Brazilian police are continuing with raids to rid favelas (slums) of crime before the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. (Google Images)
Shasta Darlington of CNN is reporting that Brazilian police raided two slum areas (favelas) in Rio de Janeiro over the weekend in an effort to gain some control over the crime-ridden areas. Police say that five drug dealers were killed on Saturday, while there were no reports of injuries or deaths on Sunday. Police officers used tanks and more than 2,000 troops to move through Jacarezinho and Manguinhos, arresting dozens of people and seizing automatic weapons, guns and grenades in the process.
Darlington writes:
“Police have already taken over about 30 favelas since they began operations in 2008, but it’s an uphill battle. About one-fifth of Rio’s residents live in the city’s 1,000 shantytowns, many of them perched on steep hills overlooking beachside condominiums.
Jacarezinho and Manguinhos are smaller favelas, far from tourist hotspots, but they became centers for organized crime and drug dealing after other slums were taken over by police.”
The raids are part of the police’s goal of securing 40 slums before the World Cup in 2014 and continuing that security through the 2016 Olympic Games.
A tropical wave nearing Barbados may turn into Tropical Storm Patty. (Google Images)
Caribbean 360 is reporting that meteorologists are carefully tracking a tropical wave, which is located about 400 miles to the east-southeast of the Windward Islands and on course to brush Barbados. The tropical wave may become the 16th Tropical Storm of the season.
The wave is expected to track very near Barbados later this afternoon or this evening and then across the Windward Islands late tonight into Friday morning.
Residents and vacationers on Barbados and in the Windward Islands have been cautioned to brace for tropical storm conditions with wind gusts up to 50 mph, heavy rainfall and very rough seas into Friday.
AllAfrica.com is reporting that oil giant Royal Dutch Shell is on trial for ruining the lands of farmers in the Niger Delta because of oil spills caused by defective pipelines. A Dutch court alleges that Shell broke the law by not repairing leaks that destroyed the lands of Niger Delta farmers. If Shell is found responsible for causing the damage in 2005, the case could set a precedent for global environmental responsibility.
Four Nigerian farmers, backed by lobby group Friends of the Earth, have brought the Anglo-Dutch oil giant into court thousands of miles away from their homes with a civil suit that could open the door for hundreds of similar cases. The case wants Shell to clean up the mess, repair pipelines to prevent further damage to the region and to compensate the farmers for the damage to their businesses and land.
AFP news reports that one of the plaintiffs in the case says that the spill destroyed 47 fish ponds in the village of Ikot Ado Udo.
Shell is blaming “theft” and “sabotage” for ruining the region.
Environmental groups accuse Shell of double standards and treating spills in Nigeria differently from spills in Europe or North America.
U.S. vice-president Joe Biden squared off against GOP vice-presidential hopeful Paul Ryan in a debate. (Google Images)
OPINION
by Nsenga K. Burton
If ever there was an occasion when there was a clear distinction between a boy and a man, it was the 2012 Vice-Presidential debate between U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden and GOP Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan. One may want to refer to it as “the showdown that wasn’t,” because vice-president Biden took control of the debate from the very beginning challenging Ryan’s incredulous statements on foreign relations. What statements? Ryan’s claim that President Obama‘s foreign policy is unraveling and that Iran is more dangerous now than it was four years ago. Vice-President Biden scolded Ryan, dismissing his misstatements and correcting them with “facts,” the importance of which the vice-president drove home throughout the debate.
The onus was on vice-president Biden to right the ship and restore faith in the ability of the Democratic ticket to win this election with a factual record, while Ryan was tasked with capitalizing on the momentum of Romney’s performance and slight bounce in poll numbers while reintroducing himself to the American public as one half of a GOP ticket that can actually win. Biden came out swinging, calling out Ryan on his implausible statements about foreign policies stating, “With all due respect, that’s a bunch of malarkey.” Ryan on the other hand seemed out of his league, unable to keep up with vice-president Biden or challenge him on anything as Biden was confident, prepared and knowledgeable of the parts of his arguments. Ryan, who still could not explain how his tax plan actually works, attempted to liken his not being prepared to answer the question to tactics used by former Presidents Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy. Biden took him to task for this, reminding Ryan and viewers with his body language and facial expression that he actually knew both men and stating that Reagan could actually explain his economic plan.
The showdown never happened because only one candidate showed up for the gunfight. The beatdown was so intense that ABC’s Martha Raddatz started throwing softballs toward the end, asking the two men to offer personal accounts of how their religion (both are Catholic) impacts their views on abortion. Really? Raddatz may as well have held up a sign that read, “Let’s move away from facts and towards emotion to give Ryan a shot at one decent answer.”
