Apologies

Apologies for the lack of posting at the moment. I'm working on something and will be posting it soon, have just been through an hectic few months (mum passing away etc.)
Thanks for still following/reading! I appreciate it, honestly.

The Right Here, Right Now Generation.

Because let's face it, that's what the current young generation has become.
In this day and age, what has become the norm is that everybody gets what they want instantly. They get it by winning a tv show, by winning the lottery or apparently, by rioting and looting.

What has happened in England was ridiculous, and we are now going to have to deal with the consequences. The society needs to remade; the houses that were destroyed need to be rebuilt, the shops that were broken into and burned to the ground need to repaired, and thousands of people who have lost their livelihoods now need to find a way to live. A lot of them more literally than they should have to, as often people live above their shops. As shops have been burned down, so have the flats above them.

It's moments like these that make me angry to be part of this generation, a generation that doesn't want to work hard, a generation that isn't prepared to put in the effort to reap the rewards. The reason why people were rioting is because they got angry. They got angry because they couldn't get everything when they wanted it. Really what happened is thousands of people had a temper tantrum, but instead of stomping their feet, screaming and dropping to the ground - as they're older, bigger and stronger now - they destroyed people's lives, possessions and the communities which are around them. Sensible? no, I didn't think it was either.

There is a lot which needs to happen in society, people need to be able to readjust their viewpoints and realise that life doesn't come as easily as they want it to. The society which we live in today has given birth to girls who want to be 'WAGS' when they grow up, girls who just want to have their own reality show, those who think that leaking a sex tape will get them the fame they want. Guys who want to become professional footballers, just so they can sleep around. And if the shit happens to threaten to hit the fan? Just get a superinjunction, it's fine.

But it's not, how is it that this is what people are aspiring to? Surely this is a step backwards from what all of the generations before us have been trying to achieve?! They pioneered the way to get people from every background equal recognition (and rights), people from every sex equal rights (and I'm talking about the Trans people too), and slowly they're starting to let those who have different sexual preferences be equal to the rest. Sure it has taken a long time and not a lot of it has been achieved 100% yet. People are still racist, some more than others (everybody is at least a little racist. It's just the way it is). And a lot of religions still have issues with those who are homo- or bi sexual, (Which for the record I think is bulshit, we're all equal. Just because you don't fancy someone of the same sex, doesn't mean that it's wrong for someone else too. Moreover, the texts that those who are religious quote from are thousands of years old, you need to put it back into context! At the time, it maybe wouldn't have been accepted. But it sure as can be should be now...!)

But anyways, why is it that these people who are supposed to be more liberal, and more open to change and other peoples needs destroying the communities around them? If you want them to improve, burning them down isn't going to do much. Look at the Bronx, burning the old buildings down did nothing for it in the 60s and 70s - why should those tactics work for us in 2010s?

I think it is now that people need to speak up, and I think that those who have influence need to start exerting it. Those who people listen to, which unfortunately are largely celebrities, need to condone the actions of the current youth. Because this is getting ridiculous.
If Eminem, 50cent, Kim Kardashian etc spoke out against all of the BS, then maybe something would happen, maybe something would change! We need to go back to the original HipHop mentality (and if you don't know what that is, I suggest you read Can't Stop, Won't Stop - A History of the Hip Hop Generation, by Jeff Chang and also Foundation, by Joseph Schloss)

63 years have gone by...

At 4pm on the 14th of may 1948 the state of Israel was declared in Tel Aviv. On the 15th of may the British mandate ended, and within hours President Truman recognised the State of Israel as an entity.
Ever since, many tragedies have faced the Palestinians; they have been kicked out of their homes and off their land, being bullied by those who were previously bullied themselves.

The most difficult thing about the Arab - Israeli conflict is that both sides, and yet neither side is in the wrong. Something which is difficult for many to grasp, and even more so to accept.
The Palestinians have very little land left, and technically speaking don't actually have a country. They live on occupied ground (which Israel denies is occupied), in poor conditions with very little to live on. But they live, and remain strong. And they retaliate.

