Nate - i was wondering the same thing. So how do we bring this back to what it once was?
Answer - one blog at a time...
Answer - one blog at a time...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Nena Bubu Nena.................
I am sitting in my bed this evening wondering when I lost my voice!!!!
Though I had no vote, I have always and should always remain a voice for my country. My opinion may not always be right but when injustices openly occur, injustices that even the blind can see.......HOW IS IT THAT MY VOICE is silent.
How did I allow the cloak of fear to mask my coice. Why did I not stand my ground and shout from the rooftops? Why did my safety matter more than the lives of over 1000 Kenyans...I weep now( a tad late),daily for the loss I have suffered. I try and tell myself that there is nothing I could have done. But the words of Wainaina Haunt me....
Do you remember:
Who is to blame..
Who is behind this
Who lives in the shadows
Who lights the flame of this raging inferno..........
My tears have finally been allowed to flow freely and I will let myself cry. I must cry away my shame at holding back in silence. I must cry away my foolishness for allowing Kenya to come to a place where Leaders are not accountable to the people. Where I have allowed my leaders to become selfish and callous. I must cry away the sorrow I feel at the loss of Kenyan lives. I must break the wall that I have been building up since December 27th 2007 when I went home to the comfort of the loving arms of my sweetheart and trusted the Kenyan vote to a flawed Electoral Commission. A commission I had had the chance to correct a few years back when minimum reforms to the constitution were tabled. BUT NO. I said either I have all I want or nothing at all. Now my Kukuyu brother is slain, Now my Luo Sister is slain, Now my Kalenjin Nephew is slain, Now my Kamba cousin is slain, Now.......yes I should go on to mention my relatives from the 42 tribes, because my generation is of mixed tribal heritage and my KENYA has always and will always be a multi-tribal country.
For the times I looked away as the poor became poorer. The times I laughed off my responsibility to demand systems that can give my mother in Kibera a lift from her poverty over a glass of expensive wine at a plush hotel in Nairobi. For the times I demanded that they must work harder and pull their own weight. For the moment that I ignored the tribal divide convincing myself that it would go away on its own. I cry.
TRUTH can never be silenced, and there is only so much we can sweep under the carpet.
Now my tears are wept....my heart still craves the Kenya that she knows.
The Kenya in my dreams, the Kenya that is rising, stirring from under the destruction. Where we will look the truth of injustice in the eye and take on our fear of confrontation. Where out leaders will be held accountable for their action. Where Kenya will be everyones priority, Where I will be free to be from any of the 42 tribes and have the same opportunities as everyone else. The same rights and freedoms.
But the question remains.....
Amkeni Mifupa Mitupu....Pokeeni Hewa
Ni nani nani?
Atakaye paza ...Sauti ya haki
Nena Bubu Nena.....
Atakaye simama
Atakaye hesabiwa
It is you and I.
I am ready to take my place now. My apologies Kenya. I had given in to my fear and selfishness, and lost sight of our dream.
Though I had no vote, I have always and should always remain a voice for my country. My opinion may not always be right but when injustices openly occur, injustices that even the blind can see.......HOW IS IT THAT MY VOICE is silent.
How did I allow the cloak of fear to mask my coice. Why did I not stand my ground and shout from the rooftops? Why did my safety matter more than the lives of over 1000 Kenyans...I weep now( a tad late),daily for the loss I have suffered. I try and tell myself that there is nothing I could have done. But the words of Wainaina Haunt me....
Do you remember:
Who is to blame..
Who is behind this
Who lives in the shadows
Who lights the flame of this raging inferno..........
My tears have finally been allowed to flow freely and I will let myself cry. I must cry away my shame at holding back in silence. I must cry away my foolishness for allowing Kenya to come to a place where Leaders are not accountable to the people. Where I have allowed my leaders to become selfish and callous. I must cry away the sorrow I feel at the loss of Kenyan lives. I must break the wall that I have been building up since December 27th 2007 when I went home to the comfort of the loving arms of my sweetheart and trusted the Kenyan vote to a flawed Electoral Commission. A commission I had had the chance to correct a few years back when minimum reforms to the constitution were tabled. BUT NO. I said either I have all I want or nothing at all. Now my Kukuyu brother is slain, Now my Luo Sister is slain, Now my Kalenjin Nephew is slain, Now my Kamba cousin is slain, Now.......yes I should go on to mention my relatives from the 42 tribes, because my generation is of mixed tribal heritage and my KENYA has always and will always be a multi-tribal country.
For the times I looked away as the poor became poorer. The times I laughed off my responsibility to demand systems that can give my mother in Kibera a lift from her poverty over a glass of expensive wine at a plush hotel in Nairobi. For the times I demanded that they must work harder and pull their own weight. For the moment that I ignored the tribal divide convincing myself that it would go away on its own. I cry.
TRUTH can never be silenced, and there is only so much we can sweep under the carpet.
Now my tears are wept....my heart still craves the Kenya that she knows.
The Kenya in my dreams, the Kenya that is rising, stirring from under the destruction. Where we will look the truth of injustice in the eye and take on our fear of confrontation. Where out leaders will be held accountable for their action. Where Kenya will be everyones priority, Where I will be free to be from any of the 42 tribes and have the same opportunities as everyone else. The same rights and freedoms.
But the question remains.....
Amkeni Mifupa Mitupu....Pokeeni Hewa
Ni nani nani?
