Kudos to the human spirit! It’s amazing to see the successors of Adam & Eve survive through what not. Especially in a time when each day brings in more bad news economy wise, a very interesting observation caught one’s attention.

Thanks to the economic slowdown, Americans have been busy cutting down luxuries to make ends meet. They are willing to eat only Ramen noodles for dinner every night, but absoultely anything for their one retreat –  movies!

Yes, the movie revenues are actually going up in times when other industries like tourism and automotives are being severely hurt. Dan Glickman, CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, said that people need some place to forget their troubles and relax, they choose the movies.

A difficult time indeed for the entire world, especially Americans, but hats off to the human spirit. This too shall go down well with all of us. Do I hear an ‘Amen’?

Via ibnlive

For most people, the name Maldives brings to mind pictures of never-ending stretches of luscious white sandy beaches warmed by the sun, disappearing on all sides into waters glimmering in every shade of blue and green. But for the natives of Maldives, the country is more than just an archipelago created on this earth as a haven for scuba divers and the Brad Pitts of the world to languidly vacation at.

The island nation of Maldives, scattered like precious gems on the Indian Ocean, may have a GDP nearly twice that of the neighbouring country of India which dwarfs it both by total area and population, but the country seems to be dying a slow death under the torturous and never-ending regime of its president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The celebrations over the recent multi-party presidential elections have almost smouldered completely with hope fading from nearly every face as the people begin to realise, yet again, that it may become impossible to make the current president give up the reins of the country. An astonishingly shocking revelation made by the favoured opposition party, MDP, reveals that as a last attempt to gain his losing control over the country, Gayoom has opted to practically sell the country over to his younger brother, Abdulla Yamin.

In an obvious violation of the constitution of the country and international laws, Gayoom appears to have signed an agreement with People’s Alliance leader Yamin giving his party 25 percent of Gayoom’s cabinet and wide control over all government agencies. Titled ‘Agreement on Political Cooperation’, the papers would act as an MOU between the two parties and clearly state the formation of a six member committee (which includes Gayoom and Yamin) that would overlook the running of the whole country. How only six members plan to run a country, even one as small as the Maldives, all on their own without even the support of the cabinet is a feat worthy only of the likes of Dumbledore.

After the first stage of the first ever multi-party elections in the country, five of the six opposing parties joined together in a surprising show of national unity in hopes of ousting dictator Gayoom. Yet, it is unbelievable that even after thirty years of single-handedly ruling over the nation and the word ‘resign’ resounding from every corner of the country, President Gayoom still dares to hold on steadfastly to the delusion that he is the most desired candidate for the post of president.

The second stage of the presidential elections would be held on the 28^th of this month and would decide the future president of Maldives. Is the Maldives doomed to bear another five years with Gayoom and side-kick Yamin or would they finally see a new face? With accusations of the votes being rigged during the first round, the deciding vote may not make any difference for this struggling nation; or perhaps it would, with citizens swearing to take to the streets if Gayoom is elected. Perhaps only complete destruction of Gayoom and his family can save the country, and the hot blooded natives of the country have been pushed to the point of attempting to do so. Whether Gayoom succeeds or not, it is left to doubt if the result of the election would be due to rigging or as a result of the clouded brains of the people of the drug capital of Asia.

Via: Miadhu

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It is often said that what differentiates humans from animals are not our superior intelligence, language skills or tools use. What truly makes us the most advanced of all species is what we become through the long, and sometimes painful and embarrassing, process of socialisation. It is in interacting with other humans and in learning to treat each other with respect and, most especially, tolerance, that we become human-e.

And yet it comes as no surprise that trash-talking still remains one of the most favourite past times of people. Children and teens may be forgiven for this childish aberration, but what exactly do you propose to do with adults who consider it time well-spent when dissing people. Apparently, throwing dirty slangs about appearance, race, and personal traits of another person is so important that it is being considered a talent you should flaunt with much pride, made obvious by the MTV show Yo Momma. The show invites viewers who believe they can offend a stranger the best. Two contestants participate every week in a face-off and hurl insults at each other in front of a live audience; bonus points for creativity and alacrity in insulting the other. The show audaciously also includes a segment based purely on Yo Momma jokes, which even most kids consider way beneath them.

If filth makes up the ladder that you have to climb to go up in social popularity, this is a piteously pathetic and simple solution for all the brain-dead losers looking for a way out of their boring lives. Any half-wit can definitely win this rat race; they would only be competing with losers. But is it worth becoming a throwback in human evolution?

