Guinean Coup: Tragedy or Victory?

The word Military has never been synonymous with good governance or true representation. Spells of Military rule have been characterized by oppression and a deficiency in the expression of the will of the people, true in most cases, but the case in Guinea at least for now appears to be different, an obvious tonic.


Now we wonder, Mandela's People, what defines true representation of the People's will? Is it summarized to a government elected by the people only, should it not be a Government elected by the People, guided by the single rule of satisfying the People's desire and nothing more. True representation is an incorrupt Government, one that exploits every means to guarantee the best attainable welfare of the People and not limited to the Boys in Khaki or the men in indegenous clothings in parliamentary houses, indeed, Governance should be common sense, morals, ethics and the discipline of leaders.

Captain Camara, the self proclaimed President of Guinea, presents himself until now as a man committed to the people, a man of discipline, and unlike others with whom he now shares the title of "Coup Plotter", the architect of a bloodless coup.

We must be flexible in our analyses of events such as this in Guinea, we do not think that the massive cheers from impoverished citizens on the streets of Guinea is by design, rather a joyous cry for responsible governance. While the Military may not be the best hands to deliver, the desirable in Guinea is clearly not available but will be if the Captain goes on to fulfil his promise of credible, free and fair elections in 2010, like the former General Abdulsalami Abubakar did in Nigeria in 1999 in similar circumstances. In the interim however, if he sets a transparent tone and structures a sustainable groundwork for responsible, no nonsense, people sensitive governance, he will go down in history as one of the Guinea's greatest.

I am critical about the International Community condemning the Coup, Governments of the West have done little to caution misrepresentation by African Leaders, they have failed to show the total judicious moral and political support needed to remind Governments in the underdeveloped world to be all inclusive and prudent in their administrations. It will make better sense if the EU, when it votes, outlines it support for the new Military Junta in Guinea to fast track, accelerate the delivery of democracy as soon as practicable, and not by an imposition of a date or time line of six months perhaps, that will plunge Guinea deep into more socio-political disequilibrium, that grounwork, foundation and a lesson to an incoming democracy must be taught and masterminded gravely to resurrect the dynamism of a nation blessed with resources and potentials.

The People of Mandela do not support Power by the Barrel of the Gun, but when such power revives and renews the hope of a lost people, we render support and preach the Gospel of Good Governance. We support Captain Camara to as soon as practicable, give up Power by drafting a Transitional Constitution in view of a formidable future democratic dispensation in which all Guineans will enjoy the dividends of that Power that truly belongs to them.

Zimbabwe: Shame of 2008

We the People of Mandela see no greater worry, no greater Credit Crunch or Recession than the Human Crunch and Repression in Zimbabwe, Africa's remarkably locked land.

History will never see so much Executive Callousness without International Intervention, we will never see a leader of an arguably potentialy failed State as confident as the disease and economic collapse he has inflicted on his people, more worryingly, we will never see a people as patient and tolerant as the Zimbabweans alive at this time. The BBC says the signs of a failed state are apparent, Economic Crisis, Political Turbulence and Social Disequlibrium, we do not argue with that. As if to claim ignorance, a Stunning Mugabe strongly denies these obvious claims, saying many things including "Zimbabwe is Mine", Our God, the God of Mandela and the God of Zimbabwe forgives him.

Just today, a 10 billion Zimbabwean Dollar note is to be released, it will only be worth U$D20, the Media have dubbed this a "Christmas Gift" and indeed it is, a small thing as having people carry less cash or not having to seek U$D notes or the South African currency is a gift to Zimbabweans who at this time seek respites of the lowest definition.Less than or about 3 years ago, I recall the rate of inflation in Zimbabwe to be between 1,300 to 1,500 percent, we saw with disbelief how it rose to 10,000% and in August this year, it was a dangerously incredible 11.2 million percent, an economic contest never to be rivalled. I dare to say, Mugabe has ostracized his Country so much from the World that Zimababwe's revenue if there is any at all is desperately insufficient, and the Government resorts to printing notes to service unjust expenses including lavish Presidential needs because no IMF, no Government, no Paris Club will lend money to a State with a Mugabe-like President.

As the People of Mandela that we are, we want to see a Zimbabwe that is responsible for itself, a Zimbabwe that is freed by its own people. Zimbabweans are too tolerant, too patient, they must show the international community that they are ready to evict an incompetent government before the external aid needed will be gotten. We must remember the sovereignty of that Nation and the laws of the international game, an internal unrest will do enough to open that Country to the World, so as Food and Medical aid is given, Political aid will be forced in as well.

