This is an old conversation (2000) with Philip Gourevitch, the writer of a book about the genocide in Rwanda and who just published a book/article about Abu Ghraib in Iraq... A very interesting man.... Enjoy!
November 29, 2008
November 27, 2008
November 24, 2008
Search and you'll find.....Faster than ever!
keyboardr.com from Julius Eckert on Vimeo.
If you just about had enough, of complicated search-engines with a thousand different gadgets, themes and adverts plastered all over the place.
And if you only need a; Super, mega fast search within Google, Wikipedia and Youtube all at once?
Then let me introduce; "Keyboadr.Com" A nice cool, sleek and simple white page with only time clicking away and some space for your search... It'll find what you're looking for while you're typing and this much faster than anything you'd ever seen before... And let's you use real easy keyboard shortcuts!
November 23, 2008
Europeana
This is just a teaser, while we wait for the site Europeana.eu to come back on... Strange, that they haven't learned it by now and that 10 million hits on the first days, might be expected.....
"Life" is how you see it.....!
Google has made a pact, not with the devil, but with Life magazine and their millions of photos buried in their archives! It's a vault of rare treasures; Life - Historic photos from the 1750s to today.. Some have never been published before....
Hurray for Google - again, but mostly; Hurray for the thousands of great photographers!
Er det et løfte eller en trussel? - Post in Danish/Dansk
( "At true; vise el. sige til nogen at man vil skade el. straffe dem , hvis de ikke retter sig efter ens ønske" Nu dansk ordbog)
Er det en lov, som vi har brug for? Det startede, da man fandt ud af, at den mistænkte Tuneser bor i Århus i nærheden af Kurt Westergård, som han formodes, at ville dræbe! At Tuneseren iflg den danske retsplejelov er uskyldig, indtil det modsatte er bevist ved en domstol, vælger alle at se bort fra, her i kampens hede. Man vælger også at overse, at den tredje anholdte, en dansker, også bor i Århus. (Han blev løsladt samme aften)
Hvorfor skal han ikke til Sandholm ?
Regeringen er jo ikke tabt bag en vogn (!?) og er hurtigt ude med en populistisk lov, som skal mases igennem i huj og hast... og det kan kun gå for langsomt!
Dette er lige indtil evt Jyllands Posten regner ud, hvor meget det koster at ha' de "Tålte" (Husk at der bliver flere og flere af dem, med stramning af lovene) - på kost og logi resten af deres levetid. Så finder de nok på en anden lov; De skal melde sig hver dag på Saltholm, selv finde derud og de må iøvrigt ikke; arbejde, gifte sig eller ha' noget der bare minder om et liv.....
Og så ikke et ord om, at denne lov, i al sin magt og vælde, er forhastet og imod menneske-rettighederne.... At den danske regering med samt deres støtteparti er fløjtende ligeglade med internationale domstole, FN, regeringens egne rækker og hvad der ellers er i opposition til øjeblikkets mening og ståsted. - Tænk, hvis jeg som menigmand, kunne gøre det samme?
Jeg vælger også at afstå fra, at begynde et længere indlæg for dialog, istedet for dén politik, som også Bush & Høgene i USA har ført, med ulykkelige følger.
Sidst men absolut ikke mindst, er der regeringens vilde ridt over ødelandet: "Nu ska' der saftsusme strammes op" og dette gælder også fængsels straffe;
Vi haft fængsel, som straf for handlinger begået mod de vedtagene normer og regler, siden ruder konge var knægt og vi kan med sikkerhed sige, at det virker ikke!!
Er det ikke på tide, at vi "finder på " en ny måde at afstraffe på? Jeg skal ikke gøre mig klog på, hvad det kunne være, men en international samling af antropologer, sociologer, kriminologer, jurister, politifolk og hvem som ellers har en forstand på dén slags, burde blive betalt for, at gå i tænkeboks sammen og udtænke nye veje. Himlen skal vide, at der bliver brugt så mange penge på fængselsvæsnet i forvejen. USA's vicepræsident Dick Cheney er medejer af flere privatejet fængsler i USA (hvor privatisering af fængsler begyndte for årtier siden) Så når Hr. Cheney er partner i foretagendet, så véd vi at der penge i skidtet! Og det er vel ingen hemmelighed længere; Det er cool cash det handler om!
