded me that i should post it on my blog..
the video illustrates how consumed ppl are in this materialistic world. this material economy is set up so that we are constantly exploiting our limited resources in an ever-accelerating rate. Resources that will inevitably run out. I like this video because If you know me, you know that i try to avoid contributing to any entity that is responsible for products that push us deeper into the materials’ crisis. Even though I’m part of the hypocrisy myself for consuming and destroying resources from all parts of the globe (thanks to my laptop, cell phone, very few brand name st clothes, etc.), i try not to promote it
The Story of Stuff
the video illustrates how consumed ppl are in this materialistic world. this material economy is set up so that we are constantly exploiting our limited resources in an ever-accelerating rate. Resources that will inevitably run out. I like this video because If you know me, you know that i try to avoid contributing to any entity that is responsible for products that push us deeper into the materials’ crisis. Even though I’m part of the hypocrisy myself for consuming and destroying resources from all parts of the globe (thanks to my laptop, cell phone, very few brand name st clothes, etc.), i try not to promote it
The Story of Stuff
Music: social awareness + good music.. tell me more
Music collective Black Iris joined forced with MTV EXIT and Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino to do “When Will I Love.” The song is about human trafficking, especially the human trafficking of young women, who are forced into prostitution or slavery away from their homes and families. MTV EXIT is MTV Europe’s anti-human-trafficking foundation. Check out the short song and awareness-raising video below:
you can also get the track from iTunes. The proceeds go to charities that fight human trafficking and rehabilitate victims.
MTV EXIT full version: "When Will I Feel Love" - Black Iris featuring Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast from MTV EXIT on Vimeo.
you can also get the track from iTunes. The proceeds go to charities that fight human trafficking and rehabilitate victims.
Poetry, revolution up in the air.
Thanks to Invisible Children, i found this on their blog and was completely inspired because i really connected to it, especially the "why i write
"Dallas Clayton is a poet and author of Awesome children’s books. His blog is a mine of precious metals. Below are a couple that struck me this week.
-Azy
“REVOLUTION”
“As it turns out
when most people tell you they want to change things
what they really mean to say
is they want to change the size and color
of the room in which things take place.”
“WHY I WRITE”
I will never cure cancer
not with the schooling I’ve had
and my lack of focus
and because I don’t really even know what cancer is
or how it works.
So the best I can do
is to write some things down-
some words, some pictures-
in hopes that they will inspire a stranger
sitting alone
in a laboratory
in the dark of night
to move a microscope
two clicks in an unfamiliar direction
two clicks toward a discovery
that might forever change the world
and cure me
of ever having to worry
about knowing
anything about cancer.
“PETER PAN”
Maybe this recession
is just what you need
to remind you of how far you’ve strayed
from the plan.
Don’t you remember?
You were going to grow up
and paint your house
all crazy purple
with flamingoes in the yard
and your car parked on the roof
and seven TVs all upside down
and filled with glow in the dark fish.
"Dallas Clayton is a poet and author of Awesome children’s books. His blog is a mine of precious metals. Below are a couple that struck me this week.
-Azy
“REVOLUTION”
“As it turns out
when most people tell you they want to change things
what they really mean to say
is they want to change the size and color
of the room in which things take place.”
“WHY I WRITE”
I will never cure cancer
not with the schooling I’ve had
and my lack of focus
and because I don’t really even know what cancer is
or how it works.
So the best I can do
is to write some things down-
some words, some pictures-
in hopes that they will inspire a stranger
sitting alone
in a laboratory
in the dark of night
to move a microscope
two clicks in an unfamiliar direction
two clicks toward a discovery
that might forever change the world
and cure me
of ever having to worry
about knowing
anything about cancer.
“PETER PAN”
Maybe this recession
is just what you need
to remind you of how far you’ve strayed
from the plan.
Don’t you remember?
You were going to grow up
and paint your house
all crazy purple
with flamingoes in the yard
and your car parked on the roof
and seven TVs all upside down
and filled with glow in the dark fish.
MUSIC: RADIOHEAD
YAAY for good news!! Today, one of my favorite bands of all time, Radiohead , announced their eighth full-length, The King of Limbs, will finally be available for digital download this Saturday, Feb. 19. The "Newspaper Album" will be available on Monday, May 9.
The King of Limbs : Americas
The King of Limbs : Americas
A Day in the life of Dhelal A.
Today, I observed my sister at her job. Dhelal is a pre-k/kindergarten Special Ed teacher at Hyde Elementary School in Washington D.C. My purpose of shadowing her was to gain insight into what the job really entails, get a feel of how a classroom should be, and gain ideas and practices so I can implement them in the classroom if I do decide to teach again.
If you wish to live abroad, teaching is the way to go. Hence the reason i decided to shadow my sister. Given that I am American, getting a teaching job abroad is extremely easy. I do however; feel guilty to be one since I know I am not the best person for the job.
I taught 5-17 yr olds while living in Egypt, and as you may recall from my previous posts, I had 5 classrooms with 30-45 students... do you remember how nervous i was?? wow, I can't begin to tell you if you didnt. I found it very difficult. Never mind that you need to acquire different skills than the skills you would possess with a business degree, being a teacher was a huge emotional responsibility.
I don’t have an education degree so I know I wasn't expected to be the very best but I knew i could do better. In Egypt, I remember constantly feeling overwhelmed, thinking and searching for new strategies to use. I wanted my students to be engaged heavily because they wanted to, bc they felt it was fun-not boring. Determined to learn, I began to follow and question Dhelal's every move.
This is how my day at Hyde Elementary went:
7:45 A.M. We arrive at her school, During this time, Dhelal prepares all coursework necessary and gathers books/activities needed for the day.
On a typical day, she teaches three students, two with D.S. and the third with Autism, each requiring significantly different demands. These students are all part of a homeroom classroom, but because these students need individual attention, Dhelal's job is to provide direct instruction and behavior modification to these students on a one-on-one basis either in their home classroom or in her office; this method is known to Special Ed teachers as "pull-in" and "pull-out".
By observing different classrooms and teachers I was able to gain different teaching strategies. Since Dhelal is a special ed teacher, i found that she uses instruction and repetition a lot as her main method. My main area of concern in Egypt was how to get the students to comprehend what was asked of them. and with time more and more questions arose. I wanted to understand how she gets her students to do what is asked? how does she communicate the objectives to her students or better yet, even keep these objectives in the forefront of their minds throughout the lesson?
before i knew it, it was 8:45 AM and the kids begin to roll in. Dhelal's day was just about to begin.
I took out my notebook and started to take notes immediately, noting her behaviors with the students and the students reactions to certain focus areas.
Anyone would be able to tell u that Dhelal is an incredible teacher. That's not because every other teacher at Hyde kept telling me so, but because her heart is completely in it. Passionate about teaching, she instructs with excitement and enthusiasm. The success of the students is owed to her strong belief and determination of education. Dhelal is knowledgeable and clearly engaged with all of her students and because of this she has been able to build an incredible relationship with them. In Dhelal's eyes these students are her very own children. She strives for the very best and challenges her "children" to reach for the sky.
Here I am shadowing to “learn” skills and ideas, while Dhelal’s acquires all of these, naturally. She wasn’t afraid to do mistakes or try something new. Her personality along with her determination is what helps Dhelal generate exceptional academic performances from her students.
Her students are very responsive and very much aware of their specific routines, such as raising their hands when asking a question, going to the bathroom, and they even knew when to transition from one activity to another (a big thing for students with special needs especially) Her students are also highly engaged, probably due to the fact that she maintains a positive attitude and jokes around with them.
Shadowing her was fun. I got some new ideas about routines that I want to incorporate into my teaching style. I also learned that the best trick in getting the students enthusiastic about learning is to find a key that will work with each individual student. Each student is different, thus each will require something special.
I found this to be Dhelal's best advice
"if we try to force a student’s success by using the same methods with all the students we’ll be setting ourselves up for failure. But by awarding their achievements, the more they will want to continue to do whatever their achievement was."
If you wish to live abroad, teaching is the way to go. Hence the reason i decided to shadow my sister. Given that I am American, getting a teaching job abroad is extremely easy. I do however; feel guilty to be one since I know I am not the best person for the job.
I taught 5-17 yr olds while living in Egypt, and as you may recall from my previous posts, I had 5 classrooms with 30-45 students... do you remember how nervous i was?? wow, I can't begin to tell you if you didnt. I found it very difficult. Never mind that you need to acquire different skills than the skills you would possess with a business degree, being a teacher was a huge emotional responsibility.
