AFROMUSING

moving along...

2005-11-06T14:52:00.000-06:00

*"My fellow Africans...Lets get it on!"

Please update your blog rolls to the url http://www.afromusing.com/blog

*by permission of original author.

hiatus

2005-10-24T20:10:00.000-05:00

Will be away for awhile. Take care...

Via Koranteng's Toli - "What everyone should know about Blog depression"

I am not depressed just stepping away kidogo.

solar cash

2005-10-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

OK people,I know i should have blogged about this in June. The unfinished post is in my notebook :(
Well, the solar energy business is not just about environmentalism. The growth in this sector is/could be exponential. According to wired, the site i check regularly; solarbuzz made 6.5Billion in 2004 (that's a B for billion in case you missed it) and predicts sales will nearly triple to 18.5 billion by 2010. Joanna Glasner sums it up really, the solar sector is already hot.
Check the article for specific stocks that she includes.

I read a case study about Nth Power awhile ago, the company has a long history of environment friendly tech, that i am going to have to review, they are on the board of Evergreen solar.

If you would like to 'invest your principle with your principles' (*and possibly get a decent ROI on your investment) check out social invest.org has info and reports on several funds that cover the different renewable energy fields. The new alternatives fund is one such fund.

Other companies not included in the article that i can think of right now, are Black and Veatch consulting (they are hiring) Check here
and domini social investments.

Watch a short clip of solar tower of power (In canada) and i wish i could say that 'this blog is 100% solar' for now its not...in future perhaps.
**soo not an expert so dont try to sue me if you lose hmmmkay?

jaw grind

2005-10-11T15:40:00.000-05:00

i happened to watch the original press conference on tv, C&L now has a clip of the president's strange jaw movement. I remember thinking...he could be on anti-depressants.

Carole coleman (You may have already seen this - she felt like slapping GW.) if not, her story is on times online. The emperor of the free world has no clothes. The weird thing is that his handlers at the WH actually reffred to him as 'the leader of the free world'. In addition, it really brings to mind the influence of propaganda in news reporting. Katrina response was staged, Mission accomplished was staged. Strange for America. Very strange.

Bracing for the upcoming winter, and the forecasted increase (70% ?!) in energy costs for heating. Be it natural gas, electricity or oil, it seems like this winter will be rough. NPR detailed a couple of steps you can take to cushion yourself.

Red crescent.

2005-10-10T21:11:00.000-05:00

via billmon.
There is also a link with various charities that will be assisting with the asian quake. For that list, click here or see links below:
Islamic Relief
Doctors without borders
Oxfam
Unicef
Kashmir International Relief Fund

Red Cross/ Red Crescent
mercycorps (eric umansky recommended this charity awhile ago for the katrina disaster relief, they provide more long term support)
savethechildren
directrelief

Quagmire

2005-10-10T19:18:00.000-05:00

Quagmire not so funny

Quagmier You've got to laugh for now, then be scared witless when she actually gets confirmed

Quagmire gigidy gigidy (he's bad)

Nano's ugly step sister - I am related.

Odds and Ends

2005-10-08T14:42:00.000-05:00

I am still getting the run around at the embassy, since monday is moi day, i have to wait till tuesday, and as a pal of mine says...I will be on them like white on rice. I am on hold with them so often, that i would like to suggest they change their hold music to ogopafunkijazzynisation.(You can get it here)

Concerns about the avian flu pandemic have me wondering whether to postpone an impending trip, for now it just remains that - a concern. Condolences, 1300 dead in asia due to the earthquake, Africans killed in the desert, while trying to cross into spanish enclave in morocco, hunger strikes at guantanamo, the tragedies never seem to end.

Well, perhaps honeysoul referenced a different type of swahili, but i do not think "Dwele" means "God has brought me" in swa. Perhaps it does mean that in a different language (a nigerian language perhaps?)

Just check this out.

H1-Bees

2005-10-06T20:44:00.000-05:00

These guys were featured on the world tonight. Cracked me up! You can listen to the music on their site or listen to the global hit here.

vid - NE Massacre

2005-10-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

The pod on current tv by ruudelmendorp gives a visual of the massacre that we were shocked and saddened to read about. The blood stained sandal, the blood on the ground, the overturned desks, the mass grave...

For some background/reaction on what happened, see Mental Acrobatic's post .

Song of the day: Footprints (When you cry) by TOK
Link to WMP video (music remedy) or link to yahoo music
Review of 'Unknown Language' CD on stylus magazine.

passport renewal blues 2

2005-09-29T16:41:00.000-05:00

'Sara' never called me back yesterday nor this morning.
Called the embassy again at 11:00 EDT (figuring they have had their tea/caffeine whatever for the day)
This time, I entered ext 45 for 'sara'. She did answer, she did not sound like the same person from yesterday. Oh well it didnt matter anyway because she transferred me to ext 6 for A__ . Left a message again.

Zero sum game from the embassy.
It appears i might have to make a trip to DC :(

I had heard of bad experiences with the embassy but paid it no mind. Well, i have learnt a lesson!

Its not all sturm und drang, found out that with some software from a friend, and a new trans flash card, i can get my phone to play 25 songs using itunes. Since reading that the new Ipod Nano just cracks for no reason, i am content for now...the first song to be uploaded? I am thinking something from eminem's 'Anger management'.

(pole abt the bad link, fixed now - and thanks for the kind comments about the embassy shenanigans :)

passport renewal blues

2005-09-28T20:21:00.000-05:00

Note:Hours of the passport renewal office are 9am to 1pm Eastern
I had been leaving messages on EXT 6 for the past week or two.

Yesterday, was told to call back and speak to A on ext 39. Left a message again. No call back.

Today: 11:30am EDT No answer on ext 39. Pressed 0 for operator and asked to speak to a person since i had been leaving messages and had not heard back.

She transferred me to a gentleman who happened to be courteous When was it issued? If it was issued more than 10yrs ago, you need to replace it. In addition he indicates that they should have sent me a letter telling me what extra information i needed to have sent in. (I received no such letter in the past 2 months) He tells me that he will transfer me to ext 45 so i could speak with Sara(not her real name), who will let me know whether they have my passport.

In order to replace it i would need

2 passport photos (with name written on the back of it)
PT1 form (can be downloaded online here)
Money order to cover replacement (50$ or 70$)

He then transfers me to ext 45.
Hello Sara?
"Yes??" - well Sara must have a rather deep voice because it seems to me like its a man.Oh well, as long as he/she can sort it out, i dont care what octave the voice is in. I proceed to give my name and specifics of my situation.
Sara:When did you send the passport in?
Me: July 19th. (I will admit that i did not have the post office routing number with me or the exact date that the embassy received the passport- They did receive it though. I had checked the usps website afew days after priority mailing the passport.

Sara: So we would have received it around July 20 something?
Me:Yes yes.
Sara: Give me your number and i will check on that and call you back.
Me: Sure, sure. May i have your name again?
sara: (hesitantly) "Sara"
Me: O.k well thank you and have a good day.

Tune in tomorrow to see if 'sara' calls me back about my passport and whether he/she will sound different this time.If he/she does not call me by 10:30EDT, You bet i will be calling again. This time, i will have the routing number from usps and the exact date my passport reached the embassy.

Moral(s) of the day:
- Rather obvious but if you've had your passport for 10yrs you would need a new one, so fill out the paperwork for that instead of the renewal paperwork which is what i mistakenly did. (It still does not excuse the embassy for not calling back or sending me a letter)
- Calling the Kenyan Embassy passport renewal office is a waste of time, do not leave a voice message on ext6 - your call will not be returned.( I think i can categorically state that since my call was not returned in a span of 2 weeks) Press 0 for the operator and indicate that you would like to speak with someone if at all possible.
- Have the routing information of the registered package and check on www.USPS.com website for the precise date that the embassy received your passport. (for those in the US - If you are in a different country, please check if you can track the package online)
-Get the name of the person you are talking to and their title.
-Last but not least dont be shocked that Sara's voice might have a tinge of baritone.

Wangari's Kenya - Vid on Current

2005-09-24T12:45:00.000-05:00

Vid by Bill Finnegan on Current screening room about Wangari Maathai's conservation effort. Watch it and do greenlight it so it can appear on current tv.

Is OMO biodegradable?

Township Sessions

2005-09-22T17:43:00.000-05:00

Short Excerpts
" The performers were the women in the Philani Mothers choir. The cassette was titled the Philani Mothers Lyrical Health Messages. The message in this song for example deals with the value of breastfeeding. It's called "Ncansisa".

The Philani Mothers choir recording project was completed in 1998. Thousands of cassettes were distributed according to plan. And when Peter Raeburn returned to London, he got to thinking."

" Peter Raeburn collaborated with British-Indian producer and musician Nitin Sawhney on this remix of "ncansisa". The full album "Township Sessions" will be released in the US next month."

**Nitin Sawhney's collabo/remix with the Philani womens choir sounds good. And by good i mean big smile, that little chill good.
I liked Sawhney's music, i have only heard the CD "Broken Skin" (afew yrs back). I would says its the world fusion type, he is one of those guys that are hard to categorise (which is cool). As multilayered as you can get.
Township sessions should definitely be interesting, looking forward to it.
You can pre-order on Amazon, link The release date is Oct 18th.

For info on the philani project click here

Kenyan Author In Nairobi

2005-09-22T07:06:00.000-05:00

The writer of 'Where is America' and 'The open Road' will be on Kiss 100FM sometime this week, Hope FM ON Thursday, Family (what is cooking)TV this week and Books and Bookmen later in the week.
Two book signings. One at Grand Regency (Thursday) and the other one at Nakumatt Juction (Karen) Friday.

(pole for the bad link, its now corrected)

JamRock -again/ Vunja Mifupa

2005-09-20T19:46:00.000-05:00

I had written once about attending Damian Marley's concert, well his CD "Welcome to JamRock" is a blast. If you like dancehall this is a must have. The song "beautiful" features Bobby Brown. Other tracks i liked were "Confrontation", "Move!" "All night" with Stephen Marley, "Hey Girl" is tight. "Road to Zion" Features Nas. Nice.
You can preview "in 2 deep" on honeysoul and the rest of the songs you can listen on the link above.
He has some tour dates remaining for the fall, check if your city is on the list here.

BTW thanks Irene for passing this along, I have edited some bits:
Kenyatta Day Oct 22nd Minneapolis:

Tenth anniversary of Kenya ’95 as Kenyatta Day 2005. Professor Apoya from Michigan will talk on the legacy of Jomo Kenyatta and then the people’s parliament will follow with a fiery discussion of the new Kenyan constitution. Kenyan food will be catered - ugali, sukuma wiki and Nyama au kuku fry.

