Monday, August 30, 2010

““Philosophy” of shame” plus 3 more

““Philosophy” of shame” plus 3 more


“Philosophy” of shame

Posted: 29 Aug 2010 04:16 AM PDT

By Andrei Munteanu  The first president of the Republic of Moldova – Mr. Mircea Snegur – while being interviewed by a journalist on the occasion of Independence Day, pretended to "give a lesson", which unveils not only his incapacity to do something tangible for the country, but rather – attempts to at least alleviate the citizens' hardships in his country, in a way which, mildly could be called – manipulative.

The ex-president tries to teach the population that: "…we should not confound the independence of the state with economic independence".

This kind of philosophy has been being promoted and disseminated among the Moldovan population like subliminal messages, in a whole series of tricky manners, and unfortunately, it is still there.

Judging by his words it is easily perceivable that the ex-president tries to elude from the sensitive issue of independence at all, and also the fact that he, personally, does not seem to believe in what he has been pretending to promote during his presidency and afterwards.

By these words the former president either (i) subjects to real doubt any kind of independence of the Republic of Moldova, or (ii) that eventually, he seems to confuse "economic independence" with "economic partnership" among countries. So, it is quite wondering - doesn't he understand that any kind of inter-countries economic partnerships should no way mean giving up part of anyone's independence?

Reasonably speaking – could we ever think of any kind of independence without economic independence? To me it is very doubtful. If Mr. ex-president indulges to admit this kind of confusion in his stance – one could hardly think he may have ever believed and acted for what he has been talking about, as president and afterwards. At he same time, once he touches upon this subject, it means most probably he admits a deliberate speculation on this sensitive issue.

This is an obvious dichotomy which unveils the mismatch between words and actions of a political leader. This seems to be nothing but an acknowledgement of a philosophy of his presidency failure, and/or deliberate political tricking, and saying so with hope that may be nobody will understand… what he really means.

Judging by the words of the ex-president one could easily admit that no use to strive for any "economic independence", because once you get "statehood independence" - one's problems are solved; why strive for more?

At the same time, behind this stance it seems like discussion of independence in the Republic of Moldova has been mostly a "window-dressing" subject, a lip-service at highest level in the political rhetoric of the country, and now, when real steps are undertaken in this regard by current political leaders, he thinks may be this kind of "philosophy" is quite timely to be reminded… If there is no credible independence there is no real freedom, and Mircea Snegur's words sound like: "Take care of what you want…".

It is also a display of the fact that in the Republic of Moldova, at least during the time-span of his being president – no tangible measures and efforts have been done to really achieve any kind of independence; or, that little has been done to consolidate the independence of the country, in terms of economic performance and capacity building of a nation. Let alone his, and many others of his allies', attitude towards education in this country.

Just to paraphrase Mr. ex-president, and based on previous experience of the Republic of Moldova, I can conclude that one can never think of any statehood independence without economic independence, and, if there is no economic independence, based on which a nation could build parity-based economic partnerships at international level – may be rather just avoid this issue in "speeches", rather than leaving room for "neo-illusionism" emergence in Moldova.

If this philosophy is to be taken for granted, one could easily be tempted to justify corruption as something that has never done anything wrong to the economic strength of a country and no one can ever claim that he – the former president – may have tolerated, and even contributed, to its wide-spreading in the country.
 

Images




This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php
Five Filters featured article: "Peace Envoy" Blair Gets an Easy Ride in the Independent.

Philosophy of self-examination inspires creative tradition

Posted: 29 Aug 2010 03:29 AM PDT

 

For 20 years, the art gallery of the Jung Association of Central Ohio has showcased journeys of self-discovery.

The two-part exhibit "Dreaming Pathways: Celebrating 20 Years of the Jung Association Gallery" will mark the anniversary at two locations: the JungHaus in the Short North and High Road Gallery in Worthington.

The displays sample works in a variety of mediums by 26 artists who have exhibited at the JungHaus since its start.

Built on the philosophies of Carl Jung ("yoong"), a Swiss psychiatrist, the association encourages an awareness of one's surroundings and a full exploration of oneself.

"When people are in their 40s and 50s, they look back and say: 'Is this who I really am? Is this who I really wanted to be?'" said Claire Hagan-Bauza, one of the association founders and the gallery coordinator.

Many people, she said, begin to explore parts of themselves they never recognized.