Vice-president Joe Biden demonstrated what age, experience, confidence and preparation can do when opposing a neo to national politics like Ryan. Biden dismantled Ryan in the same way that he dismantled then vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin in 2008 — one informed response at a time. Biden came out swinging and never let up, giving a performance that channeled Smokin’ Joe Frazier, in his definitive knock-out of Ryan, who should be seeing stars after that beatdown.
Visit Politico to read a transcript of the 2012 vice-presidential debate.
U.S. vice-president Joe Biden squared off against GOP vice-presidential hopeful Paul Ryan in a debate. (Google Images)
OPINION
by Nsenga K. Burton
If ever there was an occasion when there was a clear distinction between a boy and a man, it was the 2012 Vice-Presidential debate between U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden and GOP Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan. One may want to refer to it as “the showdown that wasn’t,” because vice-president Biden took control of the debate from the very beginning challenging Ryan’s incredulous statements on foreign relations. What statements? Ryan’s claim that President Obama‘s foreign policy is unraveling and that Iran is more dangerous now than it was four years ago. Vice-President Biden scolded Ryan, dismissing his misstatements and correcting them with “facts,” the importance of which the vice-president drove home throughout the debate.
The onus was on vice-president Biden to right the ship and restore faith in the ability of the Democratic ticket to win this election with a factual record, while Ryan was tasked with capitalizing on the momentum of Romney’s performance and slight bounce in poll numbers while reintroducing himself to the American public as one half of a GOP ticket that can actually win. Biden came out swinging, calling out Ryan on his implausible statements about foreign policies stating, “With all due respect, that’s a bunch of malarkey.” Ryan on the other hand seemed out of his league, unable to keep up with vice-president Biden or challenge him on anything as Biden was confident, prepared and knowledgeable of the parts of his arguments. Ryan, who still could not explain how his tax plan actually works, attempted to liken his not being prepared to answer the question to tactics used by former Presidents Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy. Biden took him to task for this, reminding Ryan and viewers with his body language and facial expression that he actually knew both men and stating that Reagan could actually explain his economic plan.
The showdown never happened because only one candidate showed up for the gunfight. The beatdown was so intense that ABC’s Martha Raddatz started throwing softballs toward the end, asking the two men to offer personal accounts of how their religion (both are Catholic) impacts their views on abortion. Really? Raddatz may as well have held up a sign that read, “Let’s move away from facts and towards emotion to give Ryan a shot at one decent answer.”
Vice-president Joe Biden demonstrated what age, experience, confidence and preparation can do when opposing a neo to national politics like Ryan. Biden dismantled Ryan in the same way that he dismantled then vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin in 2008 — one informed response at a time. Biden came out swinging and never let up, giving a performance that channeled Smokin’ Joe Frazier, in his definitive knock-out of Ryan, who should be seeing stars after that beatdown.
Visit Politico to read a transcript of the 2012 vice-presidential debate.
Judy Smith spoke at Spelman College on September 26 as part of a Hot Topics Speakers Series. (Ben Kornegay, Progressive Images/Spelman College)
by Christopher A. Daniel
Judy Smith has great stage presence. She’s always anticipating the next chapter of her life.
The inspiration and co-executive producer for the Shonda Rhimes-produced ABC series, ‘Scandal,’ curated a Hot Topics Speaker Series at Spelman College on Sept. 26, 2012. Smith discussed how she was able to turn her 25-year career as a high profile crisis communications expert into her latest book, Good Self Bad Self: Transforming Your Worst Qualities Into Your Biggest Assets. She says the book, which took 10 years to complete, is full of advice given to past clients. She goes on to say that denial, fear and ambition keep people from addressing their real issues. “The book looks at portraits and issues that get us into trouble,” Smith says. “The coverup is far worse than the crime. Whatever the problem or mistake, own it. Tell the truth about whatever the situation is.”
Smith is synonymous with providing strategies and solutions for the Iran-Contra affair, former D.C. Mayor Marion Berry, Monica Lewinsky and Michael Vick. Her company, Smith & Company, is a boutique agency that at one point operated solely from referrals. She had neither a business card nor a company website. Smith is not ashamed to admit that her personality is a combination of being aggressive, pushy, annoying, direct and nice. Sitting in a plush chair center stage with a navy blue business pants suit on with her legs crossed, she attributes her success to preparation, seizing opportunities, education and maintaining solid relationships. “You work hard, it will speak for itself,” says Smith. “If you’re confident and know what you’re doing, own that space. Be committed to it. If it’s something you really want, be passionate about it. Work hard because it’s very competitive.”
