Capturing the splendour of a Dutch spring season in some photos
taken during my visit to Keukenhof this April.
Theme for this year: From Russia with Love
Monday, 26 April 2010
What a Feast! Spring at its most beautiful...in Keukenhof, Holland
Capturing the splendour of a Dutch spring season in some photos
taken during my visit to Keukenhof this April.
Theme for this year: From Russia with Love
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Start of Art Cologne 2010 and not to forget Eyjafjallajoekull
"Art is still not where you think you're going to find it."...from
the French artist, Patrick Mimran. I was reading it our local
papers Koelner-Stadt-Anzeiger featuring the preparation for this
year's Art Cologne.
Stealing the limelight from this event is the eruption of
Eyjafjallajoekull vulcan in Iceland producing tons and tons of
ashes in the atmosphere which caused chaos in all European airports
and financial loses reaching more than 200 million dollars or
148 million Euro for airline companies per day.
I'm wondering what happens to all those expensive airflown
papayas and mangoes?
Friday, 16 April 2010
Volcanic activities in Iceland affecting Germany
The weather this Friday is sunny but mostly cloudy.
Would like to attribute it to the reported gathering of ash
covering Western Europe caused by a vulcan eruption in Iceland.
I remember one news report mentioning that Pinatubo ashes were
reaching as far as Munich when it erupted in 1991.
Hmmmm, how many extinct volcanoes are there actually in
Germany, I wonder.
Would like to attribute it to the reported gathering of ash
covering Western Europe caused by a vulcan eruption in Iceland.
I remember one news report mentioning that Pinatubo ashes were
reaching as far as Munich when it erupted in 1991.
Hmmmm, how many extinct volcanoes are there actually in
Germany, I wonder.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Celebrating Abitur
Was shortly at the city today and got attracted to these
colorfully clad girls munching bread in front of this
huge bakery in Cologne. They seemed to be preparing
for something and I waited. Soon they were spreading
their Isomatten/mats. Screaming and whistling followed.
I found out that they were candidates for Abitur, the
school-leaving examinations for high school in Germany.
To celebrate their graduation or finishing school, they
planned to hold a five-day impromptu performances on the
shopping streets of Cologne.
Today was Fitness for fun. Asking some of
them if they have especial message or why they are doing
the instant shows, the answer was simply they want to have
fun. School is over. University life starts soon.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Pasalubong Galore
Ordering pasalubongs is now easier...even the last minute
pasalubong order is possible with our access to internet and
texting possibilities. As hubby was doing a reportage during the
Easter week in Wow Country, I was pestering him this time
to bring me Pasalubong,
not the big travel souvenirs as dust collectors but just
heavenly tasting Ube Halaya,
a especialty of my elder sister, and the world famous
hopyas from Chinatown. It is my third order for hopyas
and no one as of writing has been successful in getting them.
I heard during my brief visit in Holland that bags are now rigidly
controlled, opened and even contents are thrown away which as
you could imagine cause so much heartaches for returning Pin@y
travellers. A returning Pinay lost the content of her delayed
suitcase which I learned later to be packs of tuyo (dried fish)
and maybe other intriguingly smelling goodies from the home
country. I wonder what happens to such confiscated goodies?
Thrown away, feed to the sniffing dogs or brought home
as doggie bags by Customs/airport officials and workers who know
by now that such smelling goodies could only enrich their
taste buds and culinary experience.
When the dear "kabiyak ng puso" returned recently from
a reportage travel in the Wow Country, he surprised me with
packs of Pasalubongs which I religiously reminded him
to bring back: my ube halaya (sweet violet yam jam), mangoes and
pandisal. There were small packets of dried, mini-mini anchovies,
(dilis) dried kamias, some pieces of Kalamansi (native citrus),
small heads of native garlic (hubby's most fav travel souvernir
in addition to his books), first home-grown papaya from
my elder sister who also did this labour of love in preparing
the Yam jam, small packets of sampaloc and other Phlippine spices.
What a especial treat from hubby who is learning to capitulate
to the texting and emailings of wifey for these treasures from the
homeland.
Forecast this weekend is sunny and with these precious
Pasalubongs to enjoy, I would not care if it rains cats and
dogs again. Meanwhile, hubby is still sleeping, recuperating from
the heroic act as Pasalubong carrier.
In return for his consideration, I think I would let him indulge in
his passion for garlic and just bear the garlicky days ahead in our flat.
Nope, he also did not get the world famous hopyas from Chinatown.
Nabitin na talaga ang hopyas!
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Happy Easter!
...there's a never ending refrain in the return of nature, once
reading it but could not remember the author but I sent the
greetings to nice friends and social networking contacts adding
that whatever beliefs you have, have a nice Easter.
As additional blog post, I'm pasting here a short info on what
Easter is all about. I thought the word must be lacking in
letter N when I was learning English some light years away. It
reminds me all the time of a Manang Ester we had, actually two
Manang Ester (Manang-older sister)and thought then they had
beautiful, meaningful names, Ester.
So here's the brief info I found in another sites
It is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Easter is also the time of spring festivals.
But the celebrations of Easter have many aspects that are pagan in origin and not associated with Christianity. The name Easter is thought to come from the goddess of mythology "Eastre,". She is associated with spring and fertility. Her festival was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox. Traditions associated with her festival survive in the Easter Bunny, a symbol of fertility, and in colored easter eggs that were painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring and given as gifts.
The Christian celebration of Easter encompasses a number of traditions with emphasis on the relation of Easter to the Jewish Passover. The early Christians, many of whom were of Jewish origin, were brought up in the Hebrew tradition and regarded Easter as a new feature of the Passover festival, a commemoration of the advent of the Savior as foretold by the prophets. Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or following the spring equinox (March 21). So Easter became a feast which can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. Easter is at the end of Lent. The Lent is a period of penitence in preparation for Easter. Lent ends with Easter Sunday, the day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
http://persiankittens.net/Easter/
My Easter Thoughts
Earl J. Prignitz
March 31, 2007
The Resurrection is the most important event in the life of the
Christian Church! Not the birth of Jesus, nor his ministry, nor his
crucifixion are as critical as his Resurrection from the grave.
Obviously the Resurrection could not have happened without the
previous phenomenons occuring. But without the Resurrection the
Church of Jesus Christ would not have survived these many years.
That is my conviction and I hold it strongly.
I have been convinced of this for many years.
After the crucifixion and burial of their master the disciples were
terrified and disconsolate men, hiding fearfully behind barred
doors in an upper room in Jerusalem. They trembled at every
knock on the door; they feared the same fate that had befallen Him.
But after they had been convinced--and they were not easily
assured, as the various Resurrection narratives make quite clear--
they were men transformed.
Fear was transformed into courage, uncertainty into a strong and
radiant faith. Immediatly they were out in the open streets of the
city that had dealt so brutally with their master, proclaiming with
passion and joy the great salvation that had been wrought through
this mighty vindication of His son by the almighty God.
The Resurrection has very little to do with spring, except that we
celebrate Easter then. There is some symbolism involved in those
Easter eggs, in the idea of new life emerging, in the budding of
trees and the appearance of flowers, and in the earth's recovering
from the death-grip of winter. But the Resurrection is so much more.
The Resurrection is the power of God which raised Jesus Christ
from death to life. Ephesians speaks of that power "which He
exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him
at His right hand in the heavenly realms..." (Eph 1:20, NIV).
That is the Resurrection! It transcends season, and it even
by-passes revered religious rites and rituals, because it is
centered in the dust and trauma, the blood, sweat, tears, hopes,
and dreams of all human existence.
Yes, the Resurrection is the Good News that there is life after death
and we can look forward to it with great anticipation. HAPPY EASTER!
I am a retired Friends pastor - 93 years of age and a dedicated
peace lover. I have been a pacifist for well over 70 years. I spent
39 years of my life in one form of ministry or another in
4 different states. I am now living in Friends Fellowship
Community and have been for over 9 years after suffering from
two strokes just prior to that. I am married for the second time to
a lovely woman named Rosalie.My first wife died in 1996 after
we were married for over 61 years.
From
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/23159
******************************************************
Happy Easter whatever your beliefs are.
Monday, 29 March 2010
News Sharing: GMA's German Cut
Editorial
GMA’s German cut
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:07:00 03/28/2010
Filed Under: Government
IT was when Philippine Ambassador to Germany and former foreign secretary Delia Albert received the “Most Outstanding Filipino Woman in Global Diplomacy” award from President Macapagal-Arroyo in ceremonies in Malacañang that she received confirmation, from the President herself, of the swirling rumors. She was being replaced.
The smile-while-I-stick-the-knife-in-your-back announcement was part of a wave of recent presidential appointments, all made despite the election-period ban. Justice Secretary Alberto Agra, himself a new appointee, said there was “nothing irregular” with the latest round of mass hirings and dismissals. In a sense, he was right. Albert’s sudden replacement, together with other secretive appointments such as those involving the National Historical Institute and the National Museum, are in fact characteristic of Ms Arroyo’s management style. The last-minute advice to affected parties, the general lack of transparency (the Senate and House representatives to the board of the National Museum, for instance, were not informed of a key meeting), the strained rationalizations offered after the fact and, above all, the plain lack of courtesy—this recent wave of appointments has the President’s signature down to the last flourish.
