As I yesterday there were reports of a massacre near Shanwei in Guangdong province. The Chinese authorites have up their declared number of people killed by 50% to 3. Howver, the locals are still claiming as many as 20 have been taken.
This is the second rural demostration in rural Guangdong this year the previous one occured in Taishi village. Most of these demostrations are against corruption, pollution and land seizures that are affecting rural life in China. Whole villages have already been uprooted in a number of schemes carried out by the Chinese government.
Sunday, 11 December 2005
Saturday, 10 December 2005
Double Standards of Woolworths
One wonders what Woolworths are attempting to do.
Earlier this week they said they had withdrawnJerry Springer the musical from their shelves because of 'numerous' complaints about it.
Then the claimed it was over lack of sales.
yet you can buy it from thier online shop.
Indeed the website is doing its outmost to sell this product with this gushing review.
So maybe neither point one or point two are actually correct. I wonder just what Woolworths will have to say for themselves.
Earlier this week they said they had withdrawnJerry Springer the musical from their shelves because of 'numerous' complaints about it.
Then the claimed it was over lack of sales.
yet you can buy it from thier online shop.
Indeed the website is doing its outmost to sell this product with this gushing review.
"The Opera is the smash-hit multi-award winning musical, which opened to unprecedented rave reviews and standing ovations at the National Theatre. The Opera is the smash-hit multi-award winning musical, which opened to unprecedented rave reviews and standing ovations at the National Theatre."
So maybe neither point one or point two are actually correct. I wonder just what Woolworths will have to say for themselves.
Massacre in China
Reports and pictures are coming out of China of a massacre of reportedly as many as 70 people in Dongzhou, Shanwei. Official Government sources are reporting only two dead yet these pictures would seem to back up independent sources claims that the death toll is far higher.
These killings took place close to Hong Kong on Tuesday as residents were protesting against the construction of a power plant. Official sources say they were throwing bombs at the police and army while eye witnesses are reporting that these were only fireworks.
If the reported death toll is correct it is the worse massacre since Tiananmen Square but this one was away from the western camera crews.
Coming just 3 years before Beijing is due to host the Olympic Games the readiness of the Chinese authorities to still suppress protest by deadly force is a worrying sign. What will happen if such a protest were to break out in Beijing during the high profile international event that is the Olympics? Would innocent foreigners caught up in such a protest be slain as well?
There had been concerns when Beijing was awarded the XXIX Olympiad that their human rights record was still not suitable to host such an event. The events of the last few days, the deadly force, suppression of news and government cover up show that little has changed inwardly in China.
Maybe it is time for the International Olympic Committee to seek an alternative venue capable to hosting the games at very short notice.
These killings took place close to Hong Kong on Tuesday as residents were protesting against the construction of a power plant. Official sources say they were throwing bombs at the police and army while eye witnesses are reporting that these were only fireworks.
If the reported death toll is correct it is the worse massacre since Tiananmen Square but this one was away from the western camera crews.
Coming just 3 years before Beijing is due to host the Olympic Games the readiness of the Chinese authorities to still suppress protest by deadly force is a worrying sign. What will happen if such a protest were to break out in Beijing during the high profile international event that is the Olympics? Would innocent foreigners caught up in such a protest be slain as well?
There had been concerns when Beijing was awarded the XXIX Olympiad that their human rights record was still not suitable to host such an event. The events of the last few days, the deadly force, suppression of news and government cover up show that little has changed inwardly in China.
Maybe it is time for the International Olympic Committee to seek an alternative venue capable to hosting the games at very short notice.
Scotland to Cheer on Trinidad and Tobago
My prediction for the world cup is that there will be a high demand for Trindad and Tobago shirts here in Scotland.
With Dundee keeper Kelvin Jack, Rangers defender Marvin Andrews, Falkirk Midfielder Russell Latapy Dundee United Striker Colin Samuel and St. Johnston Striker Jason Scotland all hailing from Trindad and Tobago, not to mention Dwight Yorke, Shaka Hislop, Dennis Lawrence, Scotland fans loved England's world cup draw.
Devon Mitchell, Errol McFarlane, Jerron Nixon, Anthony Rougier, Brent Sancho, Arnold Dwarika and Lyndon Andrews have also all had spells in Scottish football. They even have a Gary Glasgow on the squad who like Scotland is aptly named though has never played in Scotland. Indeed the full list of clubs in Scotland for whom these players have plied their trade is Rangers, Dundee, Dundee United, Falkirk, Hibernian, Livingston, St. Johnston, Raith Rovers and East Fife.
In fact if you see the full list of players who are currently playing in Britain it makes some interesting reading:
So be prepared for cheers of Marv, Marv, Super Marv, Super Marvin Andrews whenever a ball is cleared from defense leaving Owen, Rooney or even Crouch looking stupid.
With Dundee keeper Kelvin Jack, Rangers defender Marvin Andrews, Falkirk Midfielder Russell Latapy Dundee United Striker Colin Samuel and St. Johnston Striker Jason Scotland all hailing from Trindad and Tobago, not to mention Dwight Yorke, Shaka Hislop, Dennis Lawrence, Scotland fans loved England's world cup draw.
Devon Mitchell, Errol McFarlane, Jerron Nixon, Anthony Rougier, Brent Sancho, Arnold Dwarika and Lyndon Andrews have also all had spells in Scottish football. They even have a Gary Glasgow on the squad who like Scotland is aptly named though has never played in Scotland. Indeed the full list of clubs in Scotland for whom these players have plied their trade is Rangers, Dundee, Dundee United, Falkirk, Hibernian, Livingston, St. Johnston, Raith Rovers and East Fife.