Atakaye paza ...Sauti ya haki
Nena Bubu Nena.....
Atakaye simama
Atakaye hesabiwa
It is you and I.
I am ready to take my place now. My apologies Kenya. I had given in to my fear and selfishness, and lost sight of our dream.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
POLYGAMY Allowed in proposed marriage bill
You may all have read the article in the standard today or been following up on Kenyan laws and constitution and so have heard of this proposed marriage bill.
I was both pleased/confused/etc to note that Kenya is looking to liberalize its thoughts on marriage. The only thing that bugs me is the Polygamy accepted as long as you state your intentions before marriage number 1. I was hoping that we could also see Polyandry given the same treatment. Not that I am or am not a women rights activist, I just think this will aid the mama's who have to hide to have their needs met when their boo's ain't satisfactory.
I was both pleased/confused/etc to note that Kenya is looking to liberalize its thoughts on marriage. The only thing that bugs me is the Polygamy accepted as long as you state your intentions before marriage number 1. I was hoping that we could also see Polyandry given the same treatment. Not that I am or am not a women rights activist, I just think this will aid the mama's who have to hide to have their needs met when their boo's ain't satisfactory.
Monday, July 16, 2007
You praying?
Interesting passage i read the other day that echoed in its profoundness to my current situation. I think I've been trying really hard to communicate with God and have not felt it very genuine.
Enjoy.
--
Prayer looks abroad and asks for some foreign additions to come through some foreign virtue, and loses itself in endless mazes of natural and supernatural, and mediatorial and miraculous. Prayer that craves a particular commodity, anything less than all good, is vicious.; Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view. It is the soliloquy of a beholding and jubilant soul. It is the spirit of God pronouncing his works good. But prayer as a means to effect a private end is meanness and theft. It supposes dualism and not unity in nature and consciousness. As soon as the man is at one with God, he will not beg. He will then see prayer in all action. The prayer of the farmer kneeling in his field to weed it, the prayer of the rower kneeling with the stroke of his oar, are true prayers heard throughout nature, though for cheap ends. Caratach, in Fletcher's "bonduca", when admonished to inquire the mind of the god Aduate, replies, -
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-reliance.
Enjoy.
--
Prayer looks abroad and asks for some foreign additions to come through some foreign virtue, and loses itself in endless mazes of natural and supernatural, and mediatorial and miraculous. Prayer that craves a particular commodity, anything less than all good, is vicious.; Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view. It is the soliloquy of a beholding and jubilant soul. It is the spirit of God pronouncing his works good. But prayer as a means to effect a private end is meanness and theft. It supposes dualism and not unity in nature and consciousness. As soon as the man is at one with God, he will not beg. He will then see prayer in all action. The prayer of the farmer kneeling in his field to weed it, the prayer of the rower kneeling with the stroke of his oar, are true prayers heard throughout nature, though for cheap ends. Caratach, in Fletcher's "bonduca", when admonished to inquire the mind of the god Aduate, replies, -
"His hidden meaning lies in our endeavours. Our valors are our best gods."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-reliance.
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Saturday, July 07, 2007
Business School...yes I'm getting an education
So I've been of this blog for literally ages. i.e not posting anything. Well today having 9 assignments that must be done and submitted within the next ten days I was reading through my course notes and found a poem I must share.
Its a pity its anonymous but is so described my utter frustration with management that I would love to give the author a big fat kiss:
The Creation
In the beginning was the plan
and then came the assumptions
and the assumptions were without form
and the plan was completely without substance
and darkness was put upon the faces of the workers
And they spake to their group heads saying;
"Its a crock of shit and it stinketh"
And the group heads went unto their section heads saying
"Its a pile of dung and none may abide
the odour thereof."
And the section heads went unto their managers and sayeth unto them
"It is a container of excrement,
and its very strong"
And the managers went unto their Director and sayeth to him
"It is a vessel of fertilizer
and none may abide its strength"
And the Directors went unto their Director General and sayeth:
"It contains that which aids plant growth
and it is very strong"
And the Director general went unto the assistant
Deputy minister and sayeth unto him
"It promoteth growth,
and it is very powerful"
And the ADM went to the Deputy minister and sayeth to him
"This powerful new plan will actively promote growth and
efficiency of the department and this area in particular"
and the Deputy Minister looked upon the plan and saw that it was good
and the plan became Policy.
HAVE A FUN FILLED WORK WEEK
Its a pity its anonymous but is so described my utter frustration with management that I would love to give the author a big fat kiss:
The Creation
In the beginning was the plan
and then came the assumptions
and the assumptions were without form
and the plan was completely without substance
and darkness was put upon the faces of the workers
And they spake to their group heads saying;
"Its a crock of shit and it stinketh"
And the group heads went unto their section heads saying
"Its a pile of dung and none may abide
the odour thereof."
And the section heads went unto their managers and sayeth unto them
"It is a container of excrement,
and its very strong"
And the managers went unto their Director and sayeth to him
"It is a vessel of fertilizer
and none may abide its strength"
And the Directors went unto their Director General and sayeth:
"It contains that which aids plant growth
and it is very strong"
And the Director general went unto the assistant
Deputy minister and sayeth unto him
"It promoteth growth,
and it is very powerful"
And the ADM went to the Deputy minister and sayeth to him
"This powerful new plan will actively promote growth and
efficiency of the department and this area in particular"
and the Deputy Minister looked upon the plan and saw that it was good
and the plan became Policy.