The rationalizing of her spokespersons was characteristic too. The Palace had violated the strict protocols that govern diplomatic appointments, in part by skipping certain necessary steps, but all deputy spokesman Gary Olivar could say was: “No, it wasn’t hasty.” And that was that; no elaboration or explanation.
If it wasn’t hasty, why wasn’t Albert told well beforehand, following the usual 60-day recall notice, so that she could prepare for her return and advise the German foreign ministry? If it wasn’t hasty, why did the announcement of her replacement by the 87-year-old taipan Alfonso Yuchengco catch the Department of Foreign Affairs flatfooted? A DFA spokesperson was left to say, awkwardly: “We have learned of Yuchengco’s appointment but we have not received official copy of his appointment. Ambassador Albert stays so far.”
More crucial is the fact of replacement. Why would the Philippines appoint a new ambassador to Germany who can, at most, and assuming all legal obstacles are hurdled, serve for only three months? Yuchengco, the man behind Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. and other business interests, served the country as ambassador, at various times, to Japan, China and the United Nations. But even a diplomat with his experience cannot hope to do anything substantial in a mere three months.
The president of the Union of Foreign Service Officers, Assistant Secretary Vicky Bataclan, expressed her peers’ main concern. “Our beef is that Mr. Alfonso Yuchengco’s appointment is void. There is no Commission on Appointments to confirm his nomination, which is [needed for] the necessary steps, like requesting his agrément from the German government. In any case, all political ambassadors are coterminous with [the President]. This is, thus, a useless nomination to a nonexistent CA, almost void ab initio, if not unconstitutional.”
Like we said, characteristic of the President’s management style.
There is also the matter of the election ban. In the Supreme Court’s most controversial ruling to date, it decided that the President could appoint the Chief Justice even during election season, when the Constitution expressly prohibits appointments except for urgent requirements in the Executive. The President’s latest wave of appointments crashes against the breakwater of this decision (it certainly makes the majority justices even more vulnerable to accusations of being used, whether willfully or naively, by a Machiavellian administration).
Belatedly, administration spokespersons have argued that the latest appointments were all done before March 10, the date the election ban started. But one of those dismissed, Clarence Paul Oaminal, until very recently vice chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, gave the lie to the Palace’s party line.
When he was informed of his misfortune, he said, he found out that his dismissal was made retroactive to March 5, or before the election ban took effect. Expect the same unkindest cut to be tried with Albert and the rest.
GMA’s German cut
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:07:00 03/28/2010
Filed Under: Government
IT was when Philippine Ambassador to Germany and former foreign secretary Delia Albert received the “Most Outstanding Filipino Woman in Global Diplomacy” award from President Macapagal-Arroyo in ceremonies in Malacañang that she received confirmation, from the President herself, of the swirling rumors. She was being replaced.
The smile-while-I-stick-the-knife-in-your-back announcement was part of a wave of recent presidential appointments, all made despite the election-period ban. Justice Secretary Alberto Agra, himself a new appointee, said there was “nothing irregular” with the latest round of mass hirings and dismissals. In a sense, he was right. Albert’s sudden replacement, together with other secretive appointments such as those involving the National Historical Institute and the National Museum, are in fact characteristic of Ms Arroyo’s management style. The last-minute advice to affected parties, the general lack of transparency (the Senate and House representatives to the board of the National Museum, for instance, were not informed of a key meeting), the strained rationalizations offered after the fact and, above all, the plain lack of courtesy—this recent wave of appointments has the President’s signature down to the last flourish.
The rationalizing of her spokespersons was characteristic too. The Palace had violated the strict protocols that govern diplomatic appointments, in part by skipping certain necessary steps, but all deputy spokesman Gary Olivar could say was: “No, it wasn’t hasty.” And that was that; no elaboration or explanation.
If it wasn’t hasty, why wasn’t Albert told well beforehand, following the usual 60-day recall notice, so that she could prepare for her return and advise the German foreign ministry? If it wasn’t hasty, why did the announcement of her replacement by the 87-year-old taipan Alfonso Yuchengco catch the Department of Foreign Affairs flatfooted? A DFA spokesperson was left to say, awkwardly: “We have learned of Yuchengco’s appointment but we have not received official copy of his appointment. Ambassador Albert stays so far.”
More crucial is the fact of replacement. Why would the Philippines appoint a new ambassador to Germany who can, at most, and assuming all legal obstacles are hurdled, serve for only three months? Yuchengco, the man behind Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. and other business interests, served the country as ambassador, at various times, to Japan, China and the United Nations. But even a diplomat with his experience cannot hope to do anything substantial in a mere three months.
The president of the Union of Foreign Service Officers, Assistant Secretary Vicky Bataclan, expressed her peers’ main concern. “Our beef is that Mr. Alfonso Yuchengco’s appointment is void. There is no Commission on Appointments to confirm his nomination, which is [needed for] the necessary steps, like requesting his agrément from the German government. In any case, all political ambassadors are coterminous with [the President]. This is, thus, a useless nomination to a nonexistent CA, almost void ab initio, if not unconstitutional.”
Like we said, characteristic of the President’s management style.
There is also the matter of the election ban. In the Supreme Court’s most controversial ruling to date, it decided that the President could appoint the Chief Justice even during election season, when the Constitution expressly prohibits appointments except for urgent requirements in the Executive. The President’s latest wave of appointments crashes against the breakwater of this decision (it certainly makes the majority justices even more vulnerable to accusations of being used, whether willfully or naively, by a Machiavellian administration).
Belatedly, administration spokespersons have argued that the latest appointments were all done before March 10, the date the election ban started. But one of those dismissed, Clarence Paul Oaminal, until very recently vice chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, gave the lie to the Palace’s party line.
When he was informed of his misfortune, he said, he found out that his dismissal was made retroactive to March 5, or before the election ban took effect. Expect the same unkindest cut to be tried with Albert and the rest.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Good Neighborhood: Little Things Mean a Lot
There might not be any sun this weekend but my
dear neighbor Ursula S.was a shinning source of
joy when she knocked on our door and just handed me
this bunch of tulips saying "for simply being
a nice neighbor," and she meant me!
She declined to be my friend in Facebook as she wouldn't want
to have anything to do with any social networking. I also
prefer her that way...a friend, a thoughtful neighbor in person and
not just per clicking in virtual life.
Hmmmm, how do I return such simple gestures of niceness when
her husband got threatened when I knock on their door with
a plate of fingergoodies to taste. Would you care for a freshly
brewed gumamela (hibiscus) tea, dear Mr. S.?
dear neighbor Ursula S.was a shinning source of
joy when she knocked on our door and just handed me
this bunch of tulips saying "for simply being
a nice neighbor," and she meant me!
She declined to be my friend in Facebook as she wouldn't want
to have anything to do with any social networking. I also
prefer her that way...a friend, a thoughtful neighbor in person and
not just per clicking in virtual life.
Hmmmm, how do I return such simple gestures of niceness when
her husband got threatened when I knock on their door with
a plate of fingergoodies to taste. Would you care for a freshly
brewed gumamela (hibiscus) tea, dear Mr. S.?
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Spring Again!
"It's spring again
and the birds on the wing again
start to sing again
the old melody"
Frank Sinatra
According to the calendar,it is the official
start of Spring, March 20.
Time to change the wardrobe, maybe get a new
haircut, new hair color,out of the greying zone,
get friends for brunch in street cafes, check
on the few potted tulips in the terrace. Emma B.,
a friend who has a green thumb even for cultivating
Alugbati* inside their
house suggested to loosen
the soil a bit so the tulips get out of their
wintry hiding. Nothing of that sort happens yet so one
buys ready to go tulips from the supermarket and
gets out with thick jacket and gloves not forgetting
the handy umbrella.
*Alugbati...I wrote the usual what is alugbati in
English, googled it and got this answer: Malabar Night Shade.
Other source said it is a kind of spinach. One more point
learned while waiting for spring.
and the birds on the wing again
start to sing again
the old melody"
Frank Sinatra
According to the calendar,it is the official
start of Spring, March 20.
Time to change the wardrobe, maybe get a new
haircut, new hair color,out of the greying zone,
get friends for brunch in street cafes, check
on the few potted tulips in the terrace. Emma B.,
a friend who has a green thumb even for cultivating
Alugbati* inside their
house suggested to loosen
the soil a bit so the tulips get out of their
wintry hiding. Nothing of that sort happens yet so one
buys ready to go tulips from the supermarket and
gets out with thick jacket and gloves not forgetting
the handy umbrella.
*Alugbati...I wrote the usual what is alugbati in
English, googled it and got this answer: Malabar Night Shade.
