201 Street » Society

The Arrest of the Anti Corruption Leader in Nigeria

Brody — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:59:22 +0000

The well known Nigerian founder of the anti-corruption agency, the ANLC-Association Nigerienne de Lutte contre la Corruption, was arrested over the weekend as he traveled across the capital city of Nigeria. Maman Abou created the agency, known in English as the Niger Fight Against Corruption Association, was captured in the city of Niamey. Upon leaving the house of another member of his agency he was arrested by the Republican he was taken into custody by the Nigerian Republican Guard as he was switching taxi cabs.

Since Saturday, August 22, Maman has not been allowed to contact his lawyer, and he is being held without an explanation as to the charges that are alleged against him. He is a leading proponent in the idea of transparency in government affairs, which calls for ethical government practices and accountability of those politicians in regards to the their actions. He had recently attained the position of the Secretary General of a network of organizations that intend to preserve and protect Democracy, this during times when politically speaking, the country of Niger is in turmoil.

He wrote a letter to the president of the country, Mamadou Tandja last month, calling upon the president to respect the laws that are intended to safeguard the citizens of his country, to guarantee that due process of law and justice will reign, and that the institutions of democracy would further support the accountability and transparency policies. These policies have been enacted in many democratic countries, including the United States, as a way of ensuring honest and open and ethical practices among politicians specifically, but are put to use quite often in the business and financial sectors as well. Many protesters were arrested in Niger over the weekend, they were protesting the changes Tandja was putting forth to the country’s Constitution, however Maman had not been part of the protest.

The Arrest of the Anti Corruption Leader in Nigeria is a post from: 201 Street

Simple Reasons for the Enforcement of the Anti-Corruption Policies

Brody — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:30:08 +0000

The anti-corruption movement, or fight, has been gaining momentum recently, due to the focus of international organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization for the Economic Cooperation and Development. Conventions are held regularly to discuss the principles of the ways in which corruption is fought. Private businesses joined in the fight a few years ago, and there are a number of reasons why it is so important for the involvement of all private companies throughout the world. The first reason is quite simple, corruption is inherently and ethically wrong. It is one the worst forms of the mis-use of position and power, and impacts those most who are among the disadvantaged and poorer populations in a community. The reputation of an entire region can be damaged by a case of corruption, leaving all those left to deal with the consequences in a difficult financial state. It is just the right way for businesses to operate and the only response when corruption is discovered must be legal penalization.

This also affects business, in that each and every company must concern themselves with the risks involved should they chose to participation in the criminal activities involved with corruption. Whether a company is involved in bribery, fraud or money laundering, the legal risks and ramifications are great. It is not only illegal in the United States to practice corrupt transactions within the country, it is also illegal for companies, located in the United States, to practice corrupt ventures in all countries. This was first indoctrinated in 1977 by the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. It is more and more becoming a policy that is held in other countries as well. For agencies to enforce the anti-corruption policies and legislation in the was difficult, due to the non-participation of some of the countries, however the regulations, the laws and the enforcement has been changing. The mean and the opportunities which allowed those criminal activities to take are diminishing, and it is becoming more difficult for companies to even figure out how to get around the laws and the systems.

Simple Reasons for the Enforcement of the Anti-Corruption Policies is a post from: 201 Street

Going Green in India

Brody — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:06:14 +0000

It was strange when I arrived to my room at a Five Star Hotel India and was bombarded with placards on the bed, on the dresser-drawers, on the bathroom counter and posted on the door was way with which I could go green while enjoying my stay in India. Apparently, The Maharashtra government and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board along with the Department of Environment have all gotten together and have made it a huge project to make all tourist aware of how to help India in her attempts to reduce the impact and amount of harm all of us tourist can cause.

I appreciated that the hotel provided me with a traditional wind-up alarm clock rather than using an electronic one. The placard said I would be saving almost 48 grams of carbon dioxide each day. Another placard by the lamps said that they have switched from using 60 watt light bulbs and replaced them with a more energy-saving fluorescent bulb. This will produce four times less greenhouse gas emissions.

