MAX

Musical Video: "Marrabenta" by MC Roger

2009-07-09T16:41:00.001+01:00

During my absence MAX will continue to share the Mozambican culture; and as such, I will share a video where MC Roger (a Mozambican artist) performs the modern Marrabenta: a fusion of the traditional Marrabenta (that has already been discussed Here) and modern beats.

MC Roger, in this song, says that Mozambicans when partying want Marrabenta, when doing their BBQ they want Marrabenta, in weddings they want Marrabenta; he also urges Mozambicans to teach their kids how to dance Marrabenta for it is time for the nation to be proud of its culture; and he calls upon the DJs to play Marrabenta in the clubs, so that they can show their pride in the Mozambican music (as opposed to play Angolan and Cape Verdean music all the time).

He tells everybody to bring their cousins, sisters, aunties, friends and dance the Marrabenta.

Enjoy!

Super Cities Vs Global Unification: will either replace Nation States?

2009-06-28T13:00:00.005+01:00

Super City: a large metropolitan area comprised of, at least, 8 million people, undergoing rapid growth in population and urbanisation.

A priori, this sounds a rather interesting concept, but in truth it is one that masks a series of social and economic problems; that in the long run, may reveal to be catastrophic.

The first impact of mass migrations (to the megalopolis) is chaotic: usually these cities are not prepared to receive such a huge number of people, which could result in illicit “urbanisation” (ex: the “favelas” in the São Paulo metropolitan area, and the “barracas” in the Lisbon metropolitan area, during the 80’s), thus causing environmental pollution (due to poor, or no, sewage system); high rates of unemployment (since there may not be enough jobs for all) that will lead to low human development, which in turn will result in high crime rates.

("Favela" in São Paulo)

If we think of it from the city management point of view, more chaos could be generated; for imagine that most of the population is fully employed (in a perfect scenario), thus having favourable living standards: if they all own cars and the majority drives to work (due to lack of proper public transportation planning) the super city will suffer from consistent congested traffic; air pollution; it will have to invest a lot in the maintenance of the heavily used pavements; focus in the potholes and other asphalt defects.

Super cities may help decrease life expectancy.

("Barraca" of Lisbon, in the 80's)

Now think with me...even if a genius comes up with a way to surpass these disturbing issues and actually organise the super city in a way that its environmental and common health impacts are favourable to us all (thus rendering the megapolis huge economic and political power); there are nations that will never be able to form super cities (ex: Portugal, Israel, Belgian, Luxemburg, the Netherlands etc) so, where would they stand in the new political scenario?

Moreover: would the present alliances (EU, Arab League, Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation, AU etc) end, so that new ones (based on the super cities) would emerge?

There is the danger that these powerful megalopolis may, in the long run, aim at replacing state nations (due to their organisational autonomy), which could lead to civil wars all over again.

However global unification (despite its imperativeness to development) can never substitute state nations because of one crucial factor: cultural identity.

The culture of any nation, and its traditions, is part of a people’s identity, which is what glues them together, to fight for the national common good and interests.

Small cities are easier to administrate (in every sense), they are environmentally healthier and generate sane individuals.

Super cities promote estrangement, lack of sense of community, loneliness, depression, suicide.

Global unification should foment cultural exchange (which incites understanding, mutual respect and tolerance) and not acculturation.

Nations states are more than monetary fortitude and political strength; they are the land, the people, their history, identity, values and sense of belonging.

For further reading on this fascinating subject, please beam over to LS' realm: Here.

The Lusosphere: Mozambique

2009-06-23T14:29:00.012+01:00

Mozambique has a rich pre-colonial history that is worth reading, if you’re interested: Here .

But since the purpose of this series is to focus on the Portuguese discoveries, we shall immediately address the Colonial History of my birth country.

1497: Vasco da Gama arrives in Mozambique; more specifically in the Inhambane Province – to which he calls “Land of the good people” (since the natives were so welcoming).

1530-1544: The first Portuguese settlements were built in Sena; in Tete and in Quelimane (in the coast of the Indian Ocean), which took over the path between the mines and the ocean.

1600-1607: Portugal starts sending to Mozambique settlers that started getting married to the daughters of the local chiefs, thus creating powerful lineages (due to their commercial and agricultural ties).

Portugal had a hard time controlling Mozambique because this region was composed of 3 main empires:

The Empire of the Mwenemutapas (that were located at the South of the Zambezi River - between the Plateau of Zimbabwe and the Indian Ocean - and controlled a lot of mines, and the metallurgy of gold and iron).

The Empire of the Marave (located at the North of the Zambezi River; known for being a matrilineal society, for its agriculture and its organised army).

The Empire of Gaza (that covered the whole coastal area between the Zambezi and Maputo Rivers; and had its capital in Manjacaze [in what is today Gaza]. This empire controlled the commerce of ivory and did not engage in the commerce of slaves, like others did).

Meanwhile (during the XIX century), several European companies are established in Quelimane to buy peanuts, sesame and copra (to supply the new-born industries of oil and soap mainly). In the third quarter of the century, slavery is abolished (by royal decree) and, thus, Mozambique is transformed into a producer of goods (both for local consumption and exportation - to the metropolis). The British and the Dutch express (in the Berlim Conference - for the apportionment of Africa) the desire to take over the territory.

Portugal only takes absolute control of the nation, as a whole, in 1900 (after it fights against Gugunhana - the last Emperor of Gaza - for 6 years, since he did not sympathise with the Portuguese and, on top of everything, granted the rights to explore his mines to the British Company, base in South Africa.)

During the first ¾ of the XX century, Mozambique sees its natives being disrespected (ex: each recruited worker, by South African mines, had to give half of its salary [in gold] to the colony; they were not to profess animism any longer [the Catholic Church had task of educating the indigenous, i.e. assimilating them]; the natives were repressed while the poor citizens in the metropolis were encouraged to emigrate to Mozambique); it witnesses a mild industrialization; it goes through a liberation war (1964-1974); and it achieves its independence on the 25th of June of 1975 (under the rule of a communist leader - Samora Machel, that nationalised any and everything). Most Portuguese citizens (and Mozambicans who didn't identify themselves with the new regime) migrated to Portugal, South Africa, Brazil and England.

1976-1990: Civil war.

(Train Station in Maputo)

Population

Mozambique has approximately 19,286,000 citizens (1999 data) - and its population growth rate is high despite the war, the natural disasters, endemic diseases and the epidemics.

It is a multiracial nation where multiple religions are professed (being the most common: Catholicism, Anglicanism, Evangelism, Islamism, Hinduism and Animism), notwithstanding it is quite customary to resort to witchcraft (there isn’t one Mozambican family that hasn’t, at least, one witch – either by lineage or by “trade”).

Language

The official national language is the Portuguese.

Other spoken languages are the Mozambican dialects: xiRonga (Maputo province); xiChangana (Gaza province); xiChope & biTonga (Ihambane province); xiSena (Beira province); eChuwabo (Quelimane); eMacua (Nampula, Nhakala, Mozambique Island) and kiSwahili (Cabo Delgado and Niassa).

Music

The national musical identity is the Marrabenta. This word derives from the Portuguese word "rebentar", meaning "to break" - a reference to guitar strings that snapped quickly (the instruments was made out of tin cans and pieces of wood).