November 22, 2008
The Beatles - I'm only sleeping
While we're at it, down on Memory Lane;
This one has nothing to do with the White Album... It's from "Revolver", my first LongPlaying mono record, given to me by my mother....I just added it as a treat - Cause it's so nice even with a bit annoying but very innovative (back then, that is!) backwards guitars!
When I wake up early in the morning,
Lift my head, I'm still yawning
When I'm in the middle of a dream
Stay in bed, float up stream
Please don't wake me, no
don't shake me
Leave me where I am
I'm only sleeping
Everybody seems to think I'm lazy
I don't mind, I think they're crazy
Running everywhere at such a speed
Till they find, there's no need
Please don't spoil my day
I'm miles away
And after all
I'm only sleeping
Keeping an eye on the world going by my window
Taking my time
Lying there and staring at the ceiling
Waiting for a sleepy feeling
Please don't spoil my day
I'm miles away
And after all
I'm only sleeping
Keeping an eye on the world going by my window
Taking my time
When I wake up early in the morning,
Lift my head, I'm still yawning
When I'm in the middle of a dream
Stay in bed, float up stream
Please don't wake me, no
don't shake me
Leave me where I am
I'm only sleeping
Somehow, this is exactly how, almost everyone in my family, feels about the sacred act of sleeping!
It's 40 years ago today.... Sgt. Pepper told the band to play;
-"While my guitar gently weeps" - The Beatles ; "The White Album"
Released in the UK on Nov 22. '68 and Nov 25. in America.
One of the best albums ever... If not the best double album ever released!
This song and George Harrison's guitar sound especially, always remind me of; A scratchy jukebox, in a dusty youth club, in a small village in Spain.... I made friends with this young boy (about 14 - and me, being about 12) And after having played Eight-ball Pool on a old lopsided, moth eaten table for an entire evening; He very gentleman-like insisted on walking me home, every night! - Being very cavalierly about the fact, that me and my family stayed at the monastery..... a 45 min. walk up a small mountain...- It was properly more than the guitars, that gently wept.... when the poor lad finally made it back home...
Web-Life is sweeter than ever!
Monty Python's new channel on Youtube has been on the Radio and TV News, at least here in Denmark, for the last few days.. Apparently this is "Breaking"!?! But not only the crazy Brits are into quality videos of their work! So is my beloved cartoon "SouthPark"! This is the site where you can download entire episodes for free and in great quality;......
Nov.18.2009
Well, while revisiting old posts, I see that the clip of Sara Palin visiting South Park had gone haywire.... So I must apologize for lackin' of content and not keeping my promises.... But I guess you'll have to research this one yourself - Hey, and let me know if you do find something interesting out there!
November 21, 2008
Oh, Barack, I do, I do, I do.... -And darn'it -yes I can!
Hillary has (maybe) just accepted Barack's offer to be the Secretary of State in the Obama administration...
Wonder how she can afford it, seeing that her campaign left her reeling, with a heavy personal debt, which she has vowed to repay pronto... And when she accepts this job, hubby Bill, won't be able to help her, by bringing home; not only the bacon, but the whole pig sty, in his usual; "Jive for mucho Moolah "style of sightseeing the world, in its entirety !
- His speeches normally rakes in a couple of millions $ for an hour or two of Charm School politics and insider tips: On how to be one of the most popular president - in retrospect.
No, Sorry - kidding aside.. It probably took this long, before the president elect went public with the nomination because; Firstly he had to lay down the law of who's in charge! -After all it is Hillary Clinton... she's no Babe in the woods.. And then he had to hire a army of lawyers to go through Bill Clintons foreign affairs (No pun intended) to be totally sure that, there's no conflict of interests, nothing that will come back to haunt the Adm. later on and reflect badly on the President...
But of course she'll accept! The honour - power- is to great... And after all, it would be a bit of a anti-climax to return to her work in the US Senate, quite far from the limelights and the hubbub of the wild and lively campaign trails, - Returning as the looser with her tail between her legs would be quite sad.
Yes, this is a tip of the hat to the many Democrats who voted for Mrs Clinton + the goodwill the Americans thinks she can pull in the world.
