Soccer: Soca Warriors Head to Germany The recent qualification of Trinidad and Tobago, for the World Cup to be held in Germany next year, is major milestone for such a small country. They are certain to be the smallest nation represented in this major event. With a population of just over a million people, the locals have every reason to celebrate, because unlike most large countries, attending major international events like these, are a rare event. To put it bluntly, it was only the second time in the last twenty years that the twin islands had a chance to qualify. The other time was on the eve of the 1990 World Cup when they just failed to qualify. For small countries the world of professional sport is a very limited option. A few manage to take their skills abroad, and with experience and determination gradually enter the big league. But for most sportspeople, this rarely happens. Sports for most smaller countries including the Caribbean, is tied to amateur structures which rar
Posts
RIOTS IN THE FRENCH REPUBLIC BON MONSIEUR: The aggressive attitude of Monsieur Sarkozy to the rioters will only make matters worse. The riots in France are not only about wanton destruction, but also about a cry for help. The rioters seem to sense that the ideals of the republic are false, if not dishonest. They see no liberty, no equality or no fraternity. They have become disillusioned with French society, and all that is happening around them. Therefore caught in their emotive rage, they feel the need to lash out destructively, causing damage wherever they can. It is very easy to blame scapegoats, or foreigners for the breakdown law and order. But this would simply obscure the reality of French society today. Whatever the politicians pretend, the riots have presented another view of France to the world, and no amount of whitewash will change that. France has to look at the Republic, and consider how far its ideals benefit all members of the republic. Ask any ethnic in France, ra
Michael Jackson: On The Move The trial of Michael Jackson earlier this year reminded us all of how tough life is. Once presumed to be the world's greatest superstar, and proclaimed 'the King of Pop,' he had to face the indignity of a sordid and soul-destroying trial, which must have pushed him close to the borders of insanity. But it was all his own fault, I can hear you say. I am not sure that I agree with you. I think some of it was his own fault. But a lot of it seem to occur because of his celebrity status. The story of MJ can be written in many ways, but whatever the chapters, the start will always be same. Little Michael, and his four brothers leave Gary, Indiana, and becomes a success story. That success story presents 'The Jackson Five' not just to United States of America, but also to the rest of the world, making good music to be enjoyed by all. Eventually MJ leaves the group for his solo outing, and to many, delivers a virtuoso performance on the first a
Harriet Miers: Rise and Fall How quickly things change in politics. One moment it was all Harriet, Harriet Miers was everywhere. Harriet Miers with the President; Harriet Miers meeting and conferring with senators; newspapers and televison were overflowing with stories. And then just as suddenly, she was gone, pushed out by the very conservative groups that she was supposed to represent. Was it too much to expect the lady to be given an opportunity to present her case for being a Supreme Court Justice? It looked that way. Many saw it as a battle of ideology. Never mind her qualifications and experience, was she the right conservative for the job? And the answer to that question was simply no. Was it sexism? Few would want to even discuss this angle. In these times, it is quite fashionable to pretend that true equality has arrived, and that racism and sexism no longer exist. Others highlighted her lack of experience on the bench, as if that was the only reason to oppose her. Yet even th
PERESKIAS Pereskias are really not very well-known plants. Even among succulent lovers, they are certainly not highly prized. The fact they are a significant part of the Cataceae group still does not reward them special attention. Mention pereskias to the general public, and they would probably stare at you in puzzlement. They may look like roses, but in the eye of masses they remain unknown. Often, botanists will tell you, that they are usually found only in botanical gardens. Yet, they serve as a significant starting point for the debate about the origin of cacti. For some, these are the first cacti, before evolution and mutation took its course. The real reason for their obscurity may have more to do with the fact they need highly a tropical climate to survive. Without warmth and sunlight, they cannot flourish. And therefore, in a temperate climate you would never see them at their best. Yet, they are interesting plants, and they are some of my favourite cacti. The fact that they a
HARD ON DRUGS The recent public debate, about whether an aspiring British politician should declare publicly, whether he used drugs in his earlier days, beggars a question. What attitude do you take to drugs? Do you smoke cigarettes? Would you be willing to admit publicly whether or not you take hard drugs? Are you someone who would commit to prison anyone caught smoking marijuana, even for the first time? Do you draw a distinction between say marijuana, and cocaine? Are you someone who generally conform to the dictum of law? Or do you regularly question laws which are legal, but you believe should be scrapped? And what about alcohol, what attitude do you take to people drinking alcohol? Of course, it is legal, but do you realise that alcohol probably causes much more damage to our lives than so called hard drugs. My attitude to drugs goes across the board. All drugs can be destructive, and this is some thing that needs remembering. Even approved prescriptive drugs can be dangerous, an
Is War Inevitable? Consider the history of mankind. Consider the evolution of nations, which in many cases may have been decided by war. Consider the technological advantages, and the sophistication of the twenty-first century in which some of us may live. I ask the question, is war still inevitable? Why do countries still see war as a way of resolving conflicts? You tell me why, or why not.