Via: MTV

The case of human rights in the move towards economic development is a curious thing. It is generally perceived, regardless of academic definitions, that democracy is the political system where human rights are basically recognized, promoted, and protected. On the other hand, communism and socialism are the political systems that essentially do not prioritize individual human rights over the rights of the state. All these ideologies, however, have the common desired end result of general progress even if they belong to opposite ends of the political spectrum.

Operationally, the evaluation of these ideologies has rested on the belief that a more socially (centrally) controlled economy that does not take into account each and every possible human right will move much faster. This is for the reason that expediency in progress, translated into political and economic choices and decisions, rests in the hands of only a few.

The debate has been put on the chopping block, weighed, and found wanting. Modern history now debunks the old argument, short of pronouncing it a myth.

Communism and Socialism eventually fell in Europe with the non-democratic countries of the continent not having shown advanced economies. In fact, poverty prevailed before the demise of the non-democratic ideologies. Cuba which has been practicing a state-centered political and economic set-up is known to be still reeking in despondency. Russia has not really proven to be beneficial to the social and economic development of its huge constituency. During the old and bitter division between the two sides of Germany, the democratic section showed a more socially and economically progressive development than the socialist one.

While communist North Korea is more nefariously known for its advanced and extremely expensive nuclear weapons, it is the non-communist South Korea that owns an economy that has moved forward in leaps and bounds. The countries run by oligarchic despots and military juntas in Asia, Africa, and Southern America are widely publicized as poverty-stricken nations where hunger, famine, disease, and social degradation are the norm.

War torn countries that have perennially been a hotbed of military strife, such as Lebanon, Sudan, East Timor, and Iraq, are also the very same places where the utter disrespect for human life continues to ferment. In these places, human development is farthest from the minds of warring factions.

When the reins of development are in the hands of a few or the so-called “state,” the human rights that are protected the most are the ones that belong to those holding the ropes. Time and history have showcased this fact.

Progress for all, and economic development that is meant to benefit the greater many, can never ignore the protection and promotion of human rights. There can never be a general and favorable atmosphere of development for a group if there is no development of the individual belonging to that group. The emerging economies of China and India are a clear result of these countries’ awakening to the fact that what humankind calls progress is the sum total of each and every human potential – unlocked.

Only with collective effort will progress really come. The world has learned this lesson, albeit painfully. The recognition of human rights as an engine towards development is a lesson learned – and learned well by the progressive nations. These groups have recognized that progress is nothing short of a rights-based approach. Eradication of poverty, harnessing education, and good governance are all stalwart landmarks on the map of economic development. Those who have not set their sights on these guideposts are lost in the way, and will probably take a long, winding, and torturous route to development. Social progress can only be seen in the light of better standards of life and the equitable enjoyment of fundamental freedoms.

Development is defined as “people-centered, participatory, and environmentally sound movement that involves economic growth, equitable distribution, enhancement of people’s capabilities, and widening of people’s choices.” It ensures “the constant improvement of the well-being of the entire population and of all individuals, on the basis of their active, free, and meaningful participation in development and in the fair distribution of the resulting benefits.”

The abovementioned definition, offered by the United Nations Development Program, entails that all people are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural, and political development. This can be achieved when all human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully realized. According to this view, people have the right to choose and pursue a path of socio-economic development that brings them benefit.

The masses of people should participate at the different levels of social and economic development, from the decision-making processes to determination of societal goals to the allocation of resources to achieve these goals and to the execution of resulting programs and projects.

In such, the role of the state is to represent the people and their aspirations. This should constitute the valid and legitimate interest of the state.

When everyone has a voice coming from a healthy and adequately nourished body that comes with a well-informed mind and an understanding and peaceful heart, can the best of progress be far behind? Violations of human rights are a major determinant of poverty. Conversely, poverty alleviation will help realize human rights. Stripping away of institutional and legal abilities, or the power to use, control, and allocate human rights endowments is to condemn poor people to poverty.

The implementation of human rights should be an equal part and parcel of the process of wealth creation. Human rights are not a legacy of wealth but an operational tool of it. Development is no longer about separate and selective creation of pockets of human betterment. Everyone has to be fit and able to paddle an oar for the boat not to sink.

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Via UN News Centre

Cliques generally have their own respective cultures. All members share and act within a collective imagination. This is where the strength of the group lies. A clique shares common priorities, aspirations, and motivations. The members learn the same concepts in life and learn from the same mistakes. The mentality is of the pack. Members of a clique generally move in one direction, having the same mission, and bearing the same equal share of consequences to their actions.

Socialization is necessary if one were to co-exist productively and peacefully within his or her turf. It is a long and sequential process wherein one learns the characteristics of his society. It is a constant and consistent education and orientation on the part of the individual that comprises the process of socialization.

