PadminiArhant.com
International Olympics: Beijing 2008
August 20, 2008
The grand opening ceremony by China to unveil the 29th Olympiad games in Beijing on August 8th, 2008 was impressive.
There were many “Gold, Silver and Bronze” medalists honored at this event.
The stellar performance by Michael Phelps as the “World and Olympic Champion” swimmer was incredible. His goals were to achieve “eight gold medals” to set up a new World and Olympic record in Beijing 2008. Michael realized his dream by winning “eight gold medals”, surpassing the record of the former athlete “Mark Spitz” who won seven gold medals in the same Olympic event. Michael’s name and fame reached sky high competing with the fireworks displayed at the Opening Ceremony of this international event.
Congratulations! Michael Phelps you are truly a great inspiration and a role model.
Also “hats off” to the Olympic marvels – Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor, the “dynamic duo” of the Women’s Volleyball, “Ryan Lochte – wonderful performance with a gold medal and a world record”, Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen, Dara Torres – tremendous spirit.
Again Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and Jason Lezak – in setting the record straight against the “French team” with gold medals after winning the men’s 4×100m freestyle relay swimming, the NBA Basketball stars and the entire U.S. Olympic team – terrific games!
All U.S. athletes put on a dazzling performance. The spectacular display of talent in all events by the U.S. Olympic team contributed towards the United States leading the Medal tally. We need to catch up with the host nation “China” on the “Gold Medal” count, even though it does not appear to be a great challenge.
All athletes were at their best given numerous factors related to age, past performance and last but not the least mishap with the “Women’s Gymnastics”. It was commendable that Alicia Sacramone handled the whole situation gracefully and proved herself to be a good sport.
A tribute to all athletes from different parts of the world –
Usain Bolt of Kingston, Jamaica wins the gold medal in the 100-meter dash in 9.69 seconds. The rumor that he might have a future with NFL further enhances the prospects for the athlete.
Several athletes from poor and developing nations showcasing their talent are praiseworthy for competing against developed and rich nations with far better facilities and advanced training programs.
It has been a week since the 29th Olympic games started and it is not devoid of controversies;
The controversy involved the allegedly “underage” or minor “Chinese Female Gymastics” team with an advantage to seize the gold medal against the U.S team.
Not surprisingly some athletes testing positive for “performance enhancement drug”.
The very latest news; NBA forbidden from signing up the 7’2” Iranian Basketball Olympian Hamed Ehadadi as per the letter received by the NBA legal counsel according to Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo Sports that stated “We have been advised that a federal statue prohibits a person or organization in the United States from engaging in business dealings with Iranian nationals.”
Then the buzz about the “Spanish Basketball team” with several NBA players including the Lakers’ Pau Gasol and Toronto’s Jose Calderon, in the audacious team photo posing in a “squinty-eyed” gesture angered the Asian athletes accompanied by sparring of words in the Asian press media. This incident also raised the “double standards” issue among the African American NBA players.
The “Excerpts from the news article by Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports Aug 13, 10:24 am EDT – Thank you.
Gasol and Calderon aren’t just accountable to Spain on this Olympic stage but the global corporate entity that pays them more than $130 million in pro contracts. The NBA could’ve delivered a ready rebuke on Wednesday and there was none.
They’ll dock you $50,000 for ripping an incompetent official, but you can get a pass on an orchestrated racial slur? Gasol is kidding himself to say that he was pushed into it. Do you think Kobe Bryant would’ve been pressured to pose this way? LeBron James? Gasol is a serious, sensitive player with the prestige and clout for Spain to step up and say: Forget it, fellas. This isn’t happening. Only he didn’t.
As much as anything, this episode feeds a prevailing feeling among African-American NBA players that they’re the constant scapegoats for whatever issues – real or perceived – plague the sport. Without the public demanding a pound of accountability for European players, do they get a pass?
“The simple question is, ‘Would NBA commissioner David Stern and the league hold the American players accountable?’ And I think the answer to that is yes,” one NBA general manager said. “So why wouldn’t he hold the ‘other’ NBA players accountable – unless the rules only apply to the American players.”
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International Olympics and politics have collided since the origin of this event. Even though the Olympic event is symbolic in defining international solidarity with nations gathering together to pledge their support for peace and harmony, some nations have used the same event as a platform to air their political differences and hostility against each other.