HAVE A FUN FILLED WORK WEEK
Thursday, May 31, 2007
I HAD A FLING AND IT WAS…
Just when I thought that chocolates could no longer satisfy my sophisticated palate, the makers of Maltesers introduce Fling into the Australian market. Fling has not received massive TV advertising like Nestlé’s Kit Kat and it fails to be as fancy or as eye-catching as Cadbury’s Cherry Ripe. This simple yet delectable chocolate is plainly delivered in a white wrapper and worded in red.
So, why am I dedicating this blog to Fling chocolate? Is it because I have a lot of time on my hands? No, not at all. It is because I have not tasted a chocolate this good in the past 2 years. Being a chocolate connoisseur myself (yes I tend to believe I am, as I have tasted almost every chocolate in the market, specifically, the Western Australian market. Inclusive of those deliciously pricey, hand-made chocolates, made in one of the most famous wine regions of Australia (Margaret River), I think this is one of the best. Ohh…the taste is just orgasmic (for lack of a better word)-one bite and this smooth and creamy confection, made my taste buds start to party like it was 1975. I have never tasted a chocolate that has the ability to immediately melt in your mouth. In tandem with its ‘instant melting’ capacity, crispy chocolate and wafer pieces burst in your mouth creating immense heavenly pleasure.
Even at this very moment, my mouth has an insatiable need for Fling. I can’t stop thinking about you Fling…
Oh sorry. I almost forgot that I was writing a blog. You can now imagine how good Fling is.
Said in a seductive whisper: So, if Fling is in your region, just GO AND GET IT! If I am not wrong (and I am never wrong about chocolates), Fling, this divinely mouth-watering chocolate, will be worth your while.
Not said in a whisper. In fact it is said with fake sympathy, that is, fake 'woiyee, I wish I could send it to you': If it is not, well muhahhahhahha, I hope I have made you feel like you are or have missed something necessary in your life’s journey and I haven’t. LOL!
Seems like I am not the only one…
So, why am I dedicating this blog to Fling chocolate? Is it because I have a lot of time on my hands? No, not at all. It is because I have not tasted a chocolate this good in the past 2 years. Being a chocolate connoisseur myself (yes I tend to believe I am, as I have tasted almost every chocolate in the market, specifically, the Western Australian market. Inclusive of those deliciously pricey, hand-made chocolates, made in one of the most famous wine regions of Australia (Margaret River), I think this is one of the best. Ohh…the taste is just orgasmic (for lack of a better word)-one bite and this smooth and creamy confection, made my taste buds start to party like it was 1975. I have never tasted a chocolate that has the ability to immediately melt in your mouth. In tandem with its ‘instant melting’ capacity, crispy chocolate and wafer pieces burst in your mouth creating immense heavenly pleasure.
Even at this very moment, my mouth has an insatiable need for Fling. I can’t stop thinking about you Fling…
Oh sorry. I almost forgot that I was writing a blog. You can now imagine how good Fling is.
Said in a seductive whisper: So, if Fling is in your region, just GO AND GET IT! If I am not wrong (and I am never wrong about chocolates), Fling, this divinely mouth-watering chocolate, will be worth your while.
Not said in a whisper. In fact it is said with fake sympathy, that is, fake 'woiyee, I wish I could send it to you': If it is not, well muhahhahhahha, I hope I have made you feel like you are or have missed something necessary in your life’s journey and I haven’t. LOL!
Seems like I am not the only one…
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Pure Gold
These are the lyrics to the EWF song Pure Gold from their 2005 album, Illumination . Thought that they are very encouraging and thought that I should share this with you. You can listen to it at http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,3061321,00.html
Walk in the Light
That shines so bright
Let your soul feel right
Love is pure gold, yeah
[Bridge:]
Won't you wake up, wake up, walk in the Light
Won't you wake up, wake up, bring substance in your life
Won't you wake up, wake up, walk in the light
Won't you wake up, wake up, yeah
[Verse:]
Where's your heart, where's your pride
Has it all been pushed aside
Life is dreams living high, Yet no substance in your life
It's a hard world, I know, But don't give into the lies
You have always been a star, Everything you need's inside ... your heart
[Chorus:]
Oooh, you're life is special, really special, yeah
Your flesh just burns in your soul, Truth and lie were pleasure, they were pleasure
Riches come and go, Only Love is pure gold
[Verse:]
Many hearts, many lives have been touched when you realize
That you are worthy, you're the prize, But you have to heal inside
It's a hard world, I know, But don't give in to the lies
You have always been a star, Everything you need's inside
[Bridge 2:]
(Say 'ya) always on the ground (but cha), need some peace of mind (won't cha)
Slow down, take your time, there's a million ways to shine, yeah
(when 'ya)Let the whirly/wordly thing(s) (got cha) control your destiny
('Ya gotta) break or make a change (and then you'll find your stars will align)
Hey, your love will help you find your treasure, have mercy... yeah
As you live from day to day'
Cause only true love makes things better... yeah'
Walk in the Light
That shines so bright
Let your soul feel right
Love is pure gold, yeah
[Bridge:]
Won't you wake up, wake up, walk in the Light
Won't you wake up, wake up, bring substance in your life
Won't you wake up, wake up, walk in the light
Won't you wake up, wake up, yeah
[Verse:]
Where's your heart, where's your pride
Has it all been pushed aside
Life is dreams living high, Yet no substance in your life
It's a hard world, I know, But don't give into the lies
You have always been a star, Everything you need's inside ... your heart