"That includes exploring dreams, making art, writing poetry. A lot of creative processes are part of that journey."

The association exhibited artwork from its start in 1990.

Not all the artists have been "Jungians," Hagan-Bauza said, but all have created works built around their life experiences.

One of the newer artists is a mother whose sculptures and paintings reveal the grieving process after the death of her 19-year-old son.

Another new artist is a lawyer who paints to help him relax from the demands and tensions of his job.

Mary Jane Alford, who died in July, was the first artist to exhibit in the gallery. She is the only one who will have works - paintings and collages that represent her exploration of her dreams - at both sites.

The exhibits include paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, collages, photographs and fiber works in styles from realistic to abstract.

Through the years, Hagan-Bauza said, the art has become more diverse.

"There are a lot more artists out there," she said. "The quality of the work isn't much different than it was when we started. ... It's always been high-quality."

And, always, the Jung philosophy has been evident.

"When you work on dreams and you work on your own path," Hagan-Bauza said, "you look to what's not evident right off the bat."

ngilson@dispatch.com

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php
Five Filters featured article: "Peace Envoy" Blair Gets an Easy Ride in the Independent.

Usual suspects

Posted: 29 Aug 2010 10:30 PM PDT

 Oxnard High quarterback Billy Ceja returns as a starter and will play behind an experienced offensive line in 2010.

Photo by Juan Carlo, Juan Carlo / Star staff

Oxnard High quarterback Billy Ceja returns as a starter and will play behind an experienced offensive line in 2010.

 Senior quarterback Zandro Diaz takes over Camarillo's pass-oriented offense this season after watching Jeff Mathews lead the Scorpions to a 9-1 record, including a 5-0 mark in the Pacific View League, last season.

Photo by Joseph A. Garcia, Joseph A. Garcia / Star staff

Senior quarterback Zandro Diaz takes over Camarillo's pass-oriented offense this season after watching Jeff Mathews lead the Scorpions to a 9-1 record, including a 5-0 mark in the Pacific View League, last season.

When it comes to offensive philosophy, Oxnard High football coach Mark Beckham and Camarillo coach Dennis Riedmiller are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

While Beckham has built success by emphasizing the running game, Riedmiller loves to spread the field and use a potent passing game to attack opponents.

While the approaches are different, the end results have been very similar, with both programs regularly finishing at or near the top of the Pacific View League standings.

And while the league looks to be balanced from top to bottom again this season, the Yellowjackets and Scorpions appear to have a leg up as the 2010 season begins.

Defending champion Camarillo lost talented quarterback Jeff Mathews to graduation, but senior Zandro Diaz seems poised to step in and run the offense.

"Zandro didn't play a lot last year, but he knows the offense backward and forward and we feel good about his ability," Riedmiller said.

If Diaz falters, Riedmiller could turn to junior Brent Stevens, the JV starter last season. Stevens, a gifted athlete, will see plenty of action at wide receiver to start.

The Scorpions know what they have at running back. Senior Ossie Toc rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season and figures to get a lot of work while Diaz gets his feet under him.

Camarillo should be solid on defense, with returning starters like defensive linemen William Leaupepe and Jordan Bricker and linebacker Mason Luna.

Oxnard's offense will be paced by senior tailback Terrell Watson and a veteran offensive line that has three starters back, including center Albert Cervantes.

Beckham said this offensive line has a chance to be one of the best he's had at Oxnard, and that also goes for Watson.

"The more he (Watson) touches the ball, the better he gets," Beckham said.

Billy Ceja returns at quarterback, but junior Oscar Sandoval is fighting to get in the mix.

On defense, all three linebackers return, including Watson, who led the team with 110 tackles last season.

They are inexperienced up front, but Beckham likes newcomers like Ryan Poitras.

Rio Mesa has very few returning seniors, but what it lacks in quantity, coach Bob Gregorchuk said it makes up for in quality.

It starts with quarterback Blair Benchwick, who Gregorchuk said has grown physically and mentally.

"Having played some last year, he knows what to expect and that gives him more confidence," Gregorchuk said. "And he's got a lot of talent surrounding him."

That talent includes wide receiver Marcus Alford, a three-year starter and tight end Frank Fassl, who has great hands and is a potent blocker.

The Spartans have some horses up front, starting with Clarence McBride at left tackle.