British Politics Today Politics is sometimes difficult to comprehend. Or should I say that politicians are difficult to comprehend. It took one little incident at the Labour Party conference to expose them for what they really are. In case you are not aware, during the Foreign Secretary's speech on why the country went to war in Iraq, an eighty two year old labour party member shouted, "Nonsense. You know that is a lie." He was then manhandled, taken out of his seat, and then escorted out of the hall. Later, when he tried to return to the building he was detained under the new anti-terror laws. The actions of the labour party are typical of politics today. Gone are the moments when there are actual debates about policy. Often, policies are now decided by a small clique, or even in some cases by a single individual, and the rank and file are forced to accept it. More disturbing are the slick media presentations of the policies, often to give the impression that they have c
A House is Not a Home I know quite a lot of people to whom their home is everything. For a start, in selecting a home, they insist the property should represent everything they stand for. The more expensive the better, even if in some cases it may be far beyond their budget. Home making today has become a competitive game in one upmanship. The constant moving, with the focus on the social ladder, or the ever so important improvements, to make the property that more attractive, has become standard practice everywhere. The home seems no longer a focus for the family, but a grand investment in the real estate bubble. Yet, there are many who would insist the house is still the main focus of family life. But I don't accept this, or to put it bluntly, this is not what I see being practised. What I see more and more today, is the house is used as a staging ground for all our activities, business, leisure or otherwise. Of course, it is still probably the place where we spend a great deal o
A House is Not a Home Leaving home in a hurry is difficult for all of us. Leaving home when the elements whether hurricane, flooding, or any other disaster threaten your every existence, is even far more problematic. In the last few weeks the tragedy of Katrina has taught us a lot of lessons. If forced to evacuate when some disaster strikes, there is a chance that you may return to find that your home is no longer there, or even no longer habitable. This presents us with a serious question. How important is your home to you?
Another German Election? Another election for Germany, absolutely not. The people have spoken, and now it is time for the politicians to deliver. Of course, almost of all of them will have to eat their words, and start dancing to a very different tune. But that will be a wonderful experience for them. I am one who truly believe that politicians do benefit, ever so often, from being humbled. It is obvious that some kind of coalition has to happen. Angel Merkel feels her time has come. But I am not so certain. The fact that her Christian Democrats and the pro-business party, hold a slim majority over the Social Democrats, does not suggest to me that she should naturally be the next chancellor. The truth remains, that together they are still a minority in the German Parliament. The same applies to the combination of Gerhard Schroeder and the Green Party. Any way you look at it, the coalition could go either way. Unless there is a dramatic development, and the two principal players suddenl
United Nations Party The world leaders gathered in New York to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations. The intention was that they would meet and greet, and eventually come up with a better way of continuing international dialogue, and promoting cooperation between countries of the world. Most important were issues of poverty, free trade, treatment of Aids victims, promoting peace and democracy, fighting terror, etc. What did happen? By the end it was obvious that they celebrated their differences. Whatever the individual members of the group felt, and there were those who taught that by bringing so many leaders together in one room was itself an achievement. As the world's foremost international I think they missed a great opportunity. For once you would have hoped that they could have suspended their own personal agenda, and considered the good of all mankind. Did they? No, they did not. At the end of the conference they managed to cobble a statement of a f
Imagine a situation in which tragedy strikes, and you have one hour to evacuate your home. What would you take? I would select one of my medium size travelling bags which must be enough to hold all of my personal effects. I will start with three pairs of trousers, two light and one heavy. I will add three pairs of shorts, two regular and one knee length. For underpants the magic number will be seven, one for every day of the week. Three short sleeve shirts and two long sleeve ones will then be added. I will complete the clothing collection with my favoutite sweater, four tee shirts, and one coat (suited to the time of the year). Footwear will comprise of one pair of shoes which I will be wearing, a pair of sandals, plus four extra pairs of socks. Three towels of varying sizes, and a small bagpack. And of course, a case with all my personal effects, and a portfolio of all my private documents. Money and credit cards in my pockets, I will be ready to evacuate in forty minutes. PS. I deba