[Chorus:]
Oooh, you're life is special, really special, yeah
Your flesh just burns in your soul, Truth and lie were pleasure, they were pleasure
Riches come and go, Only Love is pure gold
[Verse:]
Many hearts, many lives have been touched when you realize
That you are worthy, you're the prize, But you have to heal inside
It's a hard world, I know, But don't give in to the lies
You have always been a star, Everything you need's inside
[Bridge 2:]
(Say 'ya) always on the ground (but cha), need some peace of mind (won't cha)
Slow down, take your time, there's a million ways to shine, yeah
(when 'ya)Let the whirly/wordly thing(s) (got cha) control your destiny
('Ya gotta) break or make a change (and then you'll find your stars will align)
Hey, your love will help you find your treasure, have mercy... yeah
As you live from day to day'
Cause only true love makes things better... yeah'
Cause true love never fades away
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
My ying and yang
Many lessons learnt in the workplace past couple of weeks. I have understood and accepted my role (not the underpaid part of it :)) and continue to accept responsibility as it comes. I am fulfilled by the risk/reward factor involved at work, but constantly questioning the yield of the input/output equation. Overall it feels like career bootcamp of the year, and bottom line there is value somewhere in this 60+ hr week craziness. Stop me if i begin to sound preachy, but i think these are worth outlining, to remind myself in coming months if anything:
Lesson 1: Be the catalyst FOR change.
Lesson 2: If not yielding much, position yourself for CHANGE. John mayer croons "Power is made, from power being taken, so I run , to help my situation". In a sense he's right, but the flip side is that kind of power altering change is really happening everyday, so seeing the angles, anticipating it, and playing it neutral and until that opportunity arises is KEY. I'm trying to get better at this and run towards change, as opposed to away from it. It's paying off minimal returns so far, but the windfall will come.
Lesson 3: People will be obnoxious and selfish, deal with it and get on with what's important for you anyway.
Lesson 4: It's easy to get disgruntled, it's harder to chart a path out of disgruntlement. I have found the former is good fuel for the latter. Hunger = nature's way of pushing us to find some form of sustenance.
--
Life's bitch slap, what i call my ying yang factor, is a theory that asserts that you can't have ALL things going well for you at given time. If you think this is the case in your situation, you just haven't got an accurate snapshot of all contributing circumstances. Once you have got a full picture, you will realize that there are indeed MANY things looking up, and a commensurate, if not larger measure of things falling apart at that very given moment. The fun part (the slap) i guess is figuring out the one's that are falling apart and choosing how to move forward it. Somehow life is presenting itself as a series of bitch slaps and readjustments interspersed with the odd moments of laughter and surprise. ah well. Trying not to let the slap's sting steal my joy and small daily victories.
--
Interesting Music I've come across lately that's worth sharing:
Citizen cope - either you'll find awesome or that i am swiftly turning into a jungu!!! Album: clarence greenwood recordings is a good start if your not ati fully open to new music experiences.
Tumi - South african cat doing his thing. Good looks to Msanii for keeping me plugged in.
Watu wangu - wololo i needed a dose of diggz. Production value on this is raw and fresh. props! The first track Twende kazi by wawesh is neat.
--
Face book is a blog killer btw! Be warned - lakini si u guys join? i've been spending more and more time there.
Lesson 1: Be the catalyst FOR change.
Lesson 2: If not yielding much, position yourself for CHANGE. John mayer croons "Power is made, from power being taken, so I run , to help my situation". In a sense he's right, but the flip side is that kind of power altering change is really happening everyday, so seeing the angles, anticipating it, and playing it neutral and until that opportunity arises is KEY. I'm trying to get better at this and run towards change, as opposed to away from it. It's paying off minimal returns so far, but the windfall will come.
Lesson 3: People will be obnoxious and selfish, deal with it and get on with what's important for you anyway.
Lesson 4: It's easy to get disgruntled, it's harder to chart a path out of disgruntlement. I have found the former is good fuel for the latter. Hunger = nature's way of pushing us to find some form of sustenance.
--
Life's bitch slap, what i call my ying yang factor, is a theory that asserts that you can't have ALL things going well for you at given time. If you think this is the case in your situation, you just haven't got an accurate snapshot of all contributing circumstances. Once you have got a full picture, you will realize that there are indeed MANY things looking up, and a commensurate, if not larger measure of things falling apart at that very given moment. The fun part (the slap) i guess is figuring out the one's that are falling apart and choosing how to move forward it. Somehow life is presenting itself as a series of bitch slaps and readjustments interspersed with the odd moments of laughter and surprise. ah well. Trying not to let the slap's sting steal my joy and small daily victories.
--
Interesting Music I've come across lately that's worth sharing:
Citizen cope - either you'll find awesome or that i am swiftly turning into a jungu!!! Album: clarence greenwood recordings is a good start if your not ati fully open to new music experiences.
Tumi - South african cat doing his thing. Good looks to Msanii for keeping me plugged in.
Watu wangu - wololo i needed a dose of diggz. Production value on this is raw and fresh. props! The first track Twende kazi by wawesh is neat.