But also a bow to a strongly ambitious and political animal of a woman! (But is she any good at taking orders?)
Oh, and lest we forget; Hillary Clinton has fought back sniper fire in empty airports and being the presidential spouse on some 80 trips abroad, does groom you for the job of Secretary of State..
Smart move; Barack Obama! - This said with no sarcasm or irony on my part! - But it also shows , some balls... Cause he'll have to keep Hillary in check and Bill will have to be "managed" as well... And after all the bitter remarks (She said he was naive and he questioned her foreign policies judgments!) during the pre-election, there may have to be an issue or two, they'll have to discuss through.
¡OBS!
PS. Just read this from Washington Post, apparently it's not that easy for Hillary Rodham Clinton to assume the responsibilities as Secretary of the State - But if I have understood Obama right; "not" isn't part of the phrase; "Yes, we can !!"
"Where's all the white women at?" - Blazing Saddles
Dave Chappelle, "the White Supremacist", is one of those Chappelle’s Show sketches that truly warrants being called a “classic.” If you’ve seen it before, enjoy this fun trip down memory lane courtesy of Comedy Central. And if you’ve never seen it before? Well, you need to re-evaluate some of the decisions you’ve been making in your life.
If you follow the link to Comedy Central, you'll see the best of "Black Presidents" sketches... Funny, how times changes..... and how fast they do it! But still.... The amount of violent "race crimes" ( and these are whites against black) and murder threats that have been issued since 4.Nov.... is truly staggering!
November 17, 2008
Lights will guide you home... And love will live forever
Hilmer Hassig 1960 -2008I have this notion of a "Divine All Stars" band in the sky....
Where all the great, late musicians of the world, sit in and have a big ol' time together...
This heavenly band has just been joined, with one of Denmark's best, certainly the most innovative, guitar player and producer; Hilmer Hassig....
The loss is ours, who's left behind.
But the biggest loss will be for his two daughters, who now has to grow up without a loving and dedicated dad.
"A hope beyond the shadow of a dream" - J. Keats
Found this on my friend's great "Wordpress" page.... And she really says it so well, that I have little to add. But she harbours hope for fate of the peoples of Palestine will change with the 44.Th President of America.... I must say, I'm a bit rattled with the announcement of Chief of Staff in the WH...
So regarding Obama's relationship to Israel and her unjust treatment of Gaza and the Palestinian situation:
If the announcement of Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff is any indication of things to come, then consider this; Rahm Emanuel is pro-Israel, very much so! Son of a prominent Zionist Benjamin M. Emanuel, former member of Irgun; Terrorists or freedom fighters - depends from which side you see their militant actions. Or just read Seniors reaction to his son's appointment.
And for the latest sad development on the ongoing saga of the Palestinian plight:
UN has these past days called out for help, because of the fast dwindling supply of food, medicine, fuel or other daily necessities.
Just to harvest their olives and their lands pose a formidable problem... This is no way to treat a whole nation....And I've a hard time, trying to understand, how this can continue day after day against the old, the young and the innocent people of Palestine.
November 15, 2008
Let's read a Book; Altogether Now!
There's plenty of space, though- At the Forums, for comments and lively discussion for reg. readers!
Who? Substitutes? What?
Wanted to write a post about substitutes and what it involves.... for me, that is! And this is, after having my fill of wannabes, nearly's and almost's, but not quite's...
Replacements have been tried, this past week; in music, food, politics, ice cream, relationships, work, etc etc....
....... And the affect on me? - A state of unremitting blueness... It's not a happy-happy experience to try and replace something or someone with a substitute that looks like, sounds like and in some instances even tasted like the real deal; The aftertaste has been bittersweet every single time...!
November 13, 2008
The Broken Maverick
The Broken Maverick
The original Maverick, old, forgotten and broken – lost in the Pearsonville Junkyard.
Visit the set page for more information.
Night, full moon, 2 minute exposure, natural flashlight, lime gelled strobe flash.
Larger than life. ......
Uploaded by Lost America on 5 Nov 08, 9.12AM PST.
This description of an abandoned car, sorta' reminded me of John McCain and his Maverick battle-cry... Even the date, "Lost America" chose to upload this photo on Flickr'......!
November 8, 2008
The first amendment (Freedom of Religion, Press and Expression) in all its glory!
