Halloween songs.
I've talked about the track before, but here it is in all it's glory: "Do They Know It's Hallowee'en" by the North American Halloween Prevention Initiative. Go to the website and the song should automatically load. Enjoy!
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Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Toronto Streets
I love the Red Rocket.
This photo posted in honour of the recently released Toronto Streets Report which attempted to find out why pedestrian concerns are so lacking in our city street design and planning.
This photo posted in honour of the recently released Toronto Streets Report which attempted to find out why pedestrian concerns are so lacking in our city street design and planning.
New deadly floods kill 67 in Ethiopia
Also in the news: Attention readers in Ethiopia: Judge W/Michael Messhesha's Interview (Amharic), Ethiopian royal family to sell property in Jerusalem to foreign nationals, The Ethiopian who uses old mortar shells to make great coffee and more of today's top stories
Ethiopia hit by new deadly floods
At least 67 people have been killed by floods in Ethiopia's eastern Ogaden region, aid workers say. Almost 300,000 have been affected after the Shabelle river burst its banks, an aid worker told the BBC.
There are also unconfirmed reports that crocodiles have killed two people in the floods. Accurate information is hard to get from the remote area.The area was also hit by devastating floods earlier this year, which killed hundreds and left thousands homeless.
The BBC's Amber Henshaw in Ethiopia says some people had only just returned home when they were forced to flee again following torrential rain. "Sixty-seven people have died since the worst flooding hit Friday, and the crocodiles in the area are eating some of the bodies," Muktar Mohammed, flood coordinator for the government-run Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Bureau, told the AP news agency. (More...)
Attention readers in Ethiopia
You may not have had the chance to see the real report of the real independent inquiry commission. Below is a transcript of Judge W/Micheal Meshesha’s Interview with Radio Ethiopia Sweden. In this interview Judge W/Michael Messhesha reveals what was to be the report of the Original inquiry commission. [Courtesy of HR5680 taskforce]
(Read transcript)
Ethiopian royal family to sell property in Jerusalem to foreign nationals
Ethiopians in Jerusalem (EIJ)
On 21 September 2006, the Jerusalem District Court in Israel decided in favor of conferring a disputed property in Jerusalem to the survivors of Emperor Haile-Selassie and Empress Mennen.
As recalled, this property’s ownership was in dispute between the Royal Family and the EPRDF government in Ethiopia since 1999. The would-be Empress acquired the land, which is situated on Dvora Hanevia St. no 4 and 6 in Jerusalem through the mediation of the Ethiopian Consul in Jerusalem at the time Ato Paulos in early 1928, and was legally registered under the names of the late Emperor and Empress on January 25, 1928.
....Selling this ‘holy’ site to foreigners can only amount to a treacherous act against the people of Ethiopia and the memory and legacy of HIM Emperor Haile-Selassie and Empress Mennen. Through this act an important part of this memory and legacy of both of them will be irreversibly extracted and extorted from Jerusalem and Ethiopia’s histories once and for all.
So when faced with the dilemma of choice between a tyrant nihilistic regime and a self-centered elite claiming to have royal blood, one ought to remember that in both cases the Ethiopian nation is the one losing a great deal. (More...)
The Ethiopian who uses old mortar shells to make great coffee
In Biblical times they said "turn your swords into ploughshares", now in northern Ethiopia a tradesman is bringing the saying into the 21st century.
In his workshop in Mekele, just 200km from Ethiopia's border with Eritrea, Azmeraw Zekele is turning burnt-out shells into cylinders used in coffee machines.
Most of the shells are leftover from the war between the two countries which took place between 1998 and 2000.
The workshop is made up of three quite small ramshackle rooms that lead from one to another with sunlight coming through the gaps, but it is a hive of activity for Mr Azmeraw and his six staff. (More...)
-China says North Korea agrees to rejoin nuclear disarmament talks
-Tribal fury at Pakistan air strike
-Dead woman wins election in Alaska after coin toss
Ethiopia hit by new deadly floods
At least 67 people have been killed by floods in Ethiopia's eastern Ogaden region, aid workers say. Almost 300,000 have been affected after the Shabelle river burst its banks, an aid worker told the BBC.
There are also unconfirmed reports that crocodiles have killed two people in the floods. Accurate information is hard to get from the remote area.The area was also hit by devastating floods earlier this year, which killed hundreds and left thousands homeless.
The BBC's Amber Henshaw in Ethiopia says some people had only just returned home when they were forced to flee again following torrential rain. "Sixty-seven people have died since the worst flooding hit Friday, and the crocodiles in the area are eating some of the bodies," Muktar Mohammed, flood coordinator for the government-run Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Bureau, told the AP news agency. (More...)
Attention readers in Ethiopia
You may not have had the chance to see the real report of the real independent inquiry commission. Below is a transcript of Judge W/Micheal Meshesha’s Interview with Radio Ethiopia Sweden. In this interview Judge W/Michael Messhesha reveals what was to be the report of the Original inquiry commission. [Courtesy of HR5680 taskforce]
(Read transcript)Ethiopian royal family to sell property in Jerusalem to foreign nationals
Ethiopians in Jerusalem (EIJ)
On 21 September 2006, the Jerusalem District Court in Israel decided in favor of conferring a disputed property in Jerusalem to the survivors of Emperor Haile-Selassie and Empress Mennen. As recalled, this property’s ownership was in dispute between the Royal Family and the EPRDF government in Ethiopia since 1999. The would-be Empress acquired the land, which is situated on Dvora Hanevia St. no 4 and 6 in Jerusalem through the mediation of the Ethiopian Consul in Jerusalem at the time Ato Paulos in early 1928, and was legally registered under the names of the late Emperor and Empress on January 25, 1928.
....Selling this ‘holy’ site to foreigners can only amount to a treacherous act against the people of Ethiopia and the memory and legacy of HIM Emperor Haile-Selassie and Empress Mennen. Through this act an important part of this memory and legacy of both of them will be irreversibly extracted and extorted from Jerusalem and Ethiopia’s histories once and for all.
So when faced with the dilemma of choice between a tyrant nihilistic regime and a self-centered elite claiming to have royal blood, one ought to remember that in both cases the Ethiopian nation is the one losing a great deal. (More...)
The Ethiopian who uses old mortar shells to make great coffee
In Biblical times they said "turn your swords into ploughshares", now in northern Ethiopia a tradesman is bringing the saying into the 21st century. In his workshop in Mekele, just 200km from Ethiopia's border with Eritrea, Azmeraw Zekele is turning burnt-out shells into cylinders used in coffee machines.
Most of the shells are leftover from the war between the two countries which took place between 1998 and 2000.
The workshop is made up of three quite small ramshackle rooms that lead from one to another with sunlight coming through the gaps, but it is a hive of activity for Mr Azmeraw and his six staff. (More...)
Today's Top Stories
-Islamists Refuse to Take Part in Peace Talks While Ethiopian Troops Are in Somalia-China says North Korea agrees to rejoin nuclear disarmament talks
-Tribal fury at Pakistan air strike
-Dead woman wins election in Alaska after coin toss
Monday, October 30, 2006
(10.30.06) Recommends:
The Shins, "Phantom Limb" from the forthcoming "Wincing The Night Away (Sub Pop, Jan. 2007).
Continuing with yesterday's theme of anticipated music, today's post regards arguably the most anticipated release of 2007: The Shins' new album "Wincing The Night Away." They have released the first single from the album. It's available for streaming at The Shins myspace , and available for purchase at the Sub Pop web shop.
It's pretty hard to hate this band, right? Usually when an indie-anything blows up big there's a backlash. I don't think there's ever been a Shins backlash. In fact, a "Shins backlash" might not even be possible. I think that if you don't like the Shins, you're trying to be cool, but you're not doing a very good job of it. Go listen to the new single and let me know what you think.
Today's extra bonus:
The Shins 2003 appearance on Turnpike, a great Lawrence, KS music television show. Back when music television actually meant, er, music on the television.
Continuing with yesterday's theme of anticipated music, today's post regards arguably the most anticipated release of 2007: The Shins' new album "Wincing The Night Away." They have released the first single from the album. It's available for streaming at The Shins myspace , and available for purchase at the Sub Pop web shop.
It's pretty hard to hate this band, right? Usually when an indie-anything blows up big there's a backlash. I don't think there's ever been a Shins backlash. In fact, a "Shins backlash" might not even be possible. I think that if you don't like the Shins, you're trying to be cool, but you're not doing a very good job of it. Go listen to the new single and let me know what you think.
Today's extra bonus:
The Shins 2003 appearance on Turnpike, a great Lawrence, KS music television show. Back when music television actually meant, er, music on the television.
November 1st A day of sorrow; a day of solidarity; a day of renewed commitment
Also in the news: Open letter to Dr Mekonnen Disasa, Lucy' tour gets no love and more of today's top stories
November 1st A day of sorrow; a day of solidarity; a day of renewed commitment
Kinijit press release
Commentary on recent news events [Amharic, satire]
(More...)
Open letter to Dr Mekonnen Disasa
Mekonen Disasa (seen here) is the newly appointed head of the “teletafi” inquiry board. Ato Mekonen said on his report “the measures taken by security forces (in the June and November killings) were appropriate when they were seen in light of a budding democracy”. Ato Mekonen dissasa and the few remaining members of the “teletafi” inquiry commission, like Judas, betrayed those killed and maimed, in return for a few pieces of silver.
(by Tsegaye Hagos via AddisVoice)
I have been shocked to hear about the altered version of the inquiry commission’s report which justified the massacre of defenceless citizens including children. Thanks to Judge Wolde-Michael Meshesha, we know the real findings and conclusions of the inquiry commission whose honest members have faced intimidation and threats. People may flee their country but the truth remains where it is.
Having said that, I would like to say what I know about you, Dr Mekonnen Disasa, who appeared in front of reporters, as Acting Chair of a defunct commission, to lie on behalf of the tyrannical regime. That wasn’t unexpected from a political turncoat who was once a devout Derg cadre. When I worked as a lecturer at Addis Ababa University for nearly two decades, one of those frustrated ‘academics’ and enemies of academic freedom, who changed colours like a good chameleon, as time changes, was yourself. (More...)
Also read:
-Ethiopian security forces massacred protesters: Associated Press
-Judge: Ethiopian forces killed 193 unarmed protesters: CNN
-Ethiopian protesters 'massacred': BBC
Lucy' tour gets no love from two U.S. museums
Rick Potts, the director of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program and a paleoanthropologist, said he and many other scientists agree that Lucy is too fragile to travel. He said the Ethiopian artifacts would not come to the Smithsonian.
A spokesman for the American Museum of Natural History in New York also said that the museum would not accept the 3.2-million-year-old fossilized remains.(More...)
-Nigerian crash airline grounded
-14,000 U.S.-supplied weapons reportedly missing in Iraq
-Britain seeks ‘bold’ climate action, hires Gore
-Brazil's leftist Lula re-elected in landslide
-Potential Male Contraceptive in the works
-Report finds St. Louis most dangerous U.S. city
-Most lucrative degrees for college grads
November 1st A day of sorrow; a day of solidarity; a day of renewed commitment
Kinijit press release
Ethiopians all over the world are planning to join hands to commemorate the first anniversary of the November 1 2005 mass murder and imprisonment. This is one of the darkest days in the history of the Ethiopian People. We recall the sequence of events that dragged the people of Ethiopia into the abyss.
The government of Meles Zenawi called a general election on May 15 2005 with absolute certainty that it will win. It never expected to lose to the opposition. Contrary to the expectation of the incumbent and its foreign backers the opposition won. The Party of Meles Zenawi was not prepared to leave office. It put the civilian and military bureaucracy at its disposal on an overdrive and began conducting massive electoral fraud. The people of Ethiopia and the leaders of opposition parties stood firm and demanded that the votes be counted. Meles Zenawi arrogantly spurned all civil and peaceful means of solving the electoral dispute. The choice that the government of Meles Zenawi left to the Ethiopian people was to live under slavery.(More...)
Commentary on recent news events [Amharic, satire]
(More...)Open letter to Dr Mekonnen Disasa
Mekonen Disasa (seen here) is the newly appointed head of the “teletafi” inquiry board. Ato Mekonen said on his report “the measures taken by security forces (in the June and November killings) were appropriate when they were seen in light of a budding democracy”. Ato Mekonen dissasa and the few remaining members of the “teletafi” inquiry commission, like Judas, betrayed those killed and maimed, in return for a few pieces of silver.