--
Face book is a blog killer btw! Be warned - lakini si u guys join? i've been spending more and more time there.
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Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Weekend trip observations
Had 2 days off last Thursday and Friday - decided to do something thats characteristic of me, in two ways - take a spontaneous (read:unplanned) lone road trip to Toronto. I'm not particularly fond of the city, rather my agenda was to see a good friend before she left the country.
My friend happens to be mixed asian, so I spent lots of time with her and her chinese pals - mostly Hong Kong Indonesian natives who in similar circumstances to mine came to Canada to study and were now working diaspora.
My discoveries, which may strike you as sweepingly ignorant generalities, are only observational notes that appear to be consistent:
1- Young asians here are sharper more focused than most diaspora i have interacted with since coming to canada.
2- They are incredibly hard working and often passionate about succeeding.
3- They are modest when it comes to furniture, but go all out when it comes to tech. This must point to some sort of frugality or honed spending habits.
4- Most young asians in the diaspora will go to great lengths to learn their language and culture, often travelling back to their home countries to learn the language.
5- It is incredibly difficult to estimate their age. I failed each time i tried.
6- Soju - Korean rice wine - is bloody fantastic. It is 20% alcohol, presenting itself like a fine mild vodka that goes down like tap water, and is just as refreshing. No pungent smell or aftertaste. It is drunk from a shotglass among friends during or after dinner, sometimes alongside an omena-like fried dish. Bottle was so good i bebad it back to Montreal and I'm still sippin sippin it from time to time.
Great learning experience overall. As Kenyan diaspora I think we are challenged to learn from a few of these salient features of the asian community abroad. It is in knowledge of self that we shall truly be liberated and successful in these distant lands.
My friend happens to be mixed asian, so I spent lots of time with her and her chinese pals - mostly Hong Kong Indonesian natives who in similar circumstances to mine came to Canada to study and were now working diaspora.
My discoveries, which may strike you as sweepingly ignorant generalities, are only observational notes that appear to be consistent:
1- Young asians here are sharper more focused than most diaspora i have interacted with since coming to canada.
2- They are incredibly hard working and often passionate about succeeding.
3- They are modest when it comes to furniture, but go all out when it comes to tech. This must point to some sort of frugality or honed spending habits.
4- Most young asians in the diaspora will go to great lengths to learn their language and culture, often travelling back to their home countries to learn the language.
5- It is incredibly difficult to estimate their age. I failed each time i tried.
6- Soju - Korean rice wine - is bloody fantastic. It is 20% alcohol, presenting itself like a fine mild vodka that goes down like tap water, and is just as refreshing. No pungent smell or aftertaste. It is drunk from a shotglass among friends during or after dinner, sometimes alongside an omena-like fried dish. Bottle was so good i bebad it back to Montreal and I'm still sippin sippin it from time to time.
Great learning experience overall. As Kenyan diaspora I think we are challenged to learn from a few of these salient features of the asian community abroad. It is in knowledge of self that we shall truly be liberated and successful in these distant lands.
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Saturday, February 10, 2007
She's gone
So am blogging finally.
My housemate of 3 years (above) is moving to Melbourne to do Med and I am extremely sad to see her go.. Imagine, she did the foundation course in 2005, unfortunately she couldn't get into Med,but she was invited to do Dentistry but she wanted to do Med and only Med.So she did the foundation course again last year, and fortunately she did get into Med.Truly a go-getter and will not settle for less.She's been there for me whenever I was down We would pig out or binge eat together, buying 2 large pizzas each, 2 litres of coke, cribas and chocos and watch 3 to 4 movies in succession on weekend nights.She gets me and it's important to have someone who gets you.We have soo much in common yet she has imtroduced me to this beautiful world of new stuff, stuff that I would never do, like eat Tofu or Dumplings or go for a game of squash.
So, this is to my dear dear housemate, thanks for everything, especially the laughter, much love and God be with you wherever you go.
So, that's the latest with me. Cheerio
Africa, Media, You.
Ever wanted to know how exactly to unlash that perfect kiss??
lol. Well now you do. Theres lots more where that came from; on Videojug.com - you'll never be bored again at work. I take cash and credit cards.
In an era of youtube boredome-killing tube ethos, can you really expect any less?
Seriously - I do NOT have cable tv. I don't have regular hangar arial tv either. My game console, the nintendo wii, has a web browser, so when wageni's come over I switch to stand up from eddie murphy, chris rock, or some other material that is the latest fodder for office cooler musing.
Actually i have this friend who is going to climb kilimanjaro soon - her first time to Africa she is kinda scared shitless. So while we are chatting about it, i decide to see whether theres any stuff on google regarding safaris etc. Wololo i stumble across videos of the mara wilderbeest migration, champaigne breakfasts on hot air baloons etc..Africa is transformed :) Thank you youtube & google!
In fact, so new-media are my TV watching trends that I have been eniterly hooked to a new show called battlestar Galactica - in three weeks, I had watched 3 ENTIRE seasons; over 40 episodes via torrent. So this is not new, but i still find it amazing..
It is a brand new paradigm. I watch what I want, when I want, How I want. That paradigm is not too far away or too far fetched for folks in Kenya either. Broadband penetration is making inroads into African cities through the likes of KDN, UUNET, telcoms Kenstream. (maybe not fast enough) We need that next level of entrpreneurs/matyrs to offer that additional layer of service that will allow us to define our own media.