Other source said it is a kind of spinach. One more point
learned while waiting for spring.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
A nook of your own
I love drinking coffee even if I am alone. Solo eating, no.
In Frankfurt, I found this place recommended by
friends who also frequent this cafe.
For this set of croissant with cappuccino rather caffe macchiato
you pay 4.90Euro.
Nice nook to read or just to observe.
In Frankfurt, I found this place recommended by
friends who also frequent this cafe.
For this set of croissant with cappuccino rather caffe macchiato
you pay 4.90Euro.
Nice nook to read or just to observe.
City Tips
For those who are thinking of visiting some cities in Germany, here
are some photos I took while visiting Frankfurt.
Photos show the area near Dom/Roemer, the magnet for all
tourists.
Just to give you a rough idea how much fare costs:
With ICE train from Cologne to Frankfurt and back,
about 112 Euro. Check for cheaper tickets with
German trains. Trains could be b....expensive
in Germany.
are some photos I took while visiting Frankfurt.
Photos show the area near Dom/Roemer, the magnet for all
tourists.
Just to give you a rough idea how much fare costs:
With ICE train from Cologne to Frankfurt and back,
about 112 Euro. Check for cheaper tickets with
German trains. Trains could be b....expensive
in Germany.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Getting back to blogging...Lit Koeln
Sunday, March 14
Another rainy and grey Sunday this month of March.
Have to fight the addiction to click to my Farm
and talk to some avatars in this small network of buddies
I have created since I started virtual farming. You really
miss them and that's what this game is all about...you have
your own mini world of contacts, not just the thrill of getting
XP experience points and coins from virtual harvesting, plowing
and planting...you get wishes, greetings, small talks, weather
checks from countries of your buddies, their work situation.
I have one dancing partner every now and then, and one woman
who calls me Hun...or ends her sentence with that term. Funny,
but endearing somehow.So while waiting for my pineapples to
mature and hating the thought that I have to sort papers out again,
I'm getting back to blogging...adding spice to my own private
conversation.
I bumped into Manuel last Saturday while rushing to get my
train home. He said he had just returned from Lissabon the other
day but mentioned about a visiting Portuguese author who is
participating in this yearly LitCol,
http://litcolony.de/
said to be the biggest of its kind in Europe, a literary event.
What I have been missing by being a virtual farmer?
Read not reap the virtual fruits...the new slogan for me.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Saturday, 23 January 2010
At the core of every religion is the belief that we take care of another.
So ein Mann, so ein Mann...a long night of showing compassion for
the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
George Clooney opened the concert with the message that "at the
core of every religion is the belief that we take care of one
another."
Hmmmm, more glamoruous men like him but hopefully less
catastrophies in the world.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
European Capital of Culture 2010
Not really residing there but it's not too far from
one of my homebases. Check the page and maybe you could
come for a visit.
http://www.essen.de/english/Aktuell_E/PortalAktuell_E.asp?navibereich=eeutd
Friday, 1 January 2010
First Photos on the First Day of the New Year, etc.
The much awaited blue moon on the eve of the new year...this one
I saw when woking up early morning of the first day of the new
year. Not so bluish but the same moon.
Symbols to welcome the new year...olie bollen, grapes, and
sticky rice cake "palitaw"...all things round to get luck
in the new year.
Our first film for the year...It's Complicated...and so with
the posting of the photo...pure entertainment...go see it
and have a good releasing laugh watching veteran actors
Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin act out complications
in human relationships i. e. marriage, family, divorce and falling
in love. It's complicated
Happy New Year!
My fortune cookie says:
"Let the power of love enrich your life."
Wishing you all a prosperous,healthy, love-filled 2010.
May this be a start of a new decade of tolerance, peace
and understanding among mankind.
"Let the power of love enrich your life."
Wishing you all a prosperous,healthy, love-filled 2010.
May this be a start of a new decade of tolerance, peace
and understanding among mankind.
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
December 16...starts of Misa de Gallo, 9th day before Christmas
Still no sign of snow be neighbors' chimneys are all giving out
smoke signals. A friend sent message that they have snowflakes
this morning somewhere in Bonn. It seems everyone is just waiting
for the first snowfall.
In Copenhagen, another friend is sending invites to friends to join
the big demonstration for climate protection and appeal to the UN
Climate Change Conference participants to make Copenhagen
conference a big breakthrough in keeping their responsibilities
for protecting our planet.
First of the 9th day before Christmas...Paul McCartney performs
tonight in Cologne. Cross-posting here the most famous song in our
planet earth...Yesterday...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WqdAgl2cfM
Still waiting for the snow...
smoke signals. A friend sent message that they have snowflakes
this morning somewhere in Bonn. It seems everyone is just waiting
for the first snowfall.
In Copenhagen, another friend is sending invites to friends to join
the big demonstration for climate protection and appeal to the UN
Climate Change Conference participants to make Copenhagen
conference a big breakthrough in keeping their responsibilities
for protecting our planet.
First of the 9th day before Christmas...Paul McCartney performs
tonight in Cologne. Cross-posting here the most famous song in our
planet earth...Yesterday...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WqdAgl2cfM
Still waiting for the snow...
Thursday, 10 December 2009
December 10, Human Rights Day
"Recognition of human dignity of all people is the foundation of
justice and peace in the world."
I'm posting a copy of the open letter of the German Federation
of Journalists to the Ambassador of the Philippines to Germany
on the Ampatuan/Maguindanao massacre on November 23, 2009.
Letter of International Federation of Journalists (Germany)
to Philippine Ambassador
Share
Today at 02:55
9 December 2009
RE: Massacre in the Philippines
Your Excellency,
The German Journalists Union (DJU in ver.di) respectfully requests
your cooperation in ensuring the Government of the Philippines is
aware of the global outrage about the massacre of a confirmed
59 people in Maguindanao Province, Mindanao, on November 23.
We urge you to use your authority and position to impress upon
your Government that the global community is demanding immediate and
credible action to ensure that all parties responsible for this atrocity
are held accountable to the full limit of the law.
We are informed by the International Federation of Journalists and its
affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines that
at least 30 journalists and media workers were among those murdered.
At the time of writing, another four media personnel are unaccounted for.
This is the worst mass killing of journalists and media workers ever
recorded.
Journalists and the international media community are grieving and
distraught at the failure of the Government of the Philippines to
uphold its responsibility to protect our colleagues and to end
the long-running culture of impunity for the murders of journalists
in the Philippines.
During President Arroyo’s tenure, at least 75 journalists have been
killed in the Philippines. Almost all have been killed in relation
to their professional work. At last count, only four convictions had
been secured for these killings. Outside of Iraq, the Philippines has
become the most dangerous country for journalists this century.
The Government of the Philippines is obliged under United Nations
Security Council Resolution 1738 (2006) to actively protect
journalists and media workers reporting in conflict zones within
their national borders, in accordance with their status as
civilians under international law.
We call on you to ensure your Government and police and security
forces act on their responsibility to bring the perpetrators and
masterminds of the November 23 atrocity to account, without delay,
and to act now to end the culture of impunity that has plagued the
Philippines for so long.
Respectfully Yours,
Ulrike Maercks-Franzen
General Secretary of
German Journalists Union dju in ver.di
justice and peace in the world."
I'm posting a copy of the open letter of the German Federation
of Journalists to the Ambassador of the Philippines to Germany
on the Ampatuan/Maguindanao massacre on November 23, 2009.
Letter of International Federation of Journalists (Germany)
to Philippine Ambassador
Share
Today at 02:55
9 December 2009
RE: Massacre in the Philippines
Your Excellency,
The German Journalists Union (DJU in ver.di) respectfully requests
your cooperation in ensuring the Government of the Philippines is
aware of the global outrage about the massacre of a confirmed
59 people in Maguindanao Province, Mindanao, on November 23.
We urge you to use your authority and position to impress upon
your Government that the global community is demanding immediate and
credible action to ensure that all parties responsible for this atrocity
are held accountable to the full limit of the law.
We are informed by the International Federation of Journalists and its
affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines that
at least 30 journalists and media workers were among those murdered.
At the time of writing, another four media personnel are unaccounted for.
This is the worst mass killing of journalists and media workers ever
recorded.
Journalists and the international media community are grieving and
distraught at the failure of the Government of the Philippines to
uphold its responsibility to protect our colleagues and to end
the long-running culture of impunity for the murders of journalists
in the Philippines.
During President Arroyo’s tenure, at least 75 journalists have been
killed in the Philippines. Almost all have been killed in relation
to their professional work. At last count, only four convictions had
been secured for these killings. Outside of Iraq, the Philippines has
become the most dangerous country for journalists this century.
The Government of the Philippines is obliged under United Nations
Security Council Resolution 1738 (2006) to actively protect
journalists and media workers reporting in conflict zones within
their national borders, in accordance with their status as
civilians under international law.
