A Meme Must for Moonz

For Pink Moonz

This is going to be a short post as the Spitting Vessel has been tagged by Pink Moonz for eight random facts. A list of rules have been given and are listed below:

1. Each tagged blogger starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.

2. Those tagged will write a blog post about their own random facts/habits and post these rules.
3.At the end of the post, tag 8 other people and include their names.
4.Leave a comment on their blog, inform them they've been tagged, and to visit your site for the whole story.

So, the 8 random facts about myself:

1. I like wearing Italian made items, especially if these are given as gifts for whatever occasion.
2. At age 12, I thought oral sex was a long discussion about the subject.
3. I climbed a flagpole in kindergarten after betting against a classmate that I could do it. I did. But I was too scared to go back down.
4. I examine decisions closely a second time, especially those I was most certain of the first time.
5. I enjoy learning about history, culture and politics and economics. It makes me realize how much man has not learned from these.
6. Some say I resemble the combined looks of Andy Garcia and Al Pacino. They still owe me money so I guess they'll say anything.
7. I have done a lot of traveling and still do. It started when I began playing basketball and was often called for "Traveling"!
8. One of the things on my bucket list is to be able to lie down on Queen Elizabeth II's bed. Alone!

I will not tag eight other people on this page but will do so in good time. :-) --Durano, done!

China's Conscientious Citizenry

Never in the past ten centuries have policies brought more peace and prosperity to China's citizens than in the last two decades. Recent graduates of China's educational system are the most forward looking bunch since expectations of a lifestyle with their own homes, cars and gadgets, fueled by double digit economic growth throughout most of their student lives, are within reach. Young professionals have not experienced repression, Tienanmen is a distant, if not unknown event, and their concerns have been allowed to dwell in the realm of personal and economic development and growth; largely through the efforts of its government.

This, coupled with an overhauled educational system that inculcates the vivid oppression suffered under foreign invaders in the 19th century, while glossing over the Cultural Revolution and suggesting that Chairman Mao's dictatorship was a 30% arithmetical mistake, period; is the foundation of the fierce loyalty and intense patriotism of China's educated youth. They are the biggest beneficiaries of the country's rise as an economic giant and an emerging military power.The absence of exposure outside the academe that would provide a wider perspective other than the government's viewpoint is a limiting experience. Studying is the major, if not sole, focus.

China has successfully developed a citizen's defense line of educated and computer savvy young professionals who are adept at defending and countering global animosities toward their beloved country. Their rightful pride in their country's accomplishments find unquestioning support for the government, and drives them to close ranks and take action against those who malign their government's policies, especially those that pertain to Tibet. They cannot comprehend why Tibetans would refuse improved incomes and a better financial future, opting for a return to a feudal society instead.

In recent weeks, they have been able to organize counter rallies in other countries versus the Olympic torch protests, used photos of Chinese supporting Tibet and plastered these on websites with their complete identities, background, and relatives in China for harassment and vilification. Calls for boycott of French products flood Chinese websites; and some Chinese have taken their reactions offline, targeting specific individuals using information on what is referred to as "Human Flesh Search Engines". CNN was a target for service interruption in some parts of Asia yesterday, believed to be a result of attacks by China's bloggers. Chinese authorities have cautioned its citizens to curb their patriotic zeal and warned against endangering open policies for foreign investment.

China's citizens have anchored their dignity on the Olympics and are extremely proud of being hosts for the Games. They expect more open and informed communication as a result of first hand-inside knowledge of the country, and hope to establish better relations with nations of the world. They view western media's portrayal of China as biased and are inclined to think that envy of their progress and a desire for their failure propels this initiative. Majority believe that the issue of Tibet and human rights be tackled after the Games, as losing face will affect the nation's momentum. Protesters are in danger of making enemies of everyone in China if they persist.