I don’t have an education degree so I know I wasn't expected to be the very best but I knew i could do better. In Egypt, I remember constantly feeling overwhelmed, thinking and searching for new strategies to use. I wanted my students to be engaged heavily because they wanted to, bc they felt it was fun-not boring. Determined to learn, I began to follow and question Dhelal's every move.
This is how my day at Hyde Elementary went:
7:45 A.M. We arrive at her school, During this time, Dhelal prepares all coursework necessary and gathers books/activities needed for the day.
On a typical day, she teaches three students, two with D.S. and the third with Autism, each requiring significantly different demands. These students are all part of a homeroom classroom, but because these students need individual attention, Dhelal's job is to provide direct instruction and behavior modification to these students on a one-on-one basis either in their home classroom or in her office; this method is known to Special Ed teachers as "pull-in" and "pull-out".
By observing different classrooms and teachers I was able to gain different teaching strategies. Since Dhelal is a special ed teacher, i found that she uses instruction and repetition a lot as her main method. My main area of concern in Egypt was how to get the students to comprehend what was asked of them. and with time more and more questions arose. I wanted to understand how she gets her students to do what is asked? how does she communicate the objectives to her students or better yet, even keep these objectives in the forefront of their minds throughout the lesson?
before i knew it, it was 8:45 AM and the kids begin to roll in. Dhelal's day was just about to begin.
I took out my notebook and started to take notes immediately, noting her behaviors with the students and the students reactions to certain focus areas.
Anyone would be able to tell u that Dhelal is an incredible teacher. That's not because every other teacher at Hyde kept telling me so, but because her heart is completely in it. Passionate about teaching, she instructs with excitement and enthusiasm. The success of the students is owed to her strong belief and determination of education. Dhelal is knowledgeable and clearly engaged with all of her students and because of this she has been able to build an incredible relationship with them. In Dhelal's eyes these students are her very own children. She strives for the very best and challenges her "children" to reach for the sky.
Here I am shadowing to “learn” skills and ideas, while Dhelal’s acquires all of these, naturally. She wasn’t afraid to do mistakes or try something new. Her personality along with her determination is what helps Dhelal generate exceptional academic performances from her students.
Her students are very responsive and very much aware of their specific routines, such as raising their hands when asking a question, going to the bathroom, and they even knew when to transition from one activity to another (a big thing for students with special needs especially) Her students are also highly engaged, probably due to the fact that she maintains a positive attitude and jokes around with them.
Shadowing her was fun. I got some new ideas about routines that I want to incorporate into my teaching style. I also learned that the best trick in getting the students enthusiastic about learning is to find a key that will work with each individual student. Each student is different, thus each will require something special.
I found this to be Dhelal's best advice
"if we try to force a student’s success by using the same methods with all the students we’ll be setting ourselves up for failure. But by awarding their achievements, the more they will want to continue to do whatever their achievement was."
Sunday, February 13, 2011
MUSIC: Angélique Kidjo
Grammy Nominee Angélique Kidjo is one of the most electrifying artists i have come to know. I realized that when Angelique digs into her roots, the music gets better and better. Her fun-loving personality, her charisma and her totally incredible voice just makes you want to stand up and do something unbelievably amazing. so get ready to jump up and sing.
This particular song she dedicated to the youth. it's a beautiful song :)
This particular song she dedicated to the youth. it's a beautiful song :)
lens: Jodi Bieber
South African photographer, Jodi Bieber is one talented lady! She has won the highest accolade for the 54th annual World Press Photo competition, for her stunning picture of a beautiful Afghan girl, Bibi, whose ears and nose have been violently mutilated. Her picture is on the face of TIME magazine. check out her portfolio
| Jodi Bieber |
| Jodi Bieber |
want to be a part of something beautiful?
From a man so admirable and inspirational:
Cat stevens writes:
Dear Friends,
If you wish to take part in adding your voice to support people around the world still dreaming of being unshackled from harsh authoritarian regimes, you will soon have a chance to do so.
Yusuf has written a song which is inspired by the world shaking call to freedom and the removal of oppression from the peoples of Tunisia and Egypt, the song called My People will soon be available and you'll be able to send a recording of your voice to be used on the chorus - God Willing.
If you would like to join in, this is how:
1. Listen to the chorus, "MY PEOPLE", here
2. Choose one of the 3 part harmony samples, and record yourself singing the words "MY PEOPLE",
3. Then send your recording as an MP3/ Wav or Aiff (with no background noise please) to:
mypeople@yusufislam.ae
Cat stevens writes:
Dear Friends,
If you wish to take part in adding your voice to support people around the world still dreaming of being unshackled from harsh authoritarian regimes, you will soon have a chance to do so.
Yusuf has written a song which is inspired by the world shaking call to freedom and the removal of oppression from the peoples of Tunisia and Egypt, the song called My People will soon be available and you'll be able to send a recording of your voice to be used on the chorus - God Willing.
If you would like to join in, this is how:
1. Listen to the chorus, "MY PEOPLE", here
2. Choose one of the 3 part harmony samples, and record yourself singing the words "MY PEOPLE",
3. Then send your recording as an MP3/ Wav or Aiff (with no background noise please) to:
mypeople@yusufislam.ae
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Chocolate The Bitter Truth 1 of 5 Child Trafficking
what kind of nightmare has a distant monster forcing mothers to sell their children? this is what is happening for a kit kat bar. poverty in africa + evil of corporations = spoiledness of the western world. slavery & exploitation hasn't stopped, it's only changed names and hidden far away. we've a long way to go to equality.
Robert Fisk: Cairo's 50,000 street children were abused by this regime - Robert Fisk, Commentators - The Independent
The sky filled with rocks, the air filled with disgust, the environment filled with hostility so terribile that i could smell it.
Robert Fisk: Cairo's 50,000 street children were abused by this regime - Robert Fisk, Commentators - The Independent
Robert Fisk: Cairo's 50,000 street children were abused by this regime - Robert Fisk, Commentators - The Independent
Fear & social change bring Zimbabwe HIV rates DOWN
is this true?
because if so then i really beieve behavior change could work everywhere else
Reuters posted an article, that the young people in Africa have safer sex and fewer sexual partners now because of better behavior knowledge. If it can work in Zimbabwe, one would believe behavior change could work everywhere
Read here if you want to find out how Zimbabwe reduced their HIV/AIDS rate...
Fear, social change drive down Zimbabwe HIV rates | Reuters
because if so then i really beieve behavior change could work everywhere else
Reuters posted an article, that the young people in Africa have safer sex and fewer sexual partners now because of better behavior knowledge. If it can work in Zimbabwe, one would believe behavior change could work everywhere
Read here if you want to find out how Zimbabwe reduced their HIV/AIDS rate...
Fear, social change drive down Zimbabwe HIV rates | Reuters
trip: your 36 in Brooklyn
Thanks to NYTIMES they have given us what to do in brooklyn for 36 hrs:
Friday
4 p.m.
1) A WATERFRONT STROLL
The cobblestone streets under the Manhattan Bridge are home to small shops and shiny new condominium buildings, and to Saint Ann’s Warehouse (38 Water Street, at Dock Street; 718-254-8779; stannswarehouse.org), a theater that has been a mainstay of the Brooklyn arts scene for more than three decades. Located across from Fulton Ferry State Park, it is an excellent destination after a walk along the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights (parallel to Columbia Heights, a grand old street of towering brownstones, running from Remsen to Orange Streets). Check ahead to see what’s playing and then wander down to the box office to pick up your tickets.
5 p.m.
2) A WALK IN THE PARK
Alternatively, head inland, toward the leafy precincts of Fort Greene, for a show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (bam.org) or the Mark Morris Dance Group (markmorrisdancegroup.org). Atlantic Avenue, which runs deep into the borough, will lead you most of the way, through a stretch of antiques shops and restaurants.
6 p.m.
3) PRETHEATER DINNER
Once you get strolling, it is difficult not to drift into other pretty residential neighborhoods: Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens nearby and, slightly farther afield, Park Slope and Prospect Heights. There is excellent eating along the way. At the bottom of Court Street in Carroll Gardens: Prime Meats (465 Court Street at Luquer Street; 718-254-0327; frankspm.com), a chic Germanish steak and salad restaurant. A block or so farther south, on the corner of Huntington Street: Buttermilk Channel (524 Court Street; 718-852-8490; buttermilkchannelnyc.com), where you can get local cheeses and pastas and a superlative duck meatloaf. Ten minutes before the end of your meal, have the host call for a car.
10 p.m.