San Francisco based Kenyan movie director Mike Wanguhu will not only premier his new movie Hip Hop Colony shot on location in Kenya but will also be on hand to discuss the movie. The movie is about the Kenyan entertainment industry and the topic of discussion will be Is contemporary Kenyan music an importation of a foreign concept or an extension of Kenyan culture? The movie has been featured in several American film festivals and is being screened in London this week.

Starts at 2:00 pm and end at 9:00 pm with the movie.
venue:The Upfront Event Center in Brooklyn Center . The charge for the entire program, including the guest speakers, food and movie is only $20.00. Tickets need to be obtained in advance

10:00 pm, kick off at Blue Nile with Samba Mapangala of Orchestra Virunga (famous for the songs Vunja Mifupa, Virunga and Malako) performing upstairs. Dj Top Donn (Donald Owino), Kenyan deejay based in Chicago, IL will be on hand with the best Kenyan music downstairs.
$15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. People with advance tickets will be given priority as we will most likely have a houseful.

Because people will start arriving on Friday 21^st, we have arranged for a special entertainment session for the evening at Blue Nile in South Minneapolis. Marimba Africa Band will entertain us with Zilizopendwa upstairs and Dj Top Donn will be downstairs. Friday’s admission is only $10.00 at the door.

Check www.KilimanjaroEntertainment.com

**Checked for the address of the event center: came up nada, if you have it please post in comments and i will update.

current tv

2005-09-19T23:04:00.000-05:00

Out East this past weekend and was stuck to the Current channel. It has interesting pods that are pre-voted on their website. The idea is to have viewer submitted content and viewer influenced programming(the greenlighting thing). The pod on the devastation of Katrina and how Red Cross volunteers are making a difference was especially good. Speaking of volunteering, kudos to Carol for taking time to go and help with the medical care of the Katrina victims. I totally applaud you! ( i really should do a specific post abt this, but let me just mention it here...things have a way of getting hectic)

Al Gore spearheaded Current TV check out more info on wikipedia. It is available in select markets, and yeah, i will be pestering my local cable company to carry it...will find out if i have to pay extra :(

For you filmmakers (ahem Akiey) anyone can submit (if you havent already).
Being able to watch a piece about street jugglers in Bogota... Its a brilliant thing.

gif via nanitek

yeah it was a spider web :)

2005-09-19T19:10:00.000-05:00

Your answers on the previous post were hella funny!

the mystery of the hanging leaf

2005-09-18T10:20:00.000-05:00

Guess how come the leaf is suspended...

Sen. Dianne Feinstein

2005-09-15T19:10:00.000-05:00

Driveway moment twice this week, listening to npr's summary of the confirmation hearings for John Roberts to be the Chief Justice of the U.S.
What stood out yesterday were Sen. Dianne Feinstein's questions regarding how John Roberts felt about women, whether he did have an 'acerbic pen' or did he actually believe that women should not be equally remunerated in the workplace (or something like that).
You can listen to the summaries on the link above...
I was gallavanting about, but i think he avoided the question
Today's summary also included Sen. Dianne Feinstein's wrestling with just how important her vote is (she is the only woman on the senate judiciary commitee). I havent been watching the proceedings closely enough to offer much, though i suspect jjray has...Your thoughts please? Especially regarding privacy and womens rights.

Oh and today they mentioned that John Roberts once referred to mexican immigrants as

"Illegal Amigos"

very random post

2005-09-13T19:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I stopped by my local blockbuster video rental store this evening. I knew precisely which sappy movie I wanted to watch today. Looked around and didn’t spot it at first, walked around the store quickly (those who know me know that when I say quick, I do mean quick) circled back to where I thought I saw it the last time and found no copies on the shelf. Went over to the checkout counter and the gentleman helpfully asked, “How can I help you?”

Me: I like your shirt that is nice! Crash was a great movie.
(He was wearing a black t-shirt with rent Crash ***** “A knockout!” written on it. Crash was printed in white, the rest of the words in a kind of seafoam green.
Him: Yeah! It is a wonderful movie.
Me: Could you check for me if someone has returned a copy of ‘Wedding Date’?
Him: Oh yeah I have a copy available right here…
(he walks over to the other checkout counter and retrieves the movie.)
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Me: Well… if I could have your t-shirt...
(I know I shouldn’t have, but it just tumbled out of my mouth! the words kind of hang in the air...)
Do you have some extra shirts?
Him: Well, you do have to work here in order to get one, (he is still standing there while I fumble around for my card which I didn’t find, I could see the wheels turning in his head)
Me: (slightly dejected look ) oooh o.k...
Him: You know what? We do have some extra, you just cant wear it in here.
Me: (Beaming) Really? Wow!
(really beaming now when I realize he just asked me what size i would like omg) Small please.
(He walks over to the back of the store, comes back with the shirt and proceeds to check out the movie by asking for my last name, then asks to confirm my first name)
Thank You!
Him: Would you like a bag?
Me: Yeah sure (damn, why did I say yes? The man just gave you a free t-shirt, why do you need a bag to put the movie and the t-shirt? Well, its too late I already said yes. He puts everything in the bag and I am still beaming like a nonsense.I mentally made a note of his name, and that he was the manager)
You totally made my day, thank you.
Him: You are welcome, you just cant wear it here.
Me: Sure, sure, I wont. Thank you!

(I exit with a huge smile that would probably chase away the gathering clouds; it was just about to rain. That it still hasn't poured as i type this is not lost on this very happy girl)

Yeah Rent Crash ****"Knockout!"

Je?

2005-09-10T14:26:00.000-05:00

music video by Burning spear on ifilm "Walk".It reminded me of Kenya. We just have to keep walking, pause and laugh abit as we move on.

image is from KJ's Head on corrishon

Incase you missed it... Dancing Matt, be sure to watch where he is dancing in Kilimanjaro, Tsavo kenya with a giraffe in the background, a forest in Uganda, and when a little kid joins him for a sec in Seattle. cute

Btw, do update your firefox browser fix here

Impeach bush

2005-09-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

was about to link to the cnn story about Al Gore airlifting evacuees from NOLA(sept 3rd), headed over to technorati and found that it was the most discussed story today.

Think progress has a timeline of what happened when. Looking at the timeline, Bush was busy doing staged photo ops while Gore was actually arranging the airlifting.

Interestingly is that one of the top searches on technorati is impeach bush. Its a buzz in the blogosphere right now, i wonder if it will turn into a roar. If you would like to increase the buzz, visit the link above (basically title your post Impeach Bush and also include it in the text of your post).

Bill Clinton:

"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."
—From his first inaugural address, Jan. 20, 1993 [5]

"Posterity is the world to come; the world for whom we hold our ideals, from whom we have borrowed our planet, and to whom we bear sacred responsibility. We must do what America does best: offer more opportunity to all and demand responsibility from all."
—First Inaugural Address (January 20, 1993)

(Emphasis mine)
Update: Watch George of the Bungle on C&L by Bill Maher.

BlackAmericaWeb Katrina Relief

2005-09-03T08:54:00.000-05:00

You can make an online donation or you can mail your donation to:
		BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund PO Box 803209 Dallas, TX 75380 - 3209

Blog Day 2005

2005-08-31T17:38:00.000-05:00

5 bloggers to recommend to you...

Eric Umansky - He writes todays papers for slate, some observations that he makes on how american papers cover the news that dont make it into TP are put on his blog. He has a very keen eye for details (included or missed) and also has great online resources if you are interested in really understanding stuff that is going on

Billmon- Witty! and absolutely thorough. A wizard with humor and detail. His series on the state world economy was definitely interesting if abit complex - The chicken and the egg series(had to read some passages twice). He has a knack for history too. Brilliant.

Koranteng Toli - (via KenyaPundit) Techy, literary, African, with a musical bent. He has other categories that you can check out on his blog. Check out his post on strange bedfellows. Its abit long, It helps if you print it out...You probably wont put it down. Eye opening.

Timbuktu chronicles - (via Bankelele)Emeka okafor (no, not the basketball player)covers the ideas and solutions that will catapult Africa into a self reliant continent or let me put it this way....the ideas that will continue the African renaissance.

Andrews Ghetto Blog. Its hilarious.

Piga Ndebe for BlogGodPapa , Mawazo na Mawaidha and also Nchi Yetu Daily. (just kinda felt like making some noise.) Piga Ndebe for all KBW bloggers too, the entertainment and thought you guys bring to the blogosphere is amazing!

Nick Sagan's Edenborn

2005-08-30T17:20:00.000-05:00

Picked up the book Edenborn by Nick Sagan, he is the son of Carl Sagan and interplanetary artist Linda Salzman Sagan. Carl Sagan was the writer of cosmos, Broca's Brain,Contact (later adapted into a movie starring Jodie foster), etc.
The book is not too bad. I felt like it could have used more action, though perhaps the lack of it gave the author a chance to really flesh out the characters. I have not read his first book Idlewind, i think this book builds on it. There are a couple of references to idlewind though not so essential to reading edenborn. His style is definitely unique, what with a joke wrung out of Thomas Edison's quote "I have not failed, i've just found ten thousand ways that wont work".(the joke wont make sense if i pluck it out of the story)
The character pandora is an intriguing tech savvy woman who is in love with a 'bad boy'. I liked her character the most, though i found myself jotting down afew lines by the character haji who is a wise sufi who says "enlightenment must come little by little otherwise it would overwhelm". Then there is penny who is coco in a dark but hilarious kind of way, its like she was on a permanent scheming rant.
You might need to be a bit patient for the most part with this book, the pace quickens as it nears the end and you get the feeling that there is another book in the horizon. I am leary of comparing it to Orson Scott Card's Ender novels, though if you like Ender, you might enjoy this...Edenborn has a mystical quality to it and some very interesting humour. (well at least to me..i find a reference to Operation love machine kinda hilarious.)
For a quick layout of the plot from idlewind click here

**You have got to read bankelele's nightmare if its one thing you do today.

which fosters friend would you adopt?

2005-08-27T09:37:00.000-05:00

Fosters Home for imaginary friends: The episode 'Dinner is Swerved' is preety funny. Looking forward to when they release the shows on DVD. Speaking of dvd's the Family guy is worth it. Absolutely worth it.
Oh i think i will adopt coco. Why? Because i understand her!

Taarab on Afropop

2005-08-25T17:38:00.000-05:00

Check the times on their site.

Have a great weekend... will be away for a couple of days ;E]

venezuela&robertson

2005-08-24T17:32:00.000-05:00

The rest of the story - nice coverage by soj.

Pat Robertson nutter of the year

2005-08-23T17:32:00.000-05:00

Heard about this early in the morning on npr, and was just flabbergasted. Basically Pat Robertson, the guy from 700 club called for the assasination of Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela.
On NPR, they included some his earlier controversial (read shenzi) remarks. The one i laughed about was about feminism. ati
"The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians. "
(Fundraising letter, 1992)
more quotes here.
The link above to Media matters has the video.