Some argue that Tibetans were treated better by China than the New World settlers treated the Native Americans and the African Americans. Also, that Tibetans are better off than their Iraqi or Afghanistan counterparts from the way they were invaded by US and British forces; while human rights at Guantanamo and rendition by the US have been going on for some time. From the Chinese citizens' perspective, based on their studies of history and internet access, the west has often used a double standard in passing judgment on other countries' actions while covering it's own transgressions with hype, denials, falsehoods, skewed opinions, half truths and blatant lies. The current theme being used by the west that China will host the Games to parade itself is seen as a narrow point of view perpetuated by a condescending attitude, disguised as concern for justice and human rights. It is meant to downplay the admiration for the efforts of the country and its citizens. These are the reasons why China's citizens believe the issues are being drummed up.

From this perspective, they have a valid point.

Haaaarrwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

Credits : Ricky Dungca, US Correspondent

"Dead Drunk" Drinker

Yuri Lyalin was literally and figuratively "knifed in the back" by someone he regarded as a drinking buddy. This was by no means a mere betrayal of trust or friendship, but a six inch knife sticking out from below his nape, like a butcher who would leave a cleaver stuck in a piece of meat to rest the blade in the absence of a knife rack.

But Yuri never even felt it. He passed out in the watchman's office not from the stabbing, but from the vodka he was intent to cook his liver with. He came to the next morning, took a bus, had breakfast and went back to sleep. People who may have seen him in the street or in the bus probably thought he was a tired bit player from a low budget horror film. Or, a zombie who is sleep walking in the wrong time of the day. More realistically, a man marked for death by the Russian Mafia that went awry. He was dead drunk, looked like he rose from the dead, and perhaps smelled like formalin - truly, a dead man walking.

His wife saw the knife handle protruding from his back and decided to get him to a hospital. Russian women don't drink as much as the men and that's a good thing. If she did, she might have assumed being gifted with a slot machine and start pulling the handle up and down damaging vital organs. Luckily, only flesh tissue was cut and no vital organs nor blood vessels were damaged.Yuri takes it all with a grin. He remembers an argument but says it's normal among Russian drinking buddies to be physical during drunken debates.

The assailant has surrendered to the police, but his victim is not inclined to press charges. He probably would press a much larger knife on his assailant's back in the next drinking session.

A reminder to all those who happen to be caught drinking with Russians who follow the same physical practice: Don't argue nor debate. Better still, never expose your back to anyone, lest you end up dead drunk...literally and figuratively.

Haaarwwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

Sentiments and Sensitivity to Slurs

Asian Americans in Philadelphia are mounting a legal battle against a 59 year old restaurant for its persistence in disparaging their ethnicity. The fight has nothing to do with the cuisine nor how it is prepared since the menu is not remotely Asian. The conflict involves the restaurant's name, "Chink's Steaks".

The restaurant, cut in the classic 1950's mold with all original soda fountain set-up including ceiling fans, and vintage booths, was named after Samuel Sherman who capitalized on the nickname "Chink" since he was aged 6, because of his slanted eyes. No claims to being Chinese or Asian is known to have been made by Mr. Sherman, and no one ever called him "Sam". Current owner Joseph Groh, who worked in the diner at age 15 and bought it after Sherman died retained the owner's name because it had become a popular eatery in this blue collar neighborhood northeast of the state.

Chink is a racist ethnic slur for any person of Asian descent (Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese). Originally, it referred to a small crevice or opening, as in an armor - that denotes a weakness. It could have been the basis for the term in describing the ethnic east Asians based on their eyes which resembled a narrow crevice. Historically, at the turn of the 20th century, Asian immigration was seen as a threat to whites in North America. The Chinese were seen as pervasive, to a point where it evolved into the "yellow peril" hysteria. Within a few years after the first printed usage of the word Chink appeared, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed. The dehumanizing use of the word is believed to be a racist justifier for the passage of the law.

During the early days of the gold rush, when gold was plentiful, the Chinese were tolerated and well received. As the metal became scarce and competition increased, organized groups demanded that gold was only for Americans. Physical and psychological violence were endured by the Chinese and their claims were forcibly taken; or relegated to areas already mined out. Most, after being forcibly driven, settled into enclaves in cities and took up low end wage jobs in food and laundry services.