Marrabenta is usually sung in xiRonga, although nowadays singers mix in the xiChangana, and its theme varies from social criticism to love. The most known Marrabenta singers are Fany Pfumo and Wazimbu (the purists, i.e. they sing in xiRonga only).

Nevertheless Mozambique also produces other traditional genres: Xigubu (warrior music/dance), Makwaela, and the Marimba (from Zavala – Ihambane Province).

Nowadays the nation also enjoys (and produces) Zouk, R&B, Jazz, Passada (a cousin of Kizomba), Kwaito (from South Africa), Kwasa-Kwassa (soukous) and Dzukuta.

This week, we will begin by listening to Wazimbu singing "Nwahulwana" (Night Bird). I had to ask my mother to translate this song for me, so that I could offer you a synopsis of the story he is telling:

“Maria is a beautiful young lady, who has a different man every night. So, Wazimbu asks "my sister, until when will you count men in the streets? If you continue like this, my darling, who will want to marry you?” And so he continues to express his sadness at her life style, and how she is wasting her life.”

Enjoy!

Next Stop: Brazil

Musical Video: Ludo

2009-06-21T18:41:00.005+01:00

I decided to share some Zouk this week.

This genre stems from the Islands of Guadalupe, Martinique & Haiti (for more information, please, click the link above); and it is widely known in Africa and Europe [mainly in France and Portugal] (although it is spreading to Brazil as well).

I will introduce you to Ludo - one of the greatest Zouk artists (his songs are so intense, that one friend of mine told me that one can get pregnant just by listening to them lol). This song is entitled "Soleil" (= Sun) and it is one of my favourites.

Enjoy and fill your life with music and love!

Analysis: "There is no God"

2009-06-16T14:10:00.001+01:00

“There is no God” – here’s a sentence that shocks any servant of God. It is a phrase proudly uttered by most atheists.

I call upon the servants of the Lord not to be shocked for our atheist brothers/sisters, when systematically denying God, are in truth acknowledging the existence of our Creator.

There is only One God. The Lord Is the Ultimate Balance in whom the opposites dwell in Perfect Harmony: light/darkness; male/female; positive/negative; water/fire; peace/war; construction/destruction; love/severity etc.

As the Perfect Balance that Hashem (one of God’s names) is, He is both the Creator and the Non-Creator.

“Non-Creator”…this sounds rather heretical, doesn’t it? But after I explain what I mean by this, you’ll see that heresy is not born by my words.

The Lord Is the Creator (i.e. the living God in His action), whom we choose to acknowledge and serve. By doing so, we have an idea of whom He Is, what He wants and what He doesn’t want. We also bear idea that He is Light, incorporeal, that He thinks and feel not like us (although there are many attempts to exercise anthropomorphism). This living God is “known” to us.

Hashem Is the “Non-Creator” (God in His occultation), whom Exists in Himself and Is concealed from the creatures. Since the “Non-Creator” is in occultation, there is no way that we can acknowledge Him, let alone get to “know” Him.

When our mind ignores something it fails to acknowledge its existence.

“God Exists” – this is true. We look at each other, we look at nature, and we intrinsically know the origin of all things (even if our Ego denies it). Whenever we behold the humanity, the compassion, the love in somebody’s eyes, we are immediately reminded of the Father (even if it is not our mission to consciously admit it).

“God doesn’t exist” – also true. The occulted God doesn’t exist in our minds (thus we acknowledge it not), because not only He is hidden from us but mainly because it is impossible (for the human mind) to grasp the majesty and significance of the occulted One.

Could there be darkness without light? Could there be male without female? Could there be negative without positive? Could there be peace without war? No.

Therefore when atheists affirm that “There is no God. He doesn’t exist” they are, in fact, proving that He does exist (that is, by denying the Lord they are admitting the reality of the God in occultation, the Non-Creator; hence, without realising it, they express the recognition of His opposite “The living God”, the Creator).

Image: The Martyrdom of St Matthew (detail) by Caravaggio

Racism's head on a platter

2009-06-09T13:44:00.004+01:00

I tried...I really tried to get into a racist’s mind (in order to comprehend it) but I had no success whatsoever: I failed in yielding to ignorance.

Whenever I hear, watch or witness racist remarks and acts, my heart saddens and my intellect repudiates it.

Portugal is a country that takes pride in its cultural diversity and ethnical blends. After the US 2008 elections people would participate in forums stating that we are the country of the “Barack Obamas” (I’d beg to differ for although we have plenty of mulattoes here, it must be said that, generally speaking, they are hardly like President Obama).

Racism dwells in Portugal.

It is not blunt, it is not loud; it is as quiet as the Angel of Death.

It all starts in school: teachers will refer to the minorities as “You people” (Jewish kids are excluded for, in Portugal, they make a secret out of their ethnicity); they’ll flunk minorities living in poor neighbourhoods, with the poor excuse that “what chance do they have anyway? Let’s not elude them!”. These teachers will prove innumerable times to be exactly what they are – a bunch of ignorant low-lives who contribute to the economic regression of our nation.

Then it continues in universities: Professors will still be treating the minorities as “you people” and they will go even farther – they mistake black student A for black student B and when a correction is made, the sub-human professor will shout that he has no obligation to tell black students apart for they are all the same, they all look alike...I rest my case.

I could go on and on with examples, but what I’ve just shared offers a pretty good idea of how rotten the foundations of this country are.

Yes, we all dance Kizomba now; yes, our most internationally known artists stem from the minorities (ex: Mariza and Buraka Som Sistema); yes, the nation is eating Muamba (an Angolan dish) and Cachupa (a Cape Verdean dish); yes, the Portuguese youth uses the African interjections; yes, the Portuguese marry East-Europeans; yes, the Brazilian rhythms & cuisine are much appreciated; yes, yes, yes....but no, no, no.

If one the foundations of any economy (Education) suggests that racism (thus the humiliation of human beings based on their ethnicity) is acceptable; and brainwashes kids into thinking that they’re nothing, that they do not stand a chance, that school is not for them and delinquency is the only way out...this country deserves to be the laughing stock of Europe.

I have a Portuguese friend who was infatuated by a Jewish young man. I encouraged her to pursue a relationship with him, because he struck me as a delightful human being. A minute passed and she decided to appal me by saying that despite her feelings she could never introduce him to her family...God forbid that she’d introduce a Jew to her father. I vomited...in shock I wondered what kind of sub-human dared to call herself my friend...obviously, I had to tell her off.

I am multi-racial; my skin is fairer than many caucasian’s; I was victim of racism only once in my life (I was 7 years old and a little dark white girl [in private school] called me "nigger" – I didn’t even know the meaning of such word, for my parents never made use of such language at home, yet I felt the hate in her mental-diarrhoea [of course, my mother managed to get her expelled from the school]) but from that day onward I pledged myself to defend the defenceless...and for that reason:

I want the head of racism on a Platinum Platter!

Image: Salome with the head of the Baptist by Onorio Marinari

Killing: Justifiable?

2009-05-31T18:30:00.009+01:00

לֹא תִרְצָח

"You shall not murder"(Exodus 20:13)

Taking a life is one of the harshest acts on earth (not only to the victim but also to the killer itself).

When one unintentionally takes the life of another human being not only it interrupts the existential cycle of that person, but it also brings upon itself the pain, the guilt, the horror of having extinguished the life of a fellow human (in such cases, no karmic consequence is born).

