Michael Jackson - Man in the Arena

As we try to discover what it is we really felt about Michael Jackson, more so given what characterised his life in the last decade, lets remember what Theodore Roosevelt once said many years ago in speech entitled "Man in the Arena"...

"It's not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worth cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat"

Its still academic whether MJ did indeed take part in the horrendous things that he was accused of doing or if, and I strongly suspect this, there were just too many clever gold diggers around him. Since he openly lived his life as a child and surrounded himself with children - child molestation was a strong case his accusers could make given his "Peter Pan-ism". At his more recent trial, Larry King, who had spoken to one of the lawyers representing one of Jackson's accusers, became privy to some information that would have rubbished that case, but was not allowed to testify in Michael's defence. So the jury really is still out on that.

That he had many plastic surgeries really is a non-issue - a personal issue and had to do with bad choices which we all make sometimes. It never diminished or dulled his abilities. Indeed, it will be a really long time until we see another icon like Michael Jackson - even Barack Obama cannot ever hope to enjoy the same level of worldwide appeal spanning nearly 40 years that Jackson did.

MJ must have died a troubled and broken man - inundated with debt, grappling with failing health, judged harshly by some sections of society, branded as a child molester and still believing he could rebound. That is even more tragic than his death which has at least offered him release from that anguish.

Annexing and Dividing Somalia ....another look

I earlier mentioned a recent article in which the writer offered up a novel solution to Somalia (and piracy). Several ripostes have since been published - one by an individual who I have always thought is really very brilliant - and regret he is not in government. I speak of Billow Kerrow - this is his rejoinder.

There is also a response from a writer based in Asmara - whose response is more war like (understandably under the circumstances since its his country at stake). .

Mayor Majiwa...what happened?

I watched a report on TV a while back, about the Nairobi Mayor, Geoffrey Majiwa, raiding various business premises and getting into all manner of alteractions with security guards and directors - apparently the businesses were flaunting all manner of city laws and labour laws. I was impressed - here was a man fighting for workers rights (while the Ministry of Labour concerns itself with other issues like who is at the helm of NSSF and while COTU...well...nuff said. What has COTU done after workers have been burnt to death because they have been locked up overnight in factories?)

Anyway, this was a good thing but somehow the whole issue has died down. It would have been laughable if the Minister of Labour came out to defend his turf! So today, October 9th 2008, there are still thousands of workers in Kenya, drawing minimum wages, working under inhumane conditions (no gloves, no medicare, no helmets, transported like bricks, etc) who are driving the factories and construction companies - said industries now being given an attentive ear because of their complaints about power tariffs. Is that not ridiculous?


And can some PLEASE update (or delete) this City Council website?

Where's the friggin "Mass Action" when we need it?

I address this to Anyang Nyongo, Raila Odinga and all those from whose lips the phrase "mass action" spewed forth in the early part of 2008. When the election was it doubt,, you screamed mass action. You held fistfuls of media microphones and uttered these words at every every point and turn.

Now, Kenyan's ARE suffering - Kenyans to whom you as ODM touted Social Democracy. Fuel still stands above Kshs 100 per litre when really , after factoring in the decline of the shilling, it should be around Kshs 88-92. Food prices have doubled or even trebled. Transport costs, electricity costs, etc. Why are you not calling for MASS ACTION now?

Was mass action meant to help YOU politicians draw fat salaries (and not pay taxes). To help you buy big cars to drive on roads built by tax payers? Tell us, please be frank. Even die hard PNU and ODM-K supporters would join in your mass action now - if you called for it. We'd boycott even the unbranded fuel stations - we'd blockade caltex, shell, kenol, kobil, etc.

Unless of course your definition (and purpose) is :
MASS ACTION - when hundreds or thousands of uneducated, ignorant, poor, down trodden people, take risks, bullets and tear gas....for politicians seeking power.

Google's Mail Goggles

Another great google idea - to keep people from sending messages late in the night (when they are most likely intoxicated). Google Mail Goggles makes you perform some tasks to ascertain your sobriety - if you pass the test, you may press "send".

Some details here

{o)

A novel solution to the problem of Somalia & piracy

I expected, in this article, to read the usual ignorant rambling on Somalia and yet another impracticable solution that makes everyone happy and looks good on paper. But alas, that is not always possible.

The writer proposes that both Kenya and Ethiopia annex Somalia and divide it in two halves.

I must admit I have always favoured dictatorship and force - but ONLY in an environment where it serves the GREATEST good. Yes, the horn region is suffering on account of Somalia. International trade and relief work are also affected. But is this the way to go?

Read the article here

Calling God...mteja hapatikani - what women, asses and black dogs have in common.

I do not mean to cause our Muslim brothers any offence - but according to this link, its says that when a Muslim is at prayer, if a woman, ass (donkey?) or black dog crosses his path - and comes between him and the Qaba, his prayers are "annulled" and that he needs to start over again. Is this true? is it done?

Also, I have heard that black dogs are perceived as the embodiment of the devil...and that they should be killed - fact or fiction?

Picture here is Shadow (female, mongrel, abt 4 yrs old, very lazy dog).