Being a Dane, it's a bit difficult for me to understand the burning passions of partisanship in America. I read a short Blog Post on Politico written by Ben Smith, I might showcase my ignorance, by stating that I don't really know, who he is. But his post about Obama's alleged phone call to Nancy Reagan, to apologize for a offhand remark, at his first Press conference as Pres. elect, has generated more than 3.000 (!!!!) comments and some of them are so vile, mean and ignorant, that I'm very surprised, that they haven't been deleted by the editors on the Politico site. The commentators are calling Obama everything from plain stupid to a Marxist (?)
- Maybe it's the two party system in the US, that creates these feelings of "Us and them", I don't know... But the ferociousness, some of the comments are displaying and their hateful nature is truly scaring, as the mounting assassination paranoia is spreading like wildfire. The amount of Die hard Republicans who're already campaigning for an impeachment of Barack Obama is staggering.... And he's not even President yet, but still in the "Lame Duck" period - This is gonna get ugly!
Here's the press conference - Just in case... Incl where Obama calls himself a "Mutt" - Seems like the new president is rather loose about the issues of race...! Which earns points from someone like me... Being kinda a mutt myself!
November 6, 2008
Heard it through the grapevine;
If you think that by electing Obama, America is now in its "a post- racial society" beginnings; Do not be fooled ! This is what I found on the forums of McCainspace.com; "Barack Obama is the secret son of Malcom X " !!!???
Even now, after they lost the elections, they are still spreading lies, smears and untruths..
Last night, while waiting for the result. A CNN reporter asked a little old lady, waiting in line to vote, why she'd vote for McCain and this is what she said not being able to call Obama by name; " That man is bad, he's been planted here, as to destroy us all. And he's a muslim too"
Clearly the McCain robo-calls and the smear campaigns has worked!
All the dirty stuff is masterminded by a former Karl Rove pupil, the very same, who smeared John McCain himself in 2000, by spreading the rumors about his adopted black daughter being, infact his own. That McCain actually hired the same guy, who he'd wanted to send of to hell 8 years ago... still amazes me.
A sweet day after a hard night!
This is the eve of the day after.... History was written before our wide open eyes.. . As I'm 50 years old, I can say I've been "witness" to several historic events; The assassination of JFK, Watergate, Glasnost, the fall of the Berlin wall, 9/11 and now this; The election of the first Afro American into the oval office. This will have such an impact on American society, on the psyche of the black youth and I think this will ultimately bring a profound change to how we perceive each other, not as black, brown or white, but as human beings.
The black community now have a true role model , when climbing the social ladder and education could cease to be a "Whites Only" aspiration "Do your home work, Leroy! And you can become the President of the United States" ! (In some urban areas, there's a 70% high school dropout in the black areas!) But the racial climate is obviously changing and fast! Maybe the creators of "24" would like to receive a handwritten note from Barrack, as thanks for doing the unthinkable; Casting a black actor as US President Palmer in the popular TV-series. Also a thought to the creators of "The Westwing" would maybe in order. This was yet another TV series, which at the time had, what seemed an outlandish casting choice of a Latino as the leader of the free world. - Remember; It's was only in '81, that MTV first aired and they didn't have any black artist on-screen before 1983!!!- This is truly mind boggling!!
PS. The world saw the first black - and youngest Formula 1, World Champion in Lewis Hamilton today! - But the medias need to to mention color, only shows ,that we still have a long way to go!
It all seems a bit empty and hushed today. My glasses are no longer fogged up, (I even saw Colin Powel choke up, let alone Jesse Jackson who was actually bawling his eyes out!) - and I can safely put William Safire's Political Dictionary back on the shelve. To gather dust until the next time, I don't get what they're going on about, when I have a hard time, deciphering the political terminology especially the American variety!
Obama has been called passionless, boring and like an open book. But when I see him looking, touching, holding and kissing his wife. I see a couple who is still in love after 16 years of marriage and everything but, passionless. They look sexy together. When you see other presidential couples ( Think of the body language of John and Cindy McCain - I've never seen him touch her?!) giving each other chaste pecks on the chin and at the most, holding hands. Last night his presentation of Americas first lady, came straight from the heart. We felt it all the way through the television screens. It's so refreshing to finally see a mature, equal and adult relationship who seems like they still enjoy each others company - in bed too.....!