When I was eating in my hotel room, the hotel also offered me a free newspaper. On the front page reported that the budget for the ‘afforestation’s programme’ which was announced yesterday by The Maharashtra government will bring down the sales tax on composting machines used for making compost from organic solid waste. The Indian government is appealing to its people to unite to combat climate change. Asking everyone to pitch in to do their part in reducing carbon emissions. So, it seems that even the tourist industry is doing it’s part to help. I’m kind of glad, in a way, that they are. I feel somehow better for travelling to an already stressed out country and not adding to the stress and doing my part in helping with such simple ideas as reusing my shower towels and not getting new clean sheets put on my bed everyday. Simple really.

Going Green in India is a post from: 201 Street

The Whale Watching Along Coast of Australia

Brody — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:31:27 +0000

The humpback whales migrate along the coasts of Australia every winter. During this time there are many locations along the beaches that are equipped with hydrophones, which allow whale-watchers the opportunities to listen in on the mysterious communications between whales, and viewing decks which offer the best possible views of these creatures as they make their way. Along the Western coast of Australia, some of the best spots to catch these creatures, that at one time were close to extinction, are the Bay at Geographe, Albany and Dunsborough. In Albany there is an educational site as well, that offers lectures, seminars and guided tours out onto the ocean making it possible for tourists to not only enjoy the landscapes during this season, but allows them the opportunity to partake in one of the most significant aspects of the journey, which is the mating season.

And during the more temperate months of April and May they are seen regularly off the coast of Southern Australia. All in all, there are six months out of the year that the coast of the continent is surrounding by the whales in the Atlantic Ocean. Many travelers spend many months during this season, traveling via land along with the humpbacks. South Australia is a wonderful location to catch the breeding and birthing. And many cruises are set up to coincide with the various aspects of the life cycle. From the coasts of Ceduna, one can watch the whales as they do the slow motion acrobatics so famous in many of the photographs. This is a perfect opportunity for those would be photos, as in Ceduna there are viewing platforms situated such that the whales come so close one can literally almost reach out and touch them. Boats also head out each day from the whale sanctuary, Head of Bight.

Further along in the season one can watch the births of the calves from Victoria and from Sydney. In both locations, the whales are present in the waters for many weeks at a time as the newly born calves nurse and gain strength to continue on with the rest of the heard. During this time, the adolescents and the older males stay further out to sea, and the resorts of Victoria and the luxury hotels Sydney operates often schedule cruises in order to give those a chance to take amazing looks as the last months of the feeding time are carried out in these locations. One is able to catch incredible glimpses from the land, such as The Gap, which is located in the southern portion of Sydney. This is a wonderful experience for those choosing to travel to Australia in the winter months.

The Whale Watching Along Coast of Australia is a post from: 201 Street

Valencia’s Nino Bravo

Brody — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:06:04 +0000

For 5-star hotels, Valencia is a veritable feast. The city is the third largest in Spain, and its location on the Mediterranean coast makes it absolutely heavenly. A place that gets repeat visits from tourists who are looking for paradise on earth, Valencia offers the best of many worlds. For urban excitements, natural splendor, and the warm atmosphere of a beach, where the temperature is perfection, Valencia really has it all. The hotels here are a reflection of the place, with a splendid combination of warmth and hospitality, and all the amenities of contemporary living.

The city is a constant buzz of activity, and there are plenty of things for tourists here to find and enjoy. Restaurants that have some of the finest cooking in the world, nightlife that is dazzling and extremely lively, and a very rich cultural scene are always evident here. Culturally, it has a long and fascinating history, but there are few cultural icons more beloved here than Nino Bravo. Born Luis Manuel Ferri Llopis, this Spanish singer lived a mere 28 years, but caused a sensation that will be felt for many generations to come, and some predict, long into antiquity.

His glory years started in 1969, when the singer, who was a very shy child, sang in front of an audience for the first time. He was never convinced he had a voice anyone would consider listening to, but this event certainly changed his perceptions of himself. By all accounts, anyone who has heard him live can testify to the power of his voice, and his recordings are stunning additions to any musical collection. He would go on to enter singing contests in the following years, and developed a very large fan base in Latin America along with his native Spain. His popularity was soaring at the moment of his untimely death. He had a child, and another daughter on the way, when he lost his life in an automobile accident. Many writers speak about the absurd death of Nino Bravo, and he is widely remembered throughout Spain and Latin America. But there is no place where he is more beloved than his native Valencia.