(by Tsegaye Hagos via AddisVoice)
I have been shocked to hear about the altered version of the inquiry commission’s report which justified the massacre of defenceless citizens including children. Thanks to Judge Wolde-Michael Meshesha, we know the real findings and conclusions of the inquiry commission whose honest members have faced intimidation and threats. People may flee their country but the truth remains where it is.Having said that, I would like to say what I know about you, Dr Mekonnen Disasa, who appeared in front of reporters, as Acting Chair of a defunct commission, to lie on behalf of the tyrannical regime. That wasn’t unexpected from a political turncoat who was once a devout Derg cadre. When I worked as a lecturer at Addis Ababa University for nearly two decades, one of those frustrated ‘academics’ and enemies of academic freedom, who changed colours like a good chameleon, as time changes, was yourself. (More...)
Also read:
-Ethiopian security forces massacred protesters: Associated Press
-Judge: Ethiopian forces killed 193 unarmed protesters: CNN
-Ethiopian protesters 'massacred': BBC
Lucy' tour gets no love from two U.S. museums
Rick Potts, the director of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program and a paleoanthropologist, said he and many other scientists agree that Lucy is too fragile to travel. He said the Ethiopian artifacts would not come to the Smithsonian.
A spokesman for the American Museum of Natural History in New York also said that the museum would not accept the 3.2-million-year-old fossilized remains.(More...)
Today's Top Stories
-How to Hug an EPRDFffer: [satire] Weichegud-Nigerian crash airline grounded
-14,000 U.S.-supplied weapons reportedly missing in Iraq
-Britain seeks ‘bold’ climate action, hires Gore
-Brazil's leftist Lula re-elected in landslide
-Potential Male Contraceptive in the works
-Report finds St. Louis most dangerous U.S. city
-Most lucrative degrees for college grads
Sunday, October 29, 2006
(10.29.06) Recommends:
Chris Garneau, "Not Nice" from the forthcoming "Music for Tourists" (Absolutely Kosher, Jan. 2007).
Goodness me. Is it possible that it is not yet Halloween and I've already heard one of the best songs that will be released in 2007? Don't just take my word for it: Absolutely Kosher has given us a sneak peak. Please listen to "Not Nice" right now. You have a new hero of which you heretofore did not know. It's okay. Chris Garneau is here now; things are looking up. I would say more, but please just listen to this song, and let the awesomeness of this song do the typing for me.
His official website.
His myspace. (Four more songs from the forthcoming album available for streaming).
His Absolutely Kosher website. (Where you can pre-order this bad boy).
Goodness me. Is it possible that it is not yet Halloween and I've already heard one of the best songs that will be released in 2007? Don't just take my word for it: Absolutely Kosher has given us a sneak peak. Please listen to "Not Nice" right now. You have a new hero of which you heretofore did not know. It's okay. Chris Garneau is here now; things are looking up. I would say more, but please just listen to this song, and let the awesomeness of this song do the typing for me.
His official website.
His myspace. (Four more songs from the forthcoming album available for streaming).
His Absolutely Kosher website. (Where you can pre-order this bad boy).
27th October 2006: The riots one year on...
Last week saw the first anniversary of the deaths of two Parisian teenagers, which sparked riots across the country lasting 21 nights, in which over 9000 cars burnt and nearly 3,000 people arrested, but it also marked the annual celebration of youth culture in one community of Bordeaux.On 27th October 2005 in the North-eastern Parisian suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois, two boys, Zyed Benna, 17, and Bouna Traore, 15, were electrocuted after climbing into an electrical sub-station - in what locals say was the result of an attempt to hide from police.
Two days beforehand on a visit to the Parisian suburb of Argenteuil to see how his new measures against urban violence were working, Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy had been pelted with stones and bottles, after having said that crime-ridden neighbourhoods should be "cleaned with a power hose" and described violent elements as "gangrene" and "rabble".
And so as the news of the two teenagers’ deaths spread, riots were triggered in the local area, which is home to large African and Arab communities.
On the 30th October 2005, Mr Sarkozy pledged there would be "zero tolerance" for the rioting and sent police reinforcements to Clichy-sous-Bois, where a tear gas grenade, like those used by riot police, exploded in a mosque, provoking further anger.
As the violence started to expand out from the capital, and thousands more vehicles burned with every night that passed, the French government put into force a series of emergency powers across more than 30 French towns and cities, including the Paris suburbs. In what was the first time the law had been implemented in mainland France since its introduction in 1955, the northern city of Amiens was the first to impose a curfew.
The police then as a result reported a drop in the level of violence across France as a whole, with the number of cars set alight falling to just over 600, hundreds fewer than the night before. Some 280 people were arrested and disturbances broke out in 116 areas, half the number affected the previous night.
However, violence still persisted in isolated patches with Bordeaux itself being one after a gas-powered bus exploded after it was hit by a petrol bomb in the cities’ suburbs.A year on, 2006, and the violence has reared its ugly head once again as thousands of riot police were redeployed back into the Clincy-sous-Bois suburb, where the original riots has started, and where more buses were burnt and at least 500 people marched in memory of the two teenage boys, both of whom were from immigrant families.
And in Marseille on Saturday (28th October), a 26-year-old Senegalise woman, Mama Galledou, was left with burns to nearly 70% of her body after a group of teenagers reportedly forced open the doors of a bus and threw an inflammable liquid inside before fleeing.
Elsewhere around the country, around 200 vehicles were set alight and nearly 50 people were arrested.
But despite the year anniversary of the violent attacks, in Pessac, a “commune” of Bordeaux, the community was not being set ablaze by fire, but by community spirit and the 9th annual youth festival celebrating all that encompasses youth culture.The “Urban Vibrations” festival takes place over a period of 11 days (25th October – 5th November) and is crammed full of events for youths and the rest of the community to partake in such as rap evenings, film and documentary screenings, break-dancing lessons and competitions, beat-boxing, art exhibitions, basketball and street ball competitions, Pro Evolution Soccer competitions and an array of other sporting contests and even a “turn-up and decorate the festival sites” graffiti evening.
One of the sporting contests taking place was a skateboarding competition, which carried a cash prize to the winner of 15,000 Euros (roughly £10,000).
Free to enter and with the only other obligation being that you wear a helmet, anyone was able to participate in the qualifications, and although they really tried their best, this reporter declined! The contest’s finale was very well supported and the standard of competition was surprising to say the least, but what struck me about the whole event was that it was for everyone – families, elderly people (ok maybe not the skate-boarding, BMX or roller-blading - but they were all there!).So while the recent bus attacks in Paris and Marseille have marked the anniversary and spread new fears of nationwide riots, in other parts of the country community relations are very much on a better foot. So much so I might go pick up a spray can and leave my mark on the wall in Pessac with the rest of the citizens!!!
Published on the sheffieldbase http://www.sheffieldbase.com/story.php?s=1376
Non-Violent resistance in Israel and the Occupied territories
Despite what is an increasingly violent and militaristic culture in Israel, there are so many individuals and groups who are standing up and saying no more.
There are the extremely courageous Israeli conscientious objectors, who face imprisonment for refusing to fight and kill.
There's Yehuda Shaul, who wants Israelis and the world to know what is being perpetrated upon the Palestinian people. As he puts it, he is trying to break the silence, because "what's going on in the Occupied Territories is like the biggest secret in Israeli society. It's like the taboo. You never talk about it." (Listen/Read/Watch the Interview)
There is also so much non-violent resistance among Palestinians that is overshadowed by violent acts and underreported by the media.
I am particularly hopeful, however, about the solidarity movements and women's groups that are coalitions of both Israeli and Palestinian Women (like Coalition of Women for Peace and Bereaved Families Circle).
Here is an interesting podcast describing some of the Israelis and Palestinians who are using non-violent resistance to oppose the occupation. (listen/download mp3 - about 20 minutes long, and definitely worth a listen).
UPDATE DEC 18, 2006 - Yesterday there was a related article in The Star: Ex-soldiers break 'silence' on Israeli excesses: Yehuda Shaul tells Haroon Siddiqui 'something rotten' is going on in Gaza and the West Bank.
There are the extremely courageous Israeli conscientious objectors, who face imprisonment for refusing to fight and kill.
There's Yehuda Shaul, who wants Israelis and the world to know what is being perpetrated upon the Palestinian people. As he puts it, he is trying to break the silence, because "what's going on in the Occupied Territories is like the biggest secret in Israeli society. It's like the taboo. You never talk about it." (Listen/Read/Watch the Interview)
There is also so much non-violent resistance among Palestinians that is overshadowed by violent acts and underreported by the media.
I am particularly hopeful, however, about the solidarity movements and women's groups that are coalitions of both Israeli and Palestinian Women (like Coalition of Women for Peace and Bereaved Families Circle).
Here is an interesting podcast describing some of the Israelis and Palestinians who are using non-violent resistance to oppose the occupation. (listen/download mp3 - about 20 minutes long, and definitely worth a listen).
UPDATE DEC 18, 2006 - Yesterday there was a related article in The Star: Ex-soldiers break 'silence' on Israeli excesses: Yehuda Shaul tells Haroon Siddiqui 'something rotten' is going on in Gaza and the West Bank.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
(10.28.06) Recommends:
This American Life's website.
Second only to baseball, This American Life might very well be America's greatest contribution to radio. It is, without a doubt, one of our culture's most important voices. It is just about the only thing around which I've regularly set my Saturday morning: get up, get in the car, grab a donut (or three) and drive around aimlessly listening to yet another life-affirming episode of This American Life. And while baseball's internet arm must be run by short-sighted, money hungry assheads bent on alienating every last baseball fan on the planet, TAL's internet arm is run by gods. You can freely listen to every episode ever aired. If you wish, you can purchase CD's with episodes, such being delivered to you with a reproduction of a little Chris Ware drawing. You can get TAL as a podcast. You can sign up for a weekly email. You can get info on the shows, contributors to the shows, and episode recommendations from the show's producers. Everything you want is here. You can get lost for hours on this webpage. And if everybody spent just one hour on this webpage every week, we would live in a far more reasonable country.
Second only to baseball, This American Life might very well be America's greatest contribution to radio. It is, without a doubt, one of our culture's most important voices. It is just about the only thing around which I've regularly set my Saturday morning: get up, get in the car, grab a donut (or three) and drive around aimlessly listening to yet another life-affirming episode of This American Life. And while baseball's internet arm must be run by short-sighted, money hungry assheads bent on alienating every last baseball fan on the planet, TAL's internet arm is run by gods. You can freely listen to every episode ever aired. If you wish, you can purchase CD's with episodes, such being delivered to you with a reproduction of a little Chris Ware drawing. You can get TAL as a podcast. You can sign up for a weekly email. You can get info on the shows, contributors to the shows, and episode recommendations from the show's producers. Everything you want is here. You can get lost for hours on this webpage. And if everybody spent just one hour on this webpage every week, we would live in a far more reasonable country.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Who Needs Greenwashing? Try Greenbombing!
No, I'm not joking. Arms manufacturer British Aerospace (BAE) is designing green weapons. Yes, as in environmentally-friendly death machines. Will this spawn a new category... Eco-murder? Envirokilling? Greenbombing?
Says Deborah Allen of BAE: "We all have a duty of care to ensure that from cradle to grave products are being used appropriately and do not do lasting harm". Newsflash, Deb, you make weapons for killing people. Usually, death is considered to fall into the category of "lasting harm". More at BBC and The Times. Via Gristmill.
File this one under how to not save the world.
better?
Says Deborah Allen of BAE: "We all have a duty of care to ensure that from cradle to grave products are being used appropriately and do not do lasting harm". Newsflash, Deb, you make weapons for killing people. Usually, death is considered to fall into the category of "lasting harm". More at BBC and The Times. Via Gristmill.
File this one under how to not save the world.
better?
(10.27.06) Recommends:
Beirut, "Gulag Orkestar" (Ba Da Bing!, 2006).