4) DRINK AFTER THE CURTAIN
Fort Greene abounds in bars suitable for a late-evening drink. A cocktail at the minimalist and homey No. 7, is no risk (7 Greene Avenue at Fulton Street; 718-522-6370; no7restaurant.com). Those seeking rougher charms can venture to the Alibi (242 DeKalb Avenue between Clermont Avenue and Vanderbilt Avenue), where there are cheap drinks, a pool table and a crowd that runs equal parts artist and laborer.
Saturday
9 a.m.
5) BREAKFAST PARADISE
Tom’s Restaurant in Prospect Heights (782 Washington Avenue at Sterling Place; 718-636-9738) has been a crowded, friendly mainstay of this neighborhood for decades, and is a winning place to begin a day in Kings County. Eat pancakes and waffles in a room filled with tchotchkes and good cheer, and watch the marvelous parade.
10 a.m.
6) PARKS AND ARTS
A Tom’s breakfast provides a strong foundation for a visit to the exhibitions of the nearby Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway at Washington Avenue; 718-638-5000; brooklynmuseum.org). It is also useful in advance of a walk through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (900 Washington Avenue; 718-623-7200; bbg.org), a 19th-century ash dump that is now home to some of the best horticultural displays in the world. And of course there is Prospect Park (prospectpark.org), Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s triumphant 1867 follow-up to Central Park in Manhattan. Those with children may wish to visit the zoo (450 Flatbush Avenue near Empire Boulevard; 718-399-7339; prospectparkzoo.com), where the daily feedings of the sea lions are a popular attraction.
2 p.m.
7) A VISIT TO HIPCHESTER
Boutiques, coffee bars and restaurants continue to flourish in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, north Brooklyn’s youth-culture Marrakesh. Amid these, Brook Farm, a general store in south Williamsburg, offers an esthetic of farmhouse cosmopolitanism (75 South Sixth Street, between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue; 718-388-8642; brookfarmgeneralstore.com). Artists and Fleas is a weekend market where artists, designers, collectors and craftspeople showcase their work (70 North Seventh Street between Wythe Avenue and Kent Avenue; artistsandfleas.com). And Spoonbill and Sugartown, Booksellers offers an eclectic mix of art and design books and academic tracts (218 Bedford Avenue at North Fifth Street; 718-387-7322; spoonbillbooks.com). And for a pick-me-up or a new coffee machine for home, try Blue Bottle Coffee, an impossibly nerdy outpost of the original Oakland coffee bar. Siphon? French press? Cold drip? All available, along with all the crazy coffee talk you like. Get your geek on (160 Berry Street between North Fourth and North Fifth Streets; 718-387-4160; bluebottlecoffee.net).
7:30 p.m.
8) DINNER FOR KINGS
Those enamored of the Williamsburg scene may stay in the neighborhood for a smoky dinner at Fatty ’Cue, Zak Pelaccio’s antic and awesome Southeast Asian barbecue joint (91 South Sixth Street between Berry Street and Bedford Avenue; 718-599- 3090; fattycue.com). In Greenpoint, there is the excellent and slightly more adult-themed Anella, where the chef Joseph Ogrodnek works marvels with vegetables and duck (222 Franklin Street at Green Street; 718-389-8100; anellabrooklyn.com). Parents with children might try the pizzas at Motorino (319 Graham Avenue at Devoe Street; 718-599-8899; motorinopizza.com) or scoot back to Park Slope, where the brothers Bromberg offer a welcoming family atmosphere with food to match at their Blue Ribbon Brooklyn (280 Fifth Avenue, between First Street and Garfield Street; 718-840-0404; blueribbonrestaurants.com).
10 p.m.
9) PAZZ AND JOP
Brooklyn’s music scene continues to expand. Three places to hear bands are Union Pool in Williamsburg (484 Union Avenue at Meeker Avenue; 718-609-0484; unionpool.blogspot.com); Brooklyn Bowl, also there (61 Wythe Avenue between North 11th and North 12th Streets; 718-963-3369; brooklynbowl.com); and Southpaw, in Park Slope, (125 Fifth Avenue, between Sterling Place and St. Johns Place; 718-230-0236; spsounds.com). Jazz heads should make their way to Barbès in Park Slope (376 Ninth Street at Sixth Avenue; 347-422-0248; barbesbrooklyn.com), where a rich calendar of readings and concerts can take a visitor from early Saturday evening well into Sunday morning.
Sunday
10 a.m.
10) DIM SUM à GO-GO
Brooklyn’s Chinatown, along Eighth Avenue in the Sunset Park neighborhood, is not as large as Manhattan’s. But it offers great pleasures. Arrive early for a dim sum meal at Pacificana (813 55th Street at Eighth Avenue; 718-871-2880), and watch as the dining room fills into an approximation of a rush-hour subway car. Then stop in at Ba Xuyen (4222 Eighth Avenue, between 42nd and 43rd Streets) for a banh mi brunch sandwich and a Vietnamese coffee, or at the tiny Yun Nan Flavour Snack (775A 49th Street at Eighth Avenue) for a fiery sweet and sour soup with dumplings.
1 p.m.
11) HISTORY IN THE GROUND
Walk off all the food with a tour of Green-Wood Cemetery (500 25th Street at Fifth Avenue; 718-768-7300; green-wood.com), the hilly and beautiful parkland where generations of New Yorkers have moved after death. Admission is free, as are the maps available at the entrance. Look for Boss Tweed, for Jean-Michel Basquiat, for Leonard Bernstein and other once-boldfaced names, as parrots (really!) fly about and the wind ruffles the trees and that view of Manhattan opens up in the distance once more. It appears smaller from this vantage, as if placed in perspective.
IF YOU GO
Brooklyn is served by the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and three area airports: Kennedy, La Guardia and Newark Liberty. From Kennedy to Brooklyn, the taxi fare is in the neighborhood of $50, plus tip. You can also take the AirTrain to Jamaica ($5 one way) and connect to the Long Island Rail Road or the New York City subway. From La Guardia, a taxi to Brooklyn costs roughly $30. From Newark, fuggedaboudit; take a bus to Manhattan and connect to the subway.
Once in the borough, use the subway, buses and car services to get around — the latter are more reliably found than yellow cabs.
There hasn’t been a grand hotel in Brooklyn since the St. George in Brooklyn Heights. But the Marriott New York at the Brooklyn Bridge (333 Adams Street; 718-246-7000; marriott.com) offers comfortable rooms and easy access to bus and subway. A deluxe room is $199.
In Williamsburg, Hotel Le Jolie (235 Meeker Avenue; 718-625-2100; hotellejolie.com) is a 54-room boutique hotel within easy walking distance of many shops and restaurants. A standard room with queen-sized bed is $149.
Hotel Le Bleu (370 Fourth Avenue; 718-625-1500; hotellebleu.com), near Park Slope, is down the street from a Pep Boys auto-supply shop. But the views of the harbor are sublime, and there are two subway stations within blocks. A deluxe room with king bed and continental breakfast is $229.
p.s. for some amazing macroons check out PAYARD
http://www.payard.com/contact-us.aspx
Friday
4 p.m.
1) A WATERFRONT STROLL
The cobblestone streets under the Manhattan Bridge are home to small shops and shiny new condominium buildings, and to Saint Ann’s Warehouse (38 Water Street, at Dock Street; 718-254-8779; stannswarehouse.org), a theater that has been a mainstay of the Brooklyn arts scene for more than three decades. Located across from Fulton Ferry State Park, it is an excellent destination after a walk along the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights (parallel to Columbia Heights, a grand old street of towering brownstones, running from Remsen to Orange Streets). Check ahead to see what’s playing and then wander down to the box office to pick up your tickets.
5 p.m.
2) A WALK IN THE PARK
Alternatively, head inland, toward the leafy precincts of Fort Greene, for a show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (bam.org) or the Mark Morris Dance Group (markmorrisdancegroup.org). Atlantic Avenue, which runs deep into the borough, will lead you most of the way, through a stretch of antiques shops and restaurants.
6 p.m.
3) PRETHEATER DINNER
Once you get strolling, it is difficult not to drift into other pretty residential neighborhoods: Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens nearby and, slightly farther afield, Park Slope and Prospect Heights. There is excellent eating along the way. At the bottom of Court Street in Carroll Gardens: Prime Meats (465 Court Street at Luquer Street; 718-254-0327; frankspm.com), a chic Germanish steak and salad restaurant. A block or so farther south, on the corner of Huntington Street: Buttermilk Channel (524 Court Street; 718-852-8490; buttermilkchannelnyc.com), where you can get local cheeses and pastas and a superlative duck meatloaf. Ten minutes before the end of your meal, have the host call for a car.
10 p.m.