And check out jjray's odds and ends section, rotfl! (If you've been reading this blog since i started you already know jjray and Irene and what a joy it is to have them weigh in on issues be it law, kenya & US etc...I always check their blog, hop over and see why.)

Rural electrification - solar

2005-08-20T13:25:00.000-05:00

Q: Is solar energy being considered by the government of Kenya as part of the solution to the lack of electrity (particulary in rural areas) in Kenya?
A: It does not appear so.

If you see indications to the contrary please let me know. (I looked around, maybe not hard enough?)
Check out the energy ministry website. They need to put more infomation online, especially regarding the energy policy and the Rural Electrification Programme.

As per this 1999 report on Kenya's PV Market by Moses Agumba and Bernard Osawa of UNDP,
"PV has not been considered for rural electrification, as it does not qualify under the Least Cost Extension Programmes(LCEP). This is a method used by the government to decide on which power generation options to use."

Dunno what the LCEP program is, was or if it is currently still being used to determine power generation options. Whatever initiatives to solve the energy problem will have to come from the private sector, and wananchi as is most often the case.

**Price of solagen Big Kit Solar system Ksh82,950/ US$1095.10(based on 75.75 as exchange rate); not having to pay a monthly bill, i presume that feeling would be priceless.
Annoyance:Spam, i had to close the comments section to anon and blogless commenters.

Mango splitter

2005-08-20T11:05:00.000-05:00

Via the NY Times Magazine. It looks like a nifty gadget, havent tried it yet. I know some of you like mangoes, especially the ones from coast, with alittle chilli powder sprinkled on it and a spritz of lime.

The question of how to slice a mango was posed here...(Mshairi's meme to MJY), twas intresting!

The Blues - Feel like going home

2005-08-15T16:54:00.000-05:00

I have a lump in my throat and i will just confess right now that i cried, in awe? i still dont know, but i cried. [Disclaimer: i cry in 99% of movies]. That is not the reason for this entry though. I borrowed the film 'Feel Like Going Home' from the library and just finished watching it awhile ago. I enjoy listening to blues, though i would not consider myself an avid fan who knows much about it other than listening to it on public radio or attending a concert or two.

The film is about the origins and the history of the blues. From the juke joints of the mississipi delta to the Niger River in Mali. Martin Scorcese produced it, he does some narrating in several bits but the main person who anchors this amazing film is Corey Harris. Its almost like Scorcese knew that the best person through which this story should be explored is Harris, he stepped away and let Harris go on this wonderful journey of discovery. Many things struck me in this film. Listening and watching Son House, could make you emotional, yet impart strength to your spirit. Just hearing him speak, his voice is the blues. The flute (cane)playing of Otha Turner was beautiful, better yet, his words, actually the stories and words of all the people corey harris spoke to were deep. Real deep.
In the days of slavery in America, the [african]drum was banned, yet later the use of snare drum in the mississipi featured, as corey harris put it..interwoven polyrythms, which are very common in african music. Harris poignantly observed that Africa was always just a heartbeat away.

If you listen to the radio show the world by PRI the tune for the geo quiz by Ali Farka Toure opens Corey Harris's segment in Mali. He speaks with Salif Keita, whose music is moving, though i cant understand a single word. I must admit that this is the section i found just incredibly special.
You know how when people come to visit in Africa and the elders sit on chairs under a tree to talk? Corey Harris was talking with Toumani Diabate at his compound, with Diabate telling him of his history,he hails from 71 generations of griots in mali. They also talked about how they felt about slavery. Harris met and played with Habib Koite, then with Ali Farka Toure, who apparently was forbidden by his family to be an artist (because he was considered a nobleman). I tell you this film is interesting. As Harris and Ali Farka Toure play a version of John Lee Hooker's song under a tree on an island off the niger river, you can sense the stillness and camaraderie. Scorsese noted Harris's words. "To know yourself, you have to know the past".
Two quotes from Ali Farka Toure, "The culture is here, it is the heart of African tradition. We have all the roots of the history, the legends, the biography and the science and the African technology."
"I will tell you this, there are no black Americans. There are blacks in America, no black americans exist. The blacks left with their culture and they kept it. But the biography, the ethnicity, the legends they did lose. Still, their music is African. Whether in the US or in Mali i think that there are only cities and distances separating us, but our souls, our spirits are the same[snip]. I feel sorry, "why?" because they are people who should be united."
one more quote from alan Lomax
" When the whole world is bored with automated mass distributed video music our descendants will despise us for throwing away the best of our culture."
Its a wonderful film. Wouldnt it be cool if PBS teamed up with KTN or Citizen/Royal Media to show films such as these?

Of Books, chance & curiosity

2005-08-12T17:36:00.000-05:00

I have this weird rule, that if i read/hear/come across something that i make a mental note of or become curious about, then i'd probably check it out. If i hear the same thing a second time and it still evokes something in my mind, well that's when i think Yeah, i need to check that out; then probably procrastinate it and keep going on with 'life' as usual...Now if i hear it a third time and more often than not/especially in an entirely different context, then its finally settled. I definitely have to check it out.
Bhutan:
Strike 1: A good article in the tech review August edition, check it out here. Its about the Bhutanese concept of GNH(Gross National Happiness) as a measure of well the country is doing as opposed to GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
Strike 2: (2 weeks later) On my way home, NPR radio, Paul Rosenzweig was talking about how Bhutan tackles immigration from India by having a guest worker program. Listen to it here.
Strike 3. Global voices highlighted sepia mutiny, and this picture.

Ok..that's it then, perhaps i shall start here. then head back to sepia mutiny.

Sometimes, i come across books randomly, other titles persist in the back of your mind for months, even years...till one day you say..thats it! I am getting the book today. One of those persistent books is Charles Mackay's Extraordinary popular delusions and the madness of crowds.
A snippet from the preface
"In reading the history of nations, we find that, like individuals, they have their whims and their peculiarities; their seasons of excitement and recklessness, when they care not what they do. We find that whole communities suddenly fix their minds upon one object, and go mad in its pursuit; that millions of people become simultaneously impressed with one delusion, and run after it, till their attention is caught by some new folly more captivating than the first. We see one nation suddenly seized, from its highest to its lowest members, with a fierce desire of military glory; another as suddenly becoming crazed upon a religious scruple; and neither of them recovering its senses until it has shed rivers of blood and sowed a harvest of groans and tears, to be reaped by its posterity."

Song: Signs (2004) Album : Signs Artist: Bushman
Q:Have you ever felt that some books choose you?

RIP Peter Jennings

2005-08-10T21:34:00.000-05:00

When watching the special tribute on ABC tonight i was struck by the fact that i could remember watching some of the pieces highlighted in the tribute. I perhaps did not fully appreciate the importance of what Peter Jennings did at the time, and why i chose to watch World News tonight as opposed to the NBC show. I would always switch back to ABC after checking out NBC for a sec. The tribute was heartfelt and i learnt more about the man and his contribution to the world. He has definitely left a void in the news world. Condolences to his family, friends and those who were close to him.

Barnacles, typhoons and jupiters

2005-08-08T17:42:00.000-05:00

Memories of Asterix and Obelix, also Tin Tin spurred by the above post by milonare ...
Then pras reminded me of captain Haddock...
"Billions of billious blue blistering barnacles!"
"Ten thousand thundering typhoons!"
and did he also say "Jumping jupiters!?" NG hilariously deployed that on this post. Who said that ama is that an NG original?
please post more of those if you remember...

paging Memoire..hello?

Overheard:
Ms A trying to impress Mr. B : " I am a speed reader!"
Mr B. Clearly puzzled: "What!? You on crack or something?"

Word of the Day: Entreprenegro.

AU wants veto power in UN security council

2005-08-05T19:23:00.000-05:00

I do realise that i have been away for awhile, so [waving] hello there!

When i saw the above story by David Mugonyi, i was just nodding...hard.
Short Excerpt.
Mr Mwakwere said as currently constituted, the Security Council was undemocratic, since only five members — America, Britain, France, Russia and China — exercised the veto power for their own agendas.
African leaders, he said, resolved that since a third of UN members were African countries, it was time the continent was involved in decisions that affected it.
Said Mr Mwakwere: "We decided that the continent have a say at the same level as other members because it is part and parcel of the world."
The leaders, he added, considered the veto power undemocratic and would prefer it removed altogether. He, however, said since that was not forthcoming, Africa should have the slots.
The two seats, if granted, would be occupied on rotation basis — with southern, western, northern, eastern and central African countries occupying them in turns.

I am hoping it works out, it only seems fair eh?

**I second white African's sentiments on the upcoming movie 'The constant Gardener' by John le carre. Incidentally Bankelele recommended the book to me many moons ago, i liked the book, the prologue was disturbing...Le Carre noted that what he wrote couldnt even come close to the real situation of what was going on in Nairobi with research on the poor. [if my memory serves me correctly..its been a minute but i think that was the gist of it]

**Song of the Day: Earth Crisis (1984) by Steel Pulse.
- damage of the environment seen by astronauts aboard the Discovery shuttle. link.

Redefining GNP - Bhutan Style

2005-07-28T21:23:00.000-05:00

Very good article.
Excerpt:
"Can a poor nation like Bhutan achieve limited modernization, adopting only the media, the particular technologies, and the developmental policies that fit into its odd concept of GNH? Will Bhutan keep its forests off-limits to loggers? Will it continue to put a cap on the number of tourists who visit the country? Can it afford to invest more than a third of its budget in health and education?
So long as Bhutan declines foreign investment that goes against its environmental policies or infringes upon its sovereignty, it can do all of these things. Whether it should is something the Bhutanese themselves must decide."

update to post on riots and the constitution

2005-07-23T12:16:00.000-05:00

EA standard had more answers to the questions i posed yesterday when reading about the riots. I was about to pick out excerpts but the whole piece seems quite important, so i will put it here.

National referendum is next point of action
By Francis Openda and Allan Kisia

It is clear the country is headed for a referendum after Thursday night’s vote in Parliament.
It will be the first time for the country to conducting a referendum.
A referendum gives citizens the final say on whether what is being given to them is acceptable.
Unlike in the national elections in which voters pick a particular candidate, a referendum is basically a Yes or No vote. Voters have to adopt or reject the Draft Constitution in its entirety.
After the Attorney-General publishes the proposed new constitution, the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) embarks on two months of civic education ahead of the referendum scheduled for November.
To participate, one has to be a registered voter and be in possession of a national identity card.
Within 30 days of the submission of the Bomas Draft, the A-G will publish the proposed constitution that will incorporate proposals made from the consensus building process.
Kenyans will be able to engage in public debate on its contents.
Within 90 days of the publication of Constitutional Bill, the Electoral Commission of Kenya will hold a national referendum on the proposed constitution.
ECK will also conduct civic education. If the majority of Kenyans vote for the constitution, it will be adopted, otherwise it will be considered rejected.
Within 14 days of the referendum, the President will promulgate and publish the new constitution, if it is accepted, and it then comes into force.
While Kanu and LDP have all along demanded that the Bomas Draft be subjected to a referendum without any alteration, the Government has proposed changes first.
While the ECK puts the cost of referendum at a conservative figure of Sh2 billion, independent estimates say it could double.
Added to the Sh4 billion taken by the review, a new constitution could cost Kenyans in excess of Sh6 billion, the most expensive official project.
Kabete MP, Paul Muite a key proponent of the referendum, says subjecting the constitution to a popular vote is the only way to satisfy the public.