Wow. This is probably the most ambitious release of the year. It's like Eastern European indie rock. I mean, the main force behind the band -- who's 20, mind you -- wrote the album in New Mexico and resides in New York. But this album is like Klezmer band indie rock. Organ grinder indie rock. Something that should be played in a silent movie house, with old men in the back, sipping vodka and pining for a different time and a different world. But don't get me wrong; this isn't novelty rock. This thing is a record, people! "Postcards from Italy" is easily one of the best tracks released this year. Sometimes a band comes along that puts out music that's just a little different, a little strange. But it's something that reminds you why you love music in the first place. Neutral Milk Hotel. Air. Sigur Ros. Arcade Fire. Add to this list Zach Condon and Beirut. If he doesn't pull a Jeff Mangum, we have a new voice to collectively anticipate over.
Wow. This is probably the most ambitious release of the year. It's like Eastern European indie rock. I mean, the main force behind the band -- who's 20, mind you -- wrote the album in New Mexico and resides in New York. But this album is like Klezmer band indie rock. Organ grinder indie rock. Something that should be played in a silent movie house, with old men in the back, sipping vodka and pining for a different time and a different world. But don't get me wrong; this isn't novelty rock. This thing is a record, people! "Postcards from Italy" is easily one of the best tracks released this year. Sometimes a band comes along that puts out music that's just a little different, a little strange. But it's something that reminds you why you love music in the first place. Neutral Milk Hotel. Air. Sigur Ros. Arcade Fire. Add to this list Zach Condon and Beirut. If he doesn't pull a Jeff Mangum, we have a new voice to collectively anticipate over.
ION: Secretary general of Parliament on the run and The Week in Review
Catch-up on major news events you missed in the past week - Plus the weekend’s top stories!
Also in the news: [Diplomats in Ethiopia under surveillance: ION report] [Message from Kinijit Vancouver] [15 killed, thousands displaced in Ethiopia flood]
Secretary general of Parliament on the run
Indian Ocean Newsletter N° 1200 28/10/2006
According to several tallying information sources, the secretary general of the Ethiopian Chamber of Representatives, Foto Bedane, took advantage of an official journey to Europe to defect from the regime of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. He was part of an Ethiopian parliamentary delegation headed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Degfe Bula which had left Addis Ababa on 13 October to go to Geneva (Switzerland) to attend the 115th general assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) from 16 to 18 October. Foto Bedane is reported to have then decided not to return to Addis Ababa and may seek refugee status in the United States. His predecessor, Samuel Alemayhu, had similarly defected after a world conference of speakers of parliament in September 2005 in New York.
The Week in Review
- Monday- October 23, 2006
- Tuesday- October 24, 2006
- Wednesday- October 25, 2006
- Thursday- October 26, 2006
- Friday- October 27, 2006
According to our investigation 193 civilians were shot dead by security forces: Wolde-Michael Meshesha, Teletafi kinijit splits in two(addis Abeba), ETHIOPIAN AMERICAN AND ETHIOPIAN LAWYERS condemn HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS in Ethiopia, Lemtmerugn (poem by Tewodros Abebe), Somalia's ICU leader dares Ethiopia to attack, Addis ferengi signing off
Zero tolerance for democracy: Policy of the Ethiopian government, Evidence of EPRDF’s failed policy, Ethiopia Ranked Among Worst Press Violators, Ethiopian officer captured after fierce battle, Ethiopia's "Lucy" to be exhibited in United States, From Vancouver Kinijit Support Groups, Ethiopia at war with ICU, Jonny Ragga Wins Music Award
The commission’s report proves that the “evidence” against imprisoned leaders of Kinijit is contrived: Kinijit Press release, Somalis sign up to fight Ethiopia, Ethiopia's fossil Lucy set to become a 'mute ambassador' to the US, Skepticism and delusion, shunning from reality, Eritrea has 10,000 armed men at border
Yalemzewd Bekele released, Smithsonian OPPOSES Lucy’s tour, Ethiopian Soldiers ordered not to engage in discussions, Starbucks roasted over African dispute, ICU Prevent Gasoline from Reaching Somalia's Government, Prize offered to Africa's leaders, Eritrean fatally shot
Meles tells diplomats CUD's trial ends this year, An Open Letter to Ethiopians: Citizens’ Charter for a Democratic Ethiopia, Wolde-Michael Reacts to Report, disturbing news from a former aid darling, EU says Ethiopia released its staff member, UN report: thousands of foreign troops in Somalia, African Unite 2007
1. Wednesday November 1 2006 at 6 PM sharp
Protest rally & Candle light vigil front of
CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation . (message CBC speak up)
700 Hamilton Street. ( Hamilton & Georgia ) Vancouver,
Rain or Shine we will be there
2. Send the post card we prepared to your MP
3. Distribute the post card in the community throughout the month of November.
Form more Information see flyer
Diplomats under surveillance
Indian Ocean Newsletter N° 1200 28/10/2006
The recent expulsion of two members of the European Commission illustrates the extent to which diplomats in Addis Ababa are under surveillance.
The two members of the European Commission expelled by the Ethiopian authorities for “trafficking” had not been arrested at Moyale, a town on the border with Kenya, as the Ethiopian authorities claim, but 150 km from there, near Agre Mariam, on their way back from Addis Ababa. The Swedish diplomat Bjorn Jonsson and the Italian Enrico Sborgi had gone to the border to accompany Yalemzewd Bekele, a 29 year old human rights activist who worked for the European delegation in Addis Ababa. She believed she was in danger of being arrested because of her links with the opposition. She had initially taken refuge in the premises of the European delegation and later in Jonsson’s house. She was then accompanied to Moyale where she was arrested on 19 November while showing her papers to the Ethiopian immigration service. Fasil Assefa, who was waiting for her at the Koket Borena hotel but had no intention of going to Kenya, was also arrested.
According to some sources, the Ethiopian intelligence agents investigating Yalemzewd had photos of her eating a pizza with Jonsson, her line manager, the day she took refuge in the EC premises in Addis Ababa. They are also said to have photos showing her in the company of other members of the staff of the European delegation during private meetings. This would appear to show that the whole affair had been minutely prepared by the Ethiopian intelligence services. Better still, according to opposition sources, these services have benefited from the complicity of members of the private security company which guards the European delegation compound. This security firm, Sebhatu and Brothers, is owned by the brothers of Mimi Sebhatu, a journalist close to the regime who benefited with her husband Zerihun Teshome, for the attribution of a licence to launch a private radio station. She is also the editor of the newspaper Eftin which is strongly supportive of the Ethiopian regime. Agents from this security company could have informed the official intelligence services of Yalemzewd’s comings and goings and of her departure for Moyale. Her telephone conversations with the expelled diplomats, and with Tim Clark, the head of the European delegation in Addis Ababa, are also believed to have been recorded in the same way.
Sebhatu & Brothers may be employing disguised government agents. It was the government coalition, EPRDF that, according to people close to Mimi Sebhatu and her husband, provided half of the funding to create this security company. This company has more clients than another security company linked to partisans of the regime, belonging to Major Alemseged Gebre Yohannes, a former deputy Police Commissioner.
15 killed, thousands displaced in Ethiopia flood
ADDIS ABABA - A river burst its banks in southeastern Ethiopia killing 15 people and displacing more than 2,000, the state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) said on Saturday.
“Wabe Shebelle broke its banks and flooded adjoining areas following heavy rains in highland Ethiopia,” ENA said quoting Ethiopia’s early warning disaster unit.
State television said late on Friday the towns of Kibredehar and Musthale were flooded and that residents had to move to higher ground. It said a U.N. boat and fact finding team had been sent to the region.(More...)
Meles tells diplomats, CUD's trial ends this year
Also in the news: An Open Letter to Ethiopians: Citizens’ Charter for a Democratic Ethiopia, Wolde-Michael Reacts to Report, disturbing news from a former aid darling, EU says Ethiopia released its staff member, UN report: thousands of foreign troops in Somalia, African Unite 2007 and more of today's top stories
-----------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As Professor Christopher Clapham of the University of Cambridge rightly noted, the May 15, 2005 legislative elections ushered in an unmistakable but painful transition to a democratic order in Ethiopia . The outmoded vision of sectarian and autocratic rule that masqueraded as “ethnocentric democracy” was resoundingly rejected by the heroic Ethiopian voters. The majority of voters instead endorsed a modern democratic system based on the sovereignty of the free citizen.
The Citizens' Charter Group is pleased to introduce to the Ethiopian public a “Citizens’ Charter for Ethiopian Democracy” which articulates this pan-Ethiopian vision. The Citizens’ Charter embodies what binds all Ethiopians and thereby affirms the primacy of Ethiopian identity in a manner which makes it possible to embrace diverse cultural identities.
The Citizens' Charter Group invites the public to engage in a constructive debate on the kind of Ethiopia we want to emerge out of the current crisis. The Group urges political parties which consider themselves Ethiopian to endorse the Charter, and civic organizations to adopt it as the foundation for united action. Finally, readers are kindly requested to assist with the widest possible circulation of the attached Charter document.
The Citizens' Charter Group
27 October 2006
------------------------------------------------
An Open Letter to Ethiopians
Re: Citizens’ Charter for a Democratic Ethiopia (27 October 2006)
Ye’Etyiopiawian Yemebitna Gideta Qal-kidan
Dear Compatriots at Home and Abroad:
We, the undersigned, are a group of concerned Ethiopians who value civic activism in the cause of freedom, that is, freedom from unrelenting poverty and freedom from unremitting tyranny. The lessons of history clearly show that the cause of liberty is best served by a political system that respects the sovereignty of the citizen and generously rewards those activities that promote the common good. They also show that shared prosperity comes with the help of an economic system that guarantees economic freedom and rewards productive activity.
Achieving the twin goals of Ethiopian democracy and prosperity presupposes a government that is at once competent and accountable to citizens. Such a government is, unfortunately, a product of protracted struggle by a coordinated political movement that includes political parties and civic organizations. Needless to say, this movement has to be inspired by a democratic process for public decision-making and by a pan-Ethiopian vision of the future of the country. (More...)
Meles tells diplomats, CUD's trial ends this year
capitalethiopia - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi met with diplomats in Addis Ababa, on Saturday, October 14 to confer on current affairs and developments in the country, expressing his expectation that the more than 100 detained opposition members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), journalists and members of civic organisations trial will see a conclusion before the end of this Ethiopian year, diplomatic sources disclosed.
In a meeting that went on for two hours at the Prime Minister's office, Meles told the diplomats that as part of the civil service reform of the government, his administration has the responsibility for citizens to get speedy and fair justice, but affirmed that he has no mandate or authority over the case, which is the responsibility of the courts. More over, the Prime Minister told the diplomats that recent nationwide meetings of his party, the EPRDF performance over the past three years have been reviewed and it was revealed that the performance in terms of economic growth has been quite good but that there is a lot of room for improvement in terms of governance, capacity building and democratization.
“ There have been some achievements but we very much feel that there is more to be done,” he was quoted by diplomatic sources as saying.
The Ethiopian government has detained more than 100 people including 29 CUD leaders about 20 journalists accused of plotting to overthrow the government and also charged with high treason and genocide. The CUD is accused by the government of fomenting violence since the elections in May 2005.the detainees has been in custody for the last 9 months.
The opposition alleges the elections were riddled with fraud. In the aftermath of the bitterly disputed elections, at least 90 people were killed in Addis Ababa in outbreaks of violence in June and November 2005.
An anonymous diplomat told Capital that issues related with the ACP-EU parliamentarians that recently paid a visit to the country were raised in the meeting with both parts agreeing their involvement was of a paramount importance in the building up of the parliamentary democratization process. Last week's meeting took place after the diplomats met the Prime Minister in February to discuss on issues related to the Addis Ababa City Council, Oromia, Parliament and as well as EU observers being sent to observe the CUD trial.
Former Commission of Inquiry Vice Chair Reacts to Report on Post-Election Violence
“This is what the government want to be said. That’s why I left the country. We had arrived at a decision that said the force used by the security forces to stop the uprising was excessive. It was not necessary because 193 civilians were dead without any arming such kind of gun or any other weapons. So how can one say this is not excessive force? So I say this was not the will of all the members but by force,” - Wolde-Michael speaking on yesterday’s report by the “teletafi” inquiry commission (Picture by EMF)
Washington, D.C. -- 27 October 2006 -- The former vice chair of Ethiopia’s commission of inquiry that investigated last year’s post-election violence, Wolde-Michael Meshesha, says the report released yesterday does not represent the will of majority of the commission’s members. That report said 199 people were killed. At the same time it says the police did not use excessive force. But Meshesha, who fled Ethiopia earlier this month, tells VOA English to Africa reporter James Butty the commission reported what the government urged it to report.(More...)