But at that exact juncture - it hits me. As a mass market - who's watching what in Kenya? Is there even a mass market? What makes for great entertainment for the masses? I was very impressed by the traction gained by Tusker Project fame when i was back home, despite it being an overwhelming port of american idol with east african brands. is the the future of African media? I mean for that staggering 60% or so of Kenyans living under a dollar a day - what does entertainment mean??
Will they be ever in a position to enjoy/laugh what they want, how they want, when they want?? Access media, industry, business, social networks, enlightentment, surprise, knowledge at the click of a button?
That day must come. We have an obligation to make that day arrive. or we might as well be on another planet. We are the web. ALL of us.
lol. Well now you do. Theres lots more where that came from; on Videojug.com - you'll never be bored again at work. I take cash and credit cards.
In an era of youtube boredome-killing tube ethos, can you really expect any less?
Seriously - I do NOT have cable tv. I don't have regular hangar arial tv either. My game console, the nintendo wii, has a web browser, so when wageni's come over I switch to stand up from eddie murphy, chris rock, or some other material that is the latest fodder for office cooler musing.
Actually i have this friend who is going to climb kilimanjaro soon - her first time to Africa she is kinda scared shitless. So while we are chatting about it, i decide to see whether theres any stuff on google regarding safaris etc. Wololo i stumble across videos of the mara wilderbeest migration, champaigne breakfasts on hot air baloons etc..Africa is transformed :) Thank you youtube & google!
In fact, so new-media are my TV watching trends that I have been eniterly hooked to a new show called battlestar Galactica - in three weeks, I had watched 3 ENTIRE seasons; over 40 episodes via torrent. So this is not new, but i still find it amazing..
It is a brand new paradigm. I watch what I want, when I want, How I want. That paradigm is not too far away or too far fetched for folks in Kenya either. Broadband penetration is making inroads into African cities through the likes of KDN, UUNET, telcoms Kenstream. (maybe not fast enough) We need that next level of entrpreneurs/matyrs to offer that additional layer of service that will allow us to define our own media.
But at that exact juncture - it hits me. As a mass market - who's watching what in Kenya? Is there even a mass market? What makes for great entertainment for the masses? I was very impressed by the traction gained by Tusker Project fame when i was back home, despite it being an overwhelming port of american idol with east african brands. is the the future of African media? I mean for that staggering 60% or so of Kenyans living under a dollar a day - what does entertainment mean??
Will they be ever in a position to enjoy/laugh what they want, how they want, when they want?? Access media, industry, business, social networks, enlightentment, surprise, knowledge at the click of a button?
That day must come. We have an obligation to make that day arrive. or we might as well be on another planet. We are the web. ALL of us.
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Thursday, February 08, 2007
Straight outta luck Preacher Margaret?
Ouch - just read about the High court halting Bishop Wanjiru’s wedding It may appear that the "glory" might have temporarily evaded her.
"Kamangu wants the court to restore his conjugal rights, which he claims the Bishop had been denying him for several years now."
Restore conjugal rights. ROFLMAO!!!! Kenya ina maajabu kweli - and men there have some balls.
Then again - whoever once talked about Karma coming round to bite you in the behind may have been on to something. This guy, in all his audacity, could not have been lying low, scoping, watching, surreptitiously waiting for a time to pounce on poor preacher Margaret with this for NO GOOD REASON. These are some pretty high drama allegations here - it also appears that the dude isn't really after chums. (I sooo stand to be corrected here) I posit that this is a case of a brother meting out a repository of sweet vengeance. Vengeance for what - perhaps we shall never really know. But agenda there is.
But conjugal rights..geez, he really got me there. Is that even enforceable constitutionally or even via customary law? If so, surely, HOW? Better still, can women claim for their conjugal rights?
That said - there has never been such a thing as bad publicity - perhaps even for political office aspirants. Something tells me women in Kenya are going to rally behind "Ms" Wanjiru and her fight for matrimony - whats more this support will be the vindicating factor in her parliamentary run for Starehe. What about our deprived friend Mr Kamangu? I guess we'll find out in due time. I sure hope he enjoys his time in the limelight.
"Kamangu wants the court to restore his conjugal rights, which he claims the Bishop had been denying him for several years now."
Restore conjugal rights. ROFLMAO!!!! Kenya ina maajabu kweli - and men there have some balls.
Then again - whoever once talked about Karma coming round to bite you in the behind may have been on to something. This guy, in all his audacity, could not have been lying low, scoping, watching, surreptitiously waiting for a time to pounce on poor preacher Margaret with this for NO GOOD REASON. These are some pretty high drama allegations here - it also appears that the dude isn't really after chums. (I sooo stand to be corrected here) I posit that this is a case of a brother meting out a repository of sweet vengeance. Vengeance for what - perhaps we shall never really know. But agenda there is.
But conjugal rights..geez, he really got me there. Is that even enforceable constitutionally or even via customary law? If so, surely, HOW? Better still, can women claim for their conjugal rights?
That said - there has never been such a thing as bad publicity - perhaps even for political office aspirants. Something tells me women in Kenya are going to rally behind "Ms" Wanjiru and her fight for matrimony - whats more this support will be the vindicating factor in her parliamentary run for Starehe. What about our deprived friend Mr Kamangu? I guess we'll find out in due time. I sure hope he enjoys his time in the limelight.