On the other hand when one murders somebody (i.e. killing with intention) not only it viciously annihilates someone, but it also stamps itself with the seal of sin (bearing, thus, serious karmic consequences).

Let’s delve a bit more into this issue…

Pacifists often label soldiers (and thus, Governments) as murderers. I beseech them to reason.

In a war context, there is no murder when soldiers fight against soldiers and, by mistake or direct consequence, civilians are killed. A soldier does not plan to kill others, he does not wake up with an urge to kill people; he’s not even sure if he’ll take somebody’s life that particular day and, most soldiers even pray that innocent people may be spared; even though having been trained to kill and knowing that killing will occur, at some point, during the conflict. This sort of killing is justifiable.

“However, if it [city] does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. When the Lord your God gives it into your hand, you shall strike all the men in it with the edge of the sword.” (Deuteronomy 20:12-13).

Murder: premeditated killing. The murderer awakens craving for blood; he plans when, where and how to viciously kill other humans and prepares himself “spiritually” to carry out his plan. The anticipation of such act gives him the butterflies; the pleasure of seeing flesh being ripped off causes him to bite his lip. He sickles others' life (in accordance with his plan) and reaches an orgasm. From him spurs the seed of evil. The light he bore when born is no longer. He militates against creation, but most importantly, against the Creator. He breaks the commandment...thus, it is unjustifiable.

Another form of planned killing is euthanasia.

Is it murdering or killing? It could be said that it is murdering (since it is carefully planned, premeditated) and it could be said that it is killing (especially if one looks at it as being perpetrated for “altruistic” reasons), depending on the personal beliefs and moral values of each person.

Regardless of what we think of it, euthanasia always affects the ones staying behind: pain, guilt, sorrow (even if mixed with relief); and karmic debt.

Is it justifiable or not? In my personal opinion it is not; for I dare not interfering with God’s plan for his creatures. If, by karmic debt, one must go through (what apparently is an undeserving and) a less dignified path-to-demise; who am I to meddle with its karma (and by consequence, adding up to my own karmic debt)? However, I do acknowledge Free Will and if others wish to bring upon themselves such burden, then it is their choice. It is between them and the Lord.

Share your thoughts: is killing ever justifiable?

For further discussion on this theme, please beam over to LS' realm: Here

Happy Anniversary MAX: 2 Years!

2009-05-24T13:45:00.008+01:00

On the 24th of May 2007 a wonderful journey began, through the blogosphere, that has enriched me in indescribable ways.

It all started with In what consists the feminist cause nowadays? And its first commentator was the very first person I built a friendship with, here at Blogger: Amelia.

Amelia is a sweet young woman, whom (when we met) had recently arrived from Indonesia to Finland, and was still going through an adjustment process, but still supported baby MAX and encouraged it to go on – thank you so much, girl, you know you are in my heart always!

Then, Karen and Shan came along; then Choc Mint Girl, Sabina, the Oswegan, Gallardo, and others; but even though many of them have gone their way they should know that they are still on my thoughts, and I am grateful for their initial support.

Later in 2007 I met some amazing mates, and deepened some old acquaintances, that made me look forward to blogging every week and with whom I have superb conversations:

LS: my dear friend, you know you are the greatest verbal gladiator I have ever met; and you have rendered my Blogger Universe much more interesting. It is a true honour to cooperate with you on Graffiti, and to hammer (and be hammered by) you on our debates. Thank you, darling.

Alexys: my sista! I simply love you, girl: your intelligence, your love, your sense of humour, your laughter, your love for music, your respect for others and your humanity are simply the bomb. Thank you for your support and Love.

Mel: my man, I remember well how we met and boy, am I ever so glad we did *big smile*. We have come a long way: from Attitude to SlogBite (Sidebar: people, if you haven’t joined SB yet; join now). I love conversing with you, and I respect you a great deal, and you are my running-mate. Don’t forget that in 2012 we are taking the White House by a storm lol. Thank you for your support.

Anna: my darling friend, you are an amazing human being and you deserve all the blessings in the world. Thank you for our conversations, for making me laugh and for your friendship.

Peter: my mate from Downunder. You know I value our friendship a lot. I love learning things with you, your wisdom, your love for the family institution, your care. Thank you ever so much.

Lynda: the kindest friend. Our conversations are excellent and inspiring. Your aura transmits peace and I love your essence. Thank you so much for your friendship and support, darling.

Zhu: my French friend (or should I now say Canadian friend?). I adore Zhu’s open mind, free spirit and respect for human life. She has been supporting me for these past 2 years and I feel blessed for it. Merci infiniment, ma cherie.

Liza: such an adorable friend, whom I absolutely love. Thank you so much for your love, care and friendship.

Cidão, Juca, Adriana, Luma and Carla: my Brazilian friends. 4/5 have migrated to Etnias, but they were here practically from the start to read my articles in Portuguese, and we became good friends. Obrigada pela amizade, pessoal!

Bob: the Prince of the Astrostuff. I always look forward to hearing from you, and we share the appreciation for African rhythms (thanks for visualising my weekly musical videos). Thank you for your support, man.

Fernando and Hanna: these two amazing friends helped to spread the fruits of my intellect throughout the web and encouraged me to proceed with my writings and translations (they were kind enough to let me translate the intellectual delicatessen that is their literary work). Gracías, Proto...Grazie, caríssima!

Delirious: darling, I always look forward to hear your take on issues, and I appreciate your non-stop support: thank you.

Then, in 2008, I met Swu (whom I simply adore), Renny (my favourite Norwegian), Looney (from whom I learn a lot), Burcu (a dear friend): thank you for your thoughts and support.

This has been MAX’s entourage: a group of sublime friends and readers.

And for the most recent and future readers: thank you for gifting us with your presence here!

Before I leave (this post is getting huge now), I would like to thank and send my love to a group of people whose support has been paramount: Circulus Ciceronis and Dux Probus – I love you, guys!

And to get this party started I would like to share a cool song with you, by Bob Marley feat. Lauryn Hill, which I dedicate to my dearest Inspiration.

Happy Anniversary MAX!

Image: Birthday Table by Fedinand Georg Waldmüller

The Lusosphere: Equatorial Guinea

2009-05-19T14:46:00.015+01:00

Motto: Unidad, Paz, Justicia/Unité, Paix, Justice/Unidade, Paz, Justiça.

(Transl: Unity, Peace, Justice)

Equatorial Guinea is located in Central Africa and, is comprised of a Continental region (Río Muni, including some offshore islands such as Corisco, Elobey Grande & Elobey Chico) and an Insular region (that consists of the islands of Annobon and Bioko [formerly known as Fernando Pó] where the capital of the nation is: Malabo [or Santa Isabel]).

(Malabo/Santa Isabel)

1472: Fernão do Pó (while looking for a path to India) discovered the Island of Bioko, to which he called Formosa (= beautiful); however the island was named after him.

1474: The Portuguese colonised the islands of Bioko, Annobón and Corisco; and turned them into slave trade stations.

1493: The Portuguese King D. João II (John II), claimed to be the Lord of Guinea and the first Lord of Corisco.

1641: The Dutch West India Company established itself in Bioko without the consent of the Portuguese King; and centralised its slave business (from the Gulf Guinea) in the island.

1648: The Portuguese kicked the Dutch out of Bioko, replaced the Dutch company by their own company (Corisco Company) which did exactly the same transactions as the Dutch's. They also erected the first European building on the island: the Fort of Ponta Joko.