The retaliation is something which is necessary for them as otherwise they feel they would be trampled by the opposite force, but at the same time it is not something which is helping their cause either. The entire existence of the whole conflict is a catch 22, and something which I suggest you look into if you haven't already.

Both sides want the same thing, that's the problem. But what it has created is a very politically aware people, on both sides. And amidst all of the chaos there is still something which unites people all over the world, which brings hope - HipHop.

Throughout the past few years the popularity of HipHop has increased within areas such as Gaza, and within the refugee camps in places such as Syria - mainly amongst youth, as the older generations often do not accept it as an appropriate form to keep the Palestinian spirit alive. And perhaps some of the most inspirational people Gaza are the Camps Breakerz Crew (and their facebook). A breakdance crew of 10 people, aged 14  to 27, dance in schools and at shows to show that there is another way to let out anger and to get a point across. When I e-mailed them and asked them for an interview they were very happy to e-mail back and I have to say that they seem to be very kind, strong and passionate people. And I hope that one day there will be some B-Girls joining them too!

24 Year old B-Boy Pipeboy (Ahmed Ismail) met 24 year old B-Boy Funk G (Mohammed Alghraiz) at Nursing College in Gaza, both had come over from Saudi Arabia where they had started B-Boying. When Pipeboy suggest to Funk G to start a crew an idea soon turned into reality when they looked for the best guys around them - and found all of them in the same camp. The crew now consists of the following members:
Ahmed Ismail (Pipeboy) - The Manager of the Crew (24)
Mohammed Alghraiz (Funk G)  The Coach of the Crew (25) Belal Abu Shaweesh (Fox) Crew Member (14)
Abdullah Alghraiz (Jarule) Crew Member (17)
Ahmed Alhorani (Don) Crew Member (17)
Marwan Abu Oreban (Barwan) Crew Member (20)

Ahmed Alghraiz (Shaark) Crew Member (22)
Ibrahim alashram (Chino) Crew Member (23)
Ibrahim Abu Rammadan (Dark) Crew Member (26)
Fahed Abualnemmer (Puma) Crew Member (27)

The Guys are inspired by all crews, but particularly by the Pockémon crew and the Mortal Combat Crew (And who wouldn't be? Have a look for yourself at the skills these crews have)





The Crew gives workshops in various places around Gaza and inspire more people to join in, they're the only crew in Gaza at the moment and are thus highly coveted. Every workshop a lot of people turn up to get a glimpse into this different world, a world where you don't have to think about anything but breaking.
I asked what inspired them and Pipeboy said: "Which inspired us to break is we feel that we can put our anger and we can challenge any thing by break dance, especially when it doesn't exist in our communities. So I think it's the only way which keeps us in the crew close to each other and like one family. Plus we send to the world a message that Palestinian people are not terrorists..."

"Palestinian People Are Not Terrorists"

With their breakdancing they hope to raise awareness about Gaza, to make the world believe in Gaza. They hope to provide a different mindset for those around them, to give them something to live for. Moreover, they hope to travel around the world, battling other crews and hope to welcome many crews to Gaza. They're also looking forward to setting up a Breakdance Academy and a Sports Centre as there are few places in Gaza to play sports - the ones that are there are always in use.


Pipeboy explained that many of the more traditional Palestinians are also warming up to the idea of HipHop - though they may not openly accept it they are always asking about and for shows. His thoughts on those who don't think HipHop is an appropriate way to keep the Palestinian spirit alive? "We don't care about these people because this is our own idea and there is nobody or nothing that can keep us away about what we are doing. In the beginning there was a lot to try and keep us away cuz its not good for the traditional but now how come they go and see them and they always ask us for show or something like that..."

When I get to more sensitive questions I don't expect an answer, but still get one - something which demands some serious respect:

What do you think about the 'peace' offers that have been made between Palestine and Israel?

I don't believe in it because I can't believe in peace and we live like this !!! we live worse than the animal from the hell blockage from Israel so tell me how we can believe in this peace ? But sure we hope to live in peace one day .