There have been bomb threats, boycotts and even a hostage crisis….the notorious one being the “Munich massacre”.
Munich massacre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia – Thank you.
The Munich massacre occurred during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, when members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage by Black September, a group with ties to Yasser Arafat’s Fatah organization.
By the end of the ordeal, the terrorist group had killed eleven Israeli athletes and coaches and one German police officer. Five of the eight members of Black September were killed by police officers during an abortive rescue attempt. The three surviving terrorists were captured, and were later released by West Germany following the hijacking of a Lufthansa airliner, a release that has led to speculation that West Germany had helped stage the Lufthansa hijacking.[3][4]
Israel responded to the massacre with Operation Spring of Youth and Operation Wrath of God, a series of Israeli air strikes and assassinations of those suspected of planning the killings.”
Perhaps the twenty first century could teach mankind to respect and understand each other as part of the “human race” and spare the sports event from becoming the battleground to resolve any political crisis.
Padmini Arhant
Hollywood News
August 15, 2008
Author - Rish Arhant-Sudhir
Dreamworks recently announced that they will have sequels to some of their biggest hits. A Kung Fu Panda 2 is planned due to the success of the first film this summer. Madagascar 2 comes out this November, but there is already talk of a third film where we will hopefully see our heroes return to New York.
Valkyrie has changed release dates yet again! Tom Cruise’s next film regarding German army men and their plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler was originally planned to release on August 8, 2008 then changed to October 3, 2008, followed by February 13, 2009, and as of now the final release date of Valkyrie is December 26, 2008. The date was pulled back due to successful test screenings.
Mike Myers joins the cast of Inglorious Bastards, Quentin Tarantino’s war film planned for 2009. Myers will play Ed Fenech, a British militant who creates the plot to kill Nazi Leadership. Other cast members include Brad Pitt and Eli Roth. The Office star B.J. Novak is in talks to join the cast as well.
Hollywood Blu-Ray News
August 15, 2008
Author - Rish Arhant-Sudhir
Wall-E - November 18th
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - December 2nd
Austin Powers Set - December 2nd
Monster’s Ball - November 4th
Ultimate Gangster Collection ( American Gangster, Casino, Eastern Promises ) - Occtober 14th
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - October 14th
Iron Man - September 30th
Tropic Thunder
August 15, 2008
Author - Rish Arhant-Sudhir
Ben Stiller plays Tugg Speedman, a washed out action star who has only found success with his “Scorcher” series. He recently portrayed a character call “Simple Jack” in the film which spawned many protests regarding the film’s lack of respect for the mentally challenged. Although this issue could have been handled more delicately by the makers of the film, it was from my understanding, attempting to make fun at the ignorant stars who think like the characters in the film.
Jack Black portrays Jeff Portnoy, a comedian who, from what the audience can tell, is only getting laughs from his “The Fatties” series which are flatulent comedies staring only Jeff Portnoy in rubber suits. Jack Black pulls off some great jokes with finesse as always.
Robert Downey Jr. has a great performance as Kirk Lazarus, the 5-time academy award winning Australian actor who takes on the role of an African-American man. He not only portrays an African-American man well but also delivers a particularly good Australian accent. Downey pulls of the role hysterically and once again stepped outside the box.
Brandon T. Jackson has some great one-liners throughout the movie and is quite funny as rapper Alpa Chino. Jay Baruchel is just alright as Kevin Sandusky, the only actor who was committed to his part, although he has great chemistry with the rest of the cast members. Danny Mcbride’s talent was wasted. Nick Nolte is good as the real Four-Leaf, author of the novel Tropic Thunder. Steve Coogan is in the movie less than you may anticipate. Bill Hader is barely in it. Brandon Soo Hoo, Reggie Lee, and Trieu Tran are marvelous as the members of the flaming dragon.
There were many cameos in the film including Tobey Maguire, Jon Voight, Alicia Silverstone, and Jason Bateman. Matthew McConaughey is great in his role as Rick Peck, Tugg Speedman’s agent. Tom Cruise steals the show as the dancing studio executive, Les Grossman.
Tropic Thunder is not the likes of The Dark Knight, by far, although it is good for more than a few laughs. Although it has its flaws, Tropic Thunder is successful in entertaining the audience throughout.