Sociologists point to derisive language as an indicator of flawed reasoning about the character and motivation of others. An underlying axiom of sociology recognizes that derogatory forms of speech make erroneous or malicious attributions about the character of a person which scholars classify as Fundamental Attribution Error or Correspondence Bias. This means that a group of people have an unjustified tendency to assume that a person's actions depend on what kind of person that person is, rather than on the social and environmental forces influencing the person.

When labels are made, all the derogatory associations and connotations are tied to it since the label is used for all behavior, actions, physical appearance, attitudes, sentiments, lifestyle, food eaten, clothes worn, facial expression, tone of voice, language and religion of the target race or ethnic group. Labels are cover-ups for the perception of threats to a way of life and feelings of insecurity among the dominant population. They engage in name calling and labeling to demean others to restore their egos and engender feelings of superiority. In short, they delude themselves into thinking they are winners, when these actions they take clearly manifest their descent into wretchedness.

The history of the Chinese Exclusion Act is a classic indicator of this insecurity. Feeling threatened by competition, they forcibly wipe them out, using the argument that gold should only be for Americans. The land belonged to the Native Americans and all whites were illegal immigrants and usurpers. How they can make such laws stick claiming gold which belongs to the Indian tribes is simply a case of numbers and dominance by force. To this day, racial discrimination exists in very subtle forms, despite pretensions to the contrary. Hate and disrespect fuel this racism, but it is not only racism that is subject to hate. Political orientations are also fueled by hate and disrespect using demeaning labels aimed at a particular party or sub-political group. Hate has become so pervasive that it's almost impossible to envision unity. Ironically, it is called the United States when unity within each state is more of an illusion than reality.

As for Joseph Groh, he had weathered a similar attack in 2004, but is currently facing a tougher battle this time as he tries to increase his enterprise by opening in other areas. His attempted opening south of Philadelphia was denied because of protests launched against the name. He may be a victim of the repercussion of a slur that was positively transformed by the owner into a well patronized restaurant. It may be Sam's name, but it remains a slur that does not only denigrate Sam but all other Asian Americans past, present, and future. Chink is not a Chinese style steak and it will never be. Mr. Groh has a far bigger chink in his armor than in 2004. And, as the saying goes, "the chickens have come home to roost".

Haaarrrrwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

Source:
Keith B. Richburg, Washington Post
Wikipedia
Ricky Dungca, US Correspondent

The Pope, Piety and Popularity

After Pope John Paul II died in April 2005, a vacuum developed between the Catholic Church and its 1.131 billion Catholic membership worldwide. The assumption of the Papacy by Joseph Ratzinger, who chose the name Pope Benedict XVI, has done little to ease the sense of loss and displacement of Catholics in their faith that missed the comforting presence of John Paul II. The Church seemed distant, and the initial pronouncements of Pope Benedict XVI regarding changes in the conduct of the Holy Mass engendered a disconnection among many Catholics who find difficulty feeling the present Pope.

Pope Benedict XVI espouses fundamental Catholic practices of worship. His views and principles that promote orthodox Catholic teaching is an abrupt departure from the openness and liberalized methods that had been universally accepted as welcome changes. Practices which made the Holy Mass more participative, more open and involved, unified and adapted to local cultures, were ordered reversed to the traditional worship procedures. These include the priest with his back to the churchgoers, veils for women, and use of Latin. The impact of this order hit the entire Church membership instantly since it is where Catholics converge on Sundays. Confusion followed unanswered questions , and the hopes of the local Catholic leadership for ready compliance turned into disassociation.

Being the immediate successor to Pope John Paul II, comparisons may be unfair but unavoidable. John Paul II had a very friendly and approachable persona. He was a charismatic Pope who had the ability to inspire billions of members globally; the knack for rallying professionals, elderly, and working class Catholics to a regeneration of the faith; and the communication savvy to connect with the youth worldwide whose influence they embraced, whose words they absorbed, whose humanity they accepted and loved. His memory lives on in the youth whom he has touched spiritually and emotionally.