1713-1753: Corisco Company sells slaves to France (that bought up to 49,000 Guinean slaves from Spain and England).

1778: The islands' deeds (including the rights to free trade to the mainland between the Niger and Ogoue Rivers) were ceded to Spain, through the San Ildefonso & El Pardo Treaties (Between Queen Maria I of Portugal and King Charles III of Spain), in exchange for territory in the American continent.

Equatorial Guinea became a full Spanish colony.

Demographics

This country has a population of +/- 504,000 people.

Fang: 87.7% of the population (with 67 tribes, indigenous to Rio Muni)

Bubi: 6.5% of the population (indigenous to Bioko Island)

Mdowe: 1.6%

Annobon: 1.1%

Other: 1.4% of the population (mainly Spanish).

Religion

Equatorial Guinea is mainly a Christian country (Christianity is professed by 92% of the population). 87% of the population is Catholic; 5% is Protestant or other; 5% follow indigenous beliefs; 0.5% is Muslim; 2.5% followers of Baha'i and other.

Language

The official languages are Spanish (since 1844) and French. However, in July 2007, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema announced the decision for Portuguese to become the nation's third official language (so that it could meet the requirements to apply for full membership in the CPLP [Comunidade de Países de Língua Portuguesa = Community of Portuguese Language Countries]). The CPLP website already states that Portuguese is this country's third language, although its application is still under assessment.

Music

There are at least three types of folk genres in Equatorial Guinea: the mvet (a cross betwen a zither and a harp. This genre can only be learned by initiates of the bebom-mvet society; and it is a type of call-and-response with a chorus and drums alternating); the balélé and the ibanga.

But the most famous genres in this country are the Pan-African styles like soukous and makossa.

Since there is not much musical material, from this country, on the web; I will be sharing with you the Pan-African styles.

This week, we will start with the soukous (also known as rumba or kwassa- kwassa, that I absolutely love, and had the pleasure to learn how to dance it many years ago). The video below shows how soukous is danced; and let me tell you, these girls dance! Enjoy...

Next Stop: Mozambique

Sex, it depends...

2009-05-12T13:27:00.008+01:00

Lysistrata: There are a lot of things

About us women that sadden me,

Considering how men see us as rascals.

Calonice: As indeed we are!

Aristophanes suggested in one of his plays, Lysistrata (411 BC), that women should withhold sex as a mean to force men to end the Peloponnesian War.

Here we are in 2009, and Kenyan women have followed Aristophanes' advice: they have withheld sex to protest “their country’s bickering leadership”.

Just like Lysistrata called upon all Greek women to go on sex-strike; a women’s activist group called upon all Kenyan women (including the Premier's and President's wives) to boycott sex until the principal leaders would sit down, talk and get their act together. The women are sick and tired of the political instability that stormed through their country (which already sickled more than 10,000 lives in 2008) and want their politicians to focus on the country's welfare and security rather than on their personal ego and tribal issues. After all, they are concerned with their children's future.

The women used sex-withholding to get their message across and...It worked. At the end of 7 days President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga met, and began to set up political reforms.

In Aristophanes' work, Lysistrata and the women won...and in real life so did the Kenyan women.

In Lysistrata, after a certain amount of time women began to get desperate for sex and so they started to desert; however their leader restored discipline upon her comrades and so the fight went on.

I wonder what would have happened if the Kenyan men would have managed to get by without sex for more than week...would the Kenyan women have started to desert as well?

This issue raises a few questions: is sex more important to men than to women? Can women take the Sex-Fast longer than men? Are men more sexual than women? Is sex the solution for women to solve political issues?

Let’s try to answer them...

Is Sex more important to men than to women? In my opinion, sex is important to both genders. They both have sexual desires, they both get the fever from times to times, they both enjoy copulating, and they both aim at the orgasmic final.

Can women take the Sex-Fast longer than men? There are men who take the Sex-Fast longer than women; and then there are men and women who can handle it just fine (through a lot of meditation and physical exercise; or simply because they have no sexual appetite at all). So, again...it is not a question of gender; it is either a question of mental strength or pre-disposition for sex (or lack of it).

Are men more sexual than women? Society has brain-washed us into thinking exactly that; but it is simply not true. Women are as sexual as men; only women were taught that it is not nice to express their sexual urges unless they fancy being called tarts: rubbish.

It is not in the best interest of society to have a bunch of castrated, repressed, women walking around: these are as dangerous as serial-killers.

Is sex the solution for women to solve political issues? Well, it depends on who is running the country. You see, in Lysistrata it is assumed that all Greek men were heterosexual and desperate for sex, hence the women’s plot worked.

Nowadays, we should not assume that all men are heterosexual (even those who are married), so if activist groups were to call upon women to go on a sex-strike, this would work on heterosexuals and sapphics, but would not work on homosexual political leaders (who, if married to women, would even be grateful if they’d leave them alone); therefore activist groups would have to call upon everybody to go on a sex-strike. Would this work? In a free society, perhaps; in countries where political leaders (only now) have perceived that women use sex as a tool for manipulation and so are considering to pass bills that allow men to rape their wives in case they do not feel like having sex, I guess it would never work.

So, why did it work in Kenya? It worked because Kenya is like the Greece depicted in Lysistrata: it is assumed that all men are heterosexual; and if someone comes out of the closet...it is shot dead.

«A Kenyan man has sued activists who called on women to boycott sex to protest the growing divide in the nation's coalition government. James Kimondo said the seven-day sex ban, which ended this week, resulted in stress, mental anguish, backaches and lack of sleep, his lawyer told the state-run Kenya Broadcasting Corp.» (source: CNN)

Image: Faust trying to seduce Margarete by Eugéne Delacroix

Musical Video: Kalú Mendes

2009-05-10T21:15:00.002+01:00

I would like to introduce you to this lovely song by Kalú Mendes (a famous artist from São Tomé & Príncipe), entitled "Cacharamba só"...

Enjoy!

The unsustainable levity of Laughter

2009-05-05T15:21:00.000+01:00

I love laughing. Laughter is good: the skin loves it, the hair shines and the spirits thanks you for it.

However there is a proper time to lash the air with risibility (no, this article is not about the etiquette of cachinnating).

There are situations at which people start laughing, that have always thrown me to the land of stupor…

Situation A: a person is walking smoothly; suddenly slips on dog poop (mainly in Europe) or on a wet floor and falls on its butt. Everybody starts laughing without even thinking of the possible outcomes of such incident (to break its coccyx, its leg or to injure its back etc).

Situation B: a lady engages in illicit office behaviour; and in a rush, leaves a certain office to go back to her desk. One of her co-workers realises that her clothes are in disarray and that her skirt is unzipped...instead of discreetly telling her to compose herself, what does this person do? It spreads the word throughout the office, causing the rest of the co-workers to laugh at the lady (thus, humiliating her).

Situation C: someone is out with a group of friends to eat pizza. As they savour the delicious Italian dish, its bowels start dancing to their own beat, causing the individual to release gas (one of those loud ones, that usually have no odour – fortunately, considering the situation). Everybody starts laughing and making a big deal out of something that could happen to anybody. Do they stop to think of the humiliation they’re putting their friend through?

Anyway, what is so funny about flatus? It is quite a natural biological reaction.