“Race”
August 15, 2008
It has been a while, since I’ve shared my thoughts and experience via “blog”, an innovative medium for expression of views and comments that has revolutionized communication in the modern era.
Cyberspace is a platform where the voiceless can have a voice or be heard through someone on their behalf on issues related to mankind and everything else. It is not necessary to go through the “Red Tape” or be newsworthy to be a “news item” in the prominent media and print press. There is no requirement to be part of any “influential circle” either!
An average citizen with an “internet” access can express an opinion or recount an experience that is relevant to all or none. The “Giant Leap” by mankind in every field is truly admirable.
However, have we made progress in human relations?
Why is it so difficult for the most “intelligent” species in the hierarchy of the animal kingdom to co-exist in peace and harmony and accept one another as human beings first and then anything next?
We have been gifted with the “discriminating power”. Unfortunately, it is being used more effectively for negative discriminatory practice than otherwise.
It is believed that “God created all equal”.
Do we all think like the creator? If that is the case, the world will not be in a state as it is now.
Since evolution, several battles and wars been fought over land, wealth, resources with the ulterior motive being the “Power” and “dominance” of one segment over another. The unquenchable “quest” of mankind has led the world to a dire situation where the other inhabitants of the planet are facing extinction due to proliferation of human population followed by the endless needs for survival and human comfort.
Human beings in general are stigmatized and victimized by fellow human beings as portrayed in history since time immemorial. We are living in an “imperfect” world, yet there is a desperate search for “perfection” among humans. People come in all shapes and dimensions and in great variation with respect to the pigmentation of the skin.
Will this world be an exciting place as it is now in the absence of such diversity around us in all aspects?
It is evident from history and contemporary times that a secular and diverse society has made far more progress than a “homogeneous” society. The collective talent available in the “heterogeneous” society is a great challenge to deal with for the opposing forces in this respect.
There could be no better example than the “United States” that is triumphant on the trials and tribulations of “homogeneous” vs. “heterogeneous” society. The phenomenal success of this great nation in every field is due to the intellectual power and strength from the diversity it has maintained since origin. It is a country that set a precedent in modern times for other nations to embrace “multiculturalism” and “secularism” as a milestone for humanitarian progress.
Then why is it that “race” is a sensitive topic to discuss?
Can discriminatory practice towards human beings be ever eliminated in any society?
If that happens, it will be “Utopia”. Why seek “heaven” or “paradise”?
There is still “hope” as “goodness” still exists in the “paradoxical universe”.
The complexity of diverse cultures and race presents prospects and problems in every society. The world will be peaceful and prosperous if people can accept one another as the member of the “human race” and rather than look for “flaws” in others, acknowledge one’s own “shortcomings” that every individual possess at some level regardless of their identity.
Should the entire race and culture be held responsible and vilified for an “individual” or “group of individuals” action or behavior?
Regrettably, it is often a human tendency to analyze others based on predisposed views and sometimes experience that creates obstacles in the path of human relationship.
Then what about nobility demonstrated by human beings of a particular sect that is targeted for any wrong doing? Should the society ignore the positive contributions of these individuals even if they are a minority?
There is no particular race or culture that is spared in the contemporary world about anything. We can overcome prejudice only if human beings can alienate themselves from the qualities and characteristics that allow conflict over compassion, caring and consideration for others.
It is up to mankind to practice “goodness” and make this world a better and peaceful place for all.
There could be no better legacy than “good deeds” and “virtues” that would benefit all.
The fact of the matter is, despite tremendous progress in science and technology mortality is certain and no one is assured of “eternal life” on earth.
The other reality is when we all bleed; the color of the blood is the same no matter who we are!
These facts prove the theory that “all are created equal”?
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Padmini Arhant
“A Voice for Humanity”
Video Game News
August 15, 2008
Author - Kanish Arhant-Sudhir
In an attempt to surpass the PS3 in sales, Microsoft is dropping the price of the Xbox360 to $300 while in August they will release an Xbox360 Pro for $349. Movie streaming will be available free to Netflix customers through Xbox Live and will have an annual fee to others. Final Fantasy will be available on the Xbox360 soon as well. NBC Universal has been added to the list of companies that will make their programs available for download on Xbox Live. An Xbox Live update will make its way to systems soon and will allow users to create avatars. The update will also include a new, slicker user interface.