John Kamau has an updated blog post, check it out here
To see who voted for or against the review, the standard also does a good job. Link. I am saving the information from this link as it is important to remember who did what for the 2007 elections. Noted that Prof. Anyang Nyongo was among those that voted against the review. So hmm.

Riots about the constitution

2005-07-22T16:51:00.000-05:00

Excerpts.
"One man was killed and five more were injured - two of them policemen - in violence linked to attempts at blocking debate on the new Constitution yesterday."

In Mombasa, some youths demonstrated while carrying banners which read: "We want the Bomas Draft Constitution only."

Thinker noted
"Never have I ever been so ashamed to be a Kenyan. 90 people are massacred as MPs are stuffing their greedy bellies with chicken and samosas in coast as they completely change the constitution draft to suit themselves. The President could not even be bothered to go and console the families of the victims. And now we are being tear gassed for expressing our views?"
[] and italics...mine.

I feel like i need more information about what the MP's(kenyan members of parliament) are trying to do with the constitution. I am still confused as to what is happening, before we can even start talking about freedom of expression (clearly being violated by the govt).

The Kenyan journalist John Kamau has a post about the riots, his blog will definitely help in figuring out what is going on. (Thank you).
his post on the trouble in NE was especially informative and as was his article that appeared in the standard. Mental acrobatics also blogged about the neglect that NE has endured and the important connection between environment and peace.
La vox Humaine blogged about the NE massacre, saying "bowling for columbine comes to kenya"

need a laugh? Garrison Keillor

2005-07-16T17:39:00.000-05:00

This was rebroadcast today. Runs the gamut from lawyer jokes, knock knock, how many ___ does it take to screw a light bulb, GW and Kerry...etc.

On Cheney's health issues, GW was heard saying "Men dont have anginas".

Kerry walks and into a bar, and the bartender asks "Why the long face?"

Q:Why did the popsicle cross the road?
A: Coz it was stuck to the chicken.

scotty in a hard place

2005-07-13T19:02:00.000-05:00

He is between a *rock and a turd blossom.

for the newsweek story click here.

sidenote: I was wondering what was off about the New Daily show set, surfergirl of slate, just captures it.
What's with Cartoon network moving Family guy from 10:30 to 10pm, why make us choose between stewie and jon stewart? No fair!

*joji kichaka (ndesanjo u might need to copyright this..)

Be your own solar powered hotspot

2005-07-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

Via slashdot(Zonk) illustrated by josh mckibble
this just makes your solar backpack a whole lot cooler. The backpack is the same one from voltaic systems, just tricked out. For a detailed parts list, check the pop sci link above.
Q:What do you call someone who hacks solar powered gadgets?
A: Solacker?

missing the safari rally.

2005-07-08T16:40:00.000-05:00

If you come across a blog about the Safari rally in Kenya, give me a heads up would you?

Pole

2005-07-07T21:37:00.000-05:00

Pole.
(condolences - rough translation) The swahili word carries with it much more feeling than i could translate.

3 snaps for AU

2005-07-05T21:55:00.000-05:00

At the end of this piece by M, a few thoughts i would like to add... Just like the beautiful people snapped their fingers on live 8, here we go...
Snap1:
Intra trade increased by about 20% this past year. Considering Africa's population, isn't that not an immense market and potential? More of that please.
Snap2:
May i reiterate M's point from Pragma 6 on real solutions especially on civic education. an argument can be made that the seedlings of an African Renaissance have already sprouted and need some serious watering and tending. I would like to point to KJ's Head on corrishon. If you follow the series carefully, you will see empowering messages about voting, democracy and the voice of the youth, especially encouraging them to get voting cards for 2007 elections in Kenya.
Snap3:
Mshairi highlighted a quote from Muammar Gaddafi who was speaking at the African Union summit. 'Begging will not make the future of Africa - it creates a greater gap between the great ones and the small ones,' and Black Ambition gave me a heads up on gaddafi's call for a borderless Africa. The African Union IMO holds much promise in conflict resolution amongst other things. The AU is currently in Darfur but with alimited mandate. [According to an African Union (AU) press release, on May 28, 2004, the AU committed a ceasefire monitoring mission to the Darfur region. Currently, the mandate of the African Union (AU) troops is to oversee the ceasefire and protect the monitoring force on the ground. Their mandate does not extend to the protection of civilians whose lives are in constant danger; AU troops can only protect civilians from imminent threats during accidental "encounters."] I think it comes down to lack of cash. If African leaders were more forward looking and took ownership of our problems, then funding for the AU would not be dependent on appeals for 'logistical support' to the west/GS to intervene in troubled areas, and if we did intervene it would be more than to deal with accidental encounters. In the budgets of African countries, an allocation for payment into the AU would be good. Diaspora contribution to the AU would also be a good thing. Feel free to share what you think, especially in regards to the AU.

Foster's home on Cartoon Network

2005-07-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

Cartoon Network is running a marathon of Foster's home for imaginary friends on Cartoon Network this sunday afternoon.
Its one of the best cartoons IMO. If there are dvd's available please send me a link.
Happy 4th of July to you!

Live 8 on MTV and VH1

2005-07-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

They went to commercial when the south african group started performing. aaargh

2005-06-30T18:49:00.001-05:00

GM exhibit,

2005-06-30T18:49:00.000-05:00

skycar another angle

2005-06-30T18:47:00.000-05:00

Skycar by Moeller

2005-06-30T18:45:00.000-05:00

Baba Ganoush the clone. It was shivering alittle when i took this picture. (apologies, i could have taken one from the same angle so you could see how similar they are, but as thinker pointed out, cats do their own thing). That said, someone at that company must really love meditteranean food.

2005-06-30T18:42:00.000-05:00

Tahini the DNA donor cat

Nextfest contd. - solar, NASA, brainball

2005-06-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

The GE Solar exhibit was interesting, it explained how hygridding works, by showing how the energy flows from the panels to the inverter, to the battery and finally to the electric grid. For more on the different types of solar systems and how they relate to the grid, check out solarbuzz. There wasn't too much info in their stall and unfortunately was not able to talk to a rep, but i met a very helpful gentleman from the NY academy of sciences. They are working together with other organizations especially in healthcare with an eye towards achieving the UN millenium goals. Check out their site here.
Factoid on the stall: CFL's (Compact Flourescent Lamps) use 70-75% less energy than incandescent lamps.
We then moved on to the Interactive institute exhibit, the guys here were very helpful in explaining their technology. One such gentleman was named Magnus. There was a lamp and a translucent cord, you could see the blue wiring in the cord. When the lamp is plugged in, you could see how you are drawing energy from the grid. Magnus explained how when you connected a stereo you could see the way the bass takes up more energy. It makes for an interesting visual though, imagine a club where the wiring is set up, and you can see the energy thumping to the music. No that was not the point of their invention, it was more to make people more cognizant of how much energy they actually use. IMO energy is sometimes taken for granted. Just drive through any town in the us. and see just how many lights are on that do not really have to be. Magnus then showed us the solar shade. The PV(photovoltaic) panels are light and integrated with the shade to capture solar energy during the day, and the shade would illuminate the room at night. The battery was not visible at all, it was sewn into the fold of the shade at the bottom. They also had textiles that respond to heat, such that you could play tic-tac-toe with your cup of coffee with other guests. They are also the guys behind brainball, a game where you make a ball move on the table by being more relaxed. click here for more of their incredible inventions.
NASA Exhibit.See pics below of the Mars rover (it is solar powered) & link.
Spoke with Rich Wlezien.
Q: What technologies developed by NASA can we look forward to seeing in the consumer/public market?
A:- Replacing cell towers with unmanned remotely operated planes to support mobile communications.
- Use of satellite technology to detect forest fires (These happen often in the US)
- Applications in border security
- Hurricane tracking.

2005-06-28T20:36:00.000-05:00

Magnus and the Solar Shade.Note that the visible PV cells would be facing the outside of your window. :)

2005-06-28T20:35:00.000-05:00

high altitude unmanned, remotely operated airplanes. They can stay up there for weeks on end.

2005-06-28T20:33:00.001-05:00

Mars Rover

2005-06-28T20:33:00.000-05:00

mars ho!

2005-06-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

Solar sail

2005-06-28T20:31:00.000-05:00

GE Solar Exhibit

NextFest Robots

2005-06-27T22:10:00.000-05:00

The wired magazine is a popular magazine that highlights new technology, gadgets and ideas in science. This years nextfest was sponsored by several major companies e.g GE, Northrup Grumman, Motorola, etc.
It was a sweltering friday in chicago with temps hovering around 90 degrees fahrenheit, so i was relieved when we entered the exhibition area at the Navy Pier. The first thing we saw was the speed bullet that is capable of land speeds of 315mph. We walked in and passed through a fog produced by a suspended bar, i thought it was a cooling system since it was so hot outside, till when i looked at the other end of the room and saw images of a movie that looked like a holographic image. That is when i turned around and saw that the mist i just passed through had images of interlocking pipes. To my left there was a long rectangular LCD screen and audio..."Welcome to the future".
The first part we went to was the xerox area where several people were waving as they had their picture taken. Free is free right? Got in queue and got my memento of a thermal image. I was expecting a digital picture, instead i got a thermal image that looked very cool. I needed to remind myself..."welcome to the future". Your expectations are about to be blown out the water.
There were so many interesting exhibits, to write about them would take up so much time, so i will hit on the highlights this week of the bits that i particularly enjoyed. First up..Robots.
Philip K Dick Android project is a lifelike android portrait of philip K Dick, the writer of stories like minority report & paycheck that have been made into popular movies. For more info on the android project please click here. We were ushered into a small room that had a couch and a coffee table with PKD propped up on the corner of the couch. See pics below. The exhibitor started by telling us about the project, but some of us were already wondering when we could talk to PKD. He typed on the laptop alittle and PKD's head started going from side to side. He looked like he was twitching. His eyelids open and shut, quite naturally i might add, save for the sound you could hear when he blinked. After the intro by the exhibitor, i got the chance to wear the headset and ask him a question. I was alittle quesy as his eyes were actually focused on me. I asked how old he was. " ___human years". The numbers were not audible. I heard about wired nextfest right around the time our dear first lady asked a certain gentleman as to the name of his mother, so i really wanted to ask PKD too. (You know you wanted me to!) So therefore i asked "Who is your mother?" "I do not understand your question" he said and his eyes started blinking, his head moving side to side.
PKD asked "and what is your name?" "____"i said. "Thank you for the information" PKD replied. I wondered if he was winking. I then passed the headset on to the next guy (after several quizzical looks from the exhibitor who was definitely wondering why the hell i was asking PKD who his mother was, aki! ). The guy i gave the headset to must have been wondering about the winking because he asked "are you flirting with ____?" "I dont know that i am, I am a robot..." said PKD. Apologies for not having audio, i will definitely carry my recorder next time.