"He played there a little last year and we were excited about what we saw," Gregorchuk said.

Newcomers Tanner Wrout and Jordan Emery will handle the running back duties.

On defense, linebacker James Turner leads a group that is quick and athletic.

"We're talented and quick, we just lack experience," Gregorchuk said.

Coming off a tremendous 2009 season, Hueneme also has plenty of newcomers. But it does return quarterback Jordan Barnfather. Coach Joe Martinez said Barnfather's work ethic has allowed him to take his game to another level.

He will have some weapons in the form of wide receivers Darrick Mose and Kyree Dillon and running back Anthony Aguilera.

Right tackle Albert Miranda, a talented run and pass blocker, anchors the line.

Martinez said his defense makes up for a lack of size with speed.

It is young up front, but has some talent in players like nose tackle Abel Malcoma.

"Last year's team gave the program a picture of what success looks like," Martinez said. "That has inspired this team to do things right and try to go beyond last season."

After a 5-0 start to last season, Channel Islands didn't win a league game.

Coach Gary Porter believes his team will be more competitive this season.

"We have worked to get more physical and to get tougher mentally," Porter said.

Quarterback Malcolm Allen does not have a lot of experience, but he knows the offense. He has a talented running back in Ty Camarillo to count on, and a big target in tight end Jeremiah Valoaga.

Porter has eliminated two-way starters with the hope of keeping players fresh, especially later in the season.

Pacifica will have sophomore Nick Davis starting at quarterback. He will be joined in the backfield by Dennis Taylor, who led the JV team in rushing.

They have a veteran offensive line in front of them and some seasoned wide receivers.

"We plan to be balanced on offense," assistant head coach Jaime Moreno said.

On defense, Pacifica is solid in the back seven, but must find someone to put pressure on the quarterback.

"In our league, it's a scramble each week," Moreno said. "We plan to be right in the mix."

© 2010 Ventura County Star. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php
Five Filters featured article: "Peace Envoy" Blair Gets an Easy Ride in the Independent.

BaldwinCountyNow.com Launches Community First

Posted: 29 Aug 2010 10:25 PM PDT

As part of our guiding philosophy of "Community First," Gulf Coast Newspapers introduces what no other news media outlet can offer ... a network of community based newspapers positioned throughout Baldwin County with editorial staffs, local writers and history. "Garnering this strength, we intend to build a network of participation by inviting chambers of commerce, non-profit groups, museums, parks and preservations, service organizations, public and private schools, schools of instruction, and churches to become Community First partners. These groups will have uncensored access to  www.BaldwinCountyNOW.com to post stories and announcements important to them ... at will and 100 percent free," said Bill Atkinson, Director of Online Media and Audience Development.

"If a chamber has a ribbon cutting, they can promote that member business immediately on the web, in detail, with multiple photos of not only the ambassadors' group, but also the owners. They can use this to encourage memberships. Churches can post sermons, church events and announcements. Non-profit groups can post information that will help further their efforts, recognize their volunteers or just about anything," Atkinson added. "We're going to give them an open channel of communication to their communities through their newspaper online. Something they've never had before because of 'white [paper] space' limitations."

What Makes A Community First Partner? Your Organization Does!

Chambers of Commerce will post chamber related news in their respective categories found under the main heading, News From Our Chambers. There are sub-categories specifically setup for the five respective chambers in Baldwin County.

Schools and Churches: Public and Private Schools and Churches can post news under their "community newspapers" categories for School News and Church News.

Chambers, schools and churches may also post stories in the Baldwin Living and Baldwin People sections of the website.

Non-Profit Organizations and Service Organizations: The two sections of the site where these groups can post stories and events are Baldwin Living and Baldwin People. There are a myriad of categories to choose from, again, depending on the subject matter.

Gulf Coast Newspapers publishes The Daphne Bulletin, The Fairhope Courier, The Independent (Robertsdale), Spanish Fort Sun, Elberta-Lillian Ledger, The Foley Onlooker, The Baldwin Times (Bay Minette) and The Islander (Gulf Shores and Orange Beach) as well as a host of VISITOR publications.

If your organization is interested in becoming a Community First Partner, click the link below and complete the form.

Click Here To Be A Community First Partner

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php
Five Filters featured article: "Peace Envoy" Blair Gets an Easy Ride in the Independent.

No comments:

Post a Comment