These characteristics or parameters of quality can be seen in a society’s values and norms. These are the benchmarks of the particular society’s culture or subculture. The general or prevailing attitudes and behavior of the members of that society will, sooner or later, influence an individual – through the process of socialization.

The quality of socialization determines the mentality of the herd. It is our simple guess as to what kind the herd is when youth gangs exist in it. It speaks an even deeper insight when youth gangs make their associations their comfort zones.

Until the early 1800s, families, not institutions, were the principal instrument through which communities disciplined the young of the community. Today, law enforcers discipline the youth. There are community-based programs that address the social root causes of the existence of youth gangs, but guaranteed success in their campaigns have yet to be had. Not all young people can be treated effectively in a community-based program. Most youth gangs still pose a risk to themselves or to public safety.

Which brings us to a stark reality: when the young of the herd find youth gangs as their comfort zones, this only means that the basic social unit called family has ceased to give safety and comfort for these youth.

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Via BBC

William Lutz, former professor of English at Rutgers University, has become closely associated with his favorite topic to write about: doublespeak.  In one of his essays on the subject entitled “Doublespeak,” found in The Longman Writer, Lutz wants to underscore the fact that doublespeak, no matter what form it takes, is highly confused and confusing language. By overlapping the categories, Lutz seems to say that doublespeak is premeditatedly confusing. This communication language is crafted in such a way as to confuse the listeners and readers. It is craftily designed to mislead.

According to Lutz, doublespeak is dangerous because it is designed precisely to alter perception and corrupt the thinking of its listeners and viewers. It is used to cover up reality. It glosses over the negative and unpleasant to make it appear otherwise. It is the language of lying – glamorously. If language and communication serve to unite a people, doublespeak only ends up dividing the potential understanding of people. Doublespeak breeds cynicism and doubt, as well as suspicion and general collapse of trust.

The categories of doublespeak overlap, according to Lutz. All four are pretentious and confusing. Euphemism and inflated language, though both potentially funny, differ in their intention such that euphemism attempts to put the negative in positive light, while inflated language attempts to put the positive under the limelight. Jargon is euphemism with a little dash of cliquish style and humor. Gobbledygook is expanded jargon, where pockets of collective lingo are raised to the level of organizational communication.

Euphemism becomes doublespeak when it is used to mislead or deceive. Salvaging or political and extra-judicial killings is called “summary executions.” The phrase can denote legitimacy in the name of legal logic.

As doublespeak, jargon which is pretentious, obscure, and esoteric terminology can pass as profound and authoritative vocabulary that gives prestige to speakers on their discussion of certain topics and subject matter. Jargon is used to impress, not just express. With jargon, the simple appear complex, the obvious and trite appear deep and insightful, and the ordinary and staid can become profound. Jargon can also be used a means for doublespeak. When a company management team is assailed for inefficiencies, they can easily hide the reality and make people believe that the administrative glitch is merely temporary in pursuit of a better system. The management team can mouth such seemingly legitimate phrases as “upgrade to management quality systems” and “organizational development.”

Gobbledygook or bureaucratese is meant to overwhelm the audience with loads of words where the listeners end up not really being able to understand what is there to understand, in the first place. It is grandstanding that does not make sense. Some analytical journalists haven found that such statements as, “The global war on terror is aimed to cripple the nihilistic attempts of hardliner Muslim extremists who have launched their grand jihad in the name of Allah,” as nothing more than saying or meaning that the West is paranoid that their superior position is now threatened by non-Western countries, with special concern over the fact that Muslims number 5 percent of the whole global population.

Inflated language makes the ordinary extraordinary, and elevates what is normally regarded as mundane, commonplace, and routine to a position of higher importance. Mothers are no longer just housewives and doting parents. Their work is really measured scientifically in terms of timelines and desired outputs. They are now “domestic engineers.”

Doublespeak is a language that pretends to communicate, but really does not.  It is an irresponsible form of communication that prevents logical and truthful thinking. It is the expert craft of words used in negative manner for the intention of lying and covering up of reality.

According to Lutz, four questions help people spot “doublespeak,” namely: who is saying what to whom, under what conditions and circumstances, with what intent, and with what results.

Asking these questions will help one discern between that which appears to be legitimate communication and that which, at first glance, doesn’t even appear to be doublespeak. These questions help filter the intention and motivation behind the language of the message and its spoken words.

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Via BBC

The worst plastic, from both an environmental and health points of view, is polyvinyl chloride or PVC. According to Greenpeace International, the list of uses for PVC is endless because it is one of the most widely used plastics. It is found in a wide variety of products, such as food packaging, children’s toys, plumbing, building materials, medical devices, household items, even fashion. Most people might not know, however, that the production of PVC creates and releases one of the most toxic chemicals – dioxin.