Smith & Company is small and family-oriented. She does this intentionally. “You want good people that have different perspectives to look at all angles. We play to win,” Smith adds. “You have to draw boundaries and decide what’s important to you in life. To this day, I’ve never missed a parent/teacher conference.” Smith’s “hands-on” approach to her personal life and business is reflected in her work with the television series “Scandal.”
She’s on the set, reading scripts, submitting notes, talking with the cast and pairing the actors with real government agents. She calls Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, “amazing” and says Kerry Washington, who stars as leading dynamic character, Olivia Pope, is “phenomenal.” “The way [Shonda] writes and creates the shows reflect the world we live in,” says Smith. “’Scandal’ looks like the world.” Smith also clears the air about an affair with the President. “No, I did not kiss the President,” she adds. “Television has to be entertaining.”
Smith’s groundbreaking television drama is a venture she never thought would happen. The seven episode, first season proved to be a gripping hit with viewers. The season finale was watched by eight million viewers: two million of them African American. It would be the first time in television history that ABC wins that time slot with the black demographic. “Doing the show was totally out of my comfort zone,” Smith says. “Things happen in the most unexpected places. You [the audience] showed up in my life in ways I couldn’t imagine. If you had to follow me around, you would be bored to tears.”
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and contributor to The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
Judy Smith spoke at Spelman College on September 26 as part of a Hot Topics Speakers Series. (Ben Kornegay, Progressive Images/Spelman College)
by Christopher A. Daniel
Judy Smith has great stage presence. She’s always anticipating the next chapter of her life.
The inspiration and co-executive producer for the Shonda Rhimes-produced ABC series, ‘Scandal,’ curated a Hot Topics Speaker Series at Spelman College on Sept. 26, 2012. Smith discussed how she was able to turn her 25-year career as a high profile crisis communications expert into her latest book, Good Self Bad Self: Transforming Your Worst Qualities Into Your Biggest Assets. She says the book, which took 10 years to complete, is full of advice given to past clients. She goes on to say that denial, fear and ambition keep people from addressing their real issues. “The book looks at portraits and issues that get us into trouble,” Smith says. “The coverup is far worse than the crime. Whatever the problem or mistake, own it. Tell the truth about whatever the situation is.”
Smith is synonymous with providing strategies and solutions for the Iran-Contra affair, former D.C. Mayor Marion Berry, Monica Lewinsky and Michael Vick. Her company, Smith & Company, is a boutique agency that at one point operated solely from referrals. She had neither a business card nor a company website. Smith is not ashamed to admit that her personality is a combination of being aggressive, pushy, annoying, direct and nice. Sitting in a plush chair center stage with a navy blue business pants suit on with her legs crossed, she attributes her success to preparation, seizing opportunities, education and maintaining solid relationships. “You work hard, it will speak for itself,” says Smith. “If you’re confident and know what you’re doing, own that space. Be committed to it. If it’s something you really want, be passionate about it. Work hard because it’s very competitive.”
Smith & Company is small and family-oriented. She does this intentionally. “You want good people that have different perspectives to look at all angles. We play to win,” Smith adds. “You have to draw boundaries and decide what’s important to you in life. To this day, I’ve never missed a parent/teacher conference.” Smith’s “hands-on” approach to her personal life and business is reflected in her work with the television series “Scandal.”
She’s on the set, reading scripts, submitting notes, talking with the cast and pairing the actors with real government agents. She calls Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, “amazing” and says Kerry Washington, who stars as leading dynamic character, Olivia Pope, is “phenomenal.” “The way [Shonda] writes and creates the shows reflect the world we live in,” says Smith. “’Scandal’ looks like the world.” Smith also clears the air about an affair with the President. “No, I did not kiss the President,” she adds. “Television has to be entertaining.”
Smith’s groundbreaking television drama is a venture she never thought would happen. The seven episode, first season proved to be a gripping hit with viewers. The season finale was watched by eight million viewers: two million of them African American. It would be the first time in television history that ABC wins that time slot with the black demographic. “Doing the show was totally out of my comfort zone,” Smith says. “Things happen in the most unexpected places. You [the audience] showed up in my life in ways I couldn’t imagine. If you had to follow me around, you would be bored to tears.”