We call on you to ensure your Government and police and security
forces act on their responsibility to bring the perpetrators and
masterminds of the November 23 atrocity to account, without delay,
and to act now to end the culture of impunity that has plagued the
Philippines for so long.
Respectfully Yours,
Ulrike Maercks-Franzen
General Secretary of
German Journalists Union dju in ver.di
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Just looking for songs to define this emptiness within
Still feeling so empty and sad since this Nov. 23 Ampatuan
massacre.
I started looking for songs and I found this link with
YouTube featuring this Italian song I heard when I was
in Italy this summer...domani. Tomorrow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4B5Yzh84xg
wondering if the site will accept the two posted sites.
Now the lyrics of the Italian song:
Originally Posted by bellacomeilsole
Tra le nuvole e i sassi passano i sogni di tutti
Between the clouds and the stones the dreams of everyone pass
passa il sole ogni giorno senza mai tardare. (Tiziano Ferro)
the sun passes every day without ever being late
Dove sarò domani? (Enrico Ruggeri)
Where will I be tomorrow?
Dove sarò? (Gianni Morandi)
Where will I be?
Tra le nuvole e il mare c’è una stazione di posta (Franco Battiato)
Between the clouds and the sea there is a coaching inn
(la stazione di posta is a place where wayfarers used to stop in
order to get some rest)
uno straccio di stella messa lì a consolare (Massimo Ranieri)
a tear of a star put there to comfort
sul sentiero infinito (Max Pezzali)
on the infinite path
del maestrale (Eugenio Finardi)
of the northwest wind
Day by day (Zucchero)
Day by day (Cesare Cremonini)
hold me shine on me. (Zucchero)
shine on me (Cesare Cremonini)
Day by day save me shine on me (Zucchero, Carmen Consoli,
Mauro Pagani, Cesare Cremonini, Eugenio Finardi)
Ma domani, domani, domani, lo so (Francesco Renga)
But tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, I know
Lo so che si passa il confine, (Roberto Vecchioni)
I know that it passes through the confines
(lit. I know that the borders will be passed)
E di nuovo la vita (Mauro Pagani)
and again life
sembra fatta per te (Giuliano Palma)
seems [to be] made for you
e comincia (Elio)
and it begins
domani (Elio e Le Storie Tese, Vittorio Cosma )
tomorrow
domani è già qui (Jovanotti)
tomorrow is already here
rap 1 Estraggo un foglio nella risma, nascosto scrivo e non
riesco forse perché il sisma m’ha scosso (Caparezza)
I pull out a piece in the ream, [being] hidden I write and
don't succeed maybe because the earthquake shocked me
rap 2 Ogni vita che salvi, ogni pietra che poggi, fa pensare
a domani ma puoi farlo solo oggi (Frankie Hi Energy)
Every life that you save, every stone that you place, it makes
you think about tomorrow but you can only do (it) today
e la vita la vita si fa grande così (Gianluca Grignani)
and life, life is made big like this
e comincia domani (Giuliano Sangiorgi)
and it begins tomorrow
Tra le nuvole e il mare si può fare e rifare (Claudio Baglioni)
Between the clouds and the sea you can make and repair
con un pò di fortuna (Ron)
with a little luck
si può dimenticare. (Luca Carboni)
you can forget
Dove sarò (Baustelle)
Where will I be?
domani? Dove sarò? (Samuele Bersani e Baustelle)
tomorrow, where will I be?
oh oh oh (coro: Carmen Consoli, Antonella Ruggiero, Alioscia,
Pacifico, Mango, Massimo Ranieri, Bluvertigo, Nek, Giuliano Palma,
Antonello Venditti, Roberto Vecchioni, Albano)
rap 3 Dove sarò domani che ne sarà dei miei sogni infranti,
dei miei piani
Dove sarò domani, tendimi le mani, tendimi le mani (Marracash)
Where will I be tomorrow, what will become of my shattered dreams,
of my plans. Where will I be tomorrow, stretch out your hands to me,
stretch out your hands to me
Tra le nuvole e il mare si può andare e andare (Laura Pausini)
Between the clouds and the sea you can go and go
sulla scia delle navi di là del temporale (Carmen Consoli)
in the wake of the ships beyond the storm
e qualche volta si vede (Nek)
and sometimes you see
domani (Antonello Venditti)
tomorrow
una luce di prua (Nek)
a light of the prow
e qualcuno grida: Domani (Antonello Venditti)
and someone yells: tomorrow
rap 4 Come l’aquila che vola
Like an eagle that flies
libera tra il cielo e i sassi, siamo sempre diversi e siamo
sempre gli stessi,
free among the sky and the stones we are always different and
we are always the same
hai fatto il massimo e il massimo non è bastato e non sapevi
piangere e adesso
you did the maximum (you did your best) and the maximum wasn't
enough and you didn't know how to cry and now
che hai imparato non bastano le lacrime ad impastare il calcestruzzo
that you learned the tears aren't enough to blend the concrete
eccoci qua cittadini d’Abruzzo
here are the citizens of Abruzzo
e aumentano d’intensità le lampadine una frazione di
the intensity of the lamps grows a fraction of
secondo prima della finee la tua mamma,
of a second before the end your mother
la tua patria da ricostruire,
your love of the land to reconstruct
comu le scole, le case e specialmente lu core
as well as the schools, the houses but especially the heart
e puru nu postu cu facimu l’amore
eppure un posto dove facciamo l'amore (guessing)-
and a place to make love
(Jovanotti, J Ax, Fabri Fibra e in chiusura Sud Sound System)
non siamo così soli (Giuliano Sangiorgi)
we are not so alone
a fare castelli in aria (J Ax e Fabri Fibra)
in building castles in the sky (air)
non siamo così soli (Giuliano Sangiorgi)
we are not alone
sulla stessa barca (J Ax , Fabri Fibra)
on the same ship
non siamo così soli (Giorgia)
we are not alone
a fare castelli in aria (J Ax e Fabri Fibra)
in building castles in the sky
non siamo così soli (Giorgia)
we are not alone
a stare bene in Italia (J Ax e Fabri Fibra)
in being well in Italy
sulla stessa barca (J Ax)
on the same ship
a immaginare un nuovo giorno in Italia (Giorgia,
Giusy Ferreri, Dolcenera, Mario Venuti, Jovanotti, J Ax, Fabri Fibra)
in imagining a new day in Italy
Tra le nuvole e il mare si può andare, andare
Sulla scia delle navi di là dal temporale (Piero Pelù)
Qualche volta si vede una luce di prua e qualcuno grida,
domani (Morgan)
Non siamo così soli (Giorgia, Mario Venuti, Giusy Ferreri, Dolcenera,
Giuliano Sangiorgi)
(tromba solo di Roy Paci)
Domani è già qui
Domani è già qui (Jovanotti, Marracash, FabriFibra, J Ax)
(Assolo violino Mauro Pagani)
Ma domani domani, domani lo so, lo so, che si passa il
confine (Gianna Nannini)
E di nuovo la vita sembra fatta per te e comincia (Elisa)
domani (Sud Sound System)
Tra le nuvole e il mare, si può fare e rifare
Con un pò di fortuna si può dimenticare (Manuel Agnelli Afterhours)
E di nuovo la vita, sembra fatta per te (Mango)
E comincia (Niccolò Fabi)
(coro finale)
domani
E domani domani, domani lo so
Lo so che si passa il confine
E di nuovo la vita sembra fatta per te
E comincia domani
http://www.allthelyrics.com/forum/italian-lyrics-translation/66636-domani-21-aprile.html
massacre.
I started looking for songs and I found this link with
YouTube featuring this Italian song I heard when I was
in Italy this summer...domani. Tomorrow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4B5Yzh84xg
wondering if the site will accept the two posted sites.
Now the lyrics of the Italian song:
Originally Posted by bellacomeilsole
Tra le nuvole e i sassi passano i sogni di tutti
Between the clouds and the stones the dreams of everyone pass
passa il sole ogni giorno senza mai tardare. (Tiziano Ferro)
the sun passes every day without ever being late
Dove sarò domani? (Enrico Ruggeri)
Where will I be tomorrow?
Dove sarò? (Gianni Morandi)
Where will I be?