In contrast, Benedict XVI has a stern projection that can be daunting to those who want to reach out. As the present head and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church on Earth, his words and actions were taught to be infallible. This teaching no longer holds as much awe and wonder as it used to. His address at the University of Regensburg inappropriately used a 14th century Papal quotation that slammed the Muslim faith - causing protests from Muslims worldwide. The fiasco was done at a time when inter-faith harmony was being promoted.

The 6-day Papal visit to the United States, where 67 million Catholics (22% of the population) reside and whose practice of the faith differ widely with the tenets of conservative Catholic teaching, will test the Pope's diplomacy and will. Compared to Europe, America is largely conservative and he will find it more to his liking. Conservatives reign in America, from government, business and industry, Christian and Evangelical denominations, and the American population at large. But underneath this conservatism are legal practices that contradict Catholic tenets, where one remains a good Catholic despite having an abortion, using birth control devices, divorcing a spouse, remarrying, marrying someone of the same gender, changing of one's gender, and going to Church when convenient. These, he cannot undo. Also, he will have to face the issues regarding sexual abuses done by priests and nuns that undermined the moral authority of the Church and the faith itself.

The conflict within conservative America may have rendered the Catholic tenets irrelevant, and perhaps irreconcilable with their way of life. This lack of attachment has caused a serious disconnect between American Catholics and the Church. A purification of the practice of the faith is needed, one that will find agreement within their ranks and bring them in harmony and unity with all people in the world through God. But how can he reconcile unity with all men and love of God when God's teachings are disregarded and ignored? Would not retaining the contradictions in practice make the religion hypocritical and senseless? Are the contradictions beneath the veneer of conservatism in America manifestations of pretense and hypocrisy? If the Pope glosses over these contradictions, is he being hypocritical?

It is almost impossible to be a Catholic in a world so mired in untruth that is regarded as an angle of the truth or a version of the truth. If Jesus is the only truth, then the inter-faith harmony is seeking unity with a lie. If peace and co-existence is the goal, then Catholics are allowed to coexist in peace with a contradiction. This is what will perhaps reunite American Catholics with God and heaven, in making their bed for peace and coexistence, they can lie with a contradiction.

Haaarrrrwwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!

Forestalling Famine and Financial Failure

In the wake of food riots in Haiti that resulted in deaths, property damage, and the ouster of Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis, the threat to social and political stability resulting from food shortages is a clear and present danger. The inadequate global food reserves, resulting from low level harvests, increased consumption, and shifting priorities towards agriculture, is leading to a worldwide crisis of hunger and famine among the impoverished people of poorer nations. This precarious situation can cause the Haiti riots to take place in many countries around the world.

World Bank President Robert Zoellick stated that the rapid rise in food prices could push 100 million people in poor countries into deeper poverty, compounding the scarcity in food supply. His statement follows that of International Monetary Fund's head Dominique Strauss Khan's warning that continuous rise in food prices will drive hundreds of thousands of people to starvation. This will effectively wipe out the gains in poverty reduction in the last 10 years and may cause trade imbalances.

The food crisis could trigger conflicts and undermine the legitimacy of governments. As a result, the World Bank has announced "A New Deal for Global Food Policy" that would boost agricultural developments for the long term. Immediately, WB President Zoellick called for the release of funds for the needy people in poor countries for food purchases, as well as for seeds to be ready for the next planting season. He also asked wealthy countries to fill the fund shortfall of the World Food Program estimated at US$500 million. However, the financial crunch and the impact of the US recession have yet to be fully measured which may cause delays in supporting the WFP's funding for food.

For its part, the G7 group of most industrialized nations have passed a plan to ease the credit crisis in the global credit markets. Members have committed themselves to more oversight of financial firms and greater financial transparency, including the improvement in the work of credit rating agencies. Calling on authorities' responsiveness to financial risks, it puts in place arrangements to deal with stress in the financial system.