2005-06-27T22:04:00.001-05:00

PKD

2005-06-27T22:04:00.000-05:00

PKD's brain.

2005-06-27T22:03:00.000-05:00

PKD's hands are made of frubber, a material that looks and feels like human skin (info from wired link above)

Wired Nextfest- chicago(bad comp:(check out www.nextfest.net)

2005-06-25T11:32:00.000-05:00

2005-06-22T22:07:00.000-05:00

Sculpture on the grounds of the American Jazz museum. The Negro league Baseball museum is located next to the Jazz museum.

2005-06-22T22:05:00.000-05:00

Guitarist. He is absolutely wicked.

2005-06-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

Koko told of how she had been in a coma, how she regained her walking ability in January of this year. She was thankful to God that she was able to sing the blues that day.

2005-06-22T22:02:00.000-05:00

Koko Taylor at Rhythm and Ribs, 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City. June 18th.

frontline looks at the contracting biz in Iraq

2005-06-21T20:15:00.000-05:00

Update: Link to the PBS website. It has detail on the people interviewed and their background. Incredible footage and first rate reporting. You should be able to view the program online tomorrow wednesday at noon edt.
Frontline is on, check your local Public television listings (US). Its been on for 15 minutes and its incredible.

sidenote: Check out this clip of Rep.Sensenbrenner going bananas at the judiciary commitee. Then check out this clip from the follow up on the house.
You can also see the full vid (about an 1hr and 1/2) on the CSPAN site. (Hearing on the reauthorization of the patriot act).

phat and flat

2005-06-18T14:59:00.000-05:00

The World is phat,
The world is flat,
Tom friedman is flat.

Better poll question please?

2005-06-13T19:33:00.000-05:00

link to Nationmedia article.
Q:"If elections were held now, who would you vote for?"

Shouldn't the question be about the ISSUE MOST IMPORTANT to kenyans in the runup to 2007 elections instead of WHO should be president?

The stats by Steadman group (Havent researched abt the company yet...)

Ludacris shows Africa some love

2005-06-09T17:51:00.000-05:00

Ludacris featuring Bobby Valentino
Pimping around the world.
I mentioned the song on this post when we were discussing the chasm between africans and african americans. To recap, it was because of a line at the end of the rap"...ain't no need of even askin brah, the best women all reside in Africa, and that's real".
I was jazzed by this video. He features authentic African dances, which were amazing. To watch the video, (sorry i cant find a link to the vid online right now, give it afew days, hopefully it will be available on MTV.com). According to Africanhiphop.com, the vid was shot in South Africa, specifically the Lion Park, the Zimbali lodge and the Sibaya casino on the Kwa zulu natal coast. On Luda, the shield, the safari suit that has African accents on it, The t-shirt he was wearing had a message on it about culture and the past, I couldn’t quite read all of it. If you see it again please let me know what is written on his t-shirt, it was a nice quote, that I could gather.
He chose to focus the video on the African aspect, the other locations in the world were shown as postcard stills.
Also according to Africanhiphop.com, the model featured Mathapelo Maimane, a part of the local production crew (He declined to use American models).
I am loving what he did with this.
I think the African American market has not been fully tapped as a source of tourism dollars. Americans watch a lot of TV, probably rivaling our very own NG…but hey, watch as more African Americans get curious and go to SA.
Kenya Tourism authority had better call Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Dead Prez, The neptunes etc and offer them tickets to do a video in Kenya.(My mind is racing thinking of the possibilities!) Confluence of cultures, I love it.
To vote for the vid on BET click here
Msanii what do you think?
Side notes
*There is a group called Fatty Koo with a song called ‘Bounce’.On the bet site its highlighted as 'Blowin up, Fatty Koo'. Damn, Fatty Koo?
*Surfergirl on the Brad Pitt interview on Primetime Live with Diane Sawyer.
*Bush, Blair, Africa, Aid and John Stewart. Click here for clip from crooks and liars.

Art of Democracy

2005-06-07T16:37:00.000-05:00

I was listening to Eric Wainaina's 'Daima mimi Mkenya' again and was struck by the connection between art and democracy. Several years ago, the song was referred to as 'The New Kenyan Anthem'. I am still marinating this post, you are welcome to comment on what you feel were momentous pieces of art, music or books that are important in the budding democracy that is Kenya. Oh. Unbwoggable by Gidi Gidi Maji Maji for sure is one of those.

Quote of the day: "Nominating John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations is a little like nominating Jeffrey Dahmer for surgeon general. " Robert Wright in Slate.

10 most harmful books of the 19th and 20th century

2005-06-05T22:25:00.000-05:00

Via Billmon The list
I chuckled alittle when i saw Frantz Fanon, i read the excerpt on bullets&honey, and was planning on looking for the book, and yeah, i am definitely getting it.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, Origin of species by Darwin also got mentioned.

movie tag- fired by akiey and adrian...HIT!!!

2005-06-03T18:17:00.000-05:00

I will keep this brief…
1. Total number of films I own on dvd/video: 5 on dvd, with a box in storage of perhaps 25 VHS tapes.
2. The last film I bought: The Incredibles

3.The last film I watched:
- Tv :Preety woman … It was on TNT and they had this dinner and a makeover thing with a dude proposing during commercial breaks. Sappy!
-Theatre: Crash – Loved loved that movie, it has some of my favourite actors. The star of the movie though is the story. I would add my recommendation to that of Akiey, Deno and others who tell you to go see it.
4.Five films that I watch a lot or that mean a lot to me: I will start with my faves that are not that heavy on meaning..
- Lock stock and 2 smoking barrels
- High heels and low lives
- The usual suspects
Now to the heavy ones,
- Hotel Rwanda
- The Kitchen Toto
* Love Jones too
5. Tag five people and have them put this in their journal: I hope these 5 don’t mind…
JJR and Irene , Bankelele, Wassapangaz, The virtual insanity crew, Magaidi and Techheadz. oops that was 6...oh well.

ole

2005-05-30T15:31:00.000-05:00

from Head on Corrishon by the talented and amazing KJ.
Please KJ could you blog?
Update:For Xenon, the translation of the above toon. "Ole Ntimama, we know of, but this ole brosekui, whose child is he?"
note:Ole Ntimama is a Kenyan Maasai member of parliament. In african culture, most people are identified by their parentage. Thus 'Child of' = 'Ole' in Maasai tribe, 'Wa' in Kikuyu, 'Arap' in Kalenjin etc.
I bet you already gathered about the 'nolle prosequi', which is latin legalese for what AG wako did about LucySlap and CholmondeleyShot.

Lay off the Press

2005-05-26T20:38:00.000-05:00

I am incensed to no end when I read about the AG Amos Wako saying that the media is biased and intolerant. Really? Mr. Wako, biased and intolerant? We are hearing this from you? Right now? After all the nolle prosequi's you've thrown about? Lucy Kibaki going on and on about how she is being persecuted by the press, the WH blaming Newsweek for the deaths in the Arab world resulting from riots due to the now retracted story about the Koran being flushed in Guantanamo bay. BTW, The Koran may indeed have been flushed[I dont mean to sound insensitive to the Koran here]. “Newsweek was wrong about its source, right about the story”
I admire journalists and consider their profession quite noble. They often put their lives on the line for us to be informed. Just a few names to think of… Mohammed Amin , Daniel Pearl, David Bloom of NBC, Giuliana Sgrena, and many others around the world. We blog about the stories they cover, yet I wonder if we really appreciate what it takes for us to read the story.
Remember when Journalists were arrested willy nilly in the Nyayo years, now that we have a semblance of democracy, the importance of the press cannot be underestimated. The press helps us hold the [Kenyan] govt’s feet to the fire. (There are arguments for baking said govt at a decent temperature till the resulting MP’s can be more pragmatic and do more than just pass 1 bill in 1 year, and make exorbitant health provisions for themselves + 2 wives and 8 bambinos.
It seems to me that when the press reports on issues that rub the govt the wrong way, the government reps start making statements like…first to VP Moody Awori [he made some other statements here that kind of made sense lakini…]
“The VP gave the example of the Kenyan constitutional debate and said that although it dominated the news, journalists should also tell the story that the government is functioning better than it did two years ago.” Hmm I think that may be debatable. Correct me if I am wrong.
Now to Scott McLennan
“"It's puzzling that while Newsweek now acknowledges that they got the facts wrong, they refused to retract the story," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. "I think there's a certain journalistic standard that should be met and in this instance it was not."
"The report has had serious consequences," McClellan said. "People have lost their lives. The image of the United States abroad has been damaged."” Cough* Illegal Iraq*cough*War*cough*Abu Ghraib*. [Link to Kos’ Pot Meet Kettle]
That is not to say that the media doesn’t have issues, we all know media both in the US and Kenya have issues. Allow me to reiterate “M Vs Daily Nation” Result: They published an acknowledgement of their obvious error. Charles Onyango-Obbo (love his writing btw!) wrote that the Kenyan media is facing a credibility crisis. That is self reflection in a reality based way. I think the media does realize that their bread and butter depends on us readers being able to trust them to report the story, uh and pay for it too. Like all relationships you can’t expect it to be all rosy all the time. Now about the Newsweek scandal check out Stephan Richter’s take on the REAL Newsweek scandal. If you thought for one moment that PBS is a safe place to chill out from the ranting of Bill Oreilly on fox, well ,tivo the programs right now, coz apparently the conservatives want to influence that too. Check out Media Matters for America “Hands off my PBS!” The interview of the new CPB president. (He doesn’t listen to much public radio – btw, Jason Beaubien of NPR covered the Kenyan elections so wonderfully I could give him a Pulitzer!)
Before govt spokesmen get to pointing fingers at the press, how about some self reflection and some reality based analyses of what is REALLY going on? Something about removing logs from one’s eyes and all that? Could Lucy at least replace Clifford Derrick’s camera? Please?

Oh what a bloggy web we weave

2005-05-25T22:25:00.000-05:00

Please click on the image to see it clearly.
To map out your blog, click here to go to touchgraph

Hat tip to JJR! check out this story: Run Lornah Run Amazing piece.
"Without courage you cannot stand and talk"
Lornah Kiplagat.

"Mnyonge hana haki" (the poor have no rights)

2005-05-18T18:02:00.000-05:00

The criminal case against Lucy Kibaki has been thrown out. Link Check out Adrian's great post on Justice made in kenya. Please comment there so we can track the diff contributions in one place...ama?