Valencia’s Nino Bravo is a post from: 201 Street

New York Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall

Brody — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:31:16 +0000

This past week, the people in New York celebrated Gay Pride along with other major cities that celebrate during the last week of June such as Houston, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle. Many celebrations took place in each of the five boroughs as well. This year the celebrations were particularly fantastic as this was the fortieth anniversary of Stonewall. This year five major events took place, along with the smaller events happening throughout the city. Many traveled to celebrated the anniversary in the city wherein the riots occurred and the 5 star New York hotels were entirely booked. The opening rally was on June 20, 2009, then following throughout the week was PRIDEfest, the parade, the Dance on the Pier, and finally the Rapture on the River. Each of these events took place in the Village, close to Chelsea.

Bryant Park hosted the opening Rally, which ran from 2 to 6. Many local celebrities spoke at the rally, including one of the New York Senators, Tom Duane. Local poets and actors performed and spoke to the many who were in attendance. Two dances were held, one on Saturday at Pier 54, and the final dance of the week long celebration was on Sunday, also at the Pier 54. This particular dance came about during a time when gay friends were not able to dance with each other, or show affection without fear of being harmed or injured. This is in a way, a protest of dance and music has become tradition, and celebrates how far society has come. This is the gathering place once the march is over, where those in attendance dance throughout the night to live music and fireworks displays. The PRIDEfest did not take place in 2007, as there was a dispute over issues related to parking, but this year many street entertainers, vendors, artists and organizations had their booths set up on Hudson Street and many attended the gathering that ran from 11 in the morning until 7 o’clock Sunday night.

New York Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall is a post from: 201 Street

Chowpatty Beach in India

Brody — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:59:10 +0000

When one visits the country and stays in a heritage hotel, India ones visit will become even more incredible, become an experience one will never forget. There are many famous museums, and heritage sites located throughout the entire country. And at some point, one may wish to escape the crowds and the bustle of the towns and the cities and head to the beach, where the tranquility and the serenity will clear the head and the heart of many over-stimulated tourists. The beaches of India are beautiful expanses that over look lush green landscapes and clear blue waters. It is no wonder that many painters and artists travel through the country with just a back pack, some paints, canvas and a few brushes.

Chowpatty is one beach that many know of and insist that when visiting their country, this beach must be part of every tour. During the day one may swim or sunbath, but what this beach has become famous for is the food. All ages travel here, just outside of Mumbai, for when the sun sets and evening beginnings, people fill the sand in search of delectables found at the kiosks. There are ferry boat rides and people selling balloons, quite a festive atmosphere every day of the week.

This is also the location which hosts many varied festivals throughout the year. The Hindu festivals bring people together, such as the Festival for Ganesha Chaturthi, and the annual Festival of Coconuts. India is encapsulated in the idea of strata, but for these festivals those from every status attend, be it the artists or the businessmen. Many rest up during the day, under the trees on the sand, for each night the carnival happens, complete with palm readers, ponies and carnival rides. There are shooting galleries and street side massage tables, monkeys and snakes, similar to the Southern California beach, Venice. Food stalls are set up along the board walk, and the general population hangs out here en mass. There are surrounding beaches that offer a bit more peace and quiet, but at least once, one must experience the sunset at Chowpatty.

Chowpatty Beach in India is a post from: 201 Street

Delhi Film Archive

Brody — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:54:08 +0000

When travelers come to Delhi, India, hotels are the center, the new home, however temporary, to base the journey from. We think that the hotel, then, should be a splendid offering that is the best of all worlds. With a luxurious combination of new world design and style, with old world graciousness and comfort, there is something to please every guest. The hotel can be the hideaway from the rest of the world, or it can be the place where one rejuvenates before going out to have adventures. Delhi certainly has its share of possibilities for adventure. There are fantastic sights, eats, and diversions to make for an immensely memorable stay.

Delhi is one of the longest continually-inhabited cities on the planet, and it has attracted creative people as well as technology and science experts, drawn by the promise of living at one of the world’s centers. There is also a very lively film culture now, too. One sign of the health of the industry here, certainly, is the Delhi Film Archive. This organization, dedicated to the dissemination of documentary and short films, is Delhi’s chapter of the Films For Freedom, a coalition of groups that formed in 2003 in response to trends toward censorship in India’s public spaces. Their other goals are toward developing a screening culture for diverse films in the region, as well as raising awareness of the extent of censorship, and offering ways to work against trends toward silence.