Ethiopia: More disturbing news from a former aid darling of the West
The Economist
...But the government's (EPRDF/TPLF) grip on power is slipping. An instinct for self-preservation may explain the former rebel fighters' return to Soviet methods. Things began to fall apart last year when a disorganised opposition disputed the results of a general election. Street protests followed in the capital in June and again in November. Around 80 people were believed to have been killed, including some police, after which opposition leaders, journalists, human-rights activists and businessmen were arrested. Many have since been charged with treason and genocide.
The government promised a speedy trial but has reneged, dragging out the process while keeping it far from view. Most of those arrested are still languishing in Kaliti prison in Addis Ababa. The cells there are baking hot by day, freezing by night, infested with roaches and mice, and thick with mud in the rainy season. The government has so far used a mix of spin and harassment of journalists (local more than foreign) to avoid international condemnation. But that may be changing.(More...)
EU says Ethiopia released its staff member
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Ethiopia has released European Commission staff member and rights lawyer Yalemzewd Bekele from jail, the EU said, welcoming the move but reaffirming that the bloc's ties with the African country had been damaged.
"The release of Ms Bekele is very good news. We had been extremely concerned about her fate since her arrest," European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel said in a statement on Friday.
Last week, Addis Ababa expelled two European Union diplomats -- an Italian and a Swede -- saying they had been caught trying to smuggle two wanted Ethiopians out of the country by car.
Bekele was one of the two Ethiopians detained near the border with Kenya. Amnesty International had said she was at risk of torture for aiding the opposition. There was no word on the other Ethiopian detained with Bekele.(More...)
African Unite 2007
How good and how pleasant it would be before God and man, To see the unification of all Africans (Lyrics from Africa Unite)- BOB MARLEY
Africa Unite, which was last year held in Ethiopia, will now be held in South Africa next following followinga decision by The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation.
LATE reggae icon Bob Marley's widow Rita has decided to bring the African Unite, an event meant to encourage peace, education and empowerment of the youth on the continent to South Africa.
The event that also reinforces the significance of Marley’s songs of freedom, was last year held in Ethiopia but the The Bob & Rita Marley Foundation have decided to bring next year’s event to South Africa.(More..)
-Sudanese ambassador: U.N. envoy 'abused his authority'
-Mexico fury as Bush gives go-ahead to border fence
-Iran has begun uranium enrichment in second centrifuge cascade, agency says
-2 German soldiers suspended for skull photos
-Snoop arrested at California airport
-----------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As Professor Christopher Clapham of the University of Cambridge rightly noted, the May 15, 2005 legislative elections ushered in an unmistakable but painful transition to a democratic order in Ethiopia . The outmoded vision of sectarian and autocratic rule that masqueraded as “ethnocentric democracy” was resoundingly rejected by the heroic Ethiopian voters. The majority of voters instead endorsed a modern democratic system based on the sovereignty of the free citizen.
The Citizens' Charter Group is pleased to introduce to the Ethiopian public a “Citizens’ Charter for Ethiopian Democracy” which articulates this pan-Ethiopian vision. The Citizens’ Charter embodies what binds all Ethiopians and thereby affirms the primacy of Ethiopian identity in a manner which makes it possible to embrace diverse cultural identities.
The Citizens' Charter Group invites the public to engage in a constructive debate on the kind of Ethiopia we want to emerge out of the current crisis. The Group urges political parties which consider themselves Ethiopian to endorse the Charter, and civic organizations to adopt it as the foundation for united action. Finally, readers are kindly requested to assist with the widest possible circulation of the attached Charter document.
The Citizens' Charter Group
27 October 2006
------------------------------------------------
An Open Letter to Ethiopians
Re: Citizens’ Charter for a Democratic Ethiopia (27 October 2006)
Ye’Etyiopiawian Yemebitna Gideta Qal-kidan
Dear Compatriots at Home and Abroad:
We, the undersigned, are a group of concerned Ethiopians who value civic activism in the cause of freedom, that is, freedom from unrelenting poverty and freedom from unremitting tyranny. The lessons of history clearly show that the cause of liberty is best served by a political system that respects the sovereignty of the citizen and generously rewards those activities that promote the common good. They also show that shared prosperity comes with the help of an economic system that guarantees economic freedom and rewards productive activity.
Achieving the twin goals of Ethiopian democracy and prosperity presupposes a government that is at once competent and accountable to citizens. Such a government is, unfortunately, a product of protracted struggle by a coordinated political movement that includes political parties and civic organizations. Needless to say, this movement has to be inspired by a democratic process for public decision-making and by a pan-Ethiopian vision of the future of the country. (More...)
Meles tells diplomats, CUD's trial ends this year
capitalethiopia - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi met with diplomats in Addis Ababa, on Saturday, October 14 to confer on current affairs and developments in the country, expressing his expectation that the more than 100 detained opposition members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), journalists and members of civic organisations trial will see a conclusion before the end of this Ethiopian year, diplomatic sources disclosed. In a meeting that went on for two hours at the Prime Minister's office, Meles told the diplomats that as part of the civil service reform of the government, his administration has the responsibility for citizens to get speedy and fair justice, but affirmed that he has no mandate or authority over the case, which is the responsibility of the courts. More over, the Prime Minister told the diplomats that recent nationwide meetings of his party, the EPRDF performance over the past three years have been reviewed and it was revealed that the performance in terms of economic growth has been quite good but that there is a lot of room for improvement in terms of governance, capacity building and democratization.
“ There have been some achievements but we very much feel that there is more to be done,” he was quoted by diplomatic sources as saying.
The Ethiopian government has detained more than 100 people including 29 CUD leaders about 20 journalists accused of plotting to overthrow the government and also charged with high treason and genocide. The CUD is accused by the government of fomenting violence since the elections in May 2005.the detainees has been in custody for the last 9 months.
The opposition alleges the elections were riddled with fraud. In the aftermath of the bitterly disputed elections, at least 90 people were killed in Addis Ababa in outbreaks of violence in June and November 2005.
An anonymous diplomat told Capital that issues related with the ACP-EU parliamentarians that recently paid a visit to the country were raised in the meeting with both parts agreeing their involvement was of a paramount importance in the building up of the parliamentary democratization process. Last week's meeting took place after the diplomats met the Prime Minister in February to discuss on issues related to the Addis Ababa City Council, Oromia, Parliament and as well as EU observers being sent to observe the CUD trial.
Former Commission of Inquiry Vice Chair Reacts to Report on Post-Election Violence
“This is what the government want to be said. That’s why I left the country. We had arrived at a decision that said the force used by the security forces to stop the uprising was excessive. It was not necessary because 193 civilians were dead without any arming such kind of gun or any other weapons. So how can one say this is not excessive force? So I say this was not the will of all the members but by force,” - Wolde-Michael speaking on yesterday’s report by the “teletafi” inquiry commission (Picture by EMF)Washington, D.C. -- 27 October 2006 -- The former vice chair of Ethiopia’s commission of inquiry that investigated last year’s post-election violence, Wolde-Michael Meshesha, says the report released yesterday does not represent the will of majority of the commission’s members. That report said 199 people were killed. At the same time it says the police did not use excessive force. But Meshesha, who fled Ethiopia earlier this month, tells VOA English to Africa reporter James Butty the commission reported what the government urged it to report.(More...)
Ethiopia: More disturbing news from a former aid darling of the West
The Economist
...But the government's (EPRDF/TPLF) grip on power is slipping. An instinct for self-preservation may explain the former rebel fighters' return to Soviet methods. Things began to fall apart last year when a disorganised opposition disputed the results of a general election. Street protests followed in the capital in June and again in November. Around 80 people were believed to have been killed, including some police, after which opposition leaders, journalists, human-rights activists and businessmen were arrested. Many have since been charged with treason and genocide. The government promised a speedy trial but has reneged, dragging out the process while keeping it far from view. Most of those arrested are still languishing in Kaliti prison in Addis Ababa. The cells there are baking hot by day, freezing by night, infested with roaches and mice, and thick with mud in the rainy season. The government has so far used a mix of spin and harassment of journalists (local more than foreign) to avoid international condemnation. But that may be changing.(More...)
EU says Ethiopia released its staff member
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Ethiopia has released European Commission staff member and rights lawyer Yalemzewd Bekele from jail, the EU said, welcoming the move but reaffirming that the bloc's ties with the African country had been damaged.
"The release of Ms Bekele is very good news. We had been extremely concerned about her fate since her arrest," European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel said in a statement on Friday.
Last week, Addis Ababa expelled two European Union diplomats -- an Italian and a Swede -- saying they had been caught trying to smuggle two wanted Ethiopians out of the country by car.
Bekele was one of the two Ethiopians detained near the border with Kenya. Amnesty International had said she was at risk of torture for aiding the opposition. There was no word on the other Ethiopian detained with Bekele.(More...)
African Unite 2007
How good and how pleasant it would be before God and man, To see the unification of all Africans (Lyrics from Africa Unite)- BOB MARLEY Africa Unite, which was last year held in Ethiopia, will now be held in South Africa next following followinga decision by The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation.
LATE reggae icon Bob Marley's widow Rita has decided to bring the African Unite, an event meant to encourage peace, education and empowerment of the youth on the continent to South Africa.
The event that also reinforces the significance of Marley’s songs of freedom, was last year held in Ethiopia but the The Bob & Rita Marley Foundation have decided to bring next year’s event to South Africa.(More..)
Today's Top Stories
-UN report: thousands of foreign troops in Somalia; fears 'all out war'-Sudanese ambassador: U.N. envoy 'abused his authority'
-Mexico fury as Bush gives go-ahead to border fence
-Iran has begun uranium enrichment in second centrifuge cascade, agency says
-2 German soldiers suspended for skull photos
-Snoop arrested at California airport
Sophie Zelmani 1998 Precious Burden
http://www.sonymusic.com/artists/SophieZelmani/zebios.html
1.Leaving
2.Black Day
3.Precious Burden
4.So Long
5.Excuse Me
6.Got To Stop
7.Before The Day's Gone
8.Goodbye
9.Foolish
10.Curtain Fall
11.Who I Am
Download:
Track 1,2,3,4
Track 5,6,7
Track 8,9,10,11
Thursday, October 26, 2006
(10.26.06) Recommends:
Getting to sleep well before midnight.
Sometimes there are weeks where you don't get to bed until ungodly hours. Those weeks are necessary evils, I suppose. But I've always heard this theory -- I'm still not sure if it's an old wives tale, or if it is genuine science -- that the best sleep comes before midnight. Whether true or not, not much beats being asleep before the 10 o'clock news is over and waking up refreshed the next day.
So. Tonight why don't you just put away your work a little early -- they'll be more work to do tomorrow, regardless of how much you get done tonight; they're always is -- crawl into bed, and put on 4am by Richard Buckner. We'll see you tomorrow. Bright and early.
Richard Buckner, 4am.
Sometimes there are weeks where you don't get to bed until ungodly hours. Those weeks are necessary evils, I suppose. But I've always heard this theory -- I'm still not sure if it's an old wives tale, or if it is genuine science -- that the best sleep comes before midnight. Whether true or not, not much beats being asleep before the 10 o'clock news is over and waking up refreshed the next day.
So. Tonight why don't you just put away your work a little early -- they'll be more work to do tomorrow, regardless of how much you get done tonight; they're always is -- crawl into bed, and put on 4am by Richard Buckner. We'll see you tomorrow. Bright and early.
Richard Buckner, 4am.