International Politics
August 13, 2008
I posted a blog on May 25th, 2008 about the article from “Voice of America” dated May 23rd, 2008.
Our nation is currently occupied with the important political event i.e.” The Presidential race”. The Presidential candidates are vying for the highest position on land. The main stream media and news organizations are busy analyzing the “gaffe” by Senator Hillary Clinton and perusing the medical records of Senator John McCain. So not much attention is devoted to the International political events currently taking place that could have significant impact on the world’s future and the “Superpower” status.
I share this with you for your information as it is relevant to the current political event in the United States whoever our next “President” might be!
Source: VOA.com (Voice of America) - Thank you.
23 May 2008
Russia’s New President Makes First International Trip to China
Russia’s new president Dmitry Medvedev says his country seeks what he calls a reasonable, pragmatic and friendly relationship with giant neighbor, China. He arrived in Beijing Friday for a two day visit - as part of his first trip abroad since he took office earlier this month. Stephanie Ho has more on the story.
Ties between former Cold War rivals, China and Russia, are warming. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Li Hui says his government appreciates the Russian leader’s choice of destinations.
He says President Medvedev’s decision to make China one of his first foreign visits only half a month after taking office fully demonstrates the high degree of importance he and the Russian government place on the China-Russia relationship.
The Russian leader’s Beijing schedule includes meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other senior Chinese leaders.
The two countries are expected to discuss energy issues, as well as military cooperation trade.
Russian Ambassador to China, Sergey Razov, told reporters the two countries share many similar views on major international issues. He says on sensitive issues, including the Iran and Korean peninsula nuclear issues, among others, they have a common position.
Jing-dong Yuan, an associate professor at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, says the two countries already have strong defense cooperation.
“This is the most, probably salient, component of this relationship,” said Yuan. “China has imported major weapons systems from Russia, and also military technology transfer, over the last decade and a half. And they have, in recent years, moved beyond simple arms sales to joint military exercise and other military cooperation.”
He says the two countries are likely to expand their cooperation in space and nuclear technology.
At the same time, he says both countries need to work on expanding economic ties.
“Currently, the bilateral trade is only $48 billion annually, so it’s very low for countries such as China and Russia, two big economies and neighboring countries,” said Yuan”.
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Analysis: Should United States be concerned about the proliferating China-Russia relationship especially with the military and nuclear technology expansion?
It is a matter of concern as these two nations being key members with “Veto Power” in the United Nations Security Council have demonstrated authority on issues related to Iran, North Korea and Burma. Both China and Russia are undeniably the emerging powers of the FAR EAST and Central Asia rich in fossil fuel and other natural resources. The recent impressive economic growth further enhances their political status and embolden them to ignore issues….whether it is human rights, free and fair elections and freedom of press expected of any sovereign nation towards their own citizens and the global community.
At home, the current administration investment of time and resources on Iraq and Afghanistan has shifted focus away from strengthening strategic alliances and ties with its allies and other nations sharing common goals such as upholding democratic values and multilateral resolutions for political, economic, energy and environmental crises affecting every living being on the planet.
Unfortunately, the administration stance in the past eight years and its unilateral position with Iraq war, declining to ratify the “Kyoto treaty”, neglecting serious warnings on the economic crisis, violation of civil and constitutional rights under the guise of “Patriot Act” and other unconstitutional legislative measures has contributed to the diminishing “Superpower” status and lately undermine the United States position in resolving any international crisis.
Meanwhile, China and Russia are actively engaged in political, economic and military expansion much to the concern of other developing nations in the region.
Is the next administration capable and prepared to deal with all of these real challenges, something the American electorate have to think long and hard prior to casting their ballot in November 2008?
Sincerely,
Padmini Arhant
“Voice for Humanity”
Current International Crisis:
Russian Invasion of Georgia:
It appears to be “Russia’s” turn to flex muscles against the less powerful sovereign neighbor, “Georgia”! The ulterior motive according to some political analysts is claimed to be none other than the “Liquid Gold” otherwise known as “Oil”.
What a “revelation”?
Even though Russia claims on its part that the recent aggression against Georgia is to protect the minority population in “South Ossetia” admittedly holding “Russian Passports” and willing to be part of prosperous, repressive “Russia” rather than overzealous Democratic “Georgia” with a confused strategy in embracing the minority group as “Georgians”.