Dioxin is an unwanted by-product of incineration and some industrial processes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States has classified it as a dangerous chemical and serious public health threat. It has been found to suppress the immune system, cause cancer, increase the risk of diabetes, cause birth defects, and affect the neurological system. PVC is poisonous and an occupational hazard to its manufacturers/makers, toxic to the environment, and ultimately less recyclable.

PVC manufacturing is harmful to humans and is an occupational hazard to its makers. The production of plastic accounts for the single largest use of chlorine. PVC is the most common of all chlorinated plastics. Vinyl chloride, the chemical used to make PVC, is a known human carcinogen, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Workers in PVC manufacturing facilities can be affected by exposure to these chemicals.

Some studies have found higher rates of testicular cancers and a rare form of liver cancer among workers in PVC plants. These cancer-causing chemicals and lead, the nerve-damaging metal often added to PVC, have contaminated water, soil and air around these facilities. The group Global Green Action has stated its investigative findings that the true level of dioxin released into the environment is unknown, and that incinerators do not eliminate all dioxin. Dioxin production has been on the continued rise due to PVC production. PVC production is, therefore, harmful to the workers who make it.

“PVC is toxic to the environment, and to humans. The manufacture of PVC releases into the air and water the toxic carcinogen dioxin that enters the food chain. This, then, accumulates in fatty tissues of animals, including humans. The EPA estimates a 1 in 1000 chance of contracting cancer from dioxin exposure through a typical American diet.”

Dioxin may also affect children’s development and damage immune functions. PVC can generate dioxin again when it is incinerated as household or medical waste. PVC products can leak harmful additives during use and disposal, when they are burned or buried. Burning creates and releases more dioxins and compounds containing chlorine, which further contaminates the environment. The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that exposure to vinyl chloride may result in liver cancer in people. Recent testing by several governments has also shown that children can ingest hazardous chemicals from PVC toys during use. PVC, therefore, is extremely harmful to human beings and their environment.

PVC is less recyclable. It is difficult to recycle, resulting in much of it ending up in landfills. Chemicals such as phthalates are added to PVC to make it soft and flexible. Recycling operations are handicapped by having to carefully sort out PVC since it melts into corrosive gases at lower temperatures than other plastics contaminating them, ruining equipment and causing health concerns. Greenpeace has identified PVC as the least recycled of the six or so major common plastics used in consumer, household and construction projects. The EPA estimates that less than 0.5% of total post-consumer PVC was recovered or reprocessed in 1994. Continued production of PVC, therefore, only results in more dioxins, since PVC is hardly recyclable.

Governments, industry, environmental groups, and the general public are taking action to eliminate PVC. According to Greenpeace International, Danish and Swedish governments are restricting PVC use, hundreds of communities worldwide are eliminating PVC in buildings, and many companies such as Nike, IKEA and The Body Shop have committed to eliminating PVC from their products. The campaign against PVC manufacturing and use likewise campaigns for the total phase out of PVC in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.

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Via GMANEWS.TV

Many research projects seek to discover the (regulatory) causes of certain kinds of behaviors, such as acts of violence. Of course, in social research there is a critical difference and correlation between two variables and causation. David Hume (26 April 1711–25 August 1776),  a philosopher of the Scottish Enlightenment and one of the greatest minds of Western Philosophy, believed that “A caused B,” or “B happened because of A,” or that “Whenever A occurs, then B does.” His philosophy, belonging to empiricism, was of the positivist view. This necessary connection or necessary relation is what is called David Hume’s concept of causation.

On the other hand, John Burton, a prominent scholar specializing in international relations and conflict resolution, established a direct link between interstate and inter-group conflicts and the issue of basic human needs. His studies on identity, recognition and survival, in the light of conflict resolution, have become the hallmarks of sociopsychological approaches in dealing with violence.

Burton believed that conflicts are hugely correlated to human needs, making them more complex to resolve. Conflicts arise from unmet needs or inadequately fulfilled basic human needs of the members of the group.

Applying the Humean causation model of “A caused B,” the Burton notion of the causes of violent behavior goes like this: unmet basic human needs such as inability to assert identity and individuality, poor recognition of individual worth, and poor means of survival are the A that causes B or violent behavior and conflict.

In places where means of survival are hampered by poverty and where the environment of an individual is fertile ground for the non-recognition of human rights (Hume’s ‘A’), people get unruly and conflicts exist (Burton’s ‘B’).  This condition is prevalent in Third World countries where poverty is the norm and human rights are generally violated. In these troubled countries, strife, war, and conflicts are always present and cannot seem to be solved and ended.