Situation D: a kid, in a classroom, is so nervous that he wets himself. Everybody starts laughing at him, and the teacher just lets them. Obviously this academic master has some serious psychological issues, and the kids who laugh at something that could easily occur to them, were obviously bred in homes where parents ignore the concepts of good manners, compassion and respect.

Situation E: a funeral is taking place. People are joined to bid goodbye to a loved one (or even a friend), when someone decides to cachinnate. As much as one tries to understand this odd reaction; one can’t avoid being shocked at the apparent lack of respect for the bereaving ones. Why laugh, why at a time like this?

Some human beings tend to laugh at misery, public humiliation, pain, embarrassment etc.

However we should analyse what is behind the need to yield to risibility in certain situations...is it because some people feel nervous about it; is it because they are immature; is it because they are simply mean, evil, disrespectful; is it because they lack manners or is it because they are a poor excuse for a human being?

I would really like to comprehend...

Image: Sacred and Profane by Giovanni Baglione

Blog Carnival: What a Weird Day

2009-05-02T17:17:00.002+01:00

It happened in the year of 1986...

My family and I were at Amoreiras Shopping centre (image above), having a family lunch.

Suddenly we hear "Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to warn you that there is a fire occurring in the premise. Please be so kind to leave the building so that your safety is safeguarded. Do not panic and slowly walk towards the emergency exits"

My father panics...my mother remains cool...my brother and I look at them both waiting for instructions.

Mom: Take the kids out, while I pay for the meal.

Dad: Are you crazy? Didn't you hear it? The building is on fire...you'll pay the meal later on...[my brother and I look at each «But if the building will burn up, how will mom pay the meal later on?» my dad gives us that chilly look]

Mom: Take the kids and I will meet you at the parking lot.

We leave. Once we get to the parking lot, my brother starts crying "I am not leaving without mom!", I look at my dad and say "Dad, let's go back and fetch mom. We can't leave without her...we are a family, if we die we die together!" my dad was shocked, but he "obeyed" us.

My brother takes the lead and walks towards the stairs; my father says "Let's take the lift!" I reply "But we are not to ride the lift when there's a fire...at least that's what they teach us in school" my brother nods in full agreement (I can sense that our father is on the verge of killing us both). Dad looks at us and says "well, we are not suppose to go back to a burning building either, are we?"

We take the lift.

As we walk towards the restaurants area, we hear our mother singing her lungs out...."Relax, don't do it when you want to go to it/ Relax, don't do it...when you want to come..." the three of us run towards her...there she was, drinking her coke and singing out loud. My brother and I start laughing. My dad goes like "What are you doing?" my mother places the glass on the table and answers "There is no fire! So, I just sat here waiting for the fuss to finish..." my father nodded; we sat and waited for everybody to get back to serve us our lunch...

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This is part of Zhu's Blog Carnival: What a Weird Day, if you wish to participate click HERE find out how, and read her weird day (it is incredibly funny).

Video: São Tomé & Príncipe

2009-05-01T18:25:00.002+01:00

A quick view of what São Tomé & Príncipe is all about...

Enjoy!

Hookers and Strippers Legal and Moral?

2009-04-26T18:00:00.007+01:00

Prostitution...what does this word mean? The oldest profession basically means "engaging in sex acts for hire" or more bluntly "exchanging sex for money".

When we speak of prostitution, we visualise women in utterly tasteless attires, soliciting somewhere in the streets; or we see women clad in designer garbs escorting highly successful business (yet unsuccessful in relationships) men.

However there are other types of harlots:

1. The cocottes who date married men with the single purpose of obtaining presents; clothes, cars, have their household rent paid, etc.

2. The private bawds who legally unite themselves to rich men with the unique goal of satisfying their sexual needs in exchange for jewellery, fur on their backs, a fully loaded car, a phat [1] bank account, a luxurious home to dwell in, designer frocks & shoes etc...

It could be argued that cocottes and private bawds are not prostitutes, but simply women who found an alternative way of life; however since they engage in sexual intercourse in exchange of “assets and property considered in terms of monetary value” (i.e. money) I’d say they are a cheap version of courtesans.

But these are not the only forms of prostitution. Let’s not forget the male prostitutes and gigolos.

The difference between male prostitutes and female ones is that the first are quite well tolerated by society (let’s say that their services are quite useful: they either calm down rich needy women [gigolos], or they fulfil the fantasies of men who haven’t come out of the closet and don’t intend to do so any time soon [male prostitutes]); whereas the second are pointed as if they were the scum of society (despite the convenience & popularity of their provided services). Sexism exists even in the underground world of prostitution.

How is this profession dealt with by European governments? Bad, irresponsible and disrespectfully I’d say. In most European countries, prostitution is legal (except in East Europe, Sweden and Norway), but in a very hypocritical way. For example, they allow a person to sell its body, but it cannot associate itself in a sex-joint venture (i.e. brothel) and it is not obliged to be regularly examined by a doctor.

Governments should legalise prostitution, for it is a question of public health and nations’ GDP.

If governments would legalise prostitution, they would have to circumscribe the sex-traders to places where they can effectively trade (sex-joint ventures; thus taking them off some residential zones [of the wealthy and embassies] – like here in Portugal); they’d have to order these women to be observed by doctors once a week, do monthly check-ups; they’d have to instruct the Immigration Office [to check for illegal labour] and the Police [to check for sex trafficking victims] to proceed with regular inspections; they’d have to enforce sex-traders to pay their taxes and discount for social security (governments speak of money laundry so much, here it is one way to begin its end). Legalising this activity would also help fighting human traffic.

For example, it is said that in France each prostitute earns at least €500/day; if they work 6 days a week (because even sex-traders must rest) they’ll earn €3,000/week, which means that at the end of a fiscal year they will make €144,000. It is estimated to be 20,000 prostitutes in this country, which means that this is a €2,880,000,000 business. Since the French government charges taxes to its sex-traders, this means (at a 40% tax for income above €66,679) that €1,152,000,000 goes to the state’s vaults. This is a lot of money.

Countries like Portugal do not charge income taxes to its prostitutes’...

Is prostitution moral? You tell me. Morality is a au“Code of conduct which is held to be thoritative in matters of right and wrong." And since codes of conduct have been changing over time, I will refrain from saying whatsoever. For now, I only can say what is immoral: to force people into prostitution.

Striptease is a legal activity where women not only undress themselves slowly while dancing but also perform exotic sexually charged choreographies thru the use of a pole.

I little have to say about this profession since it has put many young women through college. If they are not forced into it, exploited, obligated to provide sexual services, and they are grown up women….I don’t see why not.

Pole dancing has become extremely popular. So popular that it is turning into a sport and a performing art; which means that many women (and men apparently) join pole dancing classes to learn how to do a knee hold (image above), a cross knee release; spins, body inversions, etc.

Before leaving, I’d like to offer some tips to strip-club owners:

I. Image is everything: cellulite damages big time (if you invest in breast implants, why not investing in anti-cellulite creams and in a masseuse?).

II. Keep your club classy: who knows, you might even draw a female clientele.

III. Look at Moulin Rouge and the Crazy Horse: first class dancers and acts.

Now, why do men, in general, enjoy striptease shows so much anyway?

For further reading on this inflammable theme, please beam over to LS’ blog: Here

[1] Phat: pretty hot and tempting.

Image: taken from Wikipedia.

Possible Things to Say...

2009-04-21T14:22:00.002+01:00

It can't be easy being a parent.
Before I commence, I'd like to pay my respects to all parents in the world: God bless you!