The magistrate said: "The court feels the nolle prosequi goes against public expectations. It tramples on the right of the vulnerable and the hopeless in society.
"Whichever way the court feels, it could complain about the circumstances of presentation but can't ever reject a nolle prosequi. That is the law and I am bound by it." Mr Otieno objected to the nolle prosequi, saying it had not been signed by the AG and that there were no proceedings before the court for the AG to take over and purport to terminate.
"I am disappointed. All I can say is we need a new constitution. Mnyonge hana haki (The poor have no rights)," said Mr Otieno.

If you are a kenyan lawyer or well versed in Kenyan law, is there a provision somewhere that can buck this stifling rationale given by mr murgor? ( I doubt, but who knows what can happen when you have bloggers who can chambua (analyze and breakdown) things. They need to hurry and put the laws of kenya online for free.Bankelele blogged about it. Link. You can click here for a link to a pay per use site (the link is via KenyanPundit whose comments on this are anticipated, albeit by many bloggers)

literally ROF..

2005-05-15T13:25:00.000-05:00

Head on corrision on Nationmedia. I hope KJ doesnt mind me posting it here.

How about hygrid for Kenya?

2005-05-11T17:34:00.000-05:00

There was a great article in Wired Magazine about hygrid. (plugging into the energy grid and feeding your excess energy generated from privately owned solar systems.) They finally have a link to the story. The writer Daniel Pink is quite witty. “…hygrid is the new prius”. He titles the piece “The new power generation” ala Prince’s band (how cool). Anyway, now to the meat and potatoes of the article…The main pieces of hygrid are the inverter which is tied to the grid, solar panels, battery panel, storage tanks for solar heated water & geothermal heat pumps.
“Thanks to advances in technology and changes in public policy over the past 10 years, however the cost of solar has nearly halved again and continues to fall, according to the US National Renewable energy Lab” It can still be pricey to hygrid he points out, but some states subsidize homeowners who want to use solar and other renewable energy sources. “If hygridders produce more energy than they can use or store, local utilities are required to buy it from them and credit their electric bills”

This is amazing to me. Imagine for a moment that the focus of Kenya's energy policy could include this idea into its current framework, and that of solar in general. I bet we have several mechanical and electronic engineers who can hook this up. I was glad to read from Bankelele that Barclays would provide loans for solar energy projects. Tax cuts from the government would also help the already overtaxed populace. Imagine setting up a solar system for your family, not getting a bill, instead getting a check as credit for selling back your energy to Kenya power. Solarbuzz has some great information on solar energy, including conferences and fairs coming up. In Kenya, solagen, kenital etc.

Side note: Via Kenyan Embassy
Prof. Wangari Maathai's Meeting with Kenyans
We wish to kindly inform that Prof.Wangari Maathai''s meeting with Kenyan nationals this Friday, May 13, 2005, at the Embassy will run between 6.00-8.00 p.m. Kenya EmbassyWashington, D.C.
UPDATE: There were some great ideas in the comments section, just wanted to include them here..
Mental: "This would be espically useful for places where KP&L feel it is uneconomical to operate."
Memoire:"I was thinking about the excesses of vehicle use in Kenya and the gvt ought also to be quick about developing a train/tram network in Nbi/major towns otherwise Kenya will go down the US route of over-contributing to pollution levels."
MJY:"Setting up a solar system is not just a good idea financially but also for our environment. We are already placing a huge burden on mother earth yet she so readily gives us safer, natural options."

Uganda: Long term goal? INDEPENDENCE from AID.

2005-05-09T22:28:00.000-05:00

From Xinhua Link Read the whole story, its not that long.I like museveni's way of thinking. This is the problem...ok how are we going to fix it...and get on with it!
highlights:
[snip]Following the end of political turmoil in 1986, Uganda embarked on major economic reforms which are today responsible for the growth in economy, which is mainly based on agriculture. The growth is now attracting many foreign investors to the country. It is on this basis that the Ugandan government is now looking at the possibilities of mobilizing resources from within rather than depending on donor aid that has many strings attached to achieve a self-sustained economy. [snip]
Observers said if measures are implemented cautiously, problems handled properly, Uganda will certainly achieve the goal of a self-sustained economy.[snip]

Privacy shprivacy.

2005-05-08T14:14:00.000-05:00

From Wired .Link
Zaba Search makes available your name, address, phone number, age and satellite photo (globe explorer) of where you live. I didnt believe it till i tried it out. Two sides to the coin, though i am abit freaked out by it.

Solar Backpack

2005-05-05T18:09:00.000-05:00

Solar Backpack: with a range of adapters for cellphone, cd, etc.Very cool

lucy saga continues...

2005-05-03T21:30:00.000-05:00

Video is available on the standard website. Link Lucy says that kenyans do not understand her role. link I am reminded of Githush's piece on first ladies. I think she has set the women's movement back. Its bad enough that kenyan women deal with chauvinism, this incident will come up when a woman is on the cusp of real power. Sorely dissapointed. Anyway, here are the highlights from the article in nation.

The media, she said, "must start respecting the President by addressing him through his rightful title... His Execellency the President or Mr President". [snip]
"I told them to pack up the band and play normal music, but they refused. They packed up the band and continued with loud music inside the house. I sat outside by my swimming pool until 4am because I could not sleep." [snip]
However, she said, in storming the house, she was also doing so on behalf of Muthaiga residents whose rights she has championed for 30 years, as a senior citizen. "The residents come to me for assistance when they have no water, power or such noise and I have always come to their rescue.
"I was doing it out of instinct. I have done this before all my life. I was doing it on behalf of Muthaiga residents especially those who live on Tchui Road. They always plead with me for help."
But she denied that her children – Judy and David – were at the party, saying they were "too dignified to go to nightclubs". [snip]
Mrs Kibaki also took issue with Press reports that she had recorded a statement with the police. "I have never recorded a police statement since I was born," she said. [snip]
Mrs Kibaki defended herself against accusations that she had directed arrests of certain individuals such as Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo. "Those who say that I directed the arrests of sijui who... Ndolo, or whoever, are liars; of what benefit would that be to me?" she posed.

speaking of Ndolo, is he still in jail? He needs to be set free ASAP.

"But you do not have to be so nasty to other people. You have been nasty and unkind to us ... English words to describe what you have done to us fail me," she said, suppressing tears. [snip]
On her role as First Lady, she said the press had targeted her for "condemnation and constant criticism" because they did not understand what she was supposed to do and how she was supposed to behave. The fact that Kenya has not had a First Lady for many years and one as daring and as brave as her, made Mrs Kibaki the target of "a nasty mainstream press".

Noticed, no apology yet to the KTN journalist she slapped. That should have been the first thing she said before addressing any other of her concerns. She wants us to feel sorry for her? Meanwhile, MP's and religious leaders are speaking out about this and taking Kibaki to task.

it aint over - lucy oh lucy! on a 5 min? hunger strike.

2005-05-02T22:28:00.000-05:00

link wassapangaz also had an entry She demanded Diop arrested (no chance of this - diplomatic immunity) This has ceased to be funny. Highlights from the article.

Mrs Kibaki confiscated notebooks, pens, cameras and tape recorders from journalists who were following her protests.
[Snip] "I am not leaving this place until I get the person who said I was at Muthaiga Police station... I also want my lawyer," she told her security at 12.45 pm.
[snip]
Mrs Kibaki at one point slapped Kenya Television Network cameraman Clifford Derick, who was recording her.
[snip] When internet editor Churchill Otieno arrived in the newsroom, she walked straight for him and asked: "Are you the editor? I am here to know why you are writing lies about me. I want to know who at Muthaiga police station gave you the story. After you tell me I will go straight to the studio and record my statement." [snip]
At one point she expressed her regrets: "This a very backward job, now you have a very juicy news," then she broke into laughter
"You are writing and showing lies about me. Why dont you show Kenyans the other side?" she asked.
[snip]

Then the First Lady declared at 1.20 am that she was going on a hunger strike at Nation Centre.
The hunger strike lasted 5 minutes?
Five minutes later, she ordered her security to go and fetch for her food from the State House. She later called and ordered breakfast.

One minute i am laughing, then i am sad(She slapped a dude... WTF?????), then i laugh again at the 5 minute hunger strike. Damn i need a hug. .

Plus Zell Miller was on Daily Show, his book "The deficit of deceny". I am still shaking my head as it is probably the biggest misnomer i have heard. Its a long story wooie from last year's convention where Zell (a so called Dem) went awol on the Republican convention, then challenged chris matthews (a news pundit) to a duel. The man was on a tirade, and he is taking about decency? He made a stab at gangster, or did he call them yankster rappers?
Ai, too much, all together now...wooosaaah, wooosah.

Odds and ends

2005-05-02T18:08:00.000-05:00

It sounds like its first lady week: Crooks and liars has clip of Laura Bush apparently getting a standing ovation for telling a thorough joke. link I watched it and i didn't find it that funny (perhaps since its been overplayed?) for a transcript click here Via Surfer girl of slate who say's Take my president. Please she wasnt laughing much, and she was there at the dinner.
BTW, did anyone catch the Bush press conference last thursday? I seriously wanted to give my American friends a hug. (As in pole!)

Dont know what to make of this story about CNN spamming bloggers. It is unsubstantiated, lakini i'll include it since most of you guys are bloggers...

From xinhua news agency SA is investigating claims of radiation. Mr. Mbeki's remarks are kinda weird though. contrast these statements from the same story.

Their plight came to the fore after an occupational health expert found that out of a sample of 23 former Pelindaba workers, 10 showed signs of having been exposed to hazardous substances "which could cause adverse health effects."
Mr Mbeki says

I am deeply disturbed by the reckless statements that have been made regarding the Pelindaba nuclear emissions and how these are affecting the people of Atteridgeville," Mbeki said.
"These are statements made without foundation and are, in my view, totally impermissible. We cannot go on scaring people about something that does not exist."

Isnt this the same dude who was wishy washy about AIDS?(cant specifically recall his statements) 10 out of 23. Doesnt that even warrant a question mark in his brain? Then get this..
Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said the government intended to pass legislation to make it a punishable offense to spread allegations which resulted in unnecessary panic or incitement

Check out Ethan z's blog, he has pictures drawn by children in Darfur. Link Some modicum of good news, via allafrica, AU is doubling peace keeping forces.

This by Toli made me laugh.
"Good resolutions are like babies crying in church, they should be carried out immediately." - Modern Ghanaian proverb.