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Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Data, 3rd world, music and some inspiration
Hans Rosling, a swedish researcher, debunks a few myths about the developing world with an urgent efficacy that is compelling to watch. The liberated data literally unfolds before your eyes...
Then move over jobs and the iphone - I then got wowed by and Jef Han's visionionary research on multitouch displays, a sensibly futuristic interface between man and computer. He didn't fail to mention (or at least imply) that it was scalable enough to throw on the 100 dollar computer....There's an even better vid with no yackedie yak, where Jeff just goes at it like hes in the Matrix..apologies to those @ sub broadband speeds..
As if that wasn't enough, watching the 11 year old violin prodigy Sirena Huan from Connecticut perform humbled me - like for real i need to haul some 24-yr-ol ass and develop a talent! How is such virtuosity achievable in a 5 years? Is this indigo child theory for real???
Its confirmed, TEDtalks is a resource too neat not to share.
Then move over jobs and the iphone - I then got wowed by and Jef Han's visionionary research on multitouch displays, a sensibly futuristic interface between man and computer. He didn't fail to mention (or at least imply) that it was scalable enough to throw on the 100 dollar computer....There's an even better vid with no yackedie yak, where Jeff just goes at it like hes in the Matrix..apologies to those @ sub broadband speeds..
As if that wasn't enough, watching the 11 year old violin prodigy Sirena Huan from Connecticut perform humbled me - like for real i need to haul some 24-yr-ol ass and develop a talent! How is such virtuosity achievable in a 5 years? Is this indigo child theory for real???
Its confirmed, TEDtalks is a resource too neat not to share.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Virtually insane in 2007
Much like Jay-z return, I'm unapologetic and evolved. I ask that you embrace this evolution and new-found cynicism. My respite away from blogging has been good.
Unlike Jordan's return, i think I've returned sharper, perhaps more poignant and less optimistic than before. I think you will want to keep up with my insights.
First order of business was to give the ol bugger of a page a facelift. I lost all my images, beloved flickr zeitgiest, and mzalendo banner; tsk tsk - to compensate in the short term I added my profile. A ka biased glimpse into me incase you were unaware. I'd love for blogger to add the noticeably absent functionality for adding the profiles of your team blog members. There you go Google. a million dollar idea. Hire me!( job frustration, can you tell !)
Second order of business: find out why on earth Virtual Insanity is no longer on the list of blogs aggregated by KBW. Even with infrequent posts and a readership thats nearly dwindled to zero - i find it ghastly to think that we may have been ostracized from this community without even so much as an email. If theres any remaining readers out there that belong to the KBW - can you kindly offer any insights as to why this may be?
Third order of business - Start talking about things that interest me - as bland as they may seem to you. Better get used to it :)
Unlike Jordan's return, i think I've returned sharper, perhaps more poignant and less optimistic than before. I think you will want to keep up with my insights.
First order of business was to give the ol bugger of a page a facelift. I lost all my images, beloved flickr zeitgiest, and mzalendo banner; tsk tsk - to compensate in the short term I added my profile. A ka biased glimpse into me incase you were unaware. I'd love for blogger to add the noticeably absent functionality for adding the profiles of your team blog members. There you go Google. a million dollar idea. Hire me!( job frustration, can you tell !)
Second order of business: find out why on earth Virtual Insanity is no longer on the list of blogs aggregated by KBW. Even with infrequent posts and a readership thats nearly dwindled to zero - i find it ghastly to think that we may have been ostracized from this community without even so much as an email. If theres any remaining readers out there that belong to the KBW - can you kindly offer any insights as to why this may be?
Third order of business - Start talking about things that interest me - as bland as they may seem to you. Better get used to it :)
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Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Great Lakes Adventure...chapter 2
Bujumbura…capital city of Burundi…and a bustling, living city that is just in the final stages of re-establishing order and peace after years of insecurity. I must say that despite the marked difference of development in Kigali and Bujumbura…and by that I mean, under-developed roads, aging infrastructure and power shortages among other indicators, Bujumbura was alive and real. There also seemed to be a lot more police/ army presence in the city…in addition to the UN Mission in Burundi.
Night one, just after we arrived, we began to look for a hotel, and ended up staying at this place, Hotel de l’Amitie, which was not overly impressive and quite over priced considering we were not even being given breakfast. Needless to say we were just there for the night and made a point to find somewhere that was more affordable and that had meals…
In the morning, we moved to the Anglican Church Guest house, much much much MUCH more affordable…and the director there was actually kind of cute.;) the only odd thing about this place, was that we had a curfew….so basically you had to be in before 11 or you would sleep out.
Initially the plan was to be there for two days, and then head over to Bukavu, but because we were soo busy with meetings, we decided to stay in Bujumbura for the weekend (Saturday..) and sightsee. We went to the market…and shopped!!! And then we went to the beach (la plage…) and had some of the freshest fish I have ever eaten! We even witnessed part of a traditional Burundi-an wedding.
Next day we were on the road again..this time heading to Bukavu in Easter DRC.
Quite the adventure to put it mildly; let’s just say that what was supposed to be a 3 hour trip ended up being a 7 hour ordeal, featuring ‘friendly and thirsty’ border officials, entry visa scams and phantom vaccinations.
Grace a Dieu (thanks to God), we made it to Bukavu before nightfall. EXHAUSTED but safe!
