Sunday, September 30, 2007
Kosovo plans for independence
While paging through the New York Times this week, I noticed a small but substantial article buried in the A section of the day’s paper. The article caught my attention because it detailed how Kosovo was looking to gain independence.
When I read the article, a feeling of total happiness overwhelmed me. The UN and several European countries have offered to pledge support to Kosovo should it declare itself an independent nation from Serbia, and independence from a nasty war in the mid 1990s. While living in Britain during that time, I would watch footage from the Serbian and ethnic Albanian leaders waging war on the inhabitants of Kosovo. It was on par with the amount of Iraq footage we saw on television in 2003.
When Slobodan Milosevic died in 2006, I was angry because he was never really brought to justice for the ethnic cleansing crimes he committed, just pushed around the Hague and through judicial red tape. The announcement and planning for independence is a way for the citizens of Kosovo to regain their independence, move beyond their dark and hazy past and become a country in their own right. In their own way, they win the war that Milosevic started, and show that they are above the threat of ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Israeli Target Practice--Palestinian Children
A review of the New York Times article:
FOR GAZA’S YOUNG AT PLAY, FIELDS CAN BE DEADLY
By Steven Erlanger
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Gaza Strip, though largely controlled by the Hamas--an Islamic resistance group considered by the US to be a terrorist organization--is patrolled by the Israeli Army by land, air, and sea.
Since June 1, 18 Palestinians under the age of 19 have been killed by the Israeli Army--or as the Palestinians call it, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF).
Three children were recently killed while playing tag near what the Israeli Army said was a launcher used to shoot Qassam rockets into Israeli territory; the children, Yehiya, 12, Mahmoud, 9, and Sara, 9, have become poster children for Fatah, the Palestinian Liberation Movement in Gaza. They are considered martyrs for the fight against Israel, as is any person whose death is related to this struggle.
Another such instance occurred when four Palestinian boys playing near the border were shot by the Israeli Army, who believed they were planting an explosive near Qassam rocket-launchers. While the Israeli Army says the area was off-limits and that they fired two warning shots before opening fire on the boys, the families are distraught and outraged at the death of Ahmed Abu Zubeida, age 9, and Zaher al-Majdalawi, age 10. A grieving father screamed, “Why didn’t Israel arrest them…why didn’t Israel shoot them in the legs?” Muhammad al-Atawanah, who was wounded and interrogated by the Israelis, said “…inside me there is such anger for what the Jews did to Ahmed!”
It’s interesting to examine the view of both Palestinians and Israelis in this war and the interplay of religion in both cases. Palestinians in Gaza, whether followers of the Islamic Hamas or the more nationalist Fatah, are outraged that Israel continues to occupy its territory and prey upon its citizens--especially the children. It’s interesting that even members of the nationalist group Fatah, like Muhammad al-Atawanah, consider this the work of the “Jews.” The Israeli Army claims the right to protect the border of its state and must even suspect children of working for Islamic extremist groups.
It seems impossible to reduce tension, suspicion, and animosity between these Middle Eastern neighbors; will they ever be able to cool ethic and religious tensions in order to settle concrete political issues?
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Faceoff for Facebook
Two media communication giants are taking the ring for ownership of a three-and-a-half year old web site. Everybody wants a piece of Facebook. Microsoft, Google, even Yahoo, are preparing to up their offer for ownership of the independent company, owned by Mark E. Zuckerberg. Facebook has become “a new way for Internet users to meet and interact with friends on the web,” complete with a privacy setting: a setting also applied to conversations among the jockeying companies.
Communcation is more than a method of spreading and exchanging information. It is an industry all to itself, and it’s an expensive industry. Microsoft offered a good $900 million for Facebook. It is now considering a good $300 to $500 million of investment into the company. Good thing Google has some deep pockets.
How are we and the 400 million Facebook users suppose to respond to this? $300 to $500 million dollars is a significant chunk of change. It could go towards the rebuilding of New Orleans, supporting Urban restoration, or assuring that another city’s worth of children aren’t left behind; but, instead, it goes towards internet communication. Shouldn’t we question our values when we label the internet with such significant value?
The Rest of the Story
The New York Times published an interesting article on Monday about an Islamic German, Aleem Nasir, who was detained in Pakistan for suspected connections to Al Qaeda. He was held in a Pakistani prison for over two months while he was questioned by American and British officers and beaten by Pakistani guards. In prison, Nasir said he was forced to confess to terrorist activities while he was being tortured by Pakistani officers. He escaped by a ruling by the Pakistani Supreme Court, which has been fighting the illegal arrests with the aid of human interest groups. When Nasir returned home he found that he German investigation was in full swing, especially after the terrorist attempt on German soil just a few weeks ago.