Yalemzewd Bekele released
Unconfirmed report: Eftin (a pro-government newspaper) is reporting the release of Yalemzewd Bekele Along with Mr.Abdulkadir Abdi, Mr. Adane Shewa and Fasil Assefa: check back with ETP for more details as they become available
----------------------
**(update)** Ethio-Zagol has now confirmed this news. Yalemzewd Bekele is out on bail
-----------------------
Also in the news: Smithsonian OPPOSES Lucy’s tour, Ethiopian Soldiers ordered not to engage in discussions, Starbucks roasted over African dispute, ICU Prevent Gasoline from Reaching Somalia's Government, Prize offered to Africa's leaders, Eritrean fatally shot and more of todays top stories
Ethiopian Soldiers ordered not to engage in discussions
The Eritrean ministry of information is reporting that four Ethiopian soldiers have arrived in Eritrea seeking asylum. The soldiers, the ministry said, disclosed that the TPLF regime has given orders preventing Army members not to engage in discussion in more than two.
The defecting soldiers are Abebe Gebisa Sorecha, Ermias Gebre Woldesenbet, Sew-Bihon Atali Mola and Abadi Berhau Mengesha.(source)
Smithsonian Natural History Museum OPPOSES Lucy’s tour
"Not only is it not going to come to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, it is our position that we don't think it should leave Ethiopia," museum spokesman Randall Kremer said Wednesday.
Smithsonian scientists feel certain objects, such as Lucy, are too valuable to travel and should remain in their homes, he said.
The Smithsonian Institution, often called "America's attic," is considered the country's premier grouping of museums, covering subjects from history to science to aviation to art to the National Zoo. It was founded in the 19th century with a bequest by British scientist James Smithson
Prize offered to Africa's leaders
A $5m prize is offered to Africa's most effective head of state, in an effort to combat poor leadership.
UK-based mobile phone entrepreneur Mo Ibrahim - who was born in Egypt - is behind the plan to rate governance in 53 African countries each year. The contest, launched in London, will award winning leaders $5m (£2.7m) over 10 years when they leave office, plus $200,000 (£107,000) a year for life.
"We need to remove corruption and improve governance," Mr Ibrahim said.(More...)
193 Protesters Said Killed in Ethiopia: [Forbes]
Ethiopian security forces fatally shot, beat or strangled 193 people protesting election fraud last year, triple the official death toll, a senior judge appointed to investigate the violence said.
Wolde-Michael Meshesha, a vice chairman of the 10-member inquiry, accused the government of trying to suppress the results of the probe amid sharp questions about Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's commitment to democratic reform.(More...)
Starbucks roasted over African dispute
THE global coffee company Starbucks is opposing an Ethiopian plan to get a bigger share of its coffee trade for poor farmers, the international aid agency Oxfam says.
The Ethiopian Government has filed applications in the US to trademark three famous Ethiopian coffee names - Sidamo, Harar and Yirgacheffe. This could earn Ethiopia's coffee industry and farmers an estimated $116 million extra a year.(More...)
-Delusion, Frivolity and Now Desperation
-ICU Prevent Gasoline from Reaching Somalia's Government
-Eritrean fatally shot after entering UN post in border zone
-Bush signs bill authorizing border fence
-'60 civilians killed' in Nato raid
-Iraqi PM distances himself from US
-Exxon Mobil posts profit of $10 billion
-"Sexsomniacs" puzzle medical researchers
----------------------
**(update)** Ethio-Zagol has now confirmed this news. Yalemzewd Bekele is out on bail
-----------------------
Also in the news: Smithsonian OPPOSES Lucy’s tour, Ethiopian Soldiers ordered not to engage in discussions, Starbucks roasted over African dispute, ICU Prevent Gasoline from Reaching Somalia's Government, Prize offered to Africa's leaders, Eritrean fatally shot and more of todays top stories
Ethiopian Soldiers ordered not to engage in discussions
The Eritrean ministry of information is reporting that four Ethiopian soldiers have arrived in Eritrea seeking asylum. The soldiers, the ministry said, disclosed that the TPLF regime has given orders preventing Army members not to engage in discussion in more than two.
The defecting soldiers are Abebe Gebisa Sorecha, Ermias Gebre Woldesenbet, Sew-Bihon Atali Mola and Abadi Berhau Mengesha.(source)
Smithsonian Natural History Museum OPPOSES Lucy’s tour
"Not only is it not going to come to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, it is our position that we don't think it should leave Ethiopia," museum spokesman Randall Kremer said Wednesday.Smithsonian scientists feel certain objects, such as Lucy, are too valuable to travel and should remain in their homes, he said.
The Smithsonian Institution, often called "America's attic," is considered the country's premier grouping of museums, covering subjects from history to science to aviation to art to the National Zoo. It was founded in the 19th century with a bequest by British scientist James Smithson
Prize offered to Africa's leaders
A $5m prize is offered to Africa's most effective head of state, in an effort to combat poor leadership.UK-based mobile phone entrepreneur Mo Ibrahim - who was born in Egypt - is behind the plan to rate governance in 53 African countries each year. The contest, launched in London, will award winning leaders $5m (£2.7m) over 10 years when they leave office, plus $200,000 (£107,000) a year for life.
"We need to remove corruption and improve governance," Mr Ibrahim said.(More...)
193 Protesters Said Killed in Ethiopia: [Forbes]
Ethiopian security forces fatally shot, beat or strangled 193 people protesting election fraud last year, triple the official death toll, a senior judge appointed to investigate the violence said. Wolde-Michael Meshesha, a vice chairman of the 10-member inquiry, accused the government of trying to suppress the results of the probe amid sharp questions about Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's commitment to democratic reform.(More...)
Starbucks roasted over African dispute
THE global coffee company Starbucks is opposing an Ethiopian plan to get a bigger share of its coffee trade for poor farmers, the international aid agency Oxfam says.The Ethiopian Government has filed applications in the US to trademark three famous Ethiopian coffee names - Sidamo, Harar and Yirgacheffe. This could earn Ethiopia's coffee industry and farmers an estimated $116 million extra a year.(More...)
Today's Top Stories
-"Inquiry commission" betrays massacred victims: AddisVoice-Delusion, Frivolity and Now Desperation
-ICU Prevent Gasoline from Reaching Somalia's Government
-Eritrean fatally shot after entering UN post in border zone
-Bush signs bill authorizing border fence
-'60 civilians killed' in Nato raid
-Iraqi PM distances himself from US
-Exxon Mobil posts profit of $10 billion
-"Sexsomniacs" puzzle medical researchers
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
(10.25.06) Recommends:
The writing of Chris Bachelder.
David Foster Wallace once said of Arthur Bradford that his stories were like having a conversation with the part of your brain that dreams at night. I've always thought that was just about the coolest compliment I've ever heard. And I think it equally applies to Chris Bachelder. He is one of the most stunningly creative writers alive. He is a "humor writer," but not the kind found in the "Humor Section" of book stores. His attention to detail is staggering. His sentences are like fractals, and his work like chaos theory. Or M.C. Escher prints.
He came out with a new book this year, U.S.! and has another novel Bear v. Shark. In between the two, he released an eBook called Lessons in Virtual Tour Photography, which can be downloaded for free here.
If I haven't convinced you to download a free book, or to go out and buy one of his other books, do me a favor. At least read this page-and-a-half exerpt I'm providing today. It's Lesson 26 from the download and it is titled "Ivan Lendl and the Hazards of Really Giving a Shit." If ever there was a title that alone made me want to read everything an author has written, this was it.
David Foster Wallace once said of Arthur Bradford that his stories were like having a conversation with the part of your brain that dreams at night. I've always thought that was just about the coolest compliment I've ever heard. And I think it equally applies to Chris Bachelder. He is one of the most stunningly creative writers alive. He is a "humor writer," but not the kind found in the "Humor Section" of book stores. His attention to detail is staggering. His sentences are like fractals, and his work like chaos theory. Or M.C. Escher prints.
He came out with a new book this year, U.S.! and has another novel Bear v. Shark. In between the two, he released an eBook called Lessons in Virtual Tour Photography, which can be downloaded for free here.
If I haven't convinced you to download a free book, or to go out and buy one of his other books, do me a favor. At least read this page-and-a-half exerpt I'm providing today. It's Lesson 26 from the download and it is titled "Ivan Lendl and the Hazards of Really Giving a Shit." If ever there was a title that alone made me want to read everything an author has written, this was it.
The commission’s report proves that the “evidence” against imprisoned leaders of Kinijit is contrived: Kinijit Press release
Also in the news: Somalis sign up to fight Ethiopia, Ethiopia's fossil Lucy set to become a 'mute ambassador' to the US, Skepticism and delusion, shunning from reality, Eritrea has 10,000 armed men at border and more of today's top stories
Kinijit press release (Amharic)
(More...)
Skepticism and delusion, shunning from reality
Enset
...The key to building a free society lies in creating a durable set of democratic institutions - some public, some private - that encourage "Representative Democracy" as well as economic openness for long periods of time. This historic responsibility is not the task of few people; it is not even a task to be completed by one generation. Our grandfathers/mothers made us proud Africans by breaking the backbone of Italian colonialism. Our fathers/mothers lived in the darkness of the two [feudal, military] consecutive authoritarian regimes, but they educated us and enabled us to perceive the anatomy of evil. Dealing with the forces of evil is the responsibility of this generation. Our children should be left to focus on agriculture, medicine, economics, and engineering. I usually take my son to G. Washington, T. Jefferson, A. Lincoln, and FDR memorials, and take myself back in time to give respect to what these heroes did to their country. Our country Ethiopia needs heroes like Jefferson and Lincoln who burn like a candle to give light to others. When he gets old, I hope, my son takes his children to memorials, but to a different memorial; to a memorial of champion Ethiopians!(More...)
Ethiopia says Eritrea has 10,000 armed men at border
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopia's tiny neighbor Eritrea has nearly 10,000 soldiers and militia inside a U.N. buffer zone on their disputed border in a "flagrant" breach of a ceasefire, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said.
His figure was far higher than the 1,500 soldiers the United Nations last week accused Asmara of moving to the border where a 1998-2000 war killed more than 70,000 people and left the Horn of Africa neighbors on bitter terms.
Meles told Reuters in an interview that besides the 1,500 soldiers and tanks mentioned by the United Nations, thousands more members of a militia of armed local farmers had been "smuggled" into the sensitive border zone. (More...)
-Ethiopia's fossil Lucy set to become a 'mute ambassador' to the US
-Hastert gets grilled by ethics panel
-Iran to expand nuclear enrichment
-Putin Not Running for Presidency in 2008
-Cobain 'is top-earning dead star'
Kinijit press release (Amharic)
(More...)Skepticism and delusion, shunning from reality
Enset
...The key to building a free society lies in creating a durable set of democratic institutions - some public, some private - that encourage "Representative Democracy" as well as economic openness for long periods of time. This historic responsibility is not the task of few people; it is not even a task to be completed by one generation. Our grandfathers/mothers made us proud Africans by breaking the backbone of Italian colonialism. Our fathers/mothers lived in the darkness of the two [feudal, military] consecutive authoritarian regimes, but they educated us and enabled us to perceive the anatomy of evil. Dealing with the forces of evil is the responsibility of this generation. Our children should be left to focus on agriculture, medicine, economics, and engineering. I usually take my son to G. Washington, T. Jefferson, A. Lincoln, and FDR memorials, and take myself back in time to give respect to what these heroes did to their country. Our country Ethiopia needs heroes like Jefferson and Lincoln who burn like a candle to give light to others. When he gets old, I hope, my son takes his children to memorials, but to a different memorial; to a memorial of champion Ethiopians!(More...)
Ethiopia says Eritrea has 10,000 armed men at border
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopia's tiny neighbor Eritrea has nearly 10,000 soldiers and militia inside a U.N. buffer zone on their disputed border in a "flagrant" breach of a ceasefire, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said.His figure was far higher than the 1,500 soldiers the United Nations last week accused Asmara of moving to the border where a 1998-2000 war killed more than 70,000 people and left the Horn of Africa neighbors on bitter terms.
Meles told Reuters in an interview that besides the 1,500 soldiers and tanks mentioned by the United Nations, thousands more members of a militia of armed local farmers had been "smuggled" into the sensitive border zone. (More...)
Today's Top Stories
-Somalis sign up to fight Ethiopia-Ethiopia's fossil Lucy set to become a 'mute ambassador' to the US
-Hastert gets grilled by ethics panel
-Iran to expand nuclear enrichment
-Putin Not Running for Presidency in 2008
-Cobain 'is top-earning dead star'
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
(10.24.06) Recommends:
Tokyo Police Club, "A Lesson in Crime" (Paper Bag Records, 2006).