I have always found it so cute when kids start saying what they want to be when they grow up (of course half of them end up by being something completely diverse of what they had initially planned): ballerina, fireman, police officer, doctor, singer etc.
And parents always bear proud and shiny faces.
However I wonder which look their countenance would bear, and what reaction they’d have, if their kids would convey their wish to be an undertaker, for example...
But there is worse...

Please allow me to share 4 unusual professional paths that kids could dream of pursuing; and the possible things their parents could tell them.

I. “Mom, dad; I want to be a whore.”
Possible reaction: oh sure, darling; if that is your dream job. Of course the family will support your decision...when you’re 60. Until then go to school, finish your education; get a decent job; try being a good human being, a parent, a good neighbour; then when you’re 60...if you are still willing to be a sex-trader, we might help you open a brothel...over your father’s dead body.

II. “Dad, mom; I’d like to be a drug dealer.”
Possible reaction: you are so not watching “Weeds” ever again in your life. Do you think it is easy to be a drug dealer? First you’ll need to find a chemistry graduate, who is either a loser or a natural born criminal, in order to process the drugs; then you’ll need to find a couple of loser girlfriends to bag the s***; then you will need 3 or 4 losers to distribute the product; then you’ll have to organise an army of junior-mafia to protect you and your business; and finally you will have to pass math and chemistry first, then go to college (to take a Business administration degree), read the “Art of War” by Sun Tzu, join a gang and lose all the respect for human life...this, if you wish to prosper, since you have no gangster background.

III. “Mom, dad; I wish to be a model.”
Possible reaction: but of course! I don’t even know how I didn’t think of exploiting you before. I must be such a terrible parent because I should have encouraged you not to eat; to take slimming pills; to read fashion magazines all day long; I should have submitted your 14-year old to superfluous plastic surgeries; thrown you into the arms of fat, sweaty, disgusting, statutory rapists and manipulative agents; subjected you to the women-haters in the fashion world that will tell you that you are fat even if you’re skin and bone; and dreamed to applaud your drunk-like-nearly-fainting-due to-malnourishment performance on the catwalk. Sure, go ahead.

IV. “Dad, mom, I want to be a Chippendales dancer.”
Possible reaction: why would you, as a man, want to wear a thong in the first place? They are not even made of cotton. If your dream is to have a bunch of women touching you and placing money in your G-string....sure, why not...kill your mother of embarrassment. To tell you the truth, I am quite surprised at these news; given the fact that you don’t even like to exercise yourself, and you are bulging. Women will not pay to see you shake your jelly, they will call you fat and that “More to love, baby” line won’t work...this is not “The Simpsons”. I’ll pray for you.

It is not easy to be a parent. They endure a lot of stuff from their kids (and teens have the nerve to think that they are the victims here)...sometimes I think that parenthood is karma burning from all the things we put our mother and father through.

Anyway, what do you think your reaction would be if your kid, grandchild, nephew or even cousin would tell you it would want to pursue one of these odd dream-careers?

Image: St. Catherine by Caravaggio

The Lusosphere: São Tomé and Príncipe

2009-04-14T14:32:00.005+01:00

Let's rewind a bit...

1471: The Island of São Tomé is discovered on the 21st of December (St. Thomas' Day).

1472: The Santo Antão Island is discovered on the 17th of January (St. Anthony's Day).

Both Islands were discovered by João de Santarém and Pedro Escobar.

1493: The first successful settlement in São Tomé, established by Álvaro Caminha, to whom the land was granted by the crown.

1500: Príncipe is settled.

1502: Santo Antão Island sees its name changed into Príncipe Island ((Príncipe = Prince), in honour of the Prince of Portugal (to whom the duties of the sugar crop - generated by the Island - were paid).

The settlement of these islands was very difficult, for people were not attracted to them; so the initial settlers were the "unwanted" of Portugal, mostly the Jewish people.

The settlers started growing sugar there, for the volcanic soil of the region was extremely suitable for agriculture. This enterprise was labour-intensive, so the Portuguese began importing large numbers of slaves from the mainland. These Islands became Africa's top exporter of sugar.

1522: São Tomé is taken over and managed by the Portuguese crown.

1573: Príncipe is controlled and managed by the Portuguese crown.

Next 100 years: Sugar cultivation declines (since it began to be grown in other colonies in the western hemisphere, which hurt the business of the islands. Plus the large slave population was difficult to control). In the 17th century São Tomé became a transit point for ships involved in the slave trade.

In the 19th century, two new crops are introduced: coffee and cocoa. This new crop industry gave birth to the "roças" (extensive plantations) owned either by Portuguese companies or absent landlords. In these plantations abuse against the African farm workers was very common.

1908: São Tomé becomes the world's largest producer of cocoa.

During the first decade of the 20th century, it was exposed (on an international level) the fact that Angolan contract workers were being subjected to forced labour under unhuman working conditions.

1953: an outbreak of riots, in which hundreds of African workers were killed in a clash with the Portuguese rulers. This was known as the "Batepá Massacre" (whose anniversary is officially observed by the government).

In this decade, the MLSTP was born (Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe).

1975: on the 12th of July, São Tomé and Príncipe achieved its independence. Its first president was MLSTP's Secretary General Manuel Pinto da Costa.

Demographics

Total population: +/- 137,500 in São Tomé; 6,000 in Príncipe.

They all descend from various ethinic groups that have migrated to the islands since 1485:

Mestiços (mulattoes): descendants of Portuguese colonist and African slaves brought from Benin, Gabon and Congo.

Angolares: descendants of Angolan slaves.

Forros: descendants of freed slaves.

Serviçais: contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde, living temporarily in the Islands.

Tongas: children of serviçais born in the Islands.

Europeans: mainly Portuguese.

Asians: mainly Chinese and Macanese people (of mixed Portuguese and Chinese ancestry from Macau).

Language

The official language is the Portuguese (spoken by 95% of the population).

However there are three other spoken languages in the country (Portuguese-based creoles): Forro (85%), Angolar (3%) and Principense (0.1%).

French is also taught in schools (since the country is a member of Francophonie).

Music

The main genres of this country are: Ússua (ball dance where women wear traditional costumes and men wear straw hats plus an embroidered towel around their wrist to wipe off the sweat); Dêxa (rooted in Angola, with scornful lyrics); Puita (drum-based, extremely erotic and sexual); D'Jambi (similar to Puita, but played in healing rituals); and Bligá (a mix of dance and game).

However, there is also a genre called Tchiloli - a musical dance performance that tells a dramatic story.

Since it is spring time, we shall begin by visualising Puita, interpreted by Camilo Domingos. Enjoy!

Next Stop: Equatorial Guinea

"There is no Happiness...

2009-04-07T14:17:00.003+01:00

...only happy moments!”

I had enough! Too many social gatherings, too many pseudo-intellectual articles where I have to read and listen to this silly sentence without expressing what I really think of it – enough is enough.

Let’s repeat it together “There is no happiness, only happy moments!” now...what is wrong with this statement?

First, “there is no happiness” an utter fallacy. There is happiness, it is out there: one either pursues it or not (but if one chooses not to go after it, it is improper to affirm that happiness doesn’t exist).

Second, “only happy moments”...this is an admission that there is in fact happiness. For “happy moments” to exist one must be happy at a certain period of time (or several), and if one is happy then; this means that happiness exists (even if one chooses to associate itself with it only for a second, and then go back to be unhappy by choice).