The title, “A Terror Arrest, Glimpses of a Shadowy World in Pakistan” points to a desperate situation in Pakistan. However, Nasir admits that the western countries have the right to be suspicious. It is great to see an article like this. It gives us an idea just how complicated the situation in the middle east is. I appreciate the fact that Nasir is far from innocent, yet he is not guilty. I hate the brutal treatment of Pakistani officers, yet I appreciate the intelligence of American officers and their poise in the matter. Although I am sure the author of the story had the intent of disturbing the reader, he did a better job of increasing my confidence in American intelligence. Right now I need all the confidence I could get.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Mixed Test Results: Reading and Math
A national test in reading and math was given nationally to fourth-and-eighth grade students. The scores for this year come in the middle of an educational controversy of renewing the No Child Left Behind law. The law’s goal was to have all students proficient in reading and mathematics by 2014. This nationally used test is the only accurate assessment to whether this goal can be reached. The results are in: for progress in reading, the scores were lower than expected. Those in fourth-grade have improved their reading, yet the proficiency level isn’t a dramatic change. The eighth-grade reading scores reflect a decline in proficiency. However, the math scores indicate much higher promise. Those in eighth grade seem to have improved their math skills. The fourth-graders scores have risen but the increase isn’t as high. President Bush stated, “These scores confirm that No Child Left Behind is working.” Those who criticize the law believe the scores were improving before the law went into effect.
This article is crucial to education systems in all of our home states. My hope is those in our government will not only review this law, but renew it so students may continue to have the opportunity to achieve a better education. These scores do indicate that the law seems to be working in the majority of states. Education is an important cultural institution and in my opinion, this law allows children to get the best possible one.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
iTunes has a new competitor
Amazon.com released its digital music store online on September 25. This will allow music buyers to purchase and download entire albums or individual songs that will be compatible to most PC’s and portable devices such as iPod and Zune. This store is intended to be a competitor to iTunes. Although iTunes often will limit the types of devices you can play the music on and will not play copy-protected songs bought at rival music stores Amazon.com plans to change that. They are also adding a digital watermark to MP3 files including an Amazon name and item number which will help stop music piracy. Universal and EMI are two major labels who have signed to sell their music to Amazon, which leaves Warner Music Group, who declined. Bill Carr, president of Amazon’s digital music, says that Amazon will create a serious competition for Apple but not enough to change the whole market.
I believe it is a good thing to have another company involved in the music business, giving buyers options. Although Amazon doesn’t have as wide of a selection as Apple, give them time and they will catch up. I think its a good thing for the music business.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
FACEBOOK IS BOOMING
What would you say if Yahoo offered $900 million dollars to buy your website? The answer was no for Mark Zukerberg, the 23 yr. old cheif executive of Facebook. He says that he wants to keep the company independant. However, it is said that Microsoft and Google are trying to buy a piece of the pie. Microsoft is now considering to invest $300 million to $500 million for less that five percent of the company. Facebook is now earning an estimated $60 million to $96 million in annual revenue alone but if Microsoft invests, the value of the company would be at $6 billion to $10 billion.
I am sure that 90% of college students have a Facebook account. With more than 4,000 third party applications and activites, Facebook is gaining more members. Since the creation of the site 3 1/2 years ago, there are more than 40 million members, up from the 9 million last year.
I guess Zuckerburg’s decision to turn down the $900 million was smart afterall.
Monday, September 24, 2007
prison book update
i was happy to read that there has been lots of backlash against the decision to remove religious books from prisions. it doesn’t seem that the policy makers are looking to reverse their decision just yet, but i am happy at the prospect that all this protest might make them reconsider. the court case that is coming up will also be interesting to track. i am thinking that if this story keeps developing, i am gonna wanna cover it for the Chimes.
The Not So Wonderful World of YouTube
It’s not just Britney’s music videos you’ll want to shield your kids from. If you’re not careful, Winnie the Pooh could be teaching your children some choice words.
Soulja Boy’s “Crank That,” which found widespread popularity among rap fans, has inspired YouTube “mash-ups,” described in the New York Times article, “Disney Tolerates a Rap Parody of Its Critters. But Why?” by Brooks Barnes. In these mash-ups, animated content is edited so that Disney characters appear to be singing. Click here to read just what words are being put into the mouths of Pooh and his gang (note: lyrics contain profanity).