This is not a call for War but a call for Zimbabweans to believe in the survival of their nation and the credibility of its representation, a call to change their own fortunes through activism and a singular stand. If that turns violent, military or chaotic, the end will justify the means, there must be such a sacrifice in a struggle like this.

CNN warned of the disturbing images when it televised the spate of Cholera and horror against the President's high handed claims, those images couldn't have been more disturbing. The social system is shattered, demand for labour is erratic and only grave diggers are assured of employment as people die sporadically, they are laid to rest in a land of enormous failure, May their Souls rest in Peace.

So in the end, We the People of Mandela say that in all of the events of 2008, good and bad, successes and failures, recessions and booms, aggressive campaigns and monumental election, exotic Olympics and eye popping World Records, Celebrity News and Breakups, technological breakthroughs and hiccups, road side bombs and shoe throwing, none catches the eye or stings as painfully as the gross neglect in Zimbabwe, it is to us the SHAME OF 2008.

The Rwandan Verdict

The Life Sentences given would not be the true success of this Verdict, its true success would be when like-minds of Theoneste Bagosora who commit similar atrocities in equal or less proportions fear the wrath of Justice as a result.

If you watched the recent HardTalk interview of Leah Chishugi, a Rwandan lucky to have escaped the Genocide, you'd understand that the Hutu/Tutsi story is just one shade of this sporadic cum African related abuse of Human Dignity, Congo ranks high in likeable Genocide, the Central African Republic Similarly, not forgetting a pitiable Darfur. Leah revealed a case in which a militant preferred to insert his Gun through a woman's Vulva when it was his turn to finish off a serial sexual exploitation by his clique of perverted militants. So much pain she was in, Leah didn't consider the legality of dispensing pain killers to her.

We the People of Mandela say in unequivocal terms that the killing of the innocent in the Congo or wherever is not less punishable than the reported daily killing of 9,000 in Rwanda in 1994. The killing of one and the killing of 9,000 is the same, it is still Genocidal. The International Community must do everything possible to negotiate the sovereignty of Nations so that rebels will be easily removed and tried immediately, when the harm done would have been less advanced, a proactive, not a defensive action in effect. It is clear that while Africa may seek independence to solve its social and political problems, that continent desperately and timelessly needs the aid of the International Community to solve its Crises.

The people of Mandela make this call because it is apparent that smaller crises that exist in Nigeria's Niger-Delta for instance have the propensity to develop into similar ethnic battles and Genocide as we know is often the result. We say no more about other African States and their quarrels, with conviction however, Proactiveness will punish more swiftly and for the death and exploitation of less innocent Civilians.

Shouldn't it be a Humanitarian Auto Bail Out?

Is the issue more humanitarian than it is political? I think so, as a Business Student, I know very well that Consumers in the US prefer competition rather than protectionism to determine the future of their businesses, an argument possed by Republican Senators. That is true and Good, but these are not ordinary times for even Auto Competitors in Asia, some who have had to suspend their ancillary involvements in by the way activities. For the simple statistical reasons of 3 million people likely to lose jobs, another 4 million people dependent of the American Auto Industry potentially having the same fate, not forgetting the 100,000 workers that have been sacked, one would have thought the entire process would be a "humanitarian" rubber stamp in the senate but NO, it wasn't, and guess the guys responsible again, the same Republicans!!

The People of Mandela are sorry to say, but these Republicans, against their own President Bush this time only strengthen the voices of local and international observers who have timelessly asked the United States to solve its own humanitarian crisis before attacking other countries' humanitarian status. Let us hope the White House eventually bails them out, I am confident they will, but imagine if this option was non-existent. The People of Mandela take a particluar interest in this because the number of destitutes on the streets of the US in the cold winter have for long sought to be be bailed, as an example of freedom and democracy to others, the US must continue to bail its already bailed citizens and not anymore unbail any.