4) DRINK AFTER THE CURTAIN
Fort Greene abounds in bars suitable for a late-evening drink. A cocktail at the minimalist and homey No. 7, is no risk (7 Greene Avenue at Fulton Street; 718-522-6370; no7restaurant.com). Those seeking rougher charms can venture to the Alibi (242 DeKalb Avenue between Clermont Avenue and Vanderbilt Avenue), where there are cheap drinks, a pool table and a crowd that runs equal parts artist and laborer.
Saturday
9 a.m.
5) BREAKFAST PARADISE
Tom’s Restaurant in Prospect Heights (782 Washington Avenue at Sterling Place; 718-636-9738) has been a crowded, friendly mainstay of this neighborhood for decades, and is a winning place to begin a day in Kings County. Eat pancakes and waffles in a room filled with tchotchkes and good cheer, and watch the marvelous parade.
10 a.m.
6) PARKS AND ARTS
A Tom’s breakfast provides a strong foundation for a visit to the exhibitions of the nearby Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway at Washington Avenue; 718-638-5000; brooklynmuseum.org). It is also useful in advance of a walk through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (900 Washington Avenue; 718-623-7200; bbg.org), a 19th-century ash dump that is now home to some of the best horticultural displays in the world. And of course there is Prospect Park (prospectpark.org), Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s triumphant 1867 follow-up to Central Park in Manhattan. Those with children may wish to visit the zoo (450 Flatbush Avenue near Empire Boulevard; 718-399-7339; prospectparkzoo.com), where the daily feedings of the sea lions are a popular attraction.
2 p.m.
7) A VISIT TO HIPCHESTER
Boutiques, coffee bars and restaurants continue to flourish in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, north Brooklyn’s youth-culture Marrakesh. Amid these, Brook Farm, a general store in south Williamsburg, offers an esthetic of farmhouse cosmopolitanism (75 South Sixth Street, between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue; 718-388-8642; brookfarmgeneralstore.com). Artists and Fleas is a weekend market where artists, designers, collectors and craftspeople showcase their work (70 North Seventh Street between Wythe Avenue and Kent Avenue; artistsandfleas.com). And Spoonbill and Sugartown, Booksellers offers an eclectic mix of art and design books and academic tracts (218 Bedford Avenue at North Fifth Street; 718-387-7322; spoonbillbooks.com). And for a pick-me-up or a new coffee machine for home, try Blue Bottle Coffee, an impossibly nerdy outpost of the original Oakland coffee bar. Siphon? French press? Cold drip? All available, along with all the crazy coffee talk you like. Get your geek on (160 Berry Street between North Fourth and North Fifth Streets; 718-387-4160; bluebottlecoffee.net).
7:30 p.m.
8) DINNER FOR KINGS
Those enamored of the Williamsburg scene may stay in the neighborhood for a smoky dinner at Fatty ’Cue, Zak Pelaccio’s antic and awesome Southeast Asian barbecue joint (91 South Sixth Street between Berry Street and Bedford Avenue; 718-599- 3090; fattycue.com). In Greenpoint, there is the excellent and slightly more adult-themed Anella, where the chef Joseph Ogrodnek works marvels with vegetables and duck (222 Franklin Street at Green Street; 718-389-8100; anellabrooklyn.com). Parents with children might try the pizzas at Motorino (319 Graham Avenue at Devoe Street; 718-599-8899; motorinopizza.com) or scoot back to Park Slope, where the brothers Bromberg offer a welcoming family atmosphere with food to match at their Blue Ribbon Brooklyn (280 Fifth Avenue, between First Street and Garfield Street; 718-840-0404; blueribbonrestaurants.com).
10 p.m.
9) PAZZ AND JOP
Brooklyn’s music scene continues to expand. Three places to hear bands are Union Pool in Williamsburg (484 Union Avenue at Meeker Avenue; 718-609-0484; unionpool.blogspot.com); Brooklyn Bowl, also there (61 Wythe Avenue between North 11th and North 12th Streets; 718-963-3369; brooklynbowl.com); and Southpaw, in Park Slope, (125 Fifth Avenue, between Sterling Place and St. Johns Place; 718-230-0236; spsounds.com). Jazz heads should make their way to Barbès in Park Slope (376 Ninth Street at Sixth Avenue; 347-422-0248; barbesbrooklyn.com), where a rich calendar of readings and concerts can take a visitor from early Saturday evening well into Sunday morning.
Sunday
10 a.m.
10) DIM SUM à GO-GO
Brooklyn’s Chinatown, along Eighth Avenue in the Sunset Park neighborhood, is not as large as Manhattan’s. But it offers great pleasures. Arrive early for a dim sum meal at Pacificana (813 55th Street at Eighth Avenue; 718-871-2880), and watch as the dining room fills into an approximation of a rush-hour subway car. Then stop in at Ba Xuyen (4222 Eighth Avenue, between 42nd and 43rd Streets) for a banh mi brunch sandwich and a Vietnamese coffee, or at the tiny Yun Nan Flavour Snack (775A 49th Street at Eighth Avenue) for a fiery sweet and sour soup with dumplings.
1 p.m.
11) HISTORY IN THE GROUND
Walk off all the food with a tour of Green-Wood Cemetery (500 25th Street at Fifth Avenue; 718-768-7300; green-wood.com), the hilly and beautiful parkland where generations of New Yorkers have moved after death. Admission is free, as are the maps available at the entrance. Look for Boss Tweed, for Jean-Michel Basquiat, for Leonard Bernstein and other once-boldfaced names, as parrots (really!) fly about and the wind ruffles the trees and that view of Manhattan opens up in the distance once more. It appears smaller from this vantage, as if placed in perspective.
IF YOU GO
Brooklyn is served by the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and three area airports: Kennedy, La Guardia and Newark Liberty. From Kennedy to Brooklyn, the taxi fare is in the neighborhood of $50, plus tip. You can also take the AirTrain to Jamaica ($5 one way) and connect to the Long Island Rail Road or the New York City subway. From La Guardia, a taxi to Brooklyn costs roughly $30. From Newark, fuggedaboudit; take a bus to Manhattan and connect to the subway.
Once in the borough, use the subway, buses and car services to get around — the latter are more reliably found than yellow cabs.
There hasn’t been a grand hotel in Brooklyn since the St. George in Brooklyn Heights. But the Marriott New York at the Brooklyn Bridge (333 Adams Street; 718-246-7000; marriott.com) offers comfortable rooms and easy access to bus and subway. A deluxe room is $199.
In Williamsburg, Hotel Le Jolie (235 Meeker Avenue; 718-625-2100; hotellejolie.com) is a 54-room boutique hotel within easy walking distance of many shops and restaurants. A standard room with queen-sized bed is $149.
Hotel Le Bleu (370 Fourth Avenue; 718-625-1500; hotellebleu.com), near Park Slope, is down the street from a Pep Boys auto-supply shop. But the views of the harbor are sublime, and there are two subway stations within blocks. A deluxe room with king bed and continental breakfast is $229.
p.s. for some amazing macroons check out PAYARD
http://www.payard.com/contact-us.aspx
why to love WikiLeaks
The wealth of information that we have recently been learning is owed to WikiLeaks. I've attached a link ofrom the guardian and it summarizes it pretty well, it's long but worth the read.
WikiLeaks has been a catalyst for change worldwide. These cables have been exposing politicans and journalists misdeeds and therefore, people around the world have risen demanding their justice. it first began when there was a leaked US embassy cable, that in particular drew lots of attention worldwide. It revealed everything from the torture in India, to oil giant, to the U.S.'s efforts to force Spain to drop a murder investigation in the case of a Spanish cameraman killed by US soldiers. The cables have FINALLY turned the world inside out, enabling us all to see a more transparent government; the reality and the dirty of government and diplomacy.
Therefore, people have been using the cables for their benefit. In Tunisia, the people demanded justice and change and a revolution broke out because of Wikileaks. Thanks to Wikileaks regular human beings, like myself and activists around the world have now a better understanding of what is REALLY going on in the world.
We owe this BIG change to everyone who worked at WikiLeaks, and ofcourse an exceptional thank you to Julian Assange. people may hate you but i assure you there are x10 more that love you too, we're just less "powerful"
WikiLeaks cables: Seven key things we've learned so far | Richard Adams | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk
WikiLeaks has been a catalyst for change worldwide. These cables have been exposing politicans and journalists misdeeds and therefore, people around the world have risen demanding their justice. it first began when there was a leaked US embassy cable, that in particular drew lots of attention worldwide. It revealed everything from the torture in India, to oil giant, to the U.S.'s efforts to force Spain to drop a murder investigation in the case of a Spanish cameraman killed by US soldiers. The cables have FINALLY turned the world inside out, enabling us all to see a more transparent government; the reality and the dirty of government and diplomacy.