I’m not sure why Disney hasn’t gone after YouTube for this atrocity (Barnes seems puzzled, too, pointing out the corporation’s 1970s pursuit of cartoonists who made Mickey a “sadomasochistic smoker”). However, I’m not sure it would be wise for Disney to use its resources in that way, either.
What is clear is that with Disney characters such as Pooh, Simba, and Bambi, and now Nickelodeon’s Spongebob singing a rap about “hoes,” there is reason to raise concern about these unwholesome parodies that can be easily accessed by children.
Junta v. Alliance
Review of:
“Monks lead largest Burma protest”
BBC
The roads of Rangoon, Burma were filled this weekend with monks and civilians peacefully protesting against the military dictatorship—the junta—which many hope will soon come to an end.
The protest was triggered because of the junta’s decision to double the price of gasoline a month ago, causing more struggles for the poor of an impoverished nation.
Yet, in light of the present political power of the junta, another party has power of a different sort. Because the Buddhist monks of Burma are revered, the people know that any internal suppression enacted by the junta, such as their response of killing 3000 civilians in 1988, would lead to a nationwide outcry.
In a desire for democracy with support from the majority of Burmese civilians, this movement, led by the emerging organization “Alliance of All Burmese Buddhist Monks”, has already received international response, of both pressure and support.
The U.S. White House has urged the junta to make clear their restraint against the alliance, and to “seek dialogue with ‘those seeking freedom’.” Yet there is also immense concern by the UN security council and a variety of NGOs regarding the potential counter-reaction of the government, something other than dialogue.
Among Burmese civilians lie the most hope and concern. One man present at the marches this weekend stated that “if we are just bystanders, today’s rare and momentous events might not lead to the fall of the regime.”
Saturday, September 22, 2007
African American’s Protest School Rezoning in Alabama
The article on Monday concerning white parents whose complaints about overcrowding caused Tuscaloosa’s schools districts to be rezoned, caught my attention. The white parents not only complained of overcrowding but of disciplinary issues. The district was rezoned and the Superintendent Joyce Levey claims they are being used more efficiently. Those in favor also claim they have saved the taxpayers millions by rezoning the school district. The decades of segregation have come to an end only in the past seven years. This past May, about 880 students were put on lists stating they were to begin school in another building this fall. The African American parents are calling the rezoning an attempt to resegregate their students. The majority of students required to move were black, and they were sent to predominantly black low-performing schools. The main defense used by protestors has been the No Child Left Behind law, which grants students in low-performing schools the choice to attend high-performing ones
I found this article fairly interesting due to the No Child Left Behind law. Under this law parents have the right to send their children to any school they wish. It appears their wishes are not being granted by the local school board. Education is significant in the current world for being hired at a company and creating financial stability for oneself. These students all deserve an equal education, yet race seems to be the preventing factor. After all the work large cities have undergone to end segregation, one would assume people would no longer desire separate schools. However, as Tuscaloosa proves, this is not the case; the social class having educational advantages desires to keep them intact. I found this article to be well written, yet at times favoring the African-American viewpoint.
Advertising and Misleading Headlines (?), Brought to You by the Letter Q
An article in Friday’s business section of the New York Times about advertising used some false advertising of its own.
“A Shopping Network Wants to Own the 17th Letter of the Alphabet,” read the headline.
Indignant that I might soon have to pay royalties to employ such useful terms as querelous, quotidian, and quiet, I read on.
I need not have worried: the Times was merely abusing the definition of “own.” It turns out that QVC, a television shopping network, is rolling out a new adversiting campaign that relies heavily on the concept of the letter Q. The company wants to “own” Q in the sense that it wants people to associate the letter Q with their brand in the same way that people associate M with McDonald’s (which statement I would hesitate to endorse, but I digress.) To be fair to the Times and its headling writers, a QVC marketing officer is quoted early in the article as saying, “We’d really like to own the 17th letter of the alphabet.”
QVC’s new billboards and ad campaign will employ what attempts to be a slightly more hip, updated image: new billboards will promintnetly feature the phrase “iQdoU?” Truly, this is one of the most heinous amalgamations of both the iEverything and textspeak trends in advertising, both of which are becoming a bit hackneyed, in my opinion.
The company has also reworked its logo into a large Q reminiscent of a gift wrapping ribbon, according to the article. The television ads feature people “uttering variations on the sentence “I Q.”