This is something I've been wanting to say , because nobody has mentioned it.
I can't wait to see what Michelle Obama will do, when in the White House. A woman with such a tremendous intelligence and knowledge will be exiting to watch.
We have about 75 days to get used to the fantastic idea of a black family (and their new puppy) in the white house. In February his color will no longer be an issue, then he'll just have to prove his worth as a president, who has some monumental challenges in the inbox; First and foremost the economy but there's also quite a few security issues i.a. Iran, Russia, North Korea, China.... Oh! And then there's a couple of wars initiated by his predecessor and the list goes on. While he's busy assembling his administration, the next few weeks will be a loud and persistent buzz from the flying rumors of the power game now shifting into gear; Who's gonna take what office? This so called "Lame Duck" period will be intense because of the gravity of the financial situation. I bet this will keep us glued to each of our favorite media, just like these last months of intense campaigning has.
After January 20. all eyes will be on Barack Obama, his staff and thee first 100 days of change. Uh, I can hardly wait....
November 5, 2008
"Ch, ch, changes......." Or " Sweet Home, Chicago!"
While gently sipping my coffee & brandy and truly enjoying the ice cream, I witnessed history in the making;
Barack Hussein Obama, the first, very first Afro-American president of the United States;
His hair has turned grey during this campaign and his figure a bit gaunt but he fully embodies the American Dream in its truest form. And has achieved a victory over bigotry and double standards of which America has formerly been so known!
He did it!! He bloody well did it! And the numbers are so very clear; Over the double electoral votes than McCain, it leaves no room for doubt, what so ever! Even took Virginia ! A Republican state sine L.B. Johnson in 1964....!!
What a remarkable achievement!! Though I'm no huge-crowd lover, I would have liked to be in Chicago tonight.... Or anywheres in the US really....!
The images of the European reporters sounding a bit condescending or holier than thou, while standing in front of The White House, they'd speak about the racial under and over tones in these electoral races, and naming Selma, Alabama and southern segregation not even 50 years ago... Still lingers on. But the fact is; Europe is no further, than USA was yesterday! When you see the "class photos" of the heads of states, in this part of the world, you see nothing but elderly, white men and a single middle aged white woman! And the mere idea of someone from an minority group, holding the top office, is an impossibility even in this day and age. Again America came first in a feat as unthinkable as Mans first steps on the moon.
Now I'm hearing the " I won " speech in front of the 70.000 ticket-holders in Grant Park, Chicago - The windy city, with a couple of hundred of thousands more, outside the heavily guarded park site. We wore told that he'll speak behind a double panel of bullet-proof glass, now starts the paranoia of an early demise, "Strange American Fruit" style. -I didn't see no panel of glass ?!
It was a somber speech, no crowd shouting/ rally chanting about it. It was a "Steady now" speech; There's huge obstacles and challenges up ahead! - A man ready to be the 44. president of America, contrary to what so many has said all these last months.
John McCain was most gracious in his "I lost" speech, but Little Miss Pipe Dream, looked like a sore looser, hardly containing the tears... Must be the exhaustion and battle fatigue!
This must be a bittersweet night for President Obama (Gee, Just being able to write that!!) who lost his grandmother Toot, where he grew up, only two days ago. - She didn't get to see him, in his proudest moment....
But at least the uncles, aunts and cousins get to feast on a cow back in the village in Kenya.
And we? Well, we will now go to bed, knowing that the world is not set in its ways and is forever changing. Change can sometimes be frightening and hope can sometimes be elusive to hold. But I do think, that Barack Obama will be able to change some of the mistakes done by the former administration. And I'm sure that the convicts in Guantanamo and the troops in Iraq will now have hope, that their plight and suffering will soon be over!
November 4, 2008
A night to remember..... Maybe...?!
So this is it! The biggest show on earth is about to go down....On this side of the pond, due to the time difference, it'll be tonight.... So I'll have amble time, to find the comfy spot with the brand new Netbook on my lap, the remote within reach and on the table next to me, there's be good Lao coffee, excellent Spanish brandy and great American Ice cream. The world is getting smaller... As I probably will be zapping between BBC, CNN and Danish TV all night on my Japanese Flat screen.... Not rocket-science why US elections is so important to all of us. But it also makes you wonder, about all these Americans now queuing up to vote, who knows so very little of the outside world. ...... And the power and impact they have, on that world ..... Scary, really...!!