One Hour to Evacuate Imagine a situation in which tragedy strikes, and you have one hour to evacuate your home. What would you take? I would select one of my medium size travelling bags which must be enough to hold all of my personal effects. I will start with three pairs of trousers, two light and one heavy. I will add three pairs of shorts, two regular and one knee length. For underpants, the magic number will be seven, one for every day of the week. Three short sleeve shirts and two long sleeve ones will then be added. I will complete the clothing collection with my favoutite sweater, four tee shirts, and one coat (suited to the time of the year). Footwear will comprise of one pair of shoes which I will be wearing, a pair of sandals, plus four extra pairs of socks. Three towels of varying sizes, and a small bagpack. And of course, a case with all my personal effects, and a portfolio of all my private documents. Money and credit cards in my pockets, I will be ready to evacuate in for
New Orleans: After the Storm Every time I saw an image on televison about Katrina's devastation of New Orleans, I would cringe in disbelief. This is not the New Orleans I know. This is not the New Orleans which I visited only last year. Indeed, I was right. This is a different New Orleans, a New Orleans facing annihalation, a city drowning in its own waters, a city where death and destruction have become the norm. Whatever happens in the next few weeks, New Orleans will never be the same. I am not going to start to allot blame,for me there are too many individuals who are already doing that. But there were times when following the sequence of events, I could only feel shock, and outrage. Hurricanes always bring a mixture of emotions, and this one seemed no different . At least, that was the way it looked at the start. But then the rot set in,and everything seemed out of control. Suddenly, the human face of tragedy was everywhere. Many of us watching from around the world couldn&
New Orleans: Before the Storm I remember New Orleans, as it was. After all, I visited only last November, and I loved the pulse of city life. Don't get me wrong, I could see that the city was not perfect. But then no city is, and therefore on this occasion I suspended indiscreet judgements. I took the streetcar on many occasions because it was the last thing you expect to find this side of the USA. In many ways, it was the best way to travel especially on holiday, as it took its time, always cruising at its own speed. Many a time I headed up St. Charles street, studying the avenues, the grand houses, the commercial options for eating, and the large overflowing trees which lined some of the roadways. Life was easy, and enjoyable. I remember making my way to the zoo after a walk across a park, happy to see the animals, definitely not the kind of activity that I would contemplate while at home. But it was the nightlife that made New Orleans different. Bourbon Street and its surroundin
Democracy and Deportation Recently in the Britain there have been strident calls for foreign would-be terror suspects to be deported. Suddenly, deportation beckoned, or was presented as an answer to deal with many controversial and difficult legal decisions, which have been caused since the government's 'war in terror ' iniative. These situatons arise where authorities are appear unclear about interpreting current laws, and about how to proceed in dealing with some of these new and unusual judicial matters.But is deporting people, without any access to a judicial process, an answer? Or does it simply drive the problem away temporarily? Most enthusiasm for this kind of justice seem to come from the large print media who usually preaches, and expects, quick answers to every problem. I dont't see how deportation of new residents fits in with modern ideas of democracy. To me, once an individual has been given right of residence; they are therefore entitled to all elements o
Frankfurt Just returned from a long weekend in Frankfurt, Germany. It is becoming an annual affair. This time it was five days, and included a visit to Stuttgart. The greatest part of this visit was to collect specimens for my succulent collection. The visit definitely included the wonderful succulent collection of the Palmengarten, where I was kept quite busy with my digital, updating photos of some of their special caudiciforms. I was particularly impressed with their Uncarina collection. These Madagascar plants are truly spectacular. Probably they have the largest of its kind in any botanical garden; certainly among the gardens that I have seen, none have a collection of this size. And engaging the different species was a delight. Stayed at simple, but adequate accommodation close to the River Main, which connected adequately with the rest of the city. Most of the time I lived on the cheaper end of the food market, avoiding fashionable restaurants. I was delighted to find a five eur
When you live in a large city you take most it for granted, the excessive traffic, the crowded streets. You accept as the norm, the constant snarl up of the inadequate transport system; the days when you have to battle for a space on the tube trains; the times when tired of coming home to streets covered rubbish, you once again threaten to leave. And of course, later you calm down and decide things are not so bad after all, and once again decide that you still love the place, in spite of its numerous faults. Let me declare myself. I am talking about my city, London town. After twenty five years of living here, it is the only place that I could live in the UK. That does not mean that there aren't moments when I want out of this city. Of course, there are, and more frequent than I would like to admit. When these times happen, I simply head for the continent. The French Riviera, the Spanish Costa del Sol and the villas of Italy, all take on a new urgency. A quick budget flight, a long