Sorry, QVC, but for me, Q will always and forever be about Star Trek.
Beauty is only a shot away
“Feel Pudgy? There’s a Shot For That” was the headline screaming from September 20s ThursdayStyles section. I glanced it over, looking to move on until I saw the words “Anti-fat” and “Injection” in the same sentence.
After reading the article I was shocked to discover that cosmetic surgeons are now offering to rid your body of “unwanted fat deposits.” Wait a second. This is the newest craze? To be honest, the whole process sounds unappealing. Has beauty become so skin-deep that people are willing to pay out thousands of dollars for this controversial, possibly dangerous injection to quickly and easily get rid of their fat? Whatever happened to eating right, dieting and exercising to lose that extra 20 pounds!
The FDA has offered warnings that the drugs in the shot are unapproved and not safe for unapproved uses. It seems though, that people in Missouri and Kansas are particularly fond of this procedure. And the price tag is hefty. Most patients sign up for two or three body parts to be injected, at each body part costing around $2,000.
Instead of preaching to love yourself, the new gospel is to “dissolve to your beautiful shape.” Perhaps this isn’t the way to go. If this cosmetic “breakthrough” becomes the new cure-all for obesity in America, I think we will all have a very serious problem on our hands.
No Charity for Muslims
A review of:
CASE AGAINST MUSLIM GROUP RESTS, WITH DEFENSE STILL DENYING HAMAS TIES
By Leslie Eaton
This article was published in the Thursday, Sept. 20 issue of the New York Times.
A Muslim charity group and five of its leaders were accused of providing financial support to terrorists in Palestine.
This Dallas, Texas-based charity, the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, says the money has been used to build hospitals and support needy families in Palestine, not support the Hamas organization in Palestine.
Defense attorney Linda Moreno said that her client and former chairman of this Muslim charity, Ghassan Elashi, did not support terrorist groups but “supported his people who are living amid poverty and violence.”
The government has accused the Holy Land Foundation and five of its leaders of giving over $12 million to the Hamas and other radical groups and terrorist organizations through Palestinian charities (zakat committees).
Many Muslims protested the accusations, believing that they have been victims of government persecution since 9/11; they say that the organization is being targeted because some of the defendants have relatives in the Hamas, and also because they believe that Israel is unjustly occupying their land. Some Muslims carried signs outside the courthouse that read, “Feeding Children Is Not a Crime,” and “Prosecuting Islamic Charities is a Homeland Insecurity.”
One dangerous consequence of the “War on Terrorism” is our tendency to stereotype Arabs and Muslims; though the government shouldn’t overlook American-based organizations suspected of funding terrorist groups, I think that too many Americans are ready to round up Muslims and put them behind bars.
In this case, the government’s defense is based on an Israeli source’s testimony, identified simply as Avi, who doesn’t believe in humanitarian aid for Palestinians; the courts also jumped on the fact that some Hamas leaders are also part of Palestinian charities. Despite the United States’ determination to rid the world of terrorism, we must be cautious that we are looking out for the interests of all human beings—whether Palestinian, Israeli, Muslim, or Christian—and not simply riding political agendas.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Picture Perfect?
In the New York Times article, “Will You Marry Me? Say Cheese!” Kathryn Shattuck reports on the increasing use of private paparazzi to document couples’ marriage proposals.
The handful of women mentioned in the article seem to appreciate each of their boyfriend’s (now fiancé’s or husband’s) thoughtfulness, as well as the utility of the shots, which can be used to create a custom “celebratory e-mail message,” or posted as proof of engagement on sites such as Facebook.com.
I feel it is my duty to caution the unmarried men who read this article:
Do not assume your girlfriend will react similarly to such photographs.
If your girlfriend is one of the thousands of women who habitually crop, hide, or destroy unsatisfactory pictures of herself, you may be wasting over $500 to capture your proposal in photographs.
You may insist that your girlfriend is beautiful and that the photographer is top-notch, but the fact that women are generally not satisfied with photos of themselves is inevitable. Given the natural limitations dictating that photographers can only take so many shots of the specific moment of proposal, added to the reality that the recipient of the proposal is not consciously turning her good side to the camera or smiling with her eyes as she has learned, candid shots are a recipe for disaster for many women.
I suggest hiring a professional photographer to shoot engagement photos at a later date. That way you can celebrate the “yes” that results from your popping the question and not fret over a “no” to a photo album going for $500 a pop.