Cholera In Zimbabwe

"Because of Cholera, Mr.Brown wants Military Intervention, Sarkozy wants Military Intervention, Bush wants Military Intervention because of Cholera, but I am happy to say our doctors have been assisted by others, the WHO, have now arrested Cholera, so now that there is no Cholera, there is no cause for war...(He Pauses) anymore" were the words of Robert Mugabe. It pains very severely to see that men soaked in shamelessness have the audacity to stand and still be listened to. And even more when equally shameless cronies like the Information Minister, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, cites Cholera as a genocidal strategy by the UK to recolonize Zimbabwe, a Nation that may very soon be a collapsed state. As if that was not enough of jokes by these two, an aide of Mugabe went on to say later that his boss' sarcasm was mistaken for the eradication of Cholera. Seems to me there are a handful of shameless people in there than we know. What sarcasm? Why sarcasm? Sarcasm over the lives of the UN estimated 800 dead people, sarcasm over the humanitarian imbalance, sarcasm over the immeasurable hazards imposed on Zimbabweans by a Man who once was a hero. I have said, Mugabe was good enough to win freedom and independence for Zimbabwe, and spearhead a nationalistic cause of nation biuilding but that should have been it. I pity the People of Zimbabwe, We The People of Mandela identify with Cholera stricken families living and dead but we fear most for the Cholera that existed long in Zimbabwe, the political Cholera and social questions unanswered.

Apple release iPhone Firmware 2.2

Improved Safari performance, podcast support, and more.

November 21, 2008 - The highly anticipated 2.2 update for iPhone and iPod Touch launched late Thursday night, bringing a wealth of major additions and bug fixes to users. The update is a meaty 250 MB and contains the following new features and updates.

Safari
With the 2.2 update, Apple set out to improve the "stability and performance" of the Safari web browser. In addition, the interface itself has seen a quick redesign so that the URL and search boxes appear on the same line, clearing up some of the clutter. The http:// preface of the current URL has also been hidden.

Podcast
One of the most sought after addition users have been eagerly waiting to be included in a update, the ability to download podcasts directly to their iPhone with connecting to a computer that was running iTunes, was finally included with last night's package. Functionally similar to purchasing music, except of course that all podcasts are free, the new podcast support sends all downloaded content to your podcast list in the iPod app on the iPhone, finally creating a streamlined method for obtaining some of the best free content the web has to offer.

Maps
Overall, the Maps app appears to have received the largest upgrade, such as support for Goggle Street View, the cool Google function that enables you to see real photos of various locations that also contain map data. An orange icon alerts users if a Map search location has the Street View option. Simply tap the orange icon and you are immediately taken to panoramic views of the area. Keep in mind though that Street View only works in landscape orientation with your phone.

Additional features added that were previously only available on the Goggle's map website include additional transportation directions. When in Directions mode you'll now find three options at the top of the screen to choose from: driving directions, transit directions, and walking directions. Tap any of the buttons to see all your available methods of getting to where you need to go.

Other New Stuff
On top of software improvements, 2.2 also brings changes to the iPhone's telephone functionality. Apple claims that the update should bring a dramatic decrease in "call set-up failures", which are the times when you attempted to call someone and get a "Call Failed" message, which personally I've experience way more than I would like, so this is definitely a welcomed addition.

Time saving in app navigation has seen a small boost, as now the home button will return you to your first page of apps regardless of what page your on. It's a very minor addition, but again adds to overall iPhone efficiency. Perfect typists can also now choose to turn off the auto-correct function so that you can be in full control of your sentences.

Wrapping up 2.2 are some very small Easter eggs, including being asked to rate a app upon deletion, the ability to view multiple screen shots for apps in the App Store, and also the opportunity to view previews of screen shots in iPhoto, which originally appeared as just blank images until they were imported.

Haven't grabbed the 2.2 update yet? Just plug in your iPhone/Touch into your iTunes preferred computer and click the "Check for Updates" button, and enjoy the new features.

Source : www.ign.com

PSP-3000 Entertainment Pack Cancelled

October 27, 2008 - Way, way back in August, Sony announced plans to bring two PSP-3000 bundles to the United States. One was the Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Entertainment Pack that's on store shelves as you read this. The other was the 4GB Entertainment Pack that featured a voucher for Everyday Shooter, a Piano Black system, and -- you guessed it -- a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo.

This evening, Sony Computer Entertainment America Director of Hardware Marketing John Koller announced on the PlayStation Blog that the 4GB bundle is no more.

"Based on ongoing discussions with our retail partners and the feedback they have received from their customers, SCEA has seen significant interest in the Ratchet & Clank Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack in North America, which includes the updated PSP-3000," Koller wrote. "As a result, we will be streamlining our PSP hardware lineup and will no longer be offering the previously announced 4GB Memory PSP Entertainment Pack."