This organization is responsible for organizing a host of fascinating film events, and their involvement usually signifies a savvy presence on a project. Members of the Delhi Film Archive are constantly putting together public screenings of films linked together through content and theme, and generally improving the artistic life here. Speaking clearly and articulately is, for them, the best chance that the human spirit has for working against forms of oppression and repression. Art is deeply connected with human rights, and the list of filmmakers involved in the Delhi Film Archive demonstrates a promising roster of young artists whose career trajectories will be fascinating to watch.

Delhi Film Archive is a post from: 201 Street

Messiah, Delhi Punk

Brody — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:45:07 +0000

There is something completely unique about Delhi, best hotels being the ones that live long in the memory, and the entire place will stay with you long after you leave. The city is a flood of human energy, constantly in motion. The hotels are designed to give you the rest and rejuvenation you deserve, so you can spend more time participating in the lively arts of existing in the city here. There is a little bit of everything in Delhi, a city that is truly in touch with history and the future. The luxury of the hotels here, however, will put you firmly and happily in the middle of the present. Stylish and cutting edge in design, there is the best of old and new worlds here, combined to make you feel right at home.

The city is a wonderful haven for artists and writers, and has attracted all walks of life, from all over the world, during its long history of human habitation. In music, there are masters from all types of classical music, from traditional Indian, to traditional European. There are contemporary musicians who are mastering the latest sounds of youth culture in local and world music. But for punk rock, one should look at Messiah. After having been together for eight years, they released their first album in 2005, the Antidote. It is a heady mix of punk rock philosophy and rapid and uncontrolled rhythms, to make for a musical experience that is very exciting.

Their first gig was at an all-girls’ college in New Delhi, an auspicious beginning for any band of three young men with nothing but music and dreams. They distinguished themselves very early on by being able to play their own compositions, and their intelligence and articulateness are quite contagious. Although the album is only seven songs long, it seems complete, as a kind of anthem to the here-and-now of contemporary Delhi. It is simultaneously an annunciation and a formal complaint, and is a perfect introduction to the contradictions of punk rock for the dispossessed teens living in this part of the globe. Unfortunately for this part of the globe, however, Messiah has not been seen playing for awhile, and have only had brief sightings on trains, which adds to the mystique, and makes their fan base wondering when there will be more to come. A perfect punk rock existential riff on waiting plays here, waiting for their entrance again.

Messiah, Delhi Punk is a post from: 201 Street

Southern Ink Xposure – Tattoo You, South Africa

Brody — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:29:46 +0000

Put your worries in our hands, and we’ll make car hire in South Africa an easy process. Our aim is to get you on the road so you can have adventures right away. You’ll love South Africa, it’s got something for everyone. The birthplace of humanity, everything is here, and sometimes all at the same time.

Make sure to give yourself plenty of opportunities to improvise in your travels here. There are probably a thousand good suggestions for things to see and do, but some of the best memories are made when you decide to follow your nose. But to start, there are some wonderful things here. Nature is displayed here in wildness and splendor, and there are plenty of good tours to join to get a taste of the jungle. There are also some fantastic cultural fairs, festivals, and parades, that will give some fascinating windows on South Africa’s present and past. The historical interest here cannot be overstated, since it has seen some of the most incredible revolutions in recent times. Nightclubs are lively and fascinating, and the restaurants have some of the most amazing world cuisines on the planet. And if you’re looking for tattoo culture, that’s here, too!

2009 saw Cape Town’s first ever international ink festival, Southern Ink Xposure. This tattoo convention sees itself as the counterpart to the Northern Ink Xposure convention in Toronto. It was held over two days, and tattooed people from all over South Africa, and the world, showed up, to see the latest and the greatest in tattoo art. Tattoo parlors sent their best artists to demonstrate and to learn, and there was even a full line-up of local music, with aKING, the Shy Guevaras, Taxi Violence, and the Mochines. They also included charity events and panel discussions, and the intention is to make the Southern Ink Xposure a regular fixture on the international tattoo circuit. Held at the Cape Town Convention Center, this event will not be forgotten.

Southern Ink Xposure – Tattoo You, South Africa is a post from: 201 Street