Tra le nuvole e il mare c’è una stazione di posta (Franco Battiato)
Between the clouds and the sea there is a coaching inn
(la stazione di posta is a place where wayfarers used to stop in
order to get some rest)
uno straccio di stella messa lì a consolare (Massimo Ranieri)
a tear of a star put there to comfort
sul sentiero infinito (Max Pezzali)
on the infinite path
del maestrale (Eugenio Finardi)
of the northwest wind
Day by day (Zucchero)
Day by day (Cesare Cremonini)
hold me shine on me. (Zucchero)
shine on me (Cesare Cremonini)
Day by day save me shine on me (Zucchero, Carmen Consoli,
Mauro Pagani, Cesare Cremonini, Eugenio Finardi)
Ma domani, domani, domani, lo so (Francesco Renga)
But tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, I know
Lo so che si passa il confine, (Roberto Vecchioni)
I know that it passes through the confines
(lit. I know that the borders will be passed)
E di nuovo la vita (Mauro Pagani)
and again life
sembra fatta per te (Giuliano Palma)
seems [to be] made for you
e comincia (Elio)
and it begins
domani (Elio e Le Storie Tese, Vittorio Cosma )
tomorrow
domani è già qui (Jovanotti)
tomorrow is already here
rap 1 Estraggo un foglio nella risma, nascosto scrivo e non
riesco forse perché il sisma m’ha scosso (Caparezza)
I pull out a piece in the ream, [being] hidden I write and
don't succeed maybe because the earthquake shocked me
rap 2 Ogni vita che salvi, ogni pietra che poggi, fa pensare
a domani ma puoi farlo solo oggi (Frankie Hi Energy)
Every life that you save, every stone that you place, it makes
you think about tomorrow but you can only do (it) today
e la vita la vita si fa grande così (Gianluca Grignani)
and life, life is made big like this
e comincia domani (Giuliano Sangiorgi)
and it begins tomorrow
Tra le nuvole e il mare si può fare e rifare (Claudio Baglioni)
Between the clouds and the sea you can make and repair
con un pò di fortuna (Ron)
with a little luck
si può dimenticare. (Luca Carboni)
you can forget
Dove sarò (Baustelle)
Where will I be?
domani? Dove sarò? (Samuele Bersani e Baustelle)
tomorrow, where will I be?
oh oh oh (coro: Carmen Consoli, Antonella Ruggiero, Alioscia,
Pacifico, Mango, Massimo Ranieri, Bluvertigo, Nek, Giuliano Palma,
Antonello Venditti, Roberto Vecchioni, Albano)
rap 3 Dove sarò domani che ne sarà dei miei sogni infranti,
dei miei piani
Dove sarò domani, tendimi le mani, tendimi le mani (Marracash)
Where will I be tomorrow, what will become of my shattered dreams,
of my plans. Where will I be tomorrow, stretch out your hands to me,
stretch out your hands to me
Tra le nuvole e il mare si può andare e andare (Laura Pausini)
Between the clouds and the sea you can go and go
sulla scia delle navi di là del temporale (Carmen Consoli)
in the wake of the ships beyond the storm
e qualche volta si vede (Nek)
and sometimes you see
domani (Antonello Venditti)
tomorrow
una luce di prua (Nek)
a light of the prow
e qualcuno grida: Domani (Antonello Venditti)
and someone yells: tomorrow
rap 4 Come l’aquila che vola
Like an eagle that flies
libera tra il cielo e i sassi, siamo sempre diversi e siamo
sempre gli stessi,
free among the sky and the stones we are always different and
we are always the same
hai fatto il massimo e il massimo non è bastato e non sapevi
piangere e adesso
you did the maximum (you did your best) and the maximum wasn't
enough and you didn't know how to cry and now
che hai imparato non bastano le lacrime ad impastare il calcestruzzo
that you learned the tears aren't enough to blend the concrete
eccoci qua cittadini d’Abruzzo
here are the citizens of Abruzzo
e aumentano d’intensità le lampadine una frazione di
the intensity of the lamps grows a fraction of
secondo prima della finee la tua mamma,
of a second before the end your mother
la tua patria da ricostruire,
your love of the land to reconstruct
comu le scole, le case e specialmente lu core
as well as the schools, the houses but especially the heart
e puru nu postu cu facimu l’amore
eppure un posto dove facciamo l'amore (guessing)-
and a place to make love
(Jovanotti, J Ax, Fabri Fibra e in chiusura Sud Sound System)
non siamo così soli (Giuliano Sangiorgi)
we are not so alone
a fare castelli in aria (J Ax e Fabri Fibra)
in building castles in the sky (air)
non siamo così soli (Giuliano Sangiorgi)
we are not alone
sulla stessa barca (J Ax , Fabri Fibra)
on the same ship
non siamo così soli (Giorgia)
we are not alone
a fare castelli in aria (J Ax e Fabri Fibra)
in building castles in the sky
non siamo così soli (Giorgia)
we are not alone
a stare bene in Italia (J Ax e Fabri Fibra)
in being well in Italy
sulla stessa barca (J Ax)
on the same ship
a immaginare un nuovo giorno in Italia (Giorgia,
Giusy Ferreri, Dolcenera, Mario Venuti, Jovanotti, J Ax, Fabri Fibra)
in imagining a new day in Italy
Tra le nuvole e il mare si può andare, andare
Sulla scia delle navi di là dal temporale (Piero Pelù)
Qualche volta si vede una luce di prua e qualcuno grida,
domani (Morgan)
Non siamo così soli (Giorgia, Mario Venuti, Giusy Ferreri, Dolcenera,
Giuliano Sangiorgi)
(tromba solo di Roy Paci)
Domani è già qui
Domani è già qui (Jovanotti, Marracash, FabriFibra, J Ax)
(Assolo violino Mauro Pagani)
Ma domani domani, domani lo so, lo so, che si passa il
confine (Gianna Nannini)
E di nuovo la vita sembra fatta per te e comincia (Elisa)
domani (Sud Sound System)
Tra le nuvole e il mare, si può fare e rifare
Con un pò di fortuna si può dimenticare (Manuel Agnelli Afterhours)
E di nuovo la vita, sembra fatta per te (Mango)
E comincia (Niccolò Fabi)
(coro finale)
domani
E domani domani, domani lo so
Lo so che si passa il confine
E di nuovo la vita sembra fatta per te
E comincia domani
http://www.allthelyrics.com/forum/italian-lyrics-translation/66636-domani-21-aprile.html
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
NO TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
(Photo: Liza Tripoli. FaceBook:Justice for Ampatuan Massacre Victims)
Statement of the Mindanao Commission on Women
24 November 2009
Mindanao women outraged over Maguindanao carnage
No words can describe the bestial acts perpetrated yesterday in
Maguindanao Against civilians, mostly women. Together with the
group were two sisters and the wife of Esmael Mangudadatu,
Vice Mayor of Buluan town, who were on their way to file his
certificate of candidacy as provincial governor of Maguindanao
when they were attacked in broad daylight. They were murdered in
cold blood and there were reports that some of the women were
also sexually violated, in a senseless massacre that will go down
in the annals of this country’s history as the worst election-related
violence.
If unarmed women,lawyers and journalists are not safe, who is safe?
From news reports, the Vice Mayor was quoted to have said that
he purposely sent his wife, sisters and female relatives to file
his candidacy without military escorts as he believed that they
would not be harmed being women and unarmed. But to his shock,
the perpetrators precisely took advantage of this position of
vulnerability and succeeded in committing those barbaric acts.
We, the Mindanao Commission on Women and the Mothers for
Peace, express our outrage at this new low in bestiality
perpetrated by men on civilians but most specially on women.
If the reports that the women were violated are found true,
we condemn it. Sexual violence is an issue
of power, domination and control wielded by men over women.
In times of conflict, it is used by men to ensure utter humiliation
of the enemy.This latest incident by men, who are widely-believed
to belong to a private army, makes us shudder at what will happen
in the days ahead if these criminals and their principals are
not brought to justice.
We
would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Mangudadatu
family. Eden Mangudadatu, sister of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael
Mangudadatu, and a Vice Mayor herself had attended activities
of the Mindanao Commission on Women. It is ironic that early
this year Eden participated in discussions of our project,
“Women Healing Communities:Preventing and Reducing Rido
(clan feuds)”.
During the session, she shared her thoughts about rido and
how women played an important role in settling cases of clan
violence.
The barbaric and brutal massacre in Maguindanao shows the
total breakdown of security in parts of Mindanao
where many women and their families live in dehumanizing
poverty and violent conflict. We call on President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo – as President and as a woman - to do the right
thing:disband and disarm the private armies, bring down the full
force of the law on the perpetrators, and rid Maguindanao
and other parts of Mindanao of the scourge of warlordism.
We also call on our colleagues and partners in the development
community to stand unafraid to denounce this crime loud and clear.
Let us continue to work for the end of conflicts that divide us,
so that our children will grow up imbibing not anger, hatred and
violence, but love,justice and peace.
As Mothers for Peace, we commit to continue our work for peace
in the ways of peace.
The
Mindanao Commission on Women and Mothers for Peace Movement
121 University Avenue, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City
www.mindanaowomen.org
Telefax: (082) 298-40-31
About MCW
The Mindanao Commission on Women was established in 2001 as
an NGO by Mindanao women leaders. Its mission is to influence
public policy and public opinion. It advocates for a Mindanao
peace and development agenda from a women’s perspective.
Area Core Groups across Mindanao give MCW the ability to
influence local, Mindanao and national issues.
The Mothers for Peace movement is its grassroots base.
Monday, 23 November 2009
Thanksgiving
(Photo taken in Germany)
Iroquois Thanksgiving Prayer (adapted)
"We return thanks to our Mother, the Earth, which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and stars, which have given to us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to the sun, that has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in Whom is embodied all goodness, and Who directs all things for the good of Her children."