This album is seven tracks. No track is longer than two minutes, forty four seconds. But to listen to "A Lesson in Crime" is to hear your future, and the future of many of those like you. As in, you're soon going to be listening to this album a lot. And that's a good thing. You are Crime. Tokyo Police Club is, well, the Law. You stand no chance, friends.
Their NMC page.
Their myspace.
Their homepage.
Tour video from YouTube.
This album is seven tracks. No track is longer than two minutes, forty four seconds. But to listen to "A Lesson in Crime" is to hear your future, and the future of many of those like you. As in, you're soon going to be listening to this album a lot. And that's a good thing. You are Crime. Tokyo Police Club is, well, the Law. You stand no chance, friends.
Their NMC page.
Their myspace.
Their homepage.
Tour video from YouTube.
Zero tolerance for democracy: Policy of the Ethiopian government
Also in the news: Evidence of EPRDF’s failed policy, Ethiopia Ranked Among Worst Press Violators, Ethiopian officer captured after fierce battle, Ethiopia's "Lucy" to be exhibited in United States, From Vancouver Kinijit Support Groups, Ethiopia at war with ICU, Jonny Ragga Wins Music Award and more of today's top stories
Zero tolerance for democracy: Policy of the Ethiopian government
ETP - Six days ago Yalemzewd Bekele, a prominent Human rights activist (seen here); was arrested by the authorities in Ethiopia. The EPRDF led government of Ethiopia has been battling human rights activists and free press journalists ever since it ceased power in 1991; but since the 2005 general elections, in which the government found out its perceived popularity was entirely imaginary, it has doubled efforts in hunting down members of these two sectors.
Not only is the government of Ethiopia persecuting journalists and human rights activists, it is also trying to cover up massacres committed by its troops right after the 2005 elections. A recent report by an independent inquiry commission, assigned to investigate the violence following the 2005 elections, has held the government responsible for over 190 civilian deaths, 40 of which were teenagers gunned down indiscriminately by the elite “Agazi” unite, a trusted military wing of the government. Due to repeated attempts by the government to suppress the report of the independent inquiry commission; members of this commission were forced to flee the country and risk their life so that this report could see the light of day.
Also read:
-Inquiry Says Ethiopian Troops Killed 193 in Ballot Protests: New York Times
-Fear of Torture or ill-treatment [Yalemzewd Bekele]: Amnesty International
-Ethiopian protesters 'massacred': BBC
Ethiopia Ranked Among Worst Press Violators
(Audio) Listen to report
The global press watchdog, Reporters Without Borders, says Eritrea and Ethiopia are ranked among the worst violators of press freedom in the world, while Benin, Namibia, and Mauritius are among the best countries in Africa for press freedom. Reporters Without Borders has released its annual press-freedom report.
...Slightly behind Eritrea is its neighbor, Ethiopia, ranked 160th out of the 168 countries surveyed.
The organization says this is primarily because of last year's crackdown by the government against journalists, opposition supporters, activists, and others contesting the results of the May 2005 elections.
Dozens of journalists were arrested and charged with treason, including five VOA reporters charged in absentia. About 20 journalists still remain behind bars, possibly facing the death penalty because of their reporting.(More...)
Evidence of EPRDF’s failed policy
By the time the October rains arrived last week, five of the 13 heads of families in the village of Magado had hanged themselves, tormented by the loss of their cattle and livelihoods.
24 October 2006 - Magado, and the thousands of other Borena pastoralist settlements spread across southern Ethiopia, are part of the Horn of Africa's great cow economy. For more than two millennia, the Borena have learnt to eke an existence from the bleak landscape, shifting to seasonal feeding grounds and using communal wells set out according to a traditional co-operative system called gada. That way of life is now under threat.
......A decision by the Ethiopian government to redraw the district boundaries on land occupied by the Borena and their pastoralist neighbours, the Guji, has led to fierce armed clashes between the tribes. International critics described the move as the perpetuation of a long-held tactic by Addis Ababa to divide and rule pastoralist areas by handing control of resources to opposing tribes.(More...)
Ethiopian officer captured after fierce battle
KISMAYO, Somalia (AP) -- Somalia's Islamic radicals claimed Tuesday they had captured an Ethiopian officer after heavy fighting against pro-government militia in which 43 were killed.
The wounded soldier was seized after 26 hours of fighting between Islamic fighters and militia loyal to Somalia's defense minister, said Islamic movement spokesman Sheik Shukri Abraham.
Ethiopian officials were not immediately available for comment.
Ethiopia and Somalia's governments had initially denied the presence of Ethiopian troops in the country, but Ethiopia's prime minister recently acknowledged he had sent troops. He said there were only a few military trainers.
Tensions between Ethiopia, which backs Somalia's weak government, and the Islamic radical group that controls much of southern Somalia have been mounting in recent months.(More...)
From Vancouver Kinijit Support Groups
let us honour the victims of November 1, 2005 , the Addis Abeba massacres as well as the brave leaders of Kinijit and all political prisoners who have been thrown into jail since November 1 last year, on trumped up charges of treason and genocide.(see Flyer)
If you wish to make a difference here are a few thing you can do
1. Wednesday November 1 2006 @ 6 pm sharp
Protest rally & Candle light vigil front of
CBC Television British Columbia.( message CBC speak up )
700 Hamilton Street. ( Hamilton & Georgia ) Vancouver Rain or Shine
2. Send the attached post card to your MP (post card attached in PDF) Send it to the following address:
The Hon. ____________________________ (name of MP)
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Find your MP here
3. Distribute the post card in the community to your neighbours , your friends , coworkers , your classmates or any one you know . Churches. such as Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, Anglican, and Baptist and so on Institutions trade, teachers, student and other unions to professional associations, journalists, and academic.etc....
The Ethiopian people shall triumph.
Vancouver Kinijit Support Groups
Jonny Ragga Wins East African Music Video Award
Ethiopian artist Jonny Ragga has been named Best East African artist for his Album Kulfun Sichign ('Give Me the Key') at 2006 Channel O Sprit of African Music Video Awards, held at a ceremony at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg on October 15.
Although Give me the key is his debut album for the artist, Jonny Ragga is no stranger to Ethiopian music lovers. His first appearance on the international scene took place back in 2002, as a part of a reggae concert doing covers of reggae and raga song.
In other categories, the Best Female Award went to the Mozambican lass Lizh James, while the masked Nigeria-Lagbaja took home the Best Male Video.(More..)
-Ethiopia 'technically' at war with Somali ICU
-Iran could have nuclear bomb by 2015: Germany
-Palestinian militants kidnap AP journalist
-New Cabinet Appointment Tilts Israel to Right
-Hillary Clinton And Opponent Get "Ugly" In New York Race
-Statin drugs may protect smokers' lungs -study
-Cult leader headed to execution in Ohio
Zero tolerance for democracy: Policy of the Ethiopian government
ETP - Six days ago Yalemzewd Bekele, a prominent Human rights activist (seen here); was arrested by the authorities in Ethiopia. The EPRDF led government of Ethiopia has been battling human rights activists and free press journalists ever since it ceased power in 1991; but since the 2005 general elections, in which the government found out its perceived popularity was entirely imaginary, it has doubled efforts in hunting down members of these two sectors. Not only is the government of Ethiopia persecuting journalists and human rights activists, it is also trying to cover up massacres committed by its troops right after the 2005 elections. A recent report by an independent inquiry commission, assigned to investigate the violence following the 2005 elections, has held the government responsible for over 190 civilian deaths, 40 of which were teenagers gunned down indiscriminately by the elite “Agazi” unite, a trusted military wing of the government. Due to repeated attempts by the government to suppress the report of the independent inquiry commission; members of this commission were forced to flee the country and risk their life so that this report could see the light of day.
Also read:
-Inquiry Says Ethiopian Troops Killed 193 in Ballot Protests: New York Times
-Fear of Torture or ill-treatment [Yalemzewd Bekele]: Amnesty International
-Ethiopian protesters 'massacred': BBC
Ethiopia Ranked Among Worst Press Violators
(Audio) Listen to report
The global press watchdog, Reporters Without Borders, says Eritrea and Ethiopia are ranked among the worst violators of press freedom in the world, while Benin, Namibia, and Mauritius are among the best countries in Africa for press freedom. Reporters Without Borders has released its annual press-freedom report....Slightly behind Eritrea is its neighbor, Ethiopia, ranked 160th out of the 168 countries surveyed.
The organization says this is primarily because of last year's crackdown by the government against journalists, opposition supporters, activists, and others contesting the results of the May 2005 elections.
Dozens of journalists were arrested and charged with treason, including five VOA reporters charged in absentia. About 20 journalists still remain behind bars, possibly facing the death penalty because of their reporting.(More...)
Evidence of EPRDF’s failed policy
By the time the October rains arrived last week, five of the 13 heads of families in the village of Magado had hanged themselves, tormented by the loss of their cattle and livelihoods.24 October 2006 - Magado, and the thousands of other Borena pastoralist settlements spread across southern Ethiopia, are part of the Horn of Africa's great cow economy. For more than two millennia, the Borena have learnt to eke an existence from the bleak landscape, shifting to seasonal feeding grounds and using communal wells set out according to a traditional co-operative system called gada. That way of life is now under threat.
......A decision by the Ethiopian government to redraw the district boundaries on land occupied by the Borena and their pastoralist neighbours, the Guji, has led to fierce armed clashes between the tribes. International critics described the move as the perpetuation of a long-held tactic by Addis Ababa to divide and rule pastoralist areas by handing control of resources to opposing tribes.(More...)
Ethiopian officer captured after fierce battle
KISMAYO, Somalia (AP) -- Somalia's Islamic radicals claimed Tuesday they had captured an Ethiopian officer after heavy fighting against pro-government militia in which 43 were killed.
The wounded soldier was seized after 26 hours of fighting between Islamic fighters and militia loyal to Somalia's defense minister, said Islamic movement spokesman Sheik Shukri Abraham.
Ethiopian officials were not immediately available for comment.
Ethiopia and Somalia's governments had initially denied the presence of Ethiopian troops in the country, but Ethiopia's prime minister recently acknowledged he had sent troops. He said there were only a few military trainers.
Tensions between Ethiopia, which backs Somalia's weak government, and the Islamic radical group that controls much of southern Somalia have been mounting in recent months.(More...)
From Vancouver Kinijit Support Groups
let us honour the victims of November 1, 2005 , the Addis Abeba massacres as well as the brave leaders of Kinijit and all political prisoners who have been thrown into jail since November 1 last year, on trumped up charges of treason and genocide.(see Flyer)
If you wish to make a difference here are a few thing you can do
1. Wednesday November 1 2006 @ 6 pm sharp
Protest rally & Candle light vigil front of
CBC Television British Columbia.( message CBC speak up )
700 Hamilton Street. ( Hamilton & Georgia ) Vancouver Rain or Shine
2. Send the attached post card to your MP (post card attached in PDF) Send it to the following address:
The Hon. ____________________________ (name of MP)
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Find your MP here
3. Distribute the post card in the community to your neighbours , your friends , coworkers , your classmates or any one you know . Churches. such as Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, Anglican, and Baptist and so on Institutions trade, teachers, student and other unions to professional associations, journalists, and academic.etc....
The Ethiopian people shall triumph.
Vancouver Kinijit Support Groups
Jonny Ragga Wins East African Music Video Award
Ethiopian artist Jonny Ragga has been named Best East African artist for his Album Kulfun Sichign ('Give Me the Key') at 2006 Channel O Sprit of African Music Video Awards, held at a ceremony at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg on October 15.Although Give me the key is his debut album for the artist, Jonny Ragga is no stranger to Ethiopian music lovers. His first appearance on the international scene took place back in 2002, as a part of a reggae concert doing covers of reggae and raga song.
In other categories, the Best Female Award went to the Mozambican lass Lizh James, while the masked Nigeria-Lagbaja took home the Best Male Video.(More..)