I wonder if some people think, analyse and interpret what they spit onto the air. And what is worse: they make these statements with such propriety, expecting us to fall into utter fascination; to be mesmerised by their brain; repeat their nonsense and spread it like a virus. I observe, I listen, I laugh.

Etiquette forces me into silence. But should I continue to allow it to do so?

We must choose to be happy. But most people have the wrong notion of what being happy means, and then come up with silly antitheses.

Happiness = accepting life as it presents to us.

Happiness is not about smiling all the time; it is not about being effusively festive everyday; it is not about being hurdle-free throughout time and, it is certainly not about having money and possessions.

One may not smile all the time and yet be extremely happy; one may find itself fighting against obstacles from the day it was born until the day it perishes and still be immensely happy; one may not have a dime and still make others wonder how it can be as happy as an Angel.

This represents no mystery. When one understands life, when one comprehends the complexity of existence; when one doesn’t go against the flow of breath; when one accepts the vicissitudes of life as being part of being here; when one accepts oneself then...it is happy all the time.

Buddha said “All is dukkha (suffering, pain)”. At first, this may sound negative; however it isn’t really. This simple sentence is one of the many keys to happiness; for it offers the premise of beingness (we are born – we cry, we suffer; unfulfilled needs – we suffer; frustrations – we suffer; heartbreaks – we suffer; cravings – we suffer; detachment – we suffer; clinging – we suffer; loss – we suffer; misconceptions, misinformation, misleading, untruths, lies – we suffer...) on earth, so that we can avoid adding pain to an already painful existence, and choose being happy to offset it.

Embrace happiness. Don’t reject it. Don’t run away from it. It’s your choice. Your choice.

Image: Fire at Night by Francisco de Goya

SlogBite was Launched!

2009-04-03T17:27:00.004+01:00

That's right: a new Directory is out on the market!

And this Directory is not like the others: it accepts both blogs and websites; it doesn't impose despotic rules on its members; it does not discriminate; it has categories that actually describe your blog/website; you can enter as many categories as you see fit; you have a voice there (your opinion counts); you meet new people, new blogs; and you can play games (literally)!

I am talking about SlogBite.

SB (as we members call it) was launched yesterday, 2nd of April 2009: it already has, at least, 500 members and 860 different categories (and growing).

On Lauching date it granted four of its members the Pre-Launch Award, for their efforts in spreading out the word and encouraging others to join the SB community! I congratulate Mariuca, Maitri's Heart and Authentic Greek Recipes!

I Proudly say that I was one of those four who were awarded by SB (I would like to thank Cidão, Adriana, Juca, KBguy, Alexys, Swu, and LS - you guys rock!) and had the honour to share the 1st Place with Mariuca.

To read the reasoning behind SB, click Here.

Join us and...See the Best before you See the Rest!

Abortion: what about Men's Rights?

2009-03-29T18:00:00.003+01:00

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have give it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by the reason of life that makes atonement” (Leviticus 17:11).

Science has proved that the blood only begins to flow in an embryo by the 5th week.
So, if God says that life is in the blood and science has proven that the blood is present by the 5th week: should it be inferred that an embryo is only a living human after the mentioned week?
Now, around this time women seldom realize they are pregnant, so when an abortion is carried out after week 5…does this mean a living human is being severed?
Tough questions…

Some people say that an unborn creature is not a person yet. But isn’t it? If God says that life of the flesh (i.e. Soul) is in the blood, and science says what it says…it sounds like an unborn baby is very much a person.
Some other people say that one becomes a person at conception. But does it? If the soul comes at the same time the blood does, and science is clear about when the blood starts flowing…it seems like we are not a person before week 5 (since the soul is not there yet). However, I understand how comfortable it is to have such an opinion (bearing and wanting our own derivative must be the highest form of Love).

There is something interesting about those who claim to be pro-choice & pro-abortion (two different things): first, they suffer from the God Syndrome; second, when they speak of those who are pro-life they act and talk as if defending life was a bad thing, or an insult to women. Yes, I comprehend their cause (although I don’t swallow some of their arguments, such as “poor women should have options”…it sounds like they’re saying that abortion is one way to decrease the number of poor people on earth – they may not mean it that way, but that’s what it sounds like) however, I don’t hear these people explaining what an abortion does to women (psychologically speaking), and how many organs it damages inside…they make it seem so banal.

There is something perplexing about folks who claim to be pro-life: first, in reality many of them are pro-choice (for they choose when a woman may have an abortion – in case of danger to the mother; in case the baby has some sort of defect [it doesn’t specify what kind of defect – vanity may play a big role here], and in case of rape & incest [understandable yet spiritually debatable]); second, some of them are, in truth, against-life (for they murder doctors who perform abortion – it doesn’t make sense), hence proving that they too suffer from the God Syndrome (I create, I destroy).

Abortion has been viewed as a woman’s right (notwithstanding debatable).
Women undergo this type of procedure, many times without informing the father of the child (when possible).
Yes, men are known for that silly statement “I’ll pay for everything” (in the past, some women thought they were talking about paying for the kid’s education…poor souls); but not all men would say it, and not all men would want to see their kid taken away like that – who protects these men?

I have a friend whose girlfriend had an abortion and informed him after she had done it. They guy cried for days, for he wanted his kid, his own flesh and blood – his mother was distraught to see a grandchild disposed in such a manner – what laws protect men like my friend and their families?

Yes, women have their rights; but if we are to live in an equalitarian society, so should men.
A woman has the right to reject being a mother; but what right does she have to deny fatherhood to a man?

For further reading on this controversial issue, please refer to LS: Here

Positive Discrimination...

2009-03-24T14:30:00.007Z

…What the bloody hell does this mean?

Last week, I heard some disturbing news: gypsy children are receiving their academic education in a container, separated from the other kids (who are being lectured in a recently refurbished school). This class is comprised of 6-16 years old children – all mixed together.

This is happening in the Boa Negra primary school, in Barcelos (North of Portugal).

The justification offered, by a governmental institution (that oversees educational matters), is that the school is executing a positive discrimination (plus, it is not a mere container, it is one with A/C: oh, that makes it all better, doesn’t it?).

Discrimination: “The practice of treating one person or group of people less fairly or less well than other people or groups”.

How can treating these gypsy kids less fairly even be considered positive?

The gypsy community is known for not allowing their female children to go to school – despite what the law says (and in some cases, they’d attend school but wouldn’t be allowed to go beyond the 4th grade). The Portuguese social assistance has been battling for years in order to make them understand that our law states that it is mandatory for any kid, within the Portuguese territory, to attend school at least until the 9th grade.

Now that this community finally accepted to send their female kids to school, the Portuguese government [instead of rejoicing over this immense breakthrough] disrespects the gypsies, simply because of their ethnicity.

Yes, it can be argued that it wasn’t the government, per se, that lacked the proper respect for these citizens; that it was the school and the institution that supervises primary schools, in the North; however when the government does not repudiate, in public, this sort of behaviour, then it becomes an accomplice.

The left wing of this country shouts, at the four corners of the world, how pro-social it is. But is it?

I see the lefties criticising the United States of America, I see them criticising Israel (yes, Minister Luís Amado; this one is for you); I see them selling out our country to a corrupt nation (Angola), but I don’t see them looking inside our own borders, criticising what is going on here and, most of all, being the defender of the weakest – yet, their vote later this year will be essential.