Chapter 3, Eastern DRC coming up
Night one, just after we arrived, we began to look for a hotel, and ended up staying at this place, Hotel de l’Amitie, which was not overly impressive and quite over priced considering we were not even being given breakfast. Needless to say we were just there for the night and made a point to find somewhere that was more affordable and that had meals…
In the morning, we moved to the Anglican Church Guest house, much much much MUCH more affordable…and the director there was actually kind of cute.;) the only odd thing about this place, was that we had a curfew….so basically you had to be in before 11 or you would sleep out.
Initially the plan was to be there for two days, and then head over to Bukavu, but because we were soo busy with meetings, we decided to stay in Bujumbura for the weekend (Saturday..) and sightsee. We went to the market…and shopped!!! And then we went to the beach (la plage…) and had some of the freshest fish I have ever eaten! We even witnessed part of a traditional Burundi-an wedding.
Next day we were on the road again..this time heading to Bukavu in Easter DRC.
Quite the adventure to put it mildly; let’s just say that what was supposed to be a 3 hour trip ended up being a 7 hour ordeal, featuring ‘friendly and thirsty’ border officials, entry visa scams and phantom vaccinations.
Grace a Dieu (thanks to God), we made it to Bukavu before nightfall. EXHAUSTED but safe!
Chapter 3, Eastern DRC coming up
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Great Lakes Adventure...chapter 1
My absence from the blogosphere for so long…this time,…has thankfully not been because of laziness, nor has it been caused by poor internet connections. I have been preparing to embark…and actually embarked on…a 2 week Great Lakes Region Adventure.
So I decided to take my time to try and compile some of the thoughts and experiences and realizations that came to me as I journeyed…and now…sitting in a speed boat upon Lake Kivu…with my old but trusted Ibook….i present to you part 1.
So…why am I on this adventure?.
As most of you ,know…I moved back to Kenya permanently to resettle here and find work and be in the land that I love. So as I have been hunting for the elusive ‘perfect’ job, I have been working with my dad…being the glorified family KYM…and loving EVERY moment of it…particularly the flexibility that it affords.
So then this phenomenal opportunity presented itself about 3 weeks back…to assist an institution called KIPPRA, along with Kenya Pipeline with some research that they were carrying out in the region…East and Central Africa. Why me? Well…in 3 of the countries that were part of the study….French is the preferred or official national language and wouldn’t you know it…..there was no French speaker in the team.
So…despite the fact that research is not my passion….and the professional fee was not going to be very much at all…here was an awesome opportunity to start working towards one of my personal goals ‡ to see all countries in Africa by 2016 (…any takers?)
Flight, accommodation and per diem taken care of….we boarded the plane for Kigali on Sunday 29th of October. Team of 7… 3 research assistants, two KIPPRA staff and 2 KPC staff.
The flight went from NBI to Kigali via Bujumbura was relatively uneventful and we arrived by about 4pm.
Rwanda, land of One Thousand Hills, is a BEAUTIFUL country. Smooth roads; lovely, humble people who are literally amazing, especially if one really thinks about the fact that it has only been 12 years since the official end of the genocide. The country and its government has made extraordinary strides to development and reconstruction of its infrastructure as well as a decided effort to restore pride in the country….not as Hutu or Tutsi…but as Rwandese. The order that is so evident everywhere is admirable…first thing you think is …can Kenya take a leaf out of this book?
But then there was also a slightly unsettling feeling that popped up as I was thinking about what I was witnessing in Kigali….is it really this organized…or is this artificial order? A façade for the benefit of the foreign investors and groups that are flocking to invest in what promises to be one of the region leaders.
We stayed at this guest house cum motel …One Hill, and it was clean, simple and very affordable. Had some extremely successful meetings (…big ups to the staff at the Kenyan Embassy, really helpful, knowledgeable and welcoming), visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and learned a lot there about the history of this country. We even visited the “Mille Collines’ Hotel which is more popularly known as Hotel Rwanda.
Next stop, after 3 days in Kigali was a drive to Bujumbura, Burundi. Quite a drive, but the roads are phenomenal albeit extremely hilly and winding. Oh….how can I forget,…the CRAZY driver who thought it was a great idea to overtake at blind corners on a hill at a speed of 130km/.h!!! Wasn’t really impressed with that but thank God we made it just in time to avoid one of the territory border closures….
….chapter 2, B’ura coming up .
Monday, November 13, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
of ballers and wisdom
i watched coach carter, ya i know it's old like woa, but i watched it not only for the basketball that i was hopin to learn, but also for the lessons that the real coach carter passed on to his players. This http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0393162/quotes is truly something special!
Triangulation
sup cowi must admit twas a good day in the office after i saw that!good laugh
so how are things goin on in here? after readin viki's breakdown of bold and beautiful, i believe I've arrived at some conclusion:
wonder what cut to wangu, and the other peeps on a vow of silence
so how are things goin on in here? after readin viki's breakdown of bold and beautiful, i believe I've arrived at some conclusion:
- all those actors/cast are nyphos, or atleast their characters are
- that is inbreeding to a whole new level- they should stop kiddin us that those lovechildren look awesome, whenn we know that they should come out like some quadrapedal cyclops!
- that is one of the reasons of broken homes in kenya
- but it is also makin our folks cool!
wonder what cut to wangu, and the other peeps on a vow of silence
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