In fact if you see the full list of players who are currently playing in Britain it makes some interesting reading:
Chris Birchall (Port Vale), Russel Latapy (Falkirk), Jason Scotland (St Johnstone), Stern John (Derby), Kenwyne Jones (Southampton), Kelvin Jack (Dundee), Marvin Andrews (Rangers), Dennis Lawrence (Wrexham), Carlos Edwards (Luton), Shaka Hislop (West Ham), Brent Sancho (Gillingham), Hector Sam (Wrexham)
So be prepared for cheers of Marv, Marv, Super Marv, Super Marvin Andrews whenever a ball is cleared from defense leaving Owen, Rooney or even Crouch looking stupid.
Friday, 9 December 2005
Equity Opposes Sainsburys and Woolworths in Springergate
The actors' union Equity has voiced its concern about the removal of Jerry Springer: The Opera from the shelves of Woolworths and Sainsburys.
They issue is two fold their General Secretary Christine Payne has issued the following statement:
So the ruckus rumbles on. Isn't it amazing how much negative publicity 10-20 complaints have received? I have noticed at least 50 bloggers who have mentioned this, then there was the BBC online article, not to mention the number of emails and letters that are winging their way to the Sainsbury and Woolworth ivory towers.
Strangely unlike earlier this week both companies are now telling the media that it was done for commercial reasons not as only yesterday or in the email I received because of complaints alone.
They issue is two fold their General Secretary Christine Payne has issued the following statement:
"Equity is opposed to the action which Woolworths and Sainsbury's have taken on two grounds. Firstly, Equity strongly supports artistic freedom and equally strong opposes censorship in all its forms, however offended any individual may feel themselves to be by a particular piece of dramatic art.
"Secondly, Equity members derive income from the sales of recorded material, including DVDs, and so stand to lose income from actions such as these.
"Equity is inviting all of its members to make their views known to Sainsbury’s and Woolworths about these acts of censorship."
So the ruckus rumbles on. Isn't it amazing how much negative publicity 10-20 complaints have received? I have noticed at least 50 bloggers who have mentioned this, then there was the BBC online article, not to mention the number of emails and letters that are winging their way to the Sainsbury and Woolworth ivory towers.
Strangely unlike earlier this week both companies are now telling the media that it was done for commercial reasons not as only yesterday or in the email I received because of complaints alone.
USA Attention Deficient on Climate Change
What is it with the Bush administration and climate change?
First they back out of the promises made by the Clinton administration about the Kyoto Protocols. Of course they had to cheat the most environmental minded almost President out of the white house by shutting down the recount in Florida to do so.
Then they seem to blindly think that climate change is somehow not going to affect them, as they glibly drive around in their gas guzzling cars, even to the end of the drive to pick up the paper and mail.
Now it appears their representatives have walked out of the latest UN climate conference in Canada.
I just hope many American's take to heart the message that former President Clinton gave the conference when he said:
Sadly I think the only place that doubt still exists is in the West Wing and the Oval Office. Even the plea of Prime Minster Martin of the host nation that the USA needed to heed "the conscience of the world" was formally declined by the US delegation.
Maybe we'll see Bush on an episode of Jerry Springer in a few years time entitled "Sorry I left the thermostat on too high", but then again he'll probably have deep fried before he realises that.
First they back out of the promises made by the Clinton administration about the Kyoto Protocols. Of course they had to cheat the most environmental minded almost President out of the white house by shutting down the recount in Florida to do so.
Then they seem to blindly think that climate change is somehow not going to affect them, as they glibly drive around in their gas guzzling cars, even to the end of the drive to pick up the paper and mail.
Now it appears their representatives have walked out of the latest UN climate conference in Canada.
I just hope many American's take to heart the message that former President Clinton gave the conference when he said:
"There is no longer any serious doubt that climate change is real, accelerating and caused by human activities."
Sadly I think the only place that doubt still exists is in the West Wing and the Oval Office. Even the plea of Prime Minster Martin of the host nation that the USA needed to heed "the conscience of the world" was formally declined by the US delegation.
Maybe we'll see Bush on an episode of Jerry Springer in a few years time entitled "Sorry I left the thermostat on too high", but then again he'll probably have deep fried before he realises that.
Pipe Down or You'll Get an ASBO
Schoolboy piper Andrew Caulfield has been told he cannot practise his bagpipes at home anymore or he will be landed with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order. It is not that Andrew is a novice piper who tortures the air with inexperienced squeaks and squeals but at 13 he has already piped Santa in to lights on for the same council that is threatening him now. He also teaches other aspiring pipers on the canter.
After being 2 decibels over the limit on a simulated test his parents bought him a quieter set of pipes but the council have refused to retest the conditions.
Is this a case of an ASBO too far? What does this mean for the traditional music of Scotland, if pipers can no longer practise in their own homes?
Meanwhile to follow up on Mid Calder's ASBO the calming effect was evident last weekend. However, Charles Dundas, the Lib Dem candidate from both Westminster Elections for the area this year, while praising the police expressed concern that Anti-social Behaviour Contracts, which are used by some other councils, were not explored. These would have which helped to prevent anti-social behaviour before it took place, rather than an ASBO which deals with the problems after the event.
After being 2 decibels over the limit on a simulated test his parents bought him a quieter set of pipes but the council have refused to retest the conditions.
Is this a case of an ASBO too far? What does this mean for the traditional music of Scotland, if pipers can no longer practise in their own homes?
Meanwhile to follow up on Mid Calder's ASBO the calming effect was evident last weekend. However, Charles Dundas, the Lib Dem candidate from both Westminster Elections for the area this year, while praising the police expressed concern that Anti-social Behaviour Contracts, which are used by some other councils, were not explored. These would have which helped to prevent anti-social behaviour before it took place, rather than an ASBO which deals with the problems after the event.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)