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and contributor to The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
Khaya Mthethwa recently became the first black contestant to win South Africa’s televised “Idols SA” contest. (Google Images)
The New York Times is reporting that viewers of “Idols SA,” the South African counterpart to the popular televised competition “American Idol,” have named Khaya Mthethwa the season eight winner—making him the first black contestant to be so declared. Many blame discrepancies in wealth, and therefore access to the satellite channel on which the show is broadcast, for the lack of diversity amongst winners for the past seven seasons.
According to The New York Times:
“At the end of season 6, when a white rock musician named Elvis Blue beat black soul singer Lloyd Cele by almost twice as many votes, a former judge in the competition, Mara Louw, lashed out.
‘Lloyd should have won,’ she was quoted as saying in an interview with City Press, a Sunday newspaper. ‘Blacks do not have access to DStv. This excludes a sizable chunk of South Africans from the competition. Whites vote for whites and blacks are disadvantaged,’ Ms. Louw was quoted as saying. ‘I am sick and tired of being politically correct. The whites refuse to vote for blacks.’
Eusebius McKaiser, a political analyst whose new book, ‘A Bantu in My Bathroom,’ tackles South Africa’s lingering racial tensions, said he had no doubt that if ‘Idols’ were shown on the national broadcaster, whose channels are free, a black winner would have emerged much earlier. ‘We would be talking about when Idols would have its first white winner,’ said Mr. McKaiser, who is also a rabid fan of the show, posting exuberantly on Twitter for #TeamKhaya.”
However, more blacks may now be accessing channels such as M-Net, which broadcasts “Idols SA,” accounting for the increase in votes resulting in Mthethwa’s win. Still, some fans may not be tuning in or voting because they feel that “Idols SA” is not representative of the truly popular musical styles of South Africa, such as kwaito, house music, and Afro pop.
Khaya Mthethwa recently became the first black contestant to win South Africa’s televised “Idols SA” contest. (Google Images)
The New York Times is reporting that viewers of “Idols SA,” the South African counterpart to the popular televised competition “American Idol,” have named Khaya Mthethwa the season eight winner—making him the first black contestant to be so declared. Many blame discrepancies in wealth, and therefore access to the satellite channel on which the show is broadcast, for the lack of diversity amongst winners for the past seven seasons.
According to The New York Times:
“At the end of season 6, when a white rock musician named Elvis Blue beat black soul singer Lloyd Cele by almost twice as many votes, a former judge in the competition, Mara Louw, lashed out.
‘Lloyd should have won,’ she was quoted as saying in an interview with City Press, a Sunday newspaper. ‘Blacks do not have access to DStv. This excludes a sizable chunk of South Africans from the competition. Whites vote for whites and blacks are disadvantaged,’ Ms. Louw was quoted as saying. ‘I am sick and tired of being politically correct. The whites refuse to vote for blacks.’
Eusebius McKaiser, a political analyst whose new book, ‘A Bantu in My Bathroom,’ tackles South Africa’s lingering racial tensions, said he had no doubt that if ‘Idols’ were shown on the national broadcaster, whose channels are free, a black winner would have emerged much earlier. ‘We would be talking about when Idols would have its first white winner,’ said Mr. McKaiser, who is also a rabid fan of the show, posting exuberantly on Twitter for #TeamKhaya.”
However, more blacks may now be accessing channels such as M-Net, which broadcasts “Idols SA,” accounting for the increase in votes resulting in Mthethwa’s win. Still, some fans may not be tuning in or voting because they feel that “Idols SA” is not representative of the truly popular musical styles of South Africa, such as kwaito, house music, and Afro pop.
Google launches the Steve Biko archive which features documents that were not previously publicly available. (Google Images)
BBC Africa is reporting that the Steve Biko South Africa Archive has been published by Google. Thirty-five years after the death of Biko while in police custody, an online archive about the South African anti-apartheid activist is now available.
Curated by the Steve Biko Foundation, the archive is part of 42 historical exhibitions published by Google, whose goal is to narrate major events of the last century, including apartheid, D-Day and the Holocaust. The Biko archive features documents that have not been available to the public including his 1973 banning order restricting his activities. The article states:
“Steve Biko was a banned person – he was not allowed to be quoted, he couldn’t publish anything, his image could not be printed in the newspaper,” Obenewa Amponsah of the Steve Biko Foundation said.
Biko, one of the most iconic and revered anti-apartheid activists, died from head injuries sustained after spending nearly a month in police custody. He was 30.