Outside the choice of beverage, staying up for the US elections, is a lifelong tradition, which started, when I went to boarding school, where, at the tender age of twelve, we were given the opportunity to stay up late and watch election night. We started out as a group of 15 kids, eating popcorn and having a great time. All being absolutely ecstatic of being allowed up that late... But as the hours wore on and the boredom sat in (Remember; this were the days of black and white television and serious talking heads with ties) the kids slipped off or fell asleep one by one... It ended up as a pretty lonely affair and Rep. Richard Nixon's re-election and win over Dem. George McGovern was a bit of a letdown anyways! Watergate was in it's very beginning and not yet the full blown scandal that later led to the Nixons impeachment. (There's already die hard Republicans working to impeach Obama - if you can believe it!) As an adult it's a much more festive thing, alongside the live broadcasts has been spiffed up considerably since the early 70's...Thankfully!
I hope and by now pretty much expect Obama to win! But as a Palestinian with a valid Greencard muttered; " I think, I'll vote for Obama, not that it'll make a difference to the Palestinian issue. But if you're really anti American and really wants to take down US, You'd vote for McCain... " - Hmmm.. ..
November 2, 2008
All souls day; Nov.2.
I once read a book by Malcom Lowry called "Under the volcano". It made quite a impact and when I later saw the John Houston film with a stellar performance by Albert Finney as the drunken alcoholic consul in Mexico; it made me weep in public places. The whole book takes place in one and as it turns out; the final day of the consuls life Nov. 2.; "The day of the Dead" or "All souls day" as it's called in Europe.
If you'd ever spend this day in a catholic country, you'll see hordes of people, making their way to the local cemetery, laden with flowers and candles in red glasses.... In Mexico it's a full blown party going on for 3 days... And colorful sugary skeletons fills the stalls and people gather at the grave sites of their dearly departed and celebrate life. Here they leave toys for the dead children and Tequila for the adults.... Candles and candy for everyone!
Today, I thought of and toasted to all my absent friends and loved ones. - And filled the house with lit candles and flowers......
I also lit a candle for Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow, a 13 (!!) young rape victim, who was stoned to death in front of a thousand spectators, when she tried to report the three men who raped her. She'd been accused of adultery by The Islamic Courts and Al- Shabab armed militia, which control southern Somalia. The militia opened fire and killed a young boy, when relatives tried to help her during the stoning.. And shine a light for all the girls and women, who's being trafficked, sold,bought, raped, killed in the name of honour, violated, beaten and discriminated against still in this day and age......
November 1, 2008
Exodus on the roads of Goma, DR Congo.
My life is no bed of roses... these days...! Sat with good friends and whined about it, for a couple of hours, this afternoon. Bought some of the favorite ice cream on the way home, made some food and turned on the news...
- But shame on me; The report from DR Congo, made my heart and soul weep. Thousands of children, women and old men, squashed against the gates of the UN Aid center... Mothers subjecting their children to the guards, who're beat the people back with sticks until finally the crowd surge thru, using their force of desperation as ramrod. Inside the gates, there will only be High energy-biscuits to be eaten and only for the children. But for some, this will their first "food" since tuesday! Aid-workers estimate; that a least 100.000 people has been displaced during the last week!! - About a million has been displaced since the war broke out! Millions raped and killed. The numbers are staggering and the waves of humanity on the roads are heartbreaking.
What is the world leaders waiting for? How can we let this happen, in this year of the lord 2008? DR Congo is mineral wise, an extremely wealthy country, but alas no oil.... Is that it? Has the lesson from the Rwanda genocide, not sunk in? And this in fact, seems to be an overspill, from that exact same "incident" -
The Global-community had a lot of self searching about the catastrophic delays of intervention in the Serbian/Bosnia and the Hutu/ Tutsi ethnic cleansing. Well, now is the possibility of going in before the disaster goes of the rails. There's already some 17.000 UN peacekeepers in the Congo. But they have so far, failed in protecting civilians
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