Today's Top Stories
-Ethiopia's "Lucy" to be exhibited in United States-Ethiopia 'technically' at war with Somali ICU
-Iran could have nuclear bomb by 2015: Germany
-Palestinian militants kidnap AP journalist
-New Cabinet Appointment Tilts Israel to Right
-Hillary Clinton And Opponent Get "Ugly" In New York Race
-Statin drugs may protect smokers' lungs -study
-Cult leader headed to execution in Ohio
Monday, October 23, 2006
(10.23.06) Recommends:
Concert Photography, Vol. 3.
The Be Good Tanyas (Opening: Ana Egge)
The Attic, Santa Cruz, Calif.
10.22.06.
I've talked about how good this band is before. I am happy to report they are fantastic live. I saw them a bit off the beaten path: playing at a tea house in Santa Cruz. This band is poised for major crossover mainstream success.
Ana Egge:
Banjo tuning:
Banjo + Harmonic: a force strong enough to put a grown woman on the verge of tears:
Ukulele? Ukulele!
The Be Good Tanyas @ The Attic; Santa Cruz; 10.22.06.
The Be Good Tanyas (Opening: Ana Egge)
The Attic, Santa Cruz, Calif.
10.22.06.
I've talked about how good this band is before. I am happy to report they are fantastic live. I saw them a bit off the beaten path: playing at a tea house in Santa Cruz. This band is poised for major crossover mainstream success.
Ana Egge:
Banjo tuning:
Banjo + Harmonic: a force strong enough to put a grown woman on the verge of tears:
Ukulele? Ukulele!
The Be Good Tanyas @ The Attic; Santa Cruz; 10.22.06.
According to our investigation 193 civilians were shot dead by security forces: Wolde-Michael Meshesha
Also in the news: Teletafi kinijit splits in two(addis Abeba), ETHIOPIAN AMERICAN AND ETHIOPIAN LAWYERS condemn HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS in Ethiopia, Lemtmerugn (poem by Tewodros Abebe), Somalia's ICU leader dares Ethiopia to attack, Addis ferengi signing off and more of today's top stories!
EID MUBARAK
To our Ethiopian Muslim Brothers and sisters: ETP wishes you a happy and joyous EID. As was the case in the past: May our land continue to be a shining example of religious harmony for centuries to come.
-Sudan expels U.N. envoy for blog
-Obama Obama Obama: considering a run for the White House in 2008
-IBM sues Amazon
-Obedient driver follows orders, crashes car
EID MUBARAK
To our Ethiopian Muslim Brothers and sisters: ETP wishes you a happy and joyous EID. As was the case in the past: May our land continue to be a shining example of religious harmony for centuries to come.
ETHIOPIAN AMERICAN AND ETHIOPIAN LAWYERS IN THE UNITED STATES CONDEMN THE REGIME OF MELES ZENAWI FOR PERSECUTING ETHIOPIAN LAWYERS AND FOR ITS CONTINUING PRACTICES OF GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Ethiopian American and Ethiopian lawyers in the United States strongly condemn the regime of Meles Zenawi for its recent unlawful arrest and detention of Ethiopian civil/human rights lawyer Yalemzewd Bekele and others engaged in peaceful exercise of their constitutional rights, and for its continuing practices of gross human rights violations.(More...)
“According to our investigation 193 civilians were shot dead by the security forces":Wolde-Michael Meshesha
NAIROBI, Oct 23, 2006 (AFP) - At least 193 people, triple the official toll, were killed by Ethiopian police during post-election violence last year, according to the ex-vice chair of a parliamentary inquiry into the unrest.
Wolde-Michael Meshesha, a judge who is now hiding in exile after allegedly receiving death threats, said the victims were killed in what amounted to a "massacre" in two explosions of violence after the disputed May 2005 polls.
"Our findings showed that 193 innocent civilians were killed by the security forces, most of them shot by gun, others beaten with stones, sticks or other material," he told AFP at the weekend from an undisclosed location in Europe. (More...)
Lemtmerugn (poem)
By Tewodros Abebe
(More...)
Teletafi kinijit -update (addis ababa)
ETP - There has been a split in the “teletafi” kinijit in Addis Abeba. The Group led by ato Temesgaen Zewde has issued a statement expelling Ato Ayele Chamiso (Vice - president) and his group from the organization. Interestingly enough, the accusation against ato Ato Ayele Chamiso - “trying to make kinijit a “teletafi” pro government party”
Ato Ayele on his part accused Ato Temesgen of operating under the assumption that the imprisoned leaders are the true leaders of Kinijit and that until they are free kinijit will not be a legitimate party.
Addis ferengi signing off
In her post entitled “the most difficult post ever” addis ferengi is announcing her retirement from the Blogesphere. This is sad news. Addis ferengi is responsible for single handedly restoring our confidence in ferengis.
Nathalie, we hope you could be persuaded to change your mind. Even if you stop writing politics, you should still keep your blog and let us know of the day to day events in you and your family’s life; for us, it will be as interesting as any post you’ve made in the past since it is a day in the life of our beloved sister.
From all of us here at ETP,
-also read: Audacity – The “Addis Ferenji” story, APRIL 13, 2006
Today's Top Stories
-Somalia's ICU leader dares Ethiopia to attack amid fears of regional conflict-Sudan expels U.N. envoy for blog
-Obama Obama Obama: considering a run for the White House in 2008
-IBM sues Amazon
-Obedient driver follows orders, crashes car
Sunday, October 22, 2006
October 22, 2006 - Power Grid
I conducted a couple of difficult funerals this week. No funeral is easy, but each of these involved men in their thirties – the sort of death that’s just not supposed to happen. One man died in a car accident, the other from stomach cancer that was diagnosed only four or five months ago.
Both funerals involved the familiar ritual of family and friends gathering at the funeral home, for what is blandly and euphemistically called “visiting hours.” In my more than 25 years of ordained ministry, I’ve been to more of these gatherings than I could possibly count. It goes with the territory, when you’re in ministry.
There’s not a lot that happens, during visiting hours (or so it would appear, to the untrained eye). After spending a few moments greeting the bereaved family and expressing words of sympathy, most guests simply sit or stand around, sharing small talk with neighbors. It’s one of the few occasions in life when all you have to do is show up.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize there’s a lot more going on during visiting hours. What the eye sees is but the tip of the iceberg.
There’s a new book called Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships, by Daniel Goleman, that’s been getting a lot of press. I haven’t read it, but from the reviews, it appears to have a lot to say about what goes on behind the scenes in many human interactions.
Based on psychological research, Goleman’s point is that a large portion of our emotional interactions are non-verbal, and take place on a subconscious level. In an October 10th essay in the New York Times, “Friends for Life: An Emerging Biology of Emotional Healing,” Goleman describes his findings:
“Research on the link between relationships and physical health has established that people with rich personal networks – who are married, have close family and friends, are active in social and religious groups – recover more quickly from disease and live longer. But now the emerging field of social neuroscience, the study of how people’s brains entrain as they interact, adds a missing piece to that data.
The most significant finding was the discovery of ‘mirror neurons,’ a widely dispersed class of brain cells that operate like neural WiFi. Mirror neurons track the emotional flow, movement and even intentions of the person we are with, and replicate this sensed state in our own brain by stirring in our brain the same areas active in the other person.”
Goleman reports that some researchers have used language like “the merging of two discrete physiologies into a connected circuit.” They think they’ve found evidence in brain chemistry to prove the existence of such a connection. While the physiology of this brain-to-brain link is highly speculative at this point, there does seem to be some circumstantial evidence that such a link exists: such as one study that asked women volunteers to submit to MRI imaging, while awaiting a mild electrical shock. When one of these experimental subjects waited alone, her anxiety level increased. When a stranger held her hand, her anxiety level was unchanged. Yet, when the woman’s husband held her hand, “she not only felt calm, but her brain circuitry quieted, revealing the biology of emotional rescue.”
No, there’s a lot going on during visiting hours in the funeral home – as people awkwardly mill around, seemingly doing nothing. They may not be consciously aware of it, but they’ve come there that day to plug into the power grid of spiritual and emotional support. By their mere presence in the room, they lend strength to their bereaved family, friends or neighbors.
Centuries ago, the Elizabethan preacher and poet John Donne penned these famous words, as he wondered, during a time of plague, whether the funeral bells from a nearby church might soon be tolling for him:
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” ("Meditation XVII," from Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions)
One thing my cancer has taught me is the importance of these connections between people. We can be agents of each other’s healing.
Both funerals involved the familiar ritual of family and friends gathering at the funeral home, for what is blandly and euphemistically called “visiting hours.” In my more than 25 years of ordained ministry, I’ve been to more of these gatherings than I could possibly count. It goes with the territory, when you’re in ministry.There’s not a lot that happens, during visiting hours (or so it would appear, to the untrained eye). After spending a few moments greeting the bereaved family and expressing words of sympathy, most guests simply sit or stand around, sharing small talk with neighbors. It’s one of the few occasions in life when all you have to do is show up.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize there’s a lot more going on during visiting hours. What the eye sees is but the tip of the iceberg.
There’s a new book called Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships, by Daniel Goleman, that’s been getting a lot of press. I haven’t read it, but from the reviews, it appears to have a lot to say about what goes on behind the scenes in many human interactions.
Based on psychological research, Goleman’s point is that a large portion of our emotional interactions are non-verbal, and take place on a subconscious level. In an October 10th essay in the New York Times, “Friends for Life: An Emerging Biology of Emotional Healing,” Goleman describes his findings:
“Research on the link between relationships and physical health has established that people with rich personal networks – who are married, have close family and friends, are active in social and religious groups – recover more quickly from disease and live longer. But now the emerging field of social neuroscience, the study of how people’s brains entrain as they interact, adds a missing piece to that data. The most significant finding was the discovery of ‘mirror neurons,’ a widely dispersed class of brain cells that operate like neural WiFi. Mirror neurons track the emotional flow, movement and even intentions of the person we are with, and replicate this sensed state in our own brain by stirring in our brain the same areas active in the other person.”
Goleman reports that some researchers have used language like “the merging of two discrete physiologies into a connected circuit.” They think they’ve found evidence in brain chemistry to prove the existence of such a connection. While the physiology of this brain-to-brain link is highly speculative at this point, there does seem to be some circumstantial evidence that such a link exists: such as one study that asked women volunteers to submit to MRI imaging, while awaiting a mild electrical shock. When one of these experimental subjects waited alone, her anxiety level increased. When a stranger held her hand, her anxiety level was unchanged. Yet, when the woman’s husband held her hand, “she not only felt calm, but her brain circuitry quieted, revealing the biology of emotional rescue.”
No, there’s a lot going on during visiting hours in the funeral home – as people awkwardly mill around, seemingly doing nothing. They may not be consciously aware of it, but they’ve come there that day to plug into the power grid of spiritual and emotional support. By their mere presence in the room, they lend strength to their bereaved family, friends or neighbors.Centuries ago, the Elizabethan preacher and poet John Donne penned these famous words, as he wondered, during a time of plague, whether the funeral bells from a nearby church might soon be tolling for him:
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” ("Meditation XVII," from Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions)One thing my cancer has taught me is the importance of these connections between people. We can be agents of each other’s healing.
"Environmentalists need to get on the Social Justice Bus"
This weekend I've been fortunate enough to have been able to go to the Bioneers conference in San Rafael, California. I thought I was going to an environmental conference, and had mixed feelings about this, because in some sense I feel that environmentalism is a movement of privilege.
Any regular readers of my blog probably have an idea that one of the themes that comes up a lot is the need for broad coalitions between diverse kinds of movements. I believe the suffering caused by the destruction of the enviroment is unfairly visited upon the most marginalized in society (a diverse group indeed). The marginalized groups are also often excluded from large-scale environmental movements, in particular consumer-based movements like organics, or "shopping for sustainability" as I like to (derogatorily) call it.
I have been pleasantly surprised, thrilled, even, to find out that at this conference, these underlying values of social and economic justice are actually a shared assumption, one which if mentioned would provoke a great chorus of: "duh!".
To paraphrase Paul Hawken's very inspiring talk: Instead of environmentalists inviting other movements to get on their bus, environmentalists have to get on the social justice bus.
I will have much more to write about as I continue to digest all I have learned and experienced this weekend.
