Tennis and basketball are basically my bread and pudding when it comes to sports. Whether im watching Federer slice a backhand across the court or Lebron James swooping in for a dirty dunk, both sports showcase the style and grace each player has. Unfortunately, sports have devolved into a disgusting spectacle of brute force and bloodshed. Boxing, Wrestling, Cage fighting, all showcase the beast like persona of overly buff and bicep crunching men. Instead of showcasing their style or grace (or any tactfulness), fighters are just looking to crush and destroy their opponents until the crowd's applause subsides.
Anyways, despite my scepticism I decided to branch out and watch this wrestling movie which stars, Mickey Rourke, a recently revived rag doll actor. Aside from Mr. Hulk Hogan, my knowledge of wrestling is practically nonexistent, so I didn’t have much to go by. Following the once successful wrestling career of Randy “Ram” Robinson, the movie illustrates how an aging sports icon can easily fall by the way side. Living in a rutty trailer park, Rourke does a good job of playing an extremely washed out wrestler who works at the local deli counter. Desperately trying to hang onto his career, he continues to enter the wrestling ring at local gigs, but realizes (after having a heartache) his days in the ring are over.
He finds comfort at a local town strip joint where Cassadi (Marisa Tomei) consoles him. With most movies (horror flicks, comedy, action etc), there seems to an unprecedented need for the man to end up, or fall in love with his female co-star. Unfortunately, the Ram’s romantic endeavours are short lived, and Rourke ends up back in the ring venting his frustration on another aging wrestler.
After watching the movie, I’ve decided to stick to tennis and basketball. The “smash and destroy” kind of entertainment deeply engrained in wrestling is definitely not my cup of tea. In terms of the main actor, the long bleach blonde locks and overtly bronzed body did wonders for Mickey Rourke. Who, by the way (and for those who dont watch TMZ), normally walks around like a trashy and greasy haired wreck smoking like a chimney stack.
Unfortunately, aside from his physical transformation/ new look, I still don’t understand how he wrestled his way into an academy award nomination?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
South Africa: Conflict over Zuma’s corruption charges
In less than two weeks, South Africans will head to the election poles to vote for their future president. The main contender is Jacob Zuma, a 66 year-old former guerrilla leader, who is currently chief of the African National Congress. Earlier this month, corruption charges against Zuma were dropped angering South Africa’s rival political parties including the Democratic Alliance and the Independent Democrats.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the case was aborted because of political interference. After the charges were dropped by the High Court in Durban, South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance filed an application for judicial review of Zuma’s case. Jonah Fisher from BBC news reports that the Democratic Alliance believes the National Prosecution Authority is being used as a tool of the Zuma faction under the ANC. Although the issue of political interference prevented the case from moving forward, Patricia de Lille, the leader of the Independent Democrats argues that the issue of interference is a completely separate matter from the substantive evidence against Zuma. Although Zuma contends that he has not committed a crime against the South Africa’s people, de Lille believes that the evidence possessed by the National Prosecuting Authority must still be tested before his guilty is determined.
The charges against Zuma stem from South Africa’s controversial arms deal in 1999. Originally, the arms deal was supposed to modernise South Africa’s national defence force. The arms deal included contracts with Germany, Italy, Sweden, Britain, and France. Several years following the