Do you think the conflict will ever end (Especially with the The 63 Anniversary of Al Nakba this year)

I don't think so - Israel will never end this conflict... We need it here just to live in peace and freedom. And Israel won't make this happen without any reason and they have always said we are terrorists but all of this shit is wrong.

But let's finish this off on a happier note - one of the crew's favourite songs to break to:
We Are Electric by Flying Steps:

Barack Obama

Quick update (I'm tired, ok, I'm going to bed):

Today Obama has stated, for the press, on tv, that the UN has passed resolution 1973 and are therefore going to take any action necessary to stop Gaddafi from hurting his own people.

*YAY*

Now let's hope he doesn't go on a murdering rampage.

Meanwhile in Bahrain:
Not good things are happening, and so far nothing has been said by the international community about what's going on and that it needs to stop.
I suggest you check reuters and al jazeera for some good up to date news on it, and I'll do a more comprehensive blog this weekend.

Take Care, Be Safe, GOOD NIGHT! x

University

Is university something which we should brag about?

This question came to me today when I was talking to a friend, she got a nasty message from a mutual facebook friend who went:
"Actually I AM doing something with my life, so I don't need a job, as I'm going to uni as a straight A student. And my parents will be taking care of me because they also went to uni and got high paying jobs"
Which is an extremely arrogant thing to say, as if somebody who has gone to university is so much better than someone who hasn't...
Some of the highest paid people (Take Lord Sugar - Alan Sugar - for instance) did not go to university but had an entrepreneurial way of thinking, thus making themselves lots of money.
Someone I know hasn't got that piece of paper to say he finished university, but is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable in various subjects because when he found a topic interesting in university he would go deeper into it than the university syllabus taught - causing him to be behind, but knowing more about specific bits. Yet companies would discriminate against him because he hasn't got that one piece of paper saying 'yep I've done this'

And, a lot of english people don't come out of university with that much knowledge. Everyone here can go to university (even if you get straight Us) so how much value does 'just a degree have' (yes the classifications make a difference, but still). And so a lot of English students come  out of university with a 2-2 or a 3rd and a drinking problem.... instead of a 2-1 or a 1st with an attitude which would suit the 'real world'

I know that for me it will be hard to adapt initially because the degree is fun, and not that much hard work (it isn't easy and it's hard work) but the journalism industry is one which is extremely competitive and very fast paced. The areas that I want to go into will not be the safest of areas to live in, and the stories I would like to be reporting on are generally ones that have constant developments.
I, for instance, would love to be in North Africa at the moment to look at the developments there - yes it is horrible what is happening in Japan, but in the meantime the Rebels in Libya are losing and Gaddafi is getting power back by murdering them. Yet the western world doesn't do anything about it...
And the reporting has stopped because the focus has turned on japan..

Democracy

Warning: this is a rather long post.

There are a lot of countries which are in uprising against their current totalitarian government to gain democracy, which is a great thing. It's something which is well worth doing - a lot of those who were in dictatorial rule were not nice to their people and definitely not big fans of human rights. Some of them still aren't - especially now that their people are in uprising and are trying to get them out of power. Take the wonderful colonel Muammar Gaddafi / Qaddafi, in Libya, for instance. He is happily murdering his own people to try and hold on to power, even though 'rebel troops' are refusing to give up and they are now fighting for Tripoli even more than before. The cities around Tripoli and in the north (the most densely populated area of Libya) are all mainly controlled by the anti-Gadaffi people. (I'm going to stick to the western spelling of it for the rest of the blog, for convenience)

Map: 

Gaddafi is definitely not a nice person, the way that he is dealing with the protesters is not a way that any person should deal with it. The things that are going on in Libya are a far cry from what happened at Egypt - only a relatively small amount of people died and it did not take a violent REVOLUTION to get rid of the person in power. Because that, ladies and gentlemen, is what is happening in these countries. Revolutions. Be they non violent or extremely violent.