More Reflection on the Environment and Solidarity
Any regular readers of my blog probably have an idea that one of the themes that comes up a lot is the need for broad coalitions between diverse kinds of movements. I believe the suffering caused by the destruction of the enviroment is unfairly visited upon the most marginalized in society (a diverse group indeed). The marginalized groups are also often excluded from large-scale environmental movements, in particular consumer-based movements like organics, or "shopping for sustainability" as I like to (derogatorily) call it.
I have been pleasantly surprised, thrilled, even, to find out that at this conference, these underlying values of social and economic justice are actually a shared assumption, one which if mentioned would provoke a great chorus of: "duh!".
To paraphrase Paul Hawken's very inspiring talk: Instead of environmentalists inviting other movements to get on their bus, environmentalists have to get on the social justice bus.
I will have much more to write about as I continue to digest all I have learned and experienced this weekend.
More Reflection on the Environment and Solidarity
Friday, October 20, 2006
Commission's report clearly demonstrates the need for HR5680: Rep. Donald Payne
Also: the week in review (below)
------------------------------------------------
ETP has contacted the European Commission's headquarters in Brussels; they informed us that the European Commission has not yet been formally told of the charges made against the two EU personnel that were expelled. They are demanding an explanation and are awaiting a formal response.
Their actual words:
“Call the guys in Addis (Govt. officials), they know more about this than we do”
------------------------------------------------
Government of Ethiopia wiretapping European Commission Offices
(Ethio-Zagol)
Ethiopian government's espionage against European Commission is exposed. The Ethiopian government claimed on Thursday that it had expelled two EU diplomats who were trying to smuggle two Ethiopian fugitives who committed serious crimes.
According to Security sources, the two diplomats weren't arrested at the border town of Moyale but more than 157 miles away from the border while they were traveling back to Addis Ababa. They didn't try to cross the border.
The car was stopped near the town of Agre Mariam. Yalemzewd was arrested when she was checking at the Moyale immigration office as a regular traveler to Kenya. She was told to hang on and plain-clothed security guys picked her up and took her to a detention center. Fasil Assefa the man who was arrested with her was taken from Koket Borena hotel while he was sleeping. He wasn't trying to cross the border.(More...)
Inquiry Commission's report clearly demonstrates the need for HR5680: Rep. Donald Payne
For Immediate Release
October 20, 2006
Congressman Donald M. Payne Condemns Continued Harassment of Human Rights Advocates in Ethiopia and Calls for the Immediate Release of the Ethiopia Commission of Inquiry Report.
On Thursday October 19, Yalemzewd Bekele, 29, a human rights advocate, was arrested near the Kenyan border by Ethiopian security, while on her way to Kenya fleeing persecution.. In August 2006, during a visit to Ethiopia my delegation talked to Yalemzewd but was unable to meet with her face to face because of security concerns. Yalemzewd, who works for the European Commission in Addis found out late last week that a decision was made to arrest her. She decided to stay in her office to avoid arrest. After several days, she was asked by a senior EC official to leave the office.
Yalemzewd was betrayed by her own employer. Instead of protecting her, this official ruined her life. I strongly condemn this act and call on the European Commission to investigate this decision. Yalemzewd is in a detention center in Moyale, a small town near the Kenyan border. Alemayehu Fantu was also arrested on October 5. He was visibly tortured when he appeared in court on October 12, 2006 and may have been coerced into naming Ms. Bekele. Conditions in Ethiopia are going from bad to worse. Ethiopians are living in fear and they don’t know what to expect tomorrow, a true reminder of the torturous past. Under the circumstances there is enough indication that Ms. Bekele may be harmed while in detention. I call for the immediate release of these political prisoners.
For over a year, I constantly argued that the Ethiopian government used excessive force against innocent civilians. Many innocent civilians lost their lives. Parliament established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the killings. The Commission interviewed dozens of people and spent months investigating and documenting what they saw and heard. When the time came to submit the report, parliament was adjourned a day early, denying the Commission the opportunity to present their findings. The decision was deliberate in order to force the Commission to change its findings. In August, I was told by a senior Ethiopian official that the Commission did not finish its work. After constant threat and harassment, the Chairman of the Commission and the Deputy Chair left the country with the report. Over the past week, a friend spoke to both the chair and deputy chairman of the Commission. They clearly stated that they “can not turn their backs on all those people who risked their lives to speak to us.” They said “the truth must come out and Ethiopians must know what happened in June and November.”
I have seen the reports and the video of the deliberation of the Commission. One can not question the quality of the work nor the authenticity of the documents. The faces of the Commissioners are clear to see and the message and conclusions loud and clear. The data presented in these reports and the videotaped testimony of the members of the Commission as they cast their votes further reveals the degree to which a systematic crackdown was in place. I repeatedly stated then and the Commission agrees that the Government used excessive force against civilians in June and November. I said then and I repeat again, those who gave the orders and those who carried out the order must be held accountable for this unspeakable crime.
The commission finally voted 8-2 that indeed excessive force was used. The committee chairman, Supreme Court Judge Frehiwot Samuel, stated that “many people were killed arbitrarily.” He stated further that “Old men were killed while in their homes, and children were also victims of the attack while playing in the garden.” An Ethiopian Orthodox priest, Estatiose Gebrekristos, was recorded as saying, "based on my eyes, ears and knowledge the actions taken were 100 percent wrong." We must never forget the victims. These are just a handful of the many who perished last year. Mathewos Girma, 14; Qasim Ali, 21; Legesse Tulu, 60; Tamam Muktar, 25; Etenesh Yimam, 50; Worke Abebe, 19; Debela Oliqa Guta, 15; Hassan Dula, 65. Etenesh Yimam was killed in her home in front of her family for simply asking why they are arresting her husband, who was elected in May. Etenesh is dead, her husband in prison, and her daughter in hiding somewhere in Africa. This is the more reason why we should pass H.R. 5680, Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2006.
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ETP has contacted the European Commission's headquarters in Brussels; they informed us that the European Commission has not yet been formally told of the charges made against the two EU personnel that were expelled. They are demanding an explanation and are awaiting a formal response.
Their actual words:
“Call the guys in Addis (Govt. officials), they know more about this than we do”
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Government of Ethiopia wiretapping European Commission Offices
(Ethio-Zagol)
Ethiopian government's espionage against European Commission is exposed. The Ethiopian government claimed on Thursday that it had expelled two EU diplomats who were trying to smuggle two Ethiopian fugitives who committed serious crimes.
According to Security sources, the two diplomats weren't arrested at the border town of Moyale but more than 157 miles away from the border while they were traveling back to Addis Ababa. They didn't try to cross the border.
The car was stopped near the town of Agre Mariam. Yalemzewd was arrested when she was checking at the Moyale immigration office as a regular traveler to Kenya. She was told to hang on and plain-clothed security guys picked her up and took her to a detention center. Fasil Assefa the man who was arrested with her was taken from Koket Borena hotel while he was sleeping. He wasn't trying to cross the border.(More...)
Inquiry Commission's report clearly demonstrates the need for HR5680: Rep. Donald Payne
For Immediate Release
October 20, 2006
Congressman Donald M. Payne Condemns Continued Harassment of Human Rights Advocates in Ethiopia and Calls for the Immediate Release of the Ethiopia Commission of Inquiry Report.On Thursday October 19, Yalemzewd Bekele, 29, a human rights advocate, was arrested near the Kenyan border by Ethiopian security, while on her way to Kenya fleeing persecution.. In August 2006, during a visit to Ethiopia my delegation talked to Yalemzewd but was unable to meet with her face to face because of security concerns. Yalemzewd, who works for the European Commission in Addis found out late last week that a decision was made to arrest her. She decided to stay in her office to avoid arrest. After several days, she was asked by a senior EC official to leave the office.
Yalemzewd was betrayed by her own employer. Instead of protecting her, this official ruined her life. I strongly condemn this act and call on the European Commission to investigate this decision. Yalemzewd is in a detention center in Moyale, a small town near the Kenyan border. Alemayehu Fantu was also arrested on October 5. He was visibly tortured when he appeared in court on October 12, 2006 and may have been coerced into naming Ms. Bekele. Conditions in Ethiopia are going from bad to worse. Ethiopians are living in fear and they don’t know what to expect tomorrow, a true reminder of the torturous past. Under the circumstances there is enough indication that Ms. Bekele may be harmed while in detention. I call for the immediate release of these political prisoners.
For over a year, I constantly argued that the Ethiopian government used excessive force against innocent civilians. Many innocent civilians lost their lives. Parliament established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the killings. The Commission interviewed dozens of people and spent months investigating and documenting what they saw and heard. When the time came to submit the report, parliament was adjourned a day early, denying the Commission the opportunity to present their findings. The decision was deliberate in order to force the Commission to change its findings. In August, I was told by a senior Ethiopian official that the Commission did not finish its work. After constant threat and harassment, the Chairman of the Commission and the Deputy Chair left the country with the report. Over the past week, a friend spoke to both the chair and deputy chairman of the Commission. They clearly stated that they “can not turn their backs on all those people who risked their lives to speak to us.” They said “the truth must come out and Ethiopians must know what happened in June and November.”
I have seen the reports and the video of the deliberation of the Commission. One can not question the quality of the work nor the authenticity of the documents. The faces of the Commissioners are clear to see and the message and conclusions loud and clear. The data presented in these reports and the videotaped testimony of the members of the Commission as they cast their votes further reveals the degree to which a systematic crackdown was in place. I repeatedly stated then and the Commission agrees that the Government used excessive force against civilians in June and November. I said then and I repeat again, those who gave the orders and those who carried out the order must be held accountable for this unspeakable crime.
The commission finally voted 8-2 that indeed excessive force was used. The committee chairman, Supreme Court Judge Frehiwot Samuel, stated that “many people were killed arbitrarily.” He stated further that “Old men were killed while in their homes, and children were also victims of the attack while playing in the garden.” An Ethiopian Orthodox priest, Estatiose Gebrekristos, was recorded as saying, "based on my eyes, ears and knowledge the actions taken were 100 percent wrong." We must never forget the victims. These are just a handful of the many who perished last year. Mathewos Girma, 14; Qasim Ali, 21; Legesse Tulu, 60; Tamam Muktar, 25; Etenesh Yimam, 50; Worke Abebe, 19; Debela Oliqa Guta, 15; Hassan Dula, 65. Etenesh Yimam was killed in her home in front of her family for simply asking why they are arresting her husband, who was elected in May. Etenesh is dead, her husband in prison, and her daughter in hiding somewhere in Africa. This is the more reason why we should pass H.R. 5680, Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2006.
The Week in Review
Catch-up on major news events you missed in the past week
- Monday- October 16, 2006
- Tuesday- October 17, 2006
- Wednesday- October 18, 2006
- Thursday- October 19, 2006
- Friday- October 20, 2006
UN says Eritrea moving troops, tanks closer to Ethiopia - November 1, 2006 a day of protest against tyranny - difficult profession of journalist - US military consolidates Africa command - Internal opposition in a fray - troops briefly occupy Somali town - Somali president in Ethiopia - 'Why Are They Poor?' [PART 3]
Ethiopia sees no military response against Eritrea - ERITREA- 'Troops harvesting buffer zone' - Union of Islamic Courts Issues Decisions Against Ethiopia - 'Why Are They Poor?' [PART 4], Clone H.R. 5680 and more of today's top stories
Ethiopian security forces massacred protesters, says inquiry judge!! - 'Meles rejects observer's report' - Eritrea rejected UN call to withdraw - Somalia Islamists recruit hundreds after call for Jihad on Ethiopia - What is the Size of the Ethiopian Population in the United States? - H.R.5680: Sustaining the Struggle for Freedom - Democracy and Human Rights and more of today's top stories.
Unidentified EU personnel arrested in Ethiopia - leaked report confirms serious government human rights violations:Ana Gomes - Ethiopia Admits to Sending Military Trainers to Somalia - US accuses Eritrea of arming Somali Islamists - Ethiopian government blocks report of massacre by its forces and more of today's top stories
Ethiopia: Regime's Silence on Report Speaks Volumes - Rep. Chris Smith - Fear of Torture or ill-treatment: Yalemzewd Bekele - European Union condemns Ethiopian government - a letter to Mr. Clarke, Mr. Delphin, and Mr. Michel - Ethiopian human rights lawyer arrested and more of today's top stories
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