Therefore, people have been using the cables for their benefit. In Tunisia, the people demanded justice and change and a revolution broke out because of Wikileaks. Thanks to Wikileaks regular human beings, like myself and activists around the world have now a better understanding of what is REALLY going on in the world.
We owe this BIG change to everyone who worked at WikiLeaks, and ofcourse an exceptional thank you to Julian Assange. people may hate you but i assure you there are x10 more that love you too, we're just less "powerful"
WikiLeaks cables: Seven key things we've learned so far | Richard Adams | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk
safe to say JAZEERA OWNED this revolution
and im not the only one who thinks so ;)
Z on TV: Mubarak: US cable jumps gun, Al Jazeera shines - TV show critic David Zurawik on the show business, culture and craziness of television - baltimoresun.com
Z on TV: Mubarak: US cable jumps gun, Al Jazeera shines - TV show critic David Zurawik on the show business, culture and craziness of television - baltimoresun.com
Z on TV: Mubarak: US cable jumps gun, Al Jazeera shines - TV show critic David Zurawik on the show business, culture and craziness of television - baltimoresun.com
Z on TV: Mubarak: US cable jumps gun, Al Jazeera shines - TV show critic David Zurawik on the show business, culture and craziness of television - baltimoresun.com
Erekat quits over Palestine Papers
Last month, Erekat accused Al Jazeera of taking part in a campaign to overthrow the PA after exposing over 1,600 confidential files on the negotiations between Palestinian and Israeli officials. these leakswere later made public by the network.
The documents exposed concessions to Israel in 10 years of secret peace talks, embarrassing and angering the PA leadership.
Ofcourse during the time the papers leaked, Erekat accused Al Jazeera of attempting to hurt the peace process and provoke people into "a revolution against their leaders in order to bring down the Palestinian political system".
He insisted that the PA's position on Jerusalem, refugees and borders during peace negotiations were based on internationally recognised principles.
weeks leter, Erekat steps down and meanwhile, the chief Palestinian negotiator in peace talks with Israel is also resigning. Saeb Erekat has resigend as a result of information leaked in documents last month.
elections will be held in septemeber. This is going to be an intense next two years.can't wait
Erekat quits over Palestine Papers - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
The documents exposed concessions to Israel in 10 years of secret peace talks, embarrassing and angering the PA leadership.
Ofcourse during the time the papers leaked, Erekat accused Al Jazeera of attempting to hurt the peace process and provoke people into "a revolution against their leaders in order to bring down the Palestinian political system".
He insisted that the PA's position on Jerusalem, refugees and borders during peace negotiations were based on internationally recognised principles.
weeks leter, Erekat steps down and meanwhile, the chief Palestinian negotiator in peace talks with Israel is also resigning. Saeb Erekat has resigend as a result of information leaked in documents last month.
elections will be held in septemeber. This is going to be an intense next two years.can't wait
Erekat quits over Palestine Papers - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
Egyptian protestors are hardcore
In the past few weeks, during a slew of major anti-government protests, Egyptians have gathered by the millions for demonstrations called the "Day of Rage" and the "Day of Millions." Today, just 24 hours after finally forcing hated dictator Hosni Mubarak from office, Egyptians are not resting on their laurels. Though they certainly deserve some relaxation, the people are out in droves once more, this time for the "Day of Cleaning."
Centering around Tahrir Square in Cairo, men and women of all ages united to clean up the litter that's gathered over the past month, when municipal workers found it impossible to clean around the crowds. "We're taking care of the square, and then we'll clean up the whole country," Mohammed El Tayeb told AOL News. "This is a beautiful country. Now it's ours and we're going to take care of it."
Cleaning crews wore signs reading simply, "Sorry for the disturbance, we're building Egypt."
Look at the two Beautiful Videos of Today's "Day of Cleaning" in Egypt
P
Centering around Tahrir Square in Cairo, men and women of all ages united to clean up the litter that's gathered over the past month, when municipal workers found it impossible to clean around the crowds. "We're taking care of the square, and then we'll clean up the whole country," Mohammed El Tayeb told AOL News. "This is a beautiful country. Now it's ours and we're going to take care of it."
Cleaning crews wore signs reading simply, "Sorry for the disturbance, we're building Egypt."
Look at the two Beautiful Videos of Today's "Day of Cleaning" in Egypt
P
what does Robert Fisk think of all this egypt talk
They sang. They laughed. They cried. Mubarak was no more
Robert Fisk: Full circle on Tahrir Square as history comes in gulps - Robert Fisk, Commentators - The Independent
Robert Fisk: Full circle on Tahrir Square as history comes in gulps - Robert Fisk, Commentators - The Independent
EcoFriendly Packaging Promotes Gardening
Supermarket Vegetable Packaging Helps You Grow Your Own :)
Eco-Friendly Packaging Promotes Gardening
Eco-Friendly Packaging Promotes Gardening
if Politicians and Dictators Were Mobsters
exploration of monstors that surround us.
Its Heavenly Script to Me! - GOOD Blog - GOOD - StumbleUpon
Its Heavenly Script to Me! - GOOD Blog - GOOD - StumbleUpon
SOCIAL MEDIA & EGYPT
Social Media Week is a global event that involves discussions on emerging trends in social and mobile media, oddly enough it wrapped up yesterday just in time for Egypt to win victory! I've attached a video that shows the panel debate of Egypt, social media and Al Jazeera's coverage.
Watch live streaming video from smw_newyork_google at livestream.com
Thanks to Al Jazeera English, a revolution was televised
This comic by Sarah Gidden illustrates how people like me followed the Egyptian revolution.
"We were listening to the news in real time and directly from the people. No anchors, no filter. Instead, the voices and emotions of individuals."
Pizza Island
"We were listening to the news in real time and directly from the people. No anchors, no filter. Instead, the voices and emotions of individuals."
Pizza Island
Friday, February 11, 2011
egypt articles.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/opinions/view/opinion/What-Mubaraks-Fall-Means-for-Israel-6960
http://www.thenation.com/article/158498/how-cyber-pragmatism-brought-down-mubarak
http://www.thenation.com/article/158498/how-cyber-pragmatism-brought-down-mubarak
young ppl can do amazing things.
Invisible Children taught me "young people can do amazing things" HELL YA just look at egypt.2-11-11 marks history
Hosni Mubarak resigns as president - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
Hosni Mubarak resigns as president - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
http://live.reuters.com/Event/Unrest_in_Egypt
Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement - nelson mandala
Egypt did for itself in 3 weeks what the US could not do for Iraq and Afghanistan in nearly 10 years. Peace, not war, overcomes terror.-" Zahra Billoo
the heroes behind this revolution are the people of tahrir. YOU made this happen.
http://live.reuters.com/Event/Unrest_in_Egypt
Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement - nelson mandala
Egypt did for itself in 3 weeks what the US could not do for Iraq and Afghanistan in nearly 10 years. Peace, not war, overcomes terror.-" Zahra Billoo
the heroes behind this revolution are the people of tahrir. YOU made this happen.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
me and U are powerful beyond measure
what really distinguishes this generation is its determination to act, its joy in action, the assurance of being able to change things by one’s own efforts. -Hannah Arendt
delights
i've been craving scones for far to long and since being gluten-free i haven't had one ;(
i have finally found a recipe so im going to get in on it!
www.glutenfreemama.com/pdf/Mamas Scone Recipes.pdf
i have finally found a recipe so im going to get in on it!
www.glutenfreemama.com/pdf/Mamas Scone Recipes.pdf
Canada's "innovative" idea
Fight HIV by Letting Addicts Get High - Culture - GOOD
Idea: Fight HIV by Letting Addicts Get High - Culture - GOOD
Idea: Fight HIV by Letting Addicts Get High - Culture - GOOD
wow and this is how our money is spent?
http://www.good.is/post/we-spent-half-a-million-dollars-to-fly-planes-to-fly-over-the-super-bowl/
let's run after our money!
let's run after our money!
Al Jazeera English: Live Stream - Watch Now - Al Jazeera English
Al Jazeera English: Live Stream - Watch Now - Al Jazeera English
The amount of coverage al jazeera has been showing/covering is spectacular, no wonder the mubarak regime continues to threathen the media. it's oh so obvious how wrong they are. Almost makes it seem like all this is a joke. bye bye world leaders.
The amount of coverage al jazeera has been showing/covering is spectacular, no wonder the mubarak regime continues to threathen the media. it's oh so obvious how wrong they are. Almost makes it seem like all this is a joke. bye bye world leaders.
politcs.