It is not uncommon for sovereign nations to experience ethnic confrontations alongside the borders or mainland and have political differences with the disfranchisement of the minority groups. The ethnic or the minority groups in return demanding separatism or autonomy from the “State” governing those regions.
Whatever happened to the Intelligence Sources and their responsibility towards such international conflict?
Perhaps preoccupied like the “Heads of the State” in the United States and Europe with the International Olympics?
Should “Beijing Olympics” be held responsible for being the major distraction with their outstanding display of talent and newly acclaimed status as the emerging “economic power” in Asia?
The strange scenario being our “President” and the “Russian Prime Minister”, Vladimir Putin’s presence at the Opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics to appease the host nation while bombing of “Georgia” was underway in full force.
It is well known for political figures to demonstrate “camaraderie” during the International events but “Prime Minister Putin” is the “Gold Medalist” among the “Heads of State” attending the ceremony.
Prime Minister Putin’s composure in convincing novice and professionals alike as the peacemaker at the event that pledges international solidarity and harmony after having executed full scale war against a democratic nation is truly remarkable.
The legitimate concern for the American electorate is to be mindful of these developments and exercise diligence when electing the next “President” and the administration in November 2008 who would exhibit leadership required for the“Super Power” in the world.
Thank you.
P.S.
South Ossetia Geography:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
South Ossetia (Ossetic: Хуссар Ирыстон, Khussar Iryston; Georgian: სამხრეთი ოსეთი, Samkhreti Oseti; Russian: Южная Осетия, Yuzhnaya Osetiya) is a region in the South Caucasus, formerly the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast within the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. A part of it has been de facto independent from Georgia since it declared independence[1] as the Republic of South Ossetia early in the 1990s during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict. The capital of the region is Tskhinvali.
The independence has not been diplomatically recognized by any member of the United Nations – which continues to regard South Ossetia as part of Georgia. Georgia has retained control over parts of the region’s eastern and southern districts where it created, in April 2007, a Provisional Administrative Entity of South Ossetia[2][3][4][5] headed by ethnic Ossetians (former members of the separatist government) under the leadership of Dmitry Sanakoev which would negotiate with central Georgian authorities regarding its final status and conflict resolution.[6]
Accountability
August 13, 2008
To: Senator Barack Obama, The Presumptive Democratic Nominee, Democratic Party.
As stated earlier, I list the issues that are of major concern to me.
The economic, energy, health care plan and time line for troop withdrawal from Iraq and troop deployment in Afghanistan laid out by your Campaign is lacking in specifics and as a tax payer I am interested in precise solutions from you as the “Presumptive Democratic nominee”.
It is important for tax payers to understand how exactly the policies are going to impact the economic standards particularly with the current economic difficulties in all fronts ranging from energy costs to food, education, health care and hosts of issues that matter to every individual of our nation.
Further, the plan to fund most social programs does not elaborate on the strategy to provide for these services. The proposal to raise taxes on investments i.e. Capital gains on dividends earned from sale or investment holdings is another concern for small investor like me relying on income from investments during economic downturns contributing to weak job markets nationwide.
National Health Care proposal needs to address the costs involved to fund the policy. The grim reality is the costs will be ultimately transferred to the tax payers/consumers by the industry initially in agreement with the proposal.
Unfortunately the recent performance by the government at the State and Federal level in balancing the budget has been disappointing and the tax payers including myself have little or no confidence in the government with the money management.
I am also extremely disappointed with your seismic shifts in issues such as voting in favor of “FISA”, “Gun Control”, “Public Financing - it appears more corporate donations are pouring in through corporate executives who in effect neutralize the anti-lobbyists position claimed by your campaign during the primary election”.
Somehow the Senator Obama, whom I vigorously supported by enduring attacks and criticisms from both Democratic and the Republican fronts is lost in the same “Washington” crowd that follows the golden rule….“say anything and do nothing politics.”
If it comes down to winning the election by any means and any shifts in position is justified as “Political Expediency”, I fail to see any “transformation” in “Washington”
with any new administration.
Since you emphasized on “Accountability” on the campaign trail and invited the electorate to bring forth issues concerning them, I have highlighted on some of them and hope to have a sincere response from you.
Once again, I appreciate the opportunity to present my concerns and not be treated as just another “donor” or one of “million volunteers” excited to get through the general election.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
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