Today it is the gypsy community...tomorrow it will be some other fragile group.

Positive discrimination...the half-wit that came up with this expression, utterly ignores the definition of the two involved words; and if he/she was trying to create a paradox, of some sort; I must say that it was an extremely unfortunate one.

Shame on you, Portugal!

Image: St Michael vanquishing the Devil by Bonifacio Veronese

Progressive Kuduro: Buraka Som Sistema

2009-03-22T18:51:00.001Z

Progressive Kuduro is a fusion of the Angolan Kuduro and the European urban music.

This genre was born in the outskirts of Lisbon (Amadora and Queluz - where the majority of the Angolan community lives), early in the 21st century.

This genre is becoming rather popular not only in Portugal, but across Europe.

The group, to which I will introduce you to, is the original designer of this musical genre; and it is called Buraka Som Sistema.

Buraka Som Sistema won a MTV Europe Music 2008 award, as The Best Portuguese Act. To read more about them, click here.

Now, enjoy Progressive Kuduro: this song is called "Kalemba: Wege Wege"!

Sacrilege: Bra Severance

2009-03-17T14:00:00.006Z

Since when trashy became trendy?

I wonder where the concept of class went…

This past weekend I ventured myself on a tour around the TV world – I have never seen so many naked breasts in my life.

At first I thought it was a TV thing: movie stars, pop artists, models etc; however when I step into the streets, malls, clubs, bars…there they are: breasts, in all shapes and sizes, exposed as if waiting for someone to bid for them.

Leaving home is quite an adventure for those who advocate modesty, good taste, class and real fashion: one looks at the right – butt cracks being flashed; one looks at the left –braless chests nearly exhibiting its nipples.

Ladies and Gentlemen, good sense, sensibility and decorum have left the building.

Why on earth did women declare war on brassieres?

There is nothing sexier than beautiful lingerie. And with the variety of designs and colours there is today, women should feel encouraged to actually wear it. But no...they prefer to auction their mammary glands.

Mystery can be so enticing. Not knowing what is under a garment arouses the imagination, which will lead to hunt. After catching its prey the hunter will invest more time in exploring the game, rather than going straight to the spot in order to satiate its famine...

What is treasured under a piece of fabric can be better appreciated and savoured as patience is exercised (through the slowly removal of garments)...I digress...

Bras aren’t the enemy; au contraire, they are a woman’s ally (regardless the size of her cup) for they prevent the breast muscle from going precociously flaccid; they sustain the breasts up, they offer a voluptuous look (a la 18th century) and, when worn properly, they create a symbiosis with clothing.

Bras don’t hold a woman’s sexuality captive; by the contrary, they set her free because a good bra, that lifts her moral, increases her self-assurance, and when a woman feels secure about herself, she becomes sexier, and once she feels as such: sexual empowerment.

Yes, in Africa (in the bush) women don’t wear brassieres. In fact (and this is very interesting), if we’d show them a video displaying what women do, in the western world (ex: to wear a seamless shirt with no bra, or an open shirt showing the breasts) they’d find it a heresy: you either cover yourself up or take it all out – there is no room for fashion hypocrisy.

But we do not live in the African bush (and to tell you the truth, if I had to, I’d start a lingerie business there: no woman would ever have breasts to their navels ever again).

Our society has immersed itself in the sea of common vulgarity...and women (in all their wisdom) instead of bringing it back to surface; are busy being led by women-haters.

Image: Virgin Annunciate by Antonello da Messina

Musical Video: Kuduro

2009-03-14T20:14:00.001Z

And from Semba we go to Kuduro...

This genre is rooted in semba, but it has evolved to be a fusion of Zouk, Soca and Ragga music genres.

There is also the Progressive Kuduro (the one produced in the outskirts of Lisbon, especially Amadora and Queluz - where the majority of the Angolan community lives), that I will introduce you to later on.

Kuduro means "hard butt" or "stiff bottom"; because when women dance kuduro they protrude their behind and swing it to the rythm of the hard-hitting beat. When men dance it they pop-lock and breakdance. The key to dance kuduro is to move sensually.

For further information on Kuduro, please read here.

This week's video displays one of the many ways of dancing kuduro, particularly outside Angola (as we go, I will share the original form of dancing Kuduro, i.e. the Angolan style), and the artist sharing his art with us is the dancer Tsunami (an Angolan artist living in France) and his crew who shake to the sound of a kuduro mix.

Have fun!

Discussion: Stem Cells

2009-03-10T13:28:00.007Z

This article has been inspired by a conversation I had with Swubird.

Stem cells are cells that are found in most multi-cellular organisms; and have the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division (i.e. division of mother cell into daughter cells, genetically identical to each other and to their parents’ cell).

There are two types of mammalian stem cells: embryonic and adult.

This type of cells is already used in the treatment of leukaemia and some cases of anaemia, for example.
Furthermore, scientists predict that in the future stem cells research will lead to the treatment of cancer, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries, amyotrophic later sclerosis, multiples sclerosis, muscle damage etc.

Now, there has been a lot of controversy around this subject, stemming from the techniques used in the generation and usage of stem cells: to start a stem cell line it is required the destruction of a human embryo and/or therapeutic cloning.
Therapeutic cloning sounds dangerous, even if performed for the right reasons.
Imagine a scientist in the climax of its fervour (which can often be confounded with lack of scrupulosity): he begins by cloning a cell for therapeutic reasons, but then diverts to something adventurous...to try being a creator of human life...

The use of human embryos does raise an important question: is life being murdered?
Some would argue that using prospective life to extend somebody else’s life is not to be viewed as murder, but it is to be regarded as preserving life – and doing so is conducting things in a proper fashion, i.e. being ethical.
Others would question how right it is to end a life in order to save another; and how ethical is it to “play” with embryos?
On the other hand, some would ask: what’s preferable; to throw away millions of existing donated embryos or use them for research that eventually will lead to treatments that will save lives?
Tough questions, no doubt.
I would like to add one point to this discussion: there is a purpose behind all things, and God does seem to inspire scientists. Given this line of thought, if a scientist (back in the 60’s, when it all began) was inspired by a Higher Force to begin this type of research, in order to save the Lord’s creation (in the future), is it correct to imply that God’s Will is unethical?

There is nothing like controversy and a good debate. From these was born a new finding: adult stem cell lines can be manipulated to generate embryonic-like stem cell lines, by using a single-cell biopsy that may allow the creation of stem cells without having to destroy embryos.
What does this mean? It means exactly what happened in Spain last summer: Claudia Castillo, a 30 years old woman suffered from Tuberculosis which ruined her trachea; then the stem cells from her bone marrow were removed and used to build a new windpipe; avoiding thus the intake of immunosuppressive agents that could cause hypertension, kidney failure and cancer (for more details, please read here).

This level of medical comfort pleases many. However legislation must be designed in order to protect the embryonic and adult stem cells from abuse by vain & reckless scientists.
It must be clear what is the real purpose of the manipulation of such cells; how the state intends to control its use; and what will be the punishment for scientific misconduct (scientists must know that if they divert from the real goal of using stem cells, they will be incarcerated with no parole: one can’t juggle with human life).

But what is your opinion on this subject: is it ethical or unethical?

Source of Image: www.dailyhealthtips.org.uk