Mrs Roocy Kibaki asks 'Who is your mother'

2005-04-30T21:39:00.000-05:00

- Mama Diop? Mama Diop!
link I want to see the pictures!! highlights from nation article written by Story by [snip]

First Lady Lucy Kibaki dramatically disrupted a farewell party at the Nairobi home of outgoing World Bank country director Makhtar Diop on Friday night.
An angry Mrs Kibaki invaded the house demanding that the loud music be switched off.
At that time musicians Mercy Myra, Eric Wainaina and Suzanne Kibukosya were on stage entertaining the guests. [snip]At one time she told Mr Diop that no man in Kenya has dared talk back to her. [snip]

Singer Eric Wainaina recalls: "I was still on stage preparing to do my second song when she turned up. She had like five bodyguards and ordered the music to be stopped from playing. It was so embarrassing since she is the First Lady and even diplomats had been invited.
"She could not listen to anyone, not even to Mr Diop himself. In fact she started asking irrelevant questions such as ‘who is your mother?’ It was so bad. What she was wearing was not very clear to me, but it looked more like some blue track suit or pyjamas." [snip]

Some of those present witnessed Mrs Kibaki trying to unplug the music system and shouting that "This is Muthaiga, not Korogocho".

Its Moto!!

angalia this meme. by wassapangaz, and also the ones by Bankelele, everyone really kinda said something about her.

And the oscar for best dramatic sequence goes to...

btw it is almost mothers day in US, her PR people could spin it that she wanted to wish Mama Diop 'Happy Mother's Day!' We have checkad!

oh btw, does that mean 'Who's your daddy' is so passe' as a phrase? KJ of redykyulas should do a sketch of this incident complete with play by play commentary by nyambane. Cant wait to hear what the blogosphere will say! . Ok, i'll stop now.

Update: Check out who is your mother and luci kibaki a repository of Roocy shenanigans. :)

JamRock - Damian & Stephen Marley concert

2005-04-28T16:49:00.000-05:00

The first thing that popped in my head as my sis and I turned onto the main street was "Coffee". The air was infused with the smell of it, increasing in intensity as we neared the destination. After a couple of blocks, my mind switched to the immediate need of finding a parking spot.

We got in quickly after paying half the price (We were late and had missed the first set.) We finagled our way onto a vantage point. Jr. Gong was a vision in dreadlocks that extend close to his knees. Rapid fire delivery, lilting alittle, undulating beat, thoughtful, then slowly building, building into a pandemonium of sorts, with us jumping around with our hands in the air.
"Exodus! Movement of Jah People"

After a couple more songs, Jr. Gong and his band leave the stage. We go and get some tshirts. The crowd starts stomping on the floor (it wasnt an aggressive type of stomp) shouts of 'JamRock!" are heard(from people i know ;). They return with Stephen Marley, and get right to performing. The vocalist is incredible. Her voice is expressive, effortlessly so, so powerful. Her dancing...passion personified.
The air is thicker and it feels hot, i fan myself with my palms (futile! - dont ask GW to pronounce that word).

"Could You be Loved?"
I start smiling, like this huge huge smile and saying things like "Thats! My! favourite! Song!" (I think my sis was wincing at how giddy i was, and probably at how loud i was exclaiming...corny moment of the day.) This version of could you be loved is amazing. The original is preserved, but they speeded up alittle, so its like you are hearing Bob Marley kabisa, yet it is updated. I was damn near euphoric with glee. (Should there be a rule that if you cover one's legendary song that you have to be a direct talented progeny?- This version was amazing. If the marley brothers tour again, check out their version of 'Kaya' Hai, utapenda - you will love it).

Some tall dude (wooie he looked African) just comes and plants himself infront of us bila masilahi. we look at each other quizzically, wait a moment to see if he realises the error of his way (literally)...he doesn't. Repositioning...
A guy on the stage is waving the lion flag. (I had seen him before at previous concerts by the Marley brothers) The enthusiasm of his flag waving cannot be underestimated. I swear he is the best flag waver i have ever seen. He waved that flag to the beat the whole time we were there, his dancing was preety good too.

There is something magical about reggae. It seeps into your soul, your mind and most of all your body. It makes you move, and stomp your right foot on the floor as if in worship at church, stretch your right hand in the air as if you are elastigirl from the incredibles...then be at a loss for words to say, coz you are enjoying this so so much.

For tour dates in US and UK click here

Rawstory on Gannon

2005-04-26T22:19:00.000-05:00

link here... sorry too tired today to blog about it, but it will probably be blowing up on Kos later in the day.

Kibaki meme.

2005-04-22T19:02:00.000-05:00

Kijiti ya thinker, bankelele na githush...

1 a. Do u think Kibaki is LAZY?
It appears to me that he may be having trouble keeping up with the pace of Kenyan society. Could it be the side effects from his medication?

1 b. Give an instance of when he portrayed LAZINESS as president.
Ditto on thinker’s , Kenyan pundit, bankelele and Githush’s assessments, Though I will add about the lack of vision. Tuko wapi na tunaelekea? The importance of vision to me is so important. (granted am away, lakini I don’t get a sense of this at all, correct me if I am wrong) I recall a quote that goes something like ‘it is easier to motivate people against something, than to motivate them for something’. I was in Kenya shortly before the election and he was elected in part because people were fed up and were motivated against…well you know…moi his ilk. Bleh bleh… Kibaki’s challenge is to motivate and deliver on a clear vision, consistently and on point.

2 a. What trait do u find the single most detrimental to the national cause?
As Mr. Njeru says ‘Money illusion syndrome’ i.e. dependence on AID for budgetary support, and the squandering (si you know!) of said support.

2 b. Comment on it Link to research paper by James Njeru. Skip to the conclusion if you do not have time. Of note.
"The linkage between foreign aid flow and recurrent expenditure may indicate that at the margin, not all aid flow is spent for development purposes. Policy makers may perceive aid commitments as increases in government revenue and after the budget approvals they switch budgetary resources from one vote to another to finance any extra recurrent expenditure. This explains why the government is able to pay salaries and allowances for civil servants immediately upon entering into new contracts on aid disbursement."

Not only are we in debt, the system if messed up and these guys are not really talking about the issues in a constructive manner. Our leaders need to change their thinking on how they perceive AID, DEBT and BUDGET. Better yet, we need to reevaluate how we see those 3 things. Yeah we are in a funk, lakini we can work towards getting out of it! How about a regular peugeot instead of a mercedes and the fancy cars we read about when the NARC govt came into power. Our leaders then passed 1 not 2 not 3, 1 bill in 2004. What about the ‘monster trucks’ driven by constitution commissioners ? Na constitution iko wapi?

3. What is the most embarrassing thing, in your opinion, Lucy Kibaki has done?The one I recall involved the reassertion of her first ladyness. Tact woie tact.

4. Do you wonder where Wambui, the Hillary Rodham of Kenya, ever went to?

nope
5. Do you care How much influence the First Lady has over decisions made by the president?
Yeah. It would be great if she had an exemplary influence, I am all pro-women leading the world…(Quit shaking me!!!…I am awake now…) still.

6. What is the single most critical issue facing the Kenyan presidency today? Others have answered this one thoroughly, so I will say chauvinism. The fact that Kiraitu Murungi still has a job in the govt.

7. Did you vote in 2002 General Elections? (must answer). No excuses required.

No. Away from home, no absentee ballot.

8 a. Do you care?

Yes

8 b. Who else would you like to complete this meme?
Mental, Ms K, Bullets&Honey, MJY, Mshairi, Wassapangaz , shipwright and everyone at KenyaUnlimited! oh and nicholas gichu too.

African Union Response!

2005-04-20T22:49:00.000-05:00

For those who read this blog, you may recall that i mentioned AU needs to have an online app to enable people in the diaspora or anyone for that matter to contribute directly for their efforts in Africa. This was precipitated in part by this entry I wrote to the admin then, no response. Tried again and cc’d the webmaster

Your Excellency,
My name is [snip], a [snip] of Kenyan origin. I got the above Contact from the site which is super by the way. As an African, I would like (and I think many other Africans away from home would) like to be able to make a direct financial contribution to the AU using a web application on the African Union site. This would enable your venerable organization to tap into the generosity and ability of Africans to contribute to a specific cause that your organization is working on. An example of this is the UN foundation site https://secure.groupstone.com/unf-donate/donate.asp?program=rwanda
Very thankful for your work and hopeful for a better Africa,[snip]

The response

Dear [Snip],

Thanks for your interest in the African union.
We would like to assure you that your message has been forwarded to the Bureau of the Chairperson of the African Union.

Best regards,
-----------------------------------------
Christiane Yanrou
Senior Website Administrator
African Union

If you would like this done, the contact info is on the African Union site link . From the above correspondence it appears the appropriate person to contact is the Bureau of the Chairperson of the African Union
Director, Bureau of the Chairperson
Mrs. Margaret Vogt
Tel: (251) 1 525838
Fax: (251) 1 513036
E-mail: mailto:VogtM@africa-union.org

Tusaidiane!! (Lets help each other) If you saw Hotel Rwanda and wish we as africans had done more, send an email. If you read reports of rape and death in the Congo, send an email, if you read and your heart breaks at the genocide in Darfur Sudan, send an email, then when the app is running, give what you can to help African Union do what it must.

Odds and ends

2005-04-16T11:32:00.000-05:00

A video game which aims to teach children about global hunger has been released by the United Nations. When I get time, will try it out…
Calling a spade a spade, IMF and World Bank undemocratic. Meanwhile, there is economic growth in Africa, but people are still poor. That is because the world financial systems are completely skewed, amongst other things ofcourse... We already know that. The African ministers should be applauded and now the next question becomes, what happens if IMF and World Bank relent perhaps and allow a modicum of real contribution of voices and real action? In my opinion, I doubt that it would happen expeditiously, this could take years. Regional integration is something that can enhance the ‘African voice’. If we can trade with each other more, and create a more solid bloc, perhaps the IMF and the World Bank may have to think twice. We are in the correct direction however, EAC (I think it is now a customs union) specifically has made huge strides in this direction. We have so many organizations, COMESA, NEPAD, AU, all with different budgets, what if they were consolidated? Streamline the mandates that are alike and create sub organizations to handle ‘special circumstances’. The fast tracking of African integration should perhaps be one of the most important things we could do, in conjunction with what the African ministers are doing. Burn the candle from both ends. For those in the Diaspora, contribution to such organizations should be encouraged. AU does not have a way to contribute online right now. Contact info here.
Relevant books that I read awhile ago that may pertain to this…Hertz, Noreena - The Silent takeover ,Soros, George - Soros on Globalization .I am yet to read The Debt Threat also by Noreena Hertz.

The world in the last 24 hrs. A great summary by soj.
BTW, isn't Bono quite cool? I feel like making something for him. My beading skills are lacking, perhaps I can pick up something for him from Maasai market when I go home later in the year. Just a thought...I checked for U2 tickets and most of their shows are sold out. Anyone reading this and going for the U2 concert, please carry a placard saying “Thank you, from Africa!” For real, he does a lot in championing debt relief.