-- Iroquois Prayer, adapted Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace
"A Matter of Giving Thanks"
Sunday, 15 November 2009
I hate boxing!
The first entry I saw this morning in my FB was the posting of my
niece about the winning of Manny Pacquiao alias Pac Man...another
honour for our suffering country, another entry in our history
book, she wrote with such a pride.
Wrote her, "thanks for the sharing but I'm not keen on
boxing. I believe this is one of those sports which should be
deleted from the world of sports..." Too much use of the same
words I realized later.
Sorry Pacquiao but I just hate that scene when people
are screaming and rejoicing for more punches, infliction of
pains. How could one enjoy this kind of entertainment?
In between posting,hubby called me asking me if I would
like to see the video of the fight as posted in the daily
inquirer. You bet, I did. They were talking about their
sizes...rather their heights. Cotto seems to be taller than
this raging Pinoy. Some punches here and there and after
those brief moments, I left hubby who waited for the
posted video to finish then asked me again to see another video
entry showing Hilary Clinton talking about civil society and
protection of human rights in the Philippines.
Civil Society and Boxing...
Pacquiao as our new hero
Blog: Manny Pacquiao wins WBO welterweight title fight
Source: www.vancouversun.com
Pacquiao for President!
niece about the winning of Manny Pacquiao alias Pac Man...another
honour for our suffering country, another entry in our history
book, she wrote with such a pride.
Wrote her, "thanks for the sharing but I'm not keen on
boxing. I believe this is one of those sports which should be
deleted from the world of sports..." Too much use of the same
words I realized later.
Sorry Pacquiao but I just hate that scene when people
are screaming and rejoicing for more punches, infliction of
pains. How could one enjoy this kind of entertainment?
In between posting,hubby called me asking me if I would
like to see the video of the fight as posted in the daily
inquirer. You bet, I did. They were talking about their
sizes...rather their heights. Cotto seems to be taller than
this raging Pinoy. Some punches here and there and after
those brief moments, I left hubby who waited for the
posted video to finish then asked me again to see another video
entry showing Hilary Clinton talking about civil society and
protection of human rights in the Philippines.
Civil Society and Boxing...
Pacquiao as our new hero
Blog: Manny Pacquiao wins WBO welterweight title fight
Source: www.vancouversun.com
Pacquiao for President!
Monday, 9 November 2009
Remembering the Fall of the Wall...20 years after
The Wall in the Mind
Easterners Still Feel like Second-Class Citizens
A new study confirms that Germans living in the former East Germany feel disadvantaged and resentful of the West. The study also finds higher levels of racism and Islamophobia in the East, while sexism remains stronger in the West.
Nearly twenty years after the fall of the Berlin wall, what Germans refer to as the "wall in the mind" remains in place.
The results of a long-term study released on Thursday by a team of 17 sociologists at the University of Bielefeld shows that resentments linger in part of the country that used to be communist East Germany. Some fear these resentments may drive rising levels of racism, anti-Semitism, and homophobia.
AP
A new study shows that Germans living in the eastern part of the country resent the West.
Fully 64 percent of eastern Germans feel treated as second-class citizens, while almost 75 percent feel disadvantaged in comparison with Germans in the west. Some 77 percent of easterners feel they are treated less fairly than those in the west, and 59 percent believe that the two halves of Germany have not yet grown together into a common society.
Researchers worry these resentments bear a direct link to hostility towards minorities, which tends to be higher in the east and is rising in certain categories -- even as prejudice falls in the western part of the country.
Across Germany as a whole, according to the Bielefeld study, the prejudice indices that rose this year from last year were racism, hostility toward entrenched privilege, and hostility toward the unemployed. But measures of Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and hostility toward the homeless all shot up in the East, while sinking in the West.
The only index of prejudice that was clearly higher in the west was sexism -- although a different study released last week showed higher levels of anti-Semitism in western states, especially in Bavaria.
"Prisoners of Their Own Self-Image"
Wolfgang Thierse, vice-president of the German parliament and a native of the eastern German state of Thuringia, warned in an interview with the Berlin-based daily Tageszeitung that the results of the study were complex and shouldn't be ascribed to simple demographics. He said Islamophobia was higher in eastern Germany, for instance, even though fewer Muslims live there than in the west. And homelessness is viewed with special bitterness in the east even though long-term unemployment would seem to be a more menacing problem.
"And here we always thought we east Germans were great ones for solidarity and justice!" Thierse joked. In his view, "socio-economic or socio-pyschological explanations" cannot fully account for the study's findings. "We also have to talk about the cultural, intellectual, and moral history of eastern Germany -- including the lingering impact of the GDR."
He suggested that eastern Germans "feel like second-class citizens because they are caught in a prison of their own self-image." Even when presented with data showing that reunification had been good for eastern Germany, Thierse said, many continue to nurse resentments. "This self-image cliché that 'we are second-class citizens,'" he said, is such a strong a mental crutch "that facts which might attenuate this feeling are no longer taken into account."
National Pride, Good or Bad?
One potentially encouraging sign of the report was that levels of national pride and identification with Germany were up across all regions of the country, suggesting that residents of the former GDR are increasingly comfortable associating themselves with the new unified state.
But Ulrich Wagner, a social psychologist who worked on the study, warned that growing affection for Germany could come at the cost of stoking xenophobia. Wagner told Tageszeitung "the rising identification with one's own country and the rising national pride also have negative consequences worth considering ... We should be cautious about all forms of national identification, if Germany and the Germans want to behave in a cosmopolitan way."
Thierse added that the ongoing financial crisis posed the greatest political and moral challenge, "not to permit tough economic conditions to brutalize human relations."
cpg -- with wire reports
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,594656,00.html
Easterners Still Feel like Second-Class Citizens
A new study confirms that Germans living in the former East Germany feel disadvantaged and resentful of the West. The study also finds higher levels of racism and Islamophobia in the East, while sexism remains stronger in the West.
Nearly twenty years after the fall of the Berlin wall, what Germans refer to as the "wall in the mind" remains in place.
The results of a long-term study released on Thursday by a team of 17 sociologists at the University of Bielefeld shows that resentments linger in part of the country that used to be communist East Germany. Some fear these resentments may drive rising levels of racism, anti-Semitism, and homophobia.
AP
A new study shows that Germans living in the eastern part of the country resent the West.
Fully 64 percent of eastern Germans feel treated as second-class citizens, while almost 75 percent feel disadvantaged in comparison with Germans in the west. Some 77 percent of easterners feel they are treated less fairly than those in the west, and 59 percent believe that the two halves of Germany have not yet grown together into a common society.
Researchers worry these resentments bear a direct link to hostility towards minorities, which tends to be higher in the east and is rising in certain categories -- even as prejudice falls in the western part of the country.
Across Germany as a whole, according to the Bielefeld study, the prejudice indices that rose this year from last year were racism, hostility toward entrenched privilege, and hostility toward the unemployed. But measures of Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and hostility toward the homeless all shot up in the East, while sinking in the West.
The only index of prejudice that was clearly higher in the west was sexism -- although a different study released last week showed higher levels of anti-Semitism in western states, especially in Bavaria.
"Prisoners of Their Own Self-Image"
Wolfgang Thierse, vice-president of the German parliament and a native of the eastern German state of Thuringia, warned in an interview with the Berlin-based daily Tageszeitung that the results of the study were complex and shouldn't be ascribed to simple demographics. He said Islamophobia was higher in eastern Germany, for instance, even though fewer Muslims live there than in the west. And homelessness is viewed with special bitterness in the east even though long-term unemployment would seem to be a more menacing problem.
"And here we always thought we east Germans were great ones for solidarity and justice!" Thierse joked. In his view, "socio-economic or socio-pyschological explanations" cannot fully account for the study's findings. "We also have to talk about the cultural, intellectual, and moral history of eastern Germany -- including the lingering impact of the GDR."
He suggested that eastern Germans "feel like second-class citizens because they are caught in a prison of their own self-image." Even when presented with data showing that reunification had been good for eastern Germany, Thierse said, many continue to nurse resentments. "This self-image cliché that 'we are second-class citizens,'" he said, is such a strong a mental crutch "that facts which might attenuate this feeling are no longer taken into account."
National Pride, Good or Bad?
One potentially encouraging sign of the report was that levels of national pride and identification with Germany were up across all regions of the country, suggesting that residents of the former GDR are increasingly comfortable associating themselves with the new unified state.
But Ulrich Wagner, a social psychologist who worked on the study, warned that growing affection for Germany could come at the cost of stoking xenophobia. Wagner told Tageszeitung "the rising identification with one's own country and the rising national pride also have negative consequences worth considering ... We should be cautious about all forms of national identification, if Germany and the Germans want to behave in a cosmopolitan way."