If you want the bigger stick, you can pick it up on its own from any number of fine retailers, and if you're in the market for a Piano Black PSP-3000, Koller wrote that the standalone unit should be available in December.

source : www.ign.com

NBA 2K9 Announced for PC

NBA 2K9 is coming to the PC, publisher 2K Sports announced in an official statement. While NBA 2K9 is the tenth iteration in the series, it will mark the first NBA 2K installment for the PC.

"We are excited about the growing popularity of basketball and are eager to get NBA 2K9 in the hands of PC fans," said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development at 2K. He added, "The PC version will please even the most dedicated basketball fans with the same level of quality simulation we've become known for in the console versions of the NBA 2K franchise."

The NBA 2K series is highly regarded for its realistic approach to basketball games. PC gamers can get their hands on NBA 2K9 when it release on October 21.

source : www.ign.com

Sony Brings New PS3 Bundles to Japan

One of Sony's big Tokyo Game Show announcements has leaked out early through Famitsu. Sony will be releasing the 80 gigabyte PS3 model to Japan, the magazine reveals in its latest issue. Bundled with a Dual Shock 3, the new high capacity model will sell for 39,800 yen, the current price of the 40 gigabyte model. Sony will offer the system in black, white, and silver color varieties.

The deal gets better, though, as for a limted time, Sony will be including Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III with the system, turning this into an effective 4,500 yen price drop for those who were interested in buying the racer anyway.

Spec III, which became available as an online update late last week for current Prologue owners, will also see its very own full release in Japan. GT5 Prologue Spec III will be released in Blu-ray disc and downloadable form on October 30, costing, respectively, 4,980 and 4,500 yen. These are the same prices as the current rev of Prologue.

In other PS3 bundle news, Sony will be bundling the 80 gigabyte model with two Dual Shocks and a copy of LittleBigPlanet as part of the "PlayStation 3 LittleBigPlanet Dream Box." This bundle, which comes in a special box featuring artwork of Sack Boy, will sell for 44,980 yen. Black, white, and silver models will also be on offer.

Sony is also planning on pushing LittleBigPlanet through a DualShock 3 bundle. A copy of the game will be bundled with a DualShock 3 at 7,980 yen, representing a savings of some 3,500 yen over buying the products separately. The controller bundles will also be available in black, white, and silver varieties.

Those who just want LittleBigPlanet on its own have a bonus item to look forward to as well. Sony will include a code with first print copies of the game that can be exchanged for a Piposaru costume for Sack Boy. Poposaru is the name of the brainwashed monkeys from the Ape Escape series.

All this bundle news applies only to Japan at the moment.

source : www.ign.com

that's all for now.

sadly, the fact that this msg is displaying means that I'm out of art to post.
I'll post more eventually...

email me and tell me how great I am if you want to see more: johnverchot@gmail.com

Gold Kicks

multiple people have told me this looks like female reproductive organs

SONIC ATTACK

this one's pretty damn recent too, late june 08

despite popular demand...here's sucky saturday 2

I dunno, I don't really like this one.

judges

this robot heads thing is easy and fun.

mid 2006

dancin' robots

also very recent. june 2008, my wife's favorite.

SUCKY SATURDAY.

THIS ONE KINDA BLOWS.
He has a bananna because I can't draw.

The stick people on the hill are saying to each other: "is that bananna hand man?", "...unfortunately" and CAPTAIN BANANNA HAND is saying "I have a bananna....for a hand.....thanks john", whilst thinking "john you suck."
I'm starting to hit the bottom with my drawing supply.

FORMAL DINING II: THE SEARCH FOR CURLY'S GOLD.

I'm so clevah.

SASSY PANTS

2006.

this one's pretty damn recent.

SKETCHY SATURDAY 2: THE AWAKENING.

I did this one in 2006, those pens drug companys give out, the ones with the runny ink are GREAT for drawing.

I did this one in frickin HIGHSCHOOL. it is old as balls.

"OH MY!"

Almost all these drawings where it's obviously traced and embellished, (with exception to ICONIC SHOES) I did in 2006 when I worked in the soul-sucking pit that was west telecommunications (for pacificare health ins no less). That explains all the violence.
BTW NEVER GET INS WITH PACIFICARE, THEY ARE CROOKS!