I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. - Will Rogers
More quotes found here:
http://earthlovers.org/quotes.html
More quotes found here:
http://earthlovers.org/quotes.html
look what happens with a love like that;
by hafiz:
“When all your desires are distilled
You will cast just two votes
To love more And be happy”
“I wish I could show you,
When you are lonely or in darkness,
The Astonishing Light Of your own Being.”
“Why go to sleep each night,
Exhausted from the folly of ignorance.”
“I Have Learned So much from God
That I can no longer
Call Myself A Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Jew.”
“The great religions are the ships,poets the Life Boats.Every sane person I know has jumped overboard.”
*
“Every child has known God,
Not the God of names,
Not the God of don’ts…
But the God who only knows four words…
“Come dance with me.”"
*
“Even after all this time
The Sun has never told the Earth
“You owe me,”
look what happens
with a love like that,
it lights the whole sky.”
“Die before you die,
Then do whatever you want.
It’s all good.”
“When all your desires are distilled
You will cast just two votes
To love more And be happy”
“I wish I could show you,
When you are lonely or in darkness,
The Astonishing Light Of your own Being.”
“Why go to sleep each night,
Exhausted from the folly of ignorance.”
“I Have Learned So much from God
That I can no longer
Call Myself A Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Jew.”
“The great religions are the ships,poets the Life Boats.Every sane person I know has jumped overboard.”
*
“Every child has known God,
Not the God of names,
Not the God of don’ts…
But the God who only knows four words…
“Come dance with me.”"
*
“Even after all this time
The Sun has never told the Earth
“You owe me,”
look what happens
with a love like that,
it lights the whole sky.”
“Die before you die,
Then do whatever you want.
It’s all good.”
faith
"I cried because I had no shoes, and then I met a man who had no feet.” Sufi poet Hafiz
To attain spirituality is to realize that the whole universe is one symphony in which every individual is one note" (Hazrat Inayat Khan 269).
Safeed Fareed says "in actuality nothing is separate, there's only the appearance of separateness" (Fareed Interview). How can everything be one in a world where contradictions are clearly present? He says that contradictions "reconcile in a paradoxical kind of way." In order to conceptualize the existence of Oneness, it is first necessary to move beyond certain barriers in our way of thinking (Fareed Interview). When I was at the Sufi class, they also talked about contradictions. They said that instead of switching from one opposite to the other, that we should embrace both opposites at the same time. What allows contradictions to "reconcile" in a person's perceptions? In order to create some ideas relating to this question, I thought about the times when I have felt the most united. This experience usually happens after my thoughts have become quiet and I become focused. I most often have this sense of unity when I feel a large amount of love for someone or something or when I am using my creativity in some way. Both of these things that cause me to feel united are related to the appreciation of beauty, many times in places where beauty often does not seem obvious at first.
http://www.dailystaregypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3281
http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~religion/newifo/religions/alternative/index/sufism/essay.shtml
To attain spirituality is to realize that the whole universe is one symphony in which every individual is one note" (Hazrat Inayat Khan 269).
Safeed Fareed says "in actuality nothing is separate, there's only the appearance of separateness" (Fareed Interview). How can everything be one in a world where contradictions are clearly present? He says that contradictions "reconcile in a paradoxical kind of way." In order to conceptualize the existence of Oneness, it is first necessary to move beyond certain barriers in our way of thinking (Fareed Interview). When I was at the Sufi class, they also talked about contradictions. They said that instead of switching from one opposite to the other, that we should embrace both opposites at the same time. What allows contradictions to "reconcile" in a person's perceptions? In order to create some ideas relating to this question, I thought about the times when I have felt the most united. This experience usually happens after my thoughts have become quiet and I become focused. I most often have this sense of unity when I feel a large amount of love for someone or something or when I am using my creativity in some way. Both of these things that cause me to feel united are related to the appreciation of beauty, many times in places where beauty often does not seem obvious at first.
http://www.dailystaregypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3281
http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~religion/newifo/religions/alternative/index/sufism/essay.shtml
quotes
Wherever I am I find myself looking out of the window, wishing I was somewhere else.
oh sleep, I have been sitting back waiting for you- my eyes wide open... why must you ignore me? are you going to just keep watching me?
john rees, an activisit, a humanist, a believer.
I know of few who speak and write more wisely of the danger we face from rapacious power, and what we should do about it, than John Rees" clearly this quotes is nothing but exceptionally true. This video demonstrates why i thinks so,
John rees, i love you.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1881382598269&comments
John rees, i love you.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1881382598269&comments
cause the power of the people don't stop!
Today, Jan 25th 2011 marks Egypt's memory of "Khalid Said" 1 yr since his beating. Below is a video made by Tamer shaaban, a good friend of Ahmad Hassan Ayiad. He's in atlanta but wanted to be a part of this revolution. in 5 hrs, he helped spread awareness and created a video.
Egypt - Omar Offendum, The Narcicyst, Freeway, Ayah, Amir Sulaima...
new song showing solidarity for the egyptians
wise words
"When words become unclear,
I shall focus on photographs.
When images become inadequate,
I shall be content with silence."
-- Ansel Adams, Photographer
I shall focus on photographs.
When images become inadequate,
I shall be content with silence."
-- Ansel Adams, Photographer
Monday, February 7, 2011
The day of rage. ;Egyptian Revolution 2011
Egyptian Revolution 2011 COMPLETE. World MUST MUST watch this. Freedom.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
tell your lifestory in less than 6 min.
Suheir Hammad: Poems of war, peace, women, power | Video on TED.com
Suheir Hammad: Poems of war, peace, women, power | Video on TED.com
Suheir Hammad: Poems of war, peace, women, power | Video on TED.com
Lauren hill is the shit!
and this is why ...listen to her new single Rebel featuring Arabian Knightz. In lure of all thats going on in egypt lauren hill was intrigued and inspired by the amazing dedication and strong determination of the egyptian protestors. This is her song to them:
Rebel (Arabian Knightz Feat.Lauren Hill)
Rebel (Arabian Knightz Feat.Lauren Hill)
The invisible yemeni.
Waleed is one of the many victims of injustice. U won't hear about him or about the other abductee's simply bc they are Yemeni.W/out a foreign passport nobody seems to care. His whereabouts continue to be away from the public & media. He is ignored bc the yemeni govt denies everything & like many corrupted govt, have the ability to twist things around. Let's be their voice.
Victim of Political Conflicts and Warfare - Yemen - Waleed Sharaf Addin
Victim of Political Conflicts and Warfare - Yemen - Waleed Sharaf Addin
what do others think ?
I came across Paulo Coehlos fb page today and he writes: "Mubarak knew beforehand that his refusal to leave was going to provoke upheaval in Egypt, where innocent/peaceful people are being hurt while I write these lines. His criminal plan is working. Shame on him. Shame on us who can do NOTHING to help the Egyptian people, except complaining here. I feel sad and powerless." paulo Coehlo is one of the most inspirational figures i look up to and I am so happy he is voicing his opinion.
Timothy Kaldas, my sister's wedding photographer last yr is partaking in the revolution and is storytelling through his photography. On fb he wrote a note that stresses the reason why people need to stay strong & continue their fight for freedom :
The political situation is scary. This is a moment of dramatic transformation in Egypt. People have taken matters into their own hands and decided to determine their own political future. These transitions can get frightening. A regime that has entrenched itself through censorship, corruption, torture and other authoritarian tactics for decades is difficult to get rid of and the process of doing so will be chaotic and challenging. That said, there is no other way. Mubarak has shown today that he and his corrupt colleagues will not go peacefully. Yesterday a million people demonstrated peacefully in Tahrir Square. It was one of the most beautiful days in the history of Egypt and sadly today is one of Egypt’s ugliest. Mubarak has decided to attack the peaceful demonstrators with his thugs. Virtually every journalist in Tahrir has confirmed that the pro-Mubarak groups provoked the violence and attacked the peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators. Countless reports from the international media have indicated that many of the thugs were plainclothes police and in light of the history this is almost certainly the case. Many people have called for the protests to end. They have argued that the demonstrations have succeeded and that we should leave Mubarak to leave office with dignity and in an orderly fashion. I can understand why people would hope for that to be possible. An orderly political transition is always desirable. However, today proves that is impossible. Yesterday in his speech, Mubarak has said he will ensure a peaceful resolution to this problem, and today Mubarak has launched a criminal war on the pro-democracy movement with his gang of thugs. There will be no respectable departure for Mubarak, he has not maintained the dignity of his own people and he has no dignity following these criminal acts. He has sown chaos in Egypt and no one can still believe that he will be able to ensure stability as he has tried to argue. He does not care about Egypt nor the people of his country, he cares only about himself. Egypt’s peace, stability and future democracy depend on his departure.