Thierse added that the ongoing financial crisis posed the greatest political and moral challenge, "not to permit tough economic conditions to brutalize human relations."
cpg -- with wire reports
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,594656,00.html
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Trick or Treat Guinatan
The other day, I was reading an entry in Facebook. It says
Halloween is fast approaching and if anyone could share something
about Aswangs in the Philippines. Aswangs? I prompted a short
response writing that these Aswangs
have nothing to do with this Americanized version of a tradition
we have in the Philippines...not that we have a tradition of
remembering the Aswangs
but what I meant was the celebration when we remember all
the saints and souls on the 1st and 2nd of November and we call
this tradition Undras.
Aswangs, Halloween, Undras and Guinatan.
This is also the time of the year when sticky delicacies like rice
cakes Kakanins, sumans and coconut
milk-based dessert, Guinatan are prepared as food for the
wandering souls but enjoyed of course by hungry mortals.
The sticky finger goodies are given to kids who come in the evening
singing "kaluluwa'y dumaratang, sa tapat
ng durungawan etc... we are lost souls in front of your windows,
bells are ringing to wake you up, and if you want to give us alms,
please make it fast before the door of heaven closes on us."
I think a more dramatic interpretation than the globalized Trick or
Treat Halloween fun for kids.
But back to my original blog entry which is the recipe for this
typical Filipino merienda. Preparing guinatan has become one of
my keeping up with the tradition stuffs either to appease the
hungry spirits or my own cravings.
Recipe:
Sweet Potatoes
Bananas
Ube (violet yams)
Shreds of Bottled Sweet Langka (Jackfruit)
Sticky rice Bilo-bilo
Coconut Milk ( I used three cans of 400 ml each)
Sugar
Drizzle of salt
Pandan leaves for aromatic effect
(Violet yams while cooking in coconut milk with pandan leaves)
Place the yams, taro in a saucepan, pour in coconut
milk with the pandan leaves. Bring to boil and later add the
sliced bananas, langka, bilo-bilo and cook further for
ten minutes, adding sugar to your taste.
Note: You have to watch it while cooking. Mine
turned like a cream yellowish pumpkin soup but the taste
was sweet enough to cure my nostalgia.
I texted my sister to ask on the exact date the kids do this
pangangaluluwa.
She texted back that it is on the night of Nov. 1 to Nov. 2 but
it is no longer practised in our village...the cost of malagkit rice
has gone so expensive, around 80 Pesos per kilo. People could no
longer afford to give away Sumans
and sticky rice delicacies to keep up with the tradition.
Poor hungry, wandering souls.
Poor me, eating my guinatan alone. Hubby said when he saw
the bowl of guinatan for our brunch...
"hmmmmmmmmmm, you can have my share."
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Solidarity with the Philippines
During the Ecumenical Solidarity Conference on the Philippines,
participants in this gathering honoured Frau Dorothea Seeliger for
her untiring engagement for solidarity work for the Philippines.
She is one of the awardees of the Bundesverdienstkreuz this year
for her solidarity work for the Filipinos. Frau Dorothea Seeliger
has been one of the pillars in keeping up this yearly Ecumenical
Conference which started 25 years ago. This year's theme: Mission,
Entwicklung und Oekumene-Solidaritaet im Wandel der Zeit.
Mission, Entwicklung and Ecumenical Movement - Solidarity in
Changing Times.
Our best wishes to her!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed
citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing
that ever has."
M.Mead
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Conference in Amsterdam: Crisis and Migration
CRISIS AND MIGRATION - is Another Development Possible?
Conference Communique Amsterdam 16.18. October 2009
This conference expresses a desire to explore the
possibilities of continuing the dialogue and cooperation
between migrant organizations and networks established at
this conference. In particular we note that we consider:
- The context of the current global crisis as an opportunity
and a challenge to reclaim the agenda of migration,
development and human rights.
- We also identify the realities of repression of migrant
rights and the increasing criminalisation of migrants
in Fortress Europe.
- We recognize the need to make more visible migrant
communities and movements as transnational actors in
reclaiming the right to a people centered development.
Building on the positive experience of working together in
preparing the PGA 2009, we propose to further strengthen
our co-operation as a European Network.
The Convernors of this Conference undertake to explore
and initiate the possibilities of joint initiatives
or campaign towards the development of a Pan European
migrant network.
(draft Conference Communique Amsterdam 18. October 2009)
Conference Communique Amsterdam 16.18. October 2009
This conference expresses a desire to explore the
possibilities of continuing the dialogue and cooperation
between migrant organizations and networks established at
this conference. In particular we note that we consider:
- The context of the current global crisis as an opportunity
and a challenge to reclaim the agenda of migration,
development and human rights.
- We also identify the realities of repression of migrant
rights and the increasing criminalisation of migrants
in Fortress Europe.
- We recognize the need to make more visible migrant
communities and movements as transnational actors in
reclaiming the right to a people centered development.
Building on the positive experience of working together in
preparing the PGA 2009, we propose to further strengthen
our co-operation as a European Network.
The Convernors of this Conference undertake to explore
and initiate the possibilities of joint initiatives
or campaign towards the development of a Pan European
migrant network.
(draft Conference Communique Amsterdam 18. October 2009)
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Pasalubong from America, The Beautiful
Last year, the same month almost the same date, I got the same
package of Pasalubong coming from friends who have immigrated
to the Land of Milk and Honey and are now travelling every now
and then the Olde World Europe.
Last year, Cora spoiled me with her packs of Babe Ruth and
this time upstaging his sister, Noel B. gave me a box
of this finger goodies plus his alternative popcorns.
What a treat after my fasting the last week.
America, the Beautiful...why your chocolates tease me
no end no matter how long I have been staying in Europe.
As one writer was saying...Patriotism is the memory of
food eaten during childhood.
Thanks Noel B. for the treat. May there will be
more opportunities for you to come over with these
treasures from the land of Mr. Obama.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Erntedankfest or Harvest Festival
While people in many devastated countries in SEA are imploring
mercy, German Christians celebrate tday Harvest Festival or
Erntedankfest for the blessings they have received.
I found one harvest prayer from another site,
www.farmingmatters.org
and would like to share with you today.
Harvest Prayers
Prayer of praise and thanks
Leader Creator and sustainer of all, at this harvest season we gather as your
people to offer you our heartfelt thanks and praise.
Voice 1 We praise you for the bounty and variety of your creation,
the succession of the seasons,
the productiveness of the soil,
the harvest of land and sea.
Creating and sustaining God ....:
Response
with wonder in our hearts, we thank you.
Voice 2 Thank you for allowing us to be co-creators with you,
developing new strains of plants and cross-breeding animals,
controlling pests and diseases,
carefully enhancing the fertility of the land,
growing flowers, fruit and vegetables in garden and allotment,
trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Creating and sustaining God .....
Response
with wonder in our hearts, we thank you.
Voice 3 We give thanks for all who play their part
in producing, harvesting, preparing and distributing
the varied and delicious food that we eat.
Creating and sustaining God ......
Response
with wonder in our hearts, we thank you.
Leader We praise you for feeding us with spiritual as well as material food.
May we learn to live, not on bread alone, but on your every word.
May we be nurtured by Christ the Bread of Life,
and be fruitful branches of Christ the True Vine.
May we offer his lifegiving water to refresh your world.
Creating and sustaining God
Response
recreate us in the image of your Son, our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.
©2000 Jenny Carpenter
Prayer for farming, forestry and fishing industry
For farmers, foresters and fishers , their families and communities
and all who depend on them ......
Versicle : Lord, in your mercy,
Response : hear our prayer.
For farmers who struggle to make a living, especially those who are tenants,
and those who have large amounts of debt to service ......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who maintain high standards of animal husbandry, but are undercut
by unfair competition and have undergone great suffering over the past months,
for livestock hauliers and auctioneers, for vets and agricultural advisers ......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who are seeking to use agro-chemicals responsibly
and adopt eco-friendly practices .......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For farming families under stress,
for farm women, for the Women's Food and Farming Union and its work
in promoting locally produced food and opportunities for diversification..
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For support groups - Rural Stress Information Network, Farm Crisis Network
and Rural Minds, and for agricultural chaplains ......
Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.
For foresters, balancing long term investment and short term economic return,
for the development of sustainable woodland and increased use of coppicing products,
for the use of trees and hedges to improve the micro climate and bio-diversity ......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For fishing communities adapting to massive change,
for an end to vicious rivalry within the European Community,
for wisdom in implementing policies that will sustain and renew fish stocks
while ensuring the viability of fishing businesses ......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For restraint and fairness in the use of economic power,
for discernment and a long term view in policy and decision making,
for a love of creation and a high view of human stewardship
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
Arthur Rank Centre
©2000 Jenny Carpenter
Harvest Dreams
This..world..
Harvest hymns
Ideas
If you want to arrange a service to celebrate harvest there are resources to help you.
Seasonal Worship: - resource book published March 2003
voiceofbritishagriculture.com - and - British Food Fortnight
mercy, German Christians celebrate tday Harvest Festival or
Erntedankfest for the blessings they have received.