A good example of the topic on hand is the infamous human rights violations occurring in Myanmar (Burma). The existing military junta in the country is a known violator of human rights. The country is also reeling in poverty and misery, especially after the cyclone that killed thousands of people. Because of these conditions and situation, Myanmar has never quite solved or ended the civil war that is happening there from time to time. The country is vulnerable to civil uprising that occurs intermittently.

The people of Mindanao in the Philippines have also been suffering poverty and injustice for the past four decades. These have caused the ever-present revolt by Muslim guerrillas known as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Sao Paulo in Brazil is a place known for police brutality. Hence, there is always conflict in the streets and riots. The prisoners have even formed their own militant brotherhood that has turned into a dreaded crime syndicate (involved in murders and the cocaine trade) known as the First Capital Command.

Violent struggles and their causes all happen under one unifying sky.

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Via msnbc

The big soap bubble is ready to burst on Indian Television. Time has come for the 8-year-old Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, (KSBKBT) with it’s immortal characters (well, they just refused to die and saw five generations), kilos of jewellery, shimmering silks, naach-gaana, rona-dhona and the  regressive approach to women, to finally reach its last chapter by end October.

Many claim that KSBKBT is reaching a natural end (phew!) but it’s actually the TV channel (please read Star Plus) which has decided to end the contract with producers Balaji Telefilms. There was a time when this very regressive Balaji soap was responsible for the increasing TRPs of the channel, but now Star wants to reinvent itself. The last two years have seen quite a downfall in its popularity.

Let’s check out the grand KSKBT journey

Circa 2000, KSKBT recieves a warm welcome from the homemakers across India. For the first time, someone thought of their entertainment and that too at hours when all their household chores were done with. And it actually was appreciated with its larger than life yet enjoyable portrayal of domestic drama. However, the show soon went out of control when the main character Tulsi became nothing but a sob queen with ‘I am the best bahu and everyone else is wrong’ approach. The glitz too went over board.

Soon, Tulsi’s husband Mihir died. The entire India (the woman part of it) was upset. There were tears and protests and the real-life drama managed to bring Mihir back to life.

I think it was somewhere in 2006 that a woman died while watching KSBKBT. She was so enmeshed with the emotions of the characters that it became too hard for her to handle. A very sorry death.

KSBKBT got itself a strong fan following in Afghanistan.

Smriti Irani who played the character of Tulsi quit late 2007 owing to a tiff with producer Ekta Kapoor. She was back in April 2008 amidst a lot of media hype. Some thought the excitement was over-exaggerated since the show is no longer popular. Women are tired of seeing themselves being represented with either extreme pativrata-ness or wickedness. Realism was so easily tossed out of the window.

Finally, it’s time to say adieu to KSBKBT. Wonder why no one’s crying in the audience because Tulsi sure is!

A bunch of hooligans chanting ‘Jai Maharashtra’ enter the Thane Railway Station in Mumbai and thirteen examination centres to rough up the students come to appear for the railway recruitment board exams. The gundas in reference are actually members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the victims are people from North India. And guess what? Nothing is done about it. I wonder why………

Let’s hear what the play actors say in this grotesque display of violence and insanity. I have taken the liberty of voicing North Indians who ufortunately are left with no option but flee for their lives.

Shishir Parkar, MNS general secretary: We will continue with the agitation until jobs are given to locals and not outsiders.

Raj Thackeray, the MNS mastermind: MNS agitation against North Indian is justified. It is the fault of the railways to publish the ads for the examinations in newspapers that are not normally accessible to Marathi candidates.

Vilas Rao Deshmukh, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra (please remember that he has not done anything substantial against MNS, in fact he has been more busy getting proposals okayed for the legalisation of live in relationships instead): Had the Railway Board given prior intimation about the exam, the government would have provided full security at the examination centres.

Lalu Prasad Yadav, Railway Minister: MNS is like a terrorist organisation. Raj Thackeray is a mental case.

Ram Vilas Paswan, president Lok JAnshakti Party: The issue should be discussed in the Cabinet.

Justice Patel of the Bombay High Court (flashback): The protectors and enforcers of law enforcers painting a poor picture of the law and order in the state.

North Indias: Why us? And we thought Mumbai and Delhi were centres of mixed cultures.

PM Manmohan Singh: NO DIALOGUES, Silent presence. No where in sight.

I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND WHY NO ONE IS PAYING ATTENTION TO THE SHOUTS OF HELP & THE BLOWS OF CRAZINESS!

Via ndtv & toi