There is good news from all of this as difficult as it may be to believe that. The tactics of this dictator are indications that he is afraid, desperate and losing. He has shut off the internet, mobile phone networks, attacked the media, and is now brutally attacking the demonstrators with his thugs. In the past week he has had the police cover the peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators in tear gas, hose them with water canons, fire upon them with both rubber bullets and live ammunition. I have visited the morgue in Qasr al Ainy a few days ago personally and saw 3 of their 4 unidentified bodies. All 3 of the bodies I saw had bullet wounds to the head. That is not an accident. Hundreds have died, thousands have been wounded, but in spite of that one million Egyptians filled Tahrir Square demanding Mubarak’s departure and a new democratic political order. Today’s crimes against the Egyptian people by Mubarak are a desperate act because he is losing. Democracy is winning. Egypt is winning.
Ben Ali promised not to run again in presidential elections in response to the demonstrations in Tunis. The next evening he was in Riyadh. This is an old story. We’ve seen it before and we know how it ends. The Tunisian people defeated their police state and soon so will the Egyptians.
I will see you on the streets on Friday."
THANKS Timothy :) wise words.
This is by another egyptian, her name is mona. She writes:
just came back from Tahrir Square on my way to ease the horrible sense of guilt I felt for not having been there with them during the dark hours when they were being mercilessly attacked by the mercenaries...
My friend and I thought those heroes needed food, water, and medical supplies; however, upon reaching there, we realized they had all had their breakfast (consisting of dry bread and cheese mostly, not Kentucky) and that they had already been supplied with rather more bandage than we provided!
NOT by foreigners, not by hamas, not by MBs, not by Israelis or even Martians... they were already provided by those things because God is great in his most gracious way has managed to send out people like me who could make it earlier....
Despite the ruins, and the massive injuries, I had a very soothing sense that I was in heaven... for the first time in my life the sight of blood did not turn my stomach, for the first time in my life the the smell of horse pee (near the entrances) or that coming out from public restrooms did not make me gasp for air or feel sick!!!!
I was among ANGELS, not human beings... I was surrounded by people with a spirit higher than the sky, THANKING ME, ME!!!!!!!! I did all I can to smile at them, and thank them, and pray for them when all I wanted to do was weep and hide in their arms, and kneel to kiss their feet for making me feel so safe in a place so ruined and destroyed, for making my tense muscles relax after a long night of hysteric crying!!
They were not thanking us for the little food we brought or the few bandage rolls that could fit in my bag... they were thanking me for believing in them, for having swollen eyes that cried for them... for asking them if they had breakfast yet!
I dared not ask them how they were; I was afraid I'd cry and get them down when all they had done was get me up!! One of them asked me and my friend as his face beamed with a smile "why did you come?"... my friend said "because this is our country...", I looked him in the eye and resisted hugging him as I answered "because YOU are my country"... and they are, Oh God, they are the country I have been looking for my entire life and I finally found it... I found it praying for me and it made me feel like I was safe beyond any harm... the only real harm is the fear that I would lose them to those bastards BASTARDS who try to massacre them when they were so peaceful and unarmed and mostly gracious!!!
One of the women around me who also arrived early this morning like me to help and to find redemption and refuge stood there and kept shouting at the top of her lungs at the army soldiers in their tanks "TRAITORS, BASTARDS, DIRT BAGS" I felt like joining her, I felt like spitting at them... YET, those injured yet high-spirited men asked her politely to stop, then they even apologized to the Army soldiers saying the most adorable Egyptian phrase "7a2ak 3alaya"... They even shared the breakfast they had already had before we made it there with those Army soldiers who stood there all night and watched them fall all around without moving a muscle to protect them... WHO DOES THAT???? Certainly not those who were sitting safe in their homes, either completely ignorant or consumed by pain like me and those who share my feelings... I wanted to snatch the necks of those soldiers, but seeing those people defending them made me respect and honor their wishes, so I wiped away the nasty look I was giving that Army Soldier as he was biting THEIR bread, yet still, I refused to offer him food...
They were smiling faces who welcomed me and apologized for searching me... they thanked me as they refused to take more food than they needed to eat, and pointed to a far away direction saying "our brothers over there have not yet, perhaps"... when I told them "where can I find those who have not eaten", they smiled at me and thanked me and my friend and prayed even more for us! And when I walked too close to Abdel Moneim Riad Square, the line of fire, one of the men asked me to "stay safe" as he offered to take the food to his brothers at that end, to keep me safe!
Before we got in, as I was calling one of the amazing guys who spent the night there to ask where "our people" were to feel safe, he just said "you will know them, they show"... as I told him in a shaky tone of voice "it's hard to tell", I suddenly felt that strange yet very fulfilling sense of security taking all over me as I saw their faces... It was NOT how they looked, it was the aura that surrounded them...
While I was there, I heard that horrific sound of metal clashing, the sign they have amongst them that an intruder is trying to get in... my friend tried to grab me away from the commotion... but I stood still feeling absolutely no fear... I was CERTAIN no one can touch me or harm me as I stood there between those who had sweat and bled all night for my safety while i was sitting on my bed doing nothing but wailing words on my FB account and feeling utter shame.
Those people DO NOT need food or medical supplies half as much as they need our constant and most dedicated support, and presence by their side when the night approaches and those murderers attack them... But most importantly, they DESERVE our utter and complete RESPECT...
As we were walking home, after having passed the secured areas, I began to feel less safe and rather more skeptical of every one walking around me... when a man in a Blue Elantra approached us asking where we had come from, I said "Tahrir Square", he asked "and who are you", I found myself smiling in the same spirit they left me with as I very calmly (yet secretly doubtfully) asking him "and who are you?", he said "are you those who are protesting?"... I smiled even more and told him "those who are protesting are much much better than me, I am only here hoping to help, but who are you with?", he said "I am with Egypt", I pointed towards the end of the street that leads to Tahrir Square and told him "Egypt is right there"...
I collapsed and cried my heart out the moment I stepped home... I have sobbed to at least 4 of my friends after my mom and sister sat to hear me as I told the story just like above to make their voice heard because it's the very least I should do... I bid you all to pray for them... I could not tell their faiths, their socials classes, their educational backgrounds... they all looked the same with their tired yet hopeful faces, with their injured bodies yet healing souls... they looked like a country I would have loved to stay in...
If it weren't for my two sons, I would have stayed there and never left until either Mubarak left or until I had died there between MY PEOPLE, MY FAMILY, My BROTHERS AND UNCLES AND THOUSAND DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF MY FATHER... I would have rather died there with them than face the fear of living a shameful unsafe life among those who doubt them or say what they would have done had they been in their shoes...
I felt like millions of arms were holding my soul safe and sound, and giving me a sense of peace and tranquility I had never experienced before... And now, my heart, my body and my soul are shaking because I left that safety behind as I returned home, I left it there for fear to fill its place, fear of losing those people... fear, and massive disappointment that those people are being called so many bad things they are most definitely NOT...
Today, I have seen Angels in shape of humans... I have seen heaven in the midst of ruins... I am so close right now to faith and yet so close to losing it...
God, please PLEASE be there for them to keep them safe and sound... God, please protect them and shield them from all harm... God please don't let them go in vain... God please change the hearts of those who are in their homes judging and condemning them and send your angels to fight for them...
Until I went today, I only knew few people who were there by name and a friend for whom I was concerned... but as I left there, I left a huge part of me that I know I will always always miss...
I could not change or sleep even though I had not slept in more than 24 hours before I shared this with everyone who can read it... may my words be of use, may those who read my words feel the way I feel right now..