I found one harvest prayer from another site,
www.farmingmatters.org
and would like to share with you today.
Harvest Prayers
Prayer of praise and thanks
Leader Creator and sustainer of all, at this harvest season we gather as your
people to offer you our heartfelt thanks and praise.
Voice 1 We praise you for the bounty and variety of your creation,
the succession of the seasons,
the productiveness of the soil,
the harvest of land and sea.
Creating and sustaining God ....:
Response
with wonder in our hearts, we thank you.
Voice 2 Thank you for allowing us to be co-creators with you,
developing new strains of plants and cross-breeding animals,
controlling pests and diseases,
carefully enhancing the fertility of the land,
growing flowers, fruit and vegetables in garden and allotment,
trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Creating and sustaining God .....
Response
with wonder in our hearts, we thank you.
Voice 3 We give thanks for all who play their part
in producing, harvesting, preparing and distributing
the varied and delicious food that we eat.
Creating and sustaining God ......
Response
with wonder in our hearts, we thank you.
Leader We praise you for feeding us with spiritual as well as material food.
May we learn to live, not on bread alone, but on your every word.
May we be nurtured by Christ the Bread of Life,
and be fruitful branches of Christ the True Vine.
May we offer his lifegiving water to refresh your world.
Creating and sustaining God
Response
recreate us in the image of your Son, our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.
©2000 Jenny Carpenter
Prayer for farming, forestry and fishing industry
For farmers, foresters and fishers , their families and communities
and all who depend on them ......
Versicle : Lord, in your mercy,
Response : hear our prayer.
For farmers who struggle to make a living, especially those who are tenants,
and those who have large amounts of debt to service ......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who maintain high standards of animal husbandry, but are undercut
by unfair competition and have undergone great suffering over the past months,
for livestock hauliers and auctioneers, for vets and agricultural advisers ......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who are seeking to use agro-chemicals responsibly
and adopt eco-friendly practices .......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For farming families under stress,
for farm women, for the Women's Food and Farming Union and its work
in promoting locally produced food and opportunities for diversification..
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For support groups - Rural Stress Information Network, Farm Crisis Network
and Rural Minds, and for agricultural chaplains ......
Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.
For foresters, balancing long term investment and short term economic return,
for the development of sustainable woodland and increased use of coppicing products,
for the use of trees and hedges to improve the micro climate and bio-diversity ......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For fishing communities adapting to massive change,
for an end to vicious rivalry within the European Community,
for wisdom in implementing policies that will sustain and renew fish stocks
while ensuring the viability of fishing businesses ......
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For restraint and fairness in the use of economic power,
for discernment and a long term view in policy and decision making,
for a love of creation and a high view of human stewardship
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
Arthur Rank Centre
©2000 Jenny Carpenter
Harvest Dreams
This..world..
Harvest hymns
Ideas
If you want to arrange a service to celebrate harvest there are resources to help you.
Seasonal Worship: - resource book published March 2003
voiceofbritishagriculture.com - and - British Food Fortnight
Friday, 2 October 2009
Thought for the Day
You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters
that have passed away.
Job. 11:16
Photos are taken from forwarded emails and source is not
sure. (dpa?)
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Great Floods in Manila
Philippines was in the news again this weekend in German media.
I heard about the overflooding of Manila on the radio but took
the news as one of the usually not pleasant reports about the
country.
Then came more photos and videos showing the aftermath of
the tropical storm Ondoy overflooding Manila, the worst
floods to hit the capital city since 40 years.
The photos I am posting here are from the Philippine
Daily Inquirer but the daily misery is left with the victims
of this natural tragedy.
Monday, 21 September 2009
September 21...Remembering the day...
It was in 1972, September 21 when the dictator Marcos declared
Martial Law in the Philippines.
I would not dare to write anything political about
this date...just a silent wish that such notorious
moment would not be repeated in the Philippines and in
other countries as well.
Well, I am just writing that I have finally connection
to our new Wifi...and it is working well, so far so good.
It costs us around 80Euro (no receipt) for an hour work otherwise
one has to pay value added tax, etc, etc. This is friendship
price so to say if one wants fast work done...no extra food
to be served, no tea. Oh, he has worked well but too
official...no beating around the bush, just router
connection and commenting that I have a slow laptop!
What this is Vaio, I thought...a brand new at that.
Anyway, to make the story short, we are or I am
finally connected to the big cyberspace out there...
on this notorious day September 21. Something positive
to remember.
Tama Na, Sobra Na, Palitan Na...as I was telling our old
router. New connection, new speed,new internet life.
More later..
Martial Law in the Philippines.
I would not dare to write anything political about
this date...just a silent wish that such notorious
moment would not be repeated in the Philippines and in
other countries as well.
Well, I am just writing that I have finally connection
to our new Wifi...and it is working well, so far so good.
It costs us around 80Euro (no receipt) for an hour work otherwise
one has to pay value added tax, etc, etc. This is friendship
price so to say if one wants fast work done...no extra food
to be served, no tea. Oh, he has worked well but too
official...no beating around the bush, just router
connection and commenting that I have a slow laptop!
What this is Vaio, I thought...a brand new at that.
Anyway, to make the story short, we are or I am
finally connected to the big cyberspace out there...
on this notorious day September 21. Something positive
to remember.
Tama Na, Sobra Na, Palitan Na...as I was telling our old
router. New connection, new speed,new internet life.
More later..
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Counting the Essentials
„Anong ginagawa mo?“, my friend Emma called me up this afternoon.
We have not seen each other since I left for Italy last June.
“I’ m farming,” I answered, continuing my work with harvesting
the pineapples in the Kaingin ni Karlo. I was hitting the
180,000 coins with VIP title, and level 17 seemed to be so near.
I could finally expand my Farm.
“Okey, come to my place and I have pandisal for you,” she
hurriedly hung up.I finished my pineapple harvest and did plowing
for Christy, my neighbor in this Farm Town who actually resides in
faraway Padova together with the other distinguished Farmers.
Feeling secured to face her without a pasalubong but with
an over-due gift for her birthday last November,
I took the bus and went to Emma place, to her garden actually.
She had some guests: a Balikbayan couple from the Philippines,
Baby W. and her husband on a visit to Europe, another
Filipino-German couple and Emma’s husband, Ingo who seemed not
to be bothered with the wasps swarming on the table full of used
glasses, beer and liquer bottles. I just came right on time, I thought.
Her garden was in full bloom:
green grapes hanging on an arched gate leading to her collection of
flowering plants, bushes of all sorts, potted tomatoes,
a wide assortment of herbs, apple trees and crawling alugbatis and
a kiwi which according to her hubby has not decided if
it is a female or a male plant.
Emma wanted that I take some of the grilled stuffs but I told her
I just had my Wednesday Reibekuchen
and took two pieces of the famous
pandisals of Baby W. while chasing the wasps away from me.
Ingo commented that I should not bother, the wasps lived here
and they won’t do any harm.
In between chasing the wasps away, we managed to chat about
tidbits of topics from Durian fruits in Mindanao, ampalaya and its
cure-all benefits, to God and the World and about Benedetto.
How convenient in my Farmtown, no wasps, no heavy talks, I thought.
Then when I was about to leave, Emma gave me a bagful of pasalubong
which I photographed for a summery memory this year:
marmalade from her holunder fruits, pieces of really fiery
peperoncini, Basil and Parsley leaves, bunch of aromatic tomatoes
from Spain and a bunch of green grapes. There were pieces of grilled meat
and handmade pandisal.
I feel a bit humiliated, honestly, thinking of my Farm Town.
My digitalized Farm as compared to these real fruits of her sweat
and loving labor, a real-life hobby.
Tja, there is life beyond chatting and harvesting.
I envy her for not surrendering to the call of digitalized
friendship and farming.
But hey, the pineapples of Sudhiira are ready for harvest in two days!
I have to secure the contract to get the online coins.
Encomienda ni Pinay von Alemanya, here I come!
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Bella Italia...hearing the singing of the cicadas all day
Have a chance to do some postings in addition to this newly
found projet of Farming in this wide wide world of cyber hobby.
Sarah Jean invited me to this addiction forming hubby
and encouraged by friends in Padova a couple of weeks ago.
Yesterday, Belly, Ditche and I went by boat to
Le Cinque Terre which I have seen more than a decade ago
with my girlfriend Ulrike. How the villages have changed to
the comings and goings of tourists but the beauty of the
place has remained or I would like to think that way.
Some of the taken shots:
found projet of Farming in this wide wide world of cyber hobby.
Sarah Jean invited me to this addiction forming hubby
and encouraged by friends in Padova a couple of weeks ago.
Yesterday, Belly, Ditche and I went by boat to
Le Cinque Terre which I have seen more than a decade ago
with my girlfriend Ulrike. How the villages have changed to
the comings and goings of tourists but the beauty of the
place has remained or I would like to think that way.
Some of the taken shots:
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