LURK!

What could possibly go wrong on a day like this?
perhaps maybe....SWIFT AND SUDDEN DISMEMBERMENT 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO!
-I made a painting out of this one and "OH MY!" but it's probably slightly unfinished and packed away somewhere....bummer.
-dude with the axe was actually a baseball player I traced. fun fact

YOUR ICONIC SHOES WILL NOT SAVE YOU FROM SUDDEN AND SWIFT DISMEMBERMENT

SkETCHY SATURDAY

I did a little editing so that most of the sketches were facing the same way.

FORMAL DINING

BRASS KNUCKLES AND LAZER VISION

HEY YOU! I WANT YOUR MONEY!

At WEST corp, there were usually magazines floating around everywhere, and I would desecrate them with a sharpie, or a pen. usually captions, eyepatches, teeth missing, hook hands, tatoos, beards, you get the idea. Then I got the idea that I could modify a picture far more than traditional vandalism by tracing the parts I wanted to keep and drawing in different parts.

another 2fer saturday (the insanity)

What the hell is going on?
ZAP!

Lazer Frog Throws the Best Raves

Fun friends not as cool as happy friends

BUt are here none the less.

My money's on the nerd.

CLEARLY, the camel's tobacco magic is no match for his samuri 80's hacker prowess.
this one's pretty new

2fer saturday

the difficulty that is music notation

Pastel Death

Heavy Metal

Welcome Ronaldinho Gaucho

Ronaldinho in San Siro.

Ronaldinho agrees Milan deal

Ronaldinho has agreed initial terms with AC Milan and the Serie A club will now speak to Barcelona about a deal, Milan and the player's agent have said.

The 28-year-old Brazilian has had a difficult few months at the Camp Nou because of injury and loss of form and a move has long been mooted. The forward is out for the rest of the campaign with a leg injury and a transfer can not officially go through until the end of the season.

"In general Ronaldinho and Milan are in agreement," his agent and brother Roberto de Assis was quoted as saying on the Gazzetta dello Sport website on Saturday. The Gazzetta said a deal up to 2012 worth eight million euros ($12.6 million) a year was in the pipeline with a few clauses to be agreed.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said: "There is a general agreement with the player. Now a deal has to be reached with Barcelona. Give us time."

Former Barcelona coach Johan Cruyff, who remains an influential figure at the club, said Ronaldinho should leave at the end of the season.

"If things aren't working out and one person doesn't want to stay and the others don't want him then it is the best solution," the Dutchman told reporters on Saturday. 

Spanish and Italian media reports have speculated about a transfer fee of between 20 and 30 million euros while some newspapers have talked about Ronaldinho buying up the rest of his contract at Barca. Milan are fifth in Serie A and in danger of missing next year's UEFA Champions League after a poor season. They were dumped out of this year's Champions League as holders by Arsenal in the first knockout round.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have struggled to score and create goals with Brazilian Ronaldo playing just a handful of games before being ruled out long term with a knee injury. Fellow striker Alberto Gilardino has been lacklustre and world player of the year Kaka has been far from his best.

Despite Milan's troubles, Ancelotti has been assured of his job next term.

source : www.fifa.com

unicorn

The Evil Martha Stewart Tree

fashion: a rare two-legged lizard

Teens and prescription drugs.

I bet a bunch of kids tore the back cover off that issue when It got to their house....

Drug rep

I added the caption with MS paint, but It was supposed to be part of the original drawing.
I somehow never got around to it.

My wife heard a drug rep say something like this to a doctor.... kinda scary.
I did this in the obgyn waiting room while we were waiting for the results on a blood test.

It's a fact!

I think this was a general outline trace of ashton kucher from people/teen people/some garbage, and I drew on it. my wife once heard someone at a party ask if ferrets reproduce asexually.

the image of smaller ferrets budding off larger ones is hilarious.

"I don't want your job"

the title is what r2d2 is saying in the upper right corner. this thing is massive, and either josh or jordan has it... sorry I don't have a bigger pic

email this blog to your sister.

she'll like it.

PPP! (life's ok)

Mystic Orbs of Ultimate Power

T-shirt design

MANY COLORS AVAILIBLE!
buy one! 12$ plus a cd!
(delete the NOSPAM)

ship has run aground

happy friends watch the fun unfold

Gotta be the shoes