Timothy Kaldas, my sister's wedding photographer last yr is partaking in the revolution and is storytelling through his photography. On fb he wrote a note that stresses the reason why people need to stay strong & continue their fight for freedom :
The political situation is scary. This is a moment of dramatic transformation in Egypt. People have taken matters into their own hands and decided to determine their own political future. These transitions can get frightening. A regime that has entrenched itself through censorship, corruption, torture and other authoritarian tactics for decades is difficult to get rid of and the process of doing so will be chaotic and challenging. That said, there is no other way. Mubarak has shown today that he and his corrupt colleagues will not go peacefully. Yesterday a million people demonstrated peacefully in Tahrir Square. It was one of the most beautiful days in the history of Egypt and sadly today is one of Egypt’s ugliest. Mubarak has decided to attack the peaceful demonstrators with his thugs. Virtually every journalist in Tahrir has confirmed that the pro-Mubarak groups provoked the violence and attacked the peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators. Countless reports from the international media have indicated that many of the thugs were plainclothes police and in light of the history this is almost certainly the case. Many people have called for the protests to end. They have argued that the demonstrations have succeeded and that we should leave Mubarak to leave office with dignity and in an orderly fashion. I can understand why people would hope for that to be possible. An orderly political transition is always desirable. However, today proves that is impossible. Yesterday in his speech, Mubarak has said he will ensure a peaceful resolution to this problem, and today Mubarak has launched a criminal war on the pro-democracy movement with his gang of thugs. There will be no respectable departure for Mubarak, he has not maintained the dignity of his own people and he has no dignity following these criminal acts. He has sown chaos in Egypt and no one can still believe that he will be able to ensure stability as he has tried to argue. He does not care about Egypt nor the people of his country, he cares only about himself. Egypt’s peace, stability and future democracy depend on his departure.
There is good news from all of this as difficult as it may be to believe that. The tactics of this dictator are indications that he is afraid, desperate and losing. He has shut off the internet, mobile phone networks, attacked the media, and is now brutally attacking the demonstrators with his thugs. In the past week he has had the police cover the peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators in tear gas, hose them with water canons, fire upon them with both rubber bullets and live ammunition. I have visited the morgue in Qasr al Ainy a few days ago personally and saw 3 of their 4 unidentified bodies. All 3 of the bodies I saw had bullet wounds to the head. That is not an accident. Hundreds have died, thousands have been wounded, but in spite of that one million Egyptians filled Tahrir Square demanding Mubarak’s departure and a new democratic political order. Today’s crimes against the Egyptian people by Mubarak are a desperate act because he is losing. Democracy is winning. Egypt is winning.
Ben Ali promised not to run again in presidential elections in response to the demonstrations in Tunis. The next evening he was in Riyadh. This is an old story. We’ve seen it before and we know how it ends. The Tunisian people defeated their police state and soon so will the Egyptians.
I will see you on the streets on Friday."
THANKS Timothy :) wise words.
This is by another egyptian, her name is mona. She writes:
just came back from Tahrir Square on my way to ease the horrible sense of guilt I felt for not having been there with them during the dark hours when they were being mercilessly attacked by the mercenaries...
My friend and I thought those heroes needed food, water, and medical supplies; however, upon reaching there, we realized they had all had their breakfast (consisting of dry bread and cheese mostly, not Kentucky) and that they had already been supplied with rather more bandage than we provided!
NOT by foreigners, not by hamas, not by MBs, not by Israelis or even Martians... they were already provided by those things because God is great in his most gracious way has managed to send out people like me who could make it earlier....
Despite the ruins, and the massive injuries, I had a very soothing sense that I was in heaven... for the first time in my life the sight of blood did not turn my stomach, for the first time in my life the the smell of horse pee (near the entrances) or that coming out from public restrooms did not make me gasp for air or feel sick!!!!
I was among ANGELS, not human beings... I was surrounded by people with a spirit higher than the sky, THANKING ME, ME!!!!!!!! I did all I can to smile at them, and thank them, and pray for them when all I wanted to do was weep and hide in their arms, and kneel to kiss their feet for making me feel so safe in a place so ruined and destroyed, for making my tense muscles relax after a long night of hysteric crying!!
They were not thanking us for the little food we brought or the few bandage rolls that could fit in my bag... they were thanking me for believing in them, for having swollen eyes that cried for them... for asking them if they had breakfast yet!
I dared not ask them how they were; I was afraid I'd cry and get them down when all they had done was get me up!! One of them asked me and my friend as his face beamed with a smile "why did you come?"... my friend said "because this is our country...", I looked him in the eye and resisted hugging him as I answered "because YOU are my country"... and they are, Oh God, they are the country I have been looking for my entire life and I finally found it... I found it praying for me and it made me feel like I was safe beyond any harm... the only real harm is the fear that I would lose them to those bastards BASTARDS who try to massacre them when they were so peaceful and unarmed and mostly gracious!!!
One of the women around me who also arrived early this morning like me to help and to find redemption and refuge stood there and kept shouting at the top of her lungs at the army soldiers in their tanks "TRAITORS, BASTARDS, DIRT BAGS" I felt like joining her, I felt like spitting at them... YET, those injured yet high-spirited men asked her politely to stop, then they even apologized to the Army soldiers saying the most adorable Egyptian phrase "7a2ak 3alaya"... They even shared the breakfast they had already had before we made it there with those Army soldiers who stood there all night and watched them fall all around without moving a muscle to protect them... WHO DOES THAT???? Certainly not those who were sitting safe in their homes, either completely ignorant or consumed by pain like me and those who share my feelings... I wanted to snatch the necks of those soldiers, but seeing those people defending them made me respect and honor their wishes, so I wiped away the nasty look I was giving that Army Soldier as he was biting THEIR bread, yet still, I refused to offer him food...
They were smiling faces who welcomed me and apologized for searching me... they thanked me as they refused to take more food than they needed to eat, and pointed to a far away direction saying "our brothers over there have not yet, perhaps"... when I told them "where can I find those who have not eaten", they smiled at me and thanked me and my friend and prayed even more for us! And when I walked too close to Abdel Moneim Riad Square, the line of fire, one of the men asked me to "stay safe" as he offered to take the food to his brothers at that end, to keep me safe!
Before we got in, as I was calling one of the amazing guys who spent the night there to ask where "our people" were to feel safe, he just said "you will know them, they show"... as I told him in a shaky tone of voice "it's hard to tell", I suddenly felt that strange yet very fulfilling sense of security taking all over me as I saw their faces... It was NOT how they looked, it was the aura that surrounded them...
While I was there, I heard that horrific sound of metal clashing, the sign they have amongst them that an intruder is trying to get in... my friend tried to grab me away from the commotion... but I stood still feeling absolutely no fear... I was CERTAIN no one can touch me or harm me as I stood there between those who had sweat and bled all night for my safety while i was sitting on my bed doing nothing but wailing words on my FB account and feeling utter shame.
Those people DO NOT need food or medical supplies half as much as they need our constant and most dedicated support, and presence by their side when the night approaches and those murderers attack them... But most importantly, they DESERVE our utter and complete RESPECT...
As we were walking home, after having passed the secured areas, I began to feel less safe and rather more skeptical of every one walking around me... when a man in a Blue Elantra approached us asking where we had come from, I said "Tahrir Square", he asked "and who are you", I found myself smiling in the same spirit they left me with as I very calmly (yet secretly doubtfully) asking him "and who are you?", he said "are you those who are protesting?"... I smiled even more and told him "those who are protesting are much much better than me, I am only here hoping to help, but who are you with?", he said "I am with Egypt", I pointed towards the end of the street that leads to Tahrir Square and told him "Egypt is right there"...
I collapsed and cried my heart out the moment I stepped home... I have sobbed to at least 4 of my friends after my mom and sister sat to hear me as I told the story just like above to make their voice heard because it's the very least I should do... I bid you all to pray for them... I could not tell their faiths, their socials classes, their educational backgrounds... they all looked the same with their tired yet hopeful faces, with their injured bodies yet healing souls... they looked like a country I would have loved to stay in...
If it weren't for my two sons, I would have stayed there and never left until either Mubarak left or until I had died there between MY PEOPLE, MY FAMILY, My BROTHERS AND UNCLES AND THOUSAND DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF MY FATHER... I would have rather died there with them than face the fear of living a shameful unsafe life among those who doubt them or say what they would have done had they been in their shoes...
I felt like millions of arms were holding my soul safe and sound, and giving me a sense of peace and tranquility I had never experienced before... And now, my heart, my body and my soul are shaking because I left that safety behind as I returned home, I left it there for fear to fill its place, fear of losing those people... fear, and massive disappointment that those people are being called so many bad things they are most definitely NOT...
Today, I have seen Angels in shape of humans... I have seen heaven in the midst of ruins... I am so close right now to faith and yet so close to losing it...
God, please PLEASE be there for them to keep them safe and sound... God, please protect them and shield them from all harm... God please don't let them go in vain... God please change the hearts of those who are in their homes judging and condemning them and send your angels to fight for them...
Until I went today, I only knew few people who were there by name and a friend for whom I was concerned... but as I left there, I left a huge part of me that I know I will always always miss...
I could not change or sleep even though I had not slept in more than 24 hours before I shared this with everyone who can read it... may my words be of use, may those who read my words feel the way I feel right now..
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