Revolution : The overthrow of a government by those who are governed

 Princeton Wordnet

It is amazing that even after all of the years that they have been governed, these countries are still able to strike out. They are able to show the world that they aren't just going to take being governed by totalitarian dictators who disregard their human rights and who refuse to make changes to their way of governing.

A lot of the time when a totalitarian person is in power, the government is fairly backward because the person who is in power has been in power for a long time, and refuses to go with the time as they believe that their way is the best way for everyone. They should not change, but the world should change to their way of thinking. It is ironic because sometimes the people who get in charge are actually thinking ahead of their time at the start, but are so rigid with their points of view that they quickly lapse in how modern they are but instead turn out to be extremely backward.

Another reason why it is simply amazing is because it is showing that a people can still stand up against those who have been in power for decades to get them to leave. Egypt has shown that someone as powerful as Mubarak has left the country after only a relatively short period of protests and 'revolution' - although Egypt now has a very long road to go to becoming a completely democratic state.

Yet one of the most troubling things about the whole situation is that other countries are refusing to step in at the moment, even though he is bombing his own people. Something which is quite clearly wrong. The debate on whether or not the western world or even other countries in the arab world should step in is a lively one as people do not want another Afghanistan or Irak on their hands (even though this is fairly unlikely to happen either way considering that libya does not quite have a tribal ruling system such as Irak and Afghanistan have, within itself.)

The latest update on Libya when this article was posted is this:

Gaddafi forces strike at rebel control of oil export hubs in Libya's east as Arab states weigh plan to end turmoil http://reut.rs/fVYYlB

However, this also includes countries like Oman.
Oman is a relatively small country (especially when compared to Saudi Arabia which is right next to it). It is currently ruled by what is called a 'benign' dictator, the economy is relatively good and he keeps a lot of people busy with public works as he as built a lot of big buildings (included one of the world's biggest Mosques) and has transformed a lot of areas into green areas. And as Oman has a desert climate these green areas need constant care to ensure that the grass and flowers don't die.
This benign dictator is named: Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said (some interesting, if very lengthy, background reading for you: here
His father was in rule before, and during his fathers rule he has been put in prison by his father. Moreover, Oman lived in turmoil under the previous sultan - he was nasty and very strict. Not at all like Sultan Qaboos now.

The reason why this is an however is because Oman is actually a wonderful country. The way it is ruled at the moment is very similar to western countries, it just isn't completely democratic. Sultan Qaboos is very free and those who are protesting at the moment have no idea what it was like under his father - as it is our generation and those who were to young or not even born yet during his father's rain - who are currently protesting. The older generations appreciate what they have and understand how different it is already.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I completely disagree with the protesters. I understand where they are coming from. They want democracy and want to be a part of all of the turmoil that is going on in other countries (and yemen, again... which is Oman's neighbour - if you weren't aware). And democracy - for us - is not something that is unreasonable to want. We have lived with it all of our lives and very much want it for the rest of the world, but I am not entirely sure whether democracy would work a hundred percent in these countries. I can't entirely explain why I think this, but especially in Oman, they are not used to anything else and it would take a long time to get something fair and uncorrupted in place.

In that respect - corruption - I think that falsely democratic states are even worse than openly dictatorial countries. What I mean by this are countries that are riddled by corruption and problems, but still 'pretend to hold elections' but I will deal with that in a seperate post as this one is getting too long already.

At the moment there are also things going on in the ivory coast, if you're interested in this sort of thing and didn't know about it yet:

Ivorian women fatally shot at rally: At least five women killed by forces loyal to country's disputed president ... http://aje.me/gYKnwl

That's all from me for now!

books

Just a little something I wanted to share.
I am a lover of books, I love all books and I love the smell of old books. Why they smell so good?
I found that one out just now:

"Lignin, the stuff that prevents all trees from adopting the weeping habit, is a polymer made up of units that are closely related to vanillin. When made into paper and stored for years, it breaks down and smells good. Which is how divine providence has arranged for secondhand bookstores to smell like good quality vanilla absolute, subliminally stoking a hunger for knowledge in all of us."

Why secondhand bookstores smell good
Perfumes: The Guide (via YMFY)