I saw this story on weapons (soj linked to it), and it reminded me of Koranteng Toli’s words
“The one thing that all the developed countries in the world insist upon is that they have the right to sell you weapons systems. They'll disagree about aid, their protective tariffs or debt relief, but if your poor country needs guns, by God, it's your right to find a supplier (and preferably ours).”
Can you smelt weapons and turn them in farm machinery? One can dream…

BTW, Check Kenyan pundit on githongo, and now Gladwell Otieno on Kenya’s fight against corruption.
Watched Sahara the movie...Favorite part was the humongous solar farm, and to a small extent, the guy who was merovingian on matrix reloaded.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali profiled in The New York Times Magazine

2005-04-10T11:32:00.000-05:00

Link to the article.If you are not able to read everything, here is a short short summary from the article,(do read the article though in order to get the full gist of what she is about).
She is an outspoken critic of Islam's treatment of women. She is currently a Dutch legislator. She was born in Somalia to educated parents who had to go into exile. She attended Muslim girls secondary school on Park Road Nairobi, Kenya. (During this time her name was Ayaan Hirsi Magan.In case you remember her from school)She attended University of Leiden where she studied political science and political philosophy.She has written a book 'The Cage of Virgins'(doesnt seem to be on BN or Amazon).Ms Ali Wrote Submission Part I, Theo Van Gogh directed it. Mr.Van Gogh was murdered November 2nd 2004 by an Islamic Extremist in opposition to the film. There is a 3min clip of the film called Submission available on ifilm, here is the link.Some quotes from the article: Ms Ali "I may polarise on television and on the op-ed pages, but in parliament, i always get my majority"
Caldwell Campbell the author of the article:"Hirsi Ali has been dealt a full house of the royal virtues: courage, intelligence, compassion. She has needed them. Hers is a big, heroic life that moves her fellow citizens but now gets lived mostly in locked rooms and bulletproof cars. She leads that life partly above other Dutch people, as a national symbol -- and partly below them, as a prisoner. She is a democracy campaigner for whom the role of an ordinary democratic citizen is off-limits, an egalitarian for whom equal treatment is turning out to be an elusive and maybe impossible thing."
I am completely in awe of what she is doing, despite the danger to her life. What courage, what conviction.

Chasm between Africans and African Americans?

2005-04-07T20:32:00.000-05:00

This entry was precipitated by a conversation with an African American who simply asked me "Why is it that Africans do not like African Americans?" I think it is not so much dislike, i think part of the reason for this,is perhaps ignorance or a lack of knowledge about African american history. Lets' see, i do not recall learning about the underground railroad or Hariet Tubman in school, i came to learn about it when i came to the US. It is a large body of work and African American culture cannot be summarized by the images you see in the media, or the rap videos. It is a wonderful culture all its own, which i am not qualified to even attempt an analysis. The same case about lack of knowledge about African history can be made for some African americans. It doesnt appear that we had a confluence point for the two cultures. I think in the 60's there was dialogue between the black leaders in America and leaders in Africa, as we were all struggling for civil rights, just on different continents. African Americans wore dashiki's, and i dont know to what extent American culture permeated Africa at the time. (If there is a blogger with insight about that, please post)Well, point is, i think there was some dialogue with the leaders on both continents. (I know i have to support this assertion with specific facts, i will add that later, send me links if you have some, this is more of a thought)Moving along...I do not recall a major initiative by African leaders to reach out to the black community here, When African leaders visit the US do they speak to the NAACP? I dont know, i could be wrong about this.There is an author whose upcoming book will look at this question, amongst other immigrant experiences that he shares in his book Check out his website here Disclosure: The author and his wife are dear friends, i actually read the manuscript for the book.
Song of the day: Pimping Around the world by Ludacris(Believe me, listen to the song!)Why is it the song of the day on a Kenyan blog?? Because of this line towards the end of the song...
"...ain't no need of even askin brah, the best women all reside in Africa, and that's real"
Need i say more? Peace.
*This entry may contain generalizations, look at it as more of just a thought...
Update: Do check out The Desert Warrior's take on this issue link

Nice paper - CS Monitor

2005-04-06T22:21:00.000-05:00

Happened to pick up The christian Science monitor yesterday April 5th, and was pleasantly surprised to find 3 articles about africa, and an editorial about Zim. The editorial looked at the struggle for democracy in Zim and Ukraine,pointed out: Ukraine - well fed masses, zim, people are hungry. Ukraine - judiciary ruled in favor of a new election, Zim - Courts have yet to take up the opposition's legal challenges to the 2002 elections.
The other story by 'World reporter on the job' Mike Crawley was on Imam Demba Diawara, a leader in the village of Ker Simbara Senegal. He learned how to read and inspired others.Get this...the number of projects underway; community owned store, Day care ctr, Medical clinic once a week and literacy classes. This was a great positive story. The other story was on rising opposition to FGM (female genital mutilation) in senegal. This was also by Mr. Crawley.
Factoid from another story therein: In 1900 19% of Africans were catholic, as of 2000 that percentage is 33.
For those following news on Sudan, there was also a story about Summits to tackle the Sudan crisis in Cairo Egypt. The G word (genocide) is not used, CSM quoted the UN calling it the 'worst humanitarian crisis'. Note: Egypt's foreign minister defended the Sudanese stand to not try the genocidaires by ICC, but to implement the peace accords. Check out this from Nicholas Kristof of IHT about the hypocrisy on darfur.
To watch: Upcoming international conference on AID to sudan held next week in Norway.

Commentary in unexpected places..CN!

2005-04-03T17:26:00.000-05:00

Foster’s home for imaginary friends: Cartoon network
Sundays 10:30am CST.

It is a repeat, but I did not mind at all since I wanted to blog about it since seeing it the first time. The story starts with the home having a leaky roof.This might be a little long but stick with me if you would. Bloo literally has a light bulb moment,to sell lemonade to raise money for the roof. He is outside trying to sell the lemonade. The best friend comes and points out the problem, it is dead of winter. Bloo insists…’I seen it in the movies!’ Mrs. Foster brings them warm cookies, because it was a nice thing bloo did… A passerby sees the cookies and wants one. Flash bulb moment,they start selling the cookies. They keep selling them as more people come back for more.Problem, Mrs. foster only bakes the special cookies once a year. Bloo cannot accept this, so he tries to get the others on board with him because he sees an opportunity to ‘make some dough…you know like dough’. To get them on board he cites stuff like we’ll be helping Mrs. Foster, and I will “Cut each of you a slice of the pie”, Eduardo says ‘I thought we were making cookies’. Bloo convinces the imaginary friends with all the sales pitches you can think of.
They steal the cookie recipe. Mr. Harriman the home admin, bloo flatters him by calling him Mr. Chairman, gets him on board ‘to get in on the ground’...All the middle management diatribes you have come across continuously spew from bloo’s mouth to motivate production. When Mrs. foster finds out, bloo says ‘Its business baby don’t blame me, blame our capitalist society” He negotiates for rights to the recipe with the help of two big fish lawyers, complete with one of them reading the fine print disclaimers ala’ those ads we are so inundated with.Frankie loves the cookies, buys dozens of boxes and eats them maniacally. Bloo gets pushy and inconsiderate. Frankie disappears and continues to eat the cookies. Greed meanwhile is personified by Bloo who forbids his friends from watching ‘his’flat screen TV. He buys a yacht ‘the Bloositania’ walks around with a crown, and now has a butler. Harriman becomes a lapdog to bloo and has a big portrait of bloo the founder in his office. Bloo’s best friend Mac can’t get Harriman or Frankie to rein in bloo from being a total jerk face. The cookies stop selling because there is no secret ingredient – love. Bloo tells Mac ‘you just don’t understand the art of the sale’ then tries to revamp the business ‘stop the presses!’ he yells. Wilt: ‘Wait, I thought we were making cookies!’ To revamp, Bloo introduces: Clear cookies u can see through and just see the chocolate, Septuplet chocolate chip cookies – not double not triple,Cookie roll ups, 3 flavor, regular, nacho and ranch, Change focus of the company: Merchandising out the wazoo, Super size the cookies.

Blue gets a machine to replace Eduardo, tells him he has to downsize because of flagging sales, fires everyone except the oven since it was under contract. Everyone leaves, including his best friend. He is left to make the cookies by himself. Looking at an egg, ‘how do you open these things?’ He is impatient, turns up the heat in the oven and blows up the kitchen and the roof.
He is dejected and apologizes, calling himself the lowest form of life, lower than a single cell paramecium. He is forgiven by his friends. Mrs. foster becomes the jerk face now overseeing the lemonade stand that is now making money since it is summer.Frankie is still eating the cookies like there is no tomorrow.

You can probably see the commentary onentrepreneurship, business ethics,supply and demand,greed and remuneration of CEO’s; most of all,consumerism. All this from one episode of a cartoon. Bravo Mr. McCracken.What a wonderful show.

Here we go again

2005-03-31T19:09:00.000-06:00

power cuts. Tax breaks for people to adopt solar briefly mentioned it here and here Check out this cool cool solar backpack from voltaic systems, its available in NY and UK, though u can also buy it online.

Is Jeff Koinange a hack?

2005-03-30T22:00:00.000-06:00

CNN headline news approx 12:25CST
The story is led by 2 anchors asking the question of whether your race...something something...i wish there were transcripts of live broadcasts, better yet, i wish i had tivo. Anyhoo, Jeff is walking with two farmers (they happen to be white zimbabweans) through a mango farm. The farmers were angry about the prospect of having to leave their farms. Jeff's narration continues for a couple of minutes, statistics of how many white farmers have had to leave etc. Cut to a girl walking through (it is not clear if it is the same farm) Ms Nakamuro i think was her name. She says something to the effect of 'let us share, because we do not have anywhere to go'. Narration continues, cut to Robert(Bob)Mugabe in the yellow shirt saying something to the effect of 'this is our land'.
MY BEEF
There was little in the piece in the way of background, such as (subset)
- Why was the land issue not settled after independence? Who is to blame for this?
- Mugabe's race baiting since its election time, and he is of the mesozoic period of dictators not willing to let go of power, stomping on dissent on their way out?
BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT
The piece may have been longer and more nuanced but was edited to fit the headline news format. It came out slant. (As in ooh damn this is unfair to these 2 white dudes iam talking to!- IMO it may well be, though everything is relative.)I asked a colleague their opinion of the piece. He said "well, CNN is largely geared towards a white audience, what did you expect?" hmmmm.I dont know how valid that statement is. What i know for sure, is that I expected better reporting, this story just didnt come out right. He told the story, but what i saw on cnn was told slant.

Unrelated, but i felt compelled to share. Book to check out if you havent read it already: The Zanzibar Chest by Aidan Hartley

SpongeBob

2005-03-29T18:40:00.000-06:00

SpongeBob
Note:The mugabe pic is from reuters,when i saw the yellow on his shirt, it reminded of spongebob...silliness ensues.