The recognition of the food shortage problem by the WB-IMF is commendable, and their response to avert a global catastrophe of malnutrition, hunger, starvation and socio-political instability worldwide is hopefully, successful. Its timeliness is already in question with the Haiti incident and the subsequent sacrifice of its Prime Minister. Yet it will still not put food on the table of Haitians until the US$10 million released by the WB is transformed into affordable and adequate food for the population.

The stunning confluence of events stresses the inter-connectivity of global economies and citizens of the world. The desire to solve the destructive effects of fossil fuel as energy source led to the re-allocation of crops for biofuels; but the volatile weather conditions created low harvests that decimated food supply and reserves. The economic growth of populous nations created a large middle class that wanted improved diets, resulting in shifting agricultural lands to grazing for livestock, further reducing land for food staples. The rapid industrialization and urbanization added to the depletion of farm lands, since these were converted to industrial parks, urban centers and housing locations. And, the increase in population that adds pressure on the environment to sustain a huge volume of people on the planet that does not grow in size nor resources.

It is increasingly evident that there are limits to what the world can take. The creation of products that are meant to kill or damage, and the use of otherwise productive human resources for destructive purposes, will not improve the global condition but will lead it to more waste. Man has emerged as the most dominant species on the planet, yet it seems that his propensity for domination will not end until the planet itself is ruined. Man is part of nature, and its destruction will lead to man's doom - that is basic. Until the pressure on the earth's resources are reduced, mankind will be closer to a condition described by Charles Darwin as the struggle for existence and the survival of the fittest. That, will put an end to all order as we know it.

Haaarrrrwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

Sacrificing Soldiers' Security

In January 2007, Iraqi insurgents sneaked inside a US Military base in Karbala in a deadly raid that killed five US Servicemen. The insurgents were in complete US Military uniforms that were authentic down to the last stitch. There is no trace of where and how these uniforms were obtained. Today, the US Government Accountability Office discovered, by posing as buyers, that they could purchase a dozen prohibited military items on E-Bay and Craigslist.

The items purchased could have easily been delivered somewhere in the Middle East, perhaps to the camps of the insurgents or Al Qaeda, and could be used directly against US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The items include Night Vision Goggles made according to special military specifications that could identify US troops at night time, Army combat uniforms, specially enhanced body armor vests that are not made available to the public, and F-14 Fighter Jet components. The US has retired its F-14 planes, and only Iran is using these currently.

E-Bay's excuse is that it handles 113 million items and around 7 million others are added daily, but banned items manage to get through their control mechanisms. Craigslist stated that they use similar measures and relies on users to police the site as it has only 25 employees. The items are alleged to have been stolen and sold on these online selling sites, but when and how these were taken could not be ascertained.

America is spending around 3 billion dollars weekly on the war in Iraq, and yet it's forces are put in harms way by commercializing items that could penetrate soldiers' ranks and decimate their number; as well as damage their equipment, obtain weapons and ammunition and demoralize their ranks. This mindless lust to make profit from stolen items that would put young soldiers' lives in peril is not only unpatriotic but scales the level of treason. If the excuse that it is difficult to monitor items put up for sale is to be accepted, it is tantamount to accepting that the lives of the soldiers are dispensable in the name of profit. Craigslist's claim that it relies on users to police the site is pathetically lame and utterly irresponsible. Suspension of operations until the sites can be cleared of such items and an assurance that these would be effectively policed is the least that could be demanded from these online sites.

The worst part of this whole caper is that most of these items were stolen from US Military facilities, and a Defense Department Official admits that "They don't even know if they have the ability to know, that they have a serious theft problem". The thefts can be expected to continue. The US Soldier will therefore lay his life on the line fighting for his country and its way of life, suffering to diligently and effectively perform his duty, only to have all these difficulties traded in his own country's websites, sacrificed to obtain profits from theft. If this is the way America treats its heroes, it will only have mercenaries to rely on in the future; if not unscrupulous businessmen of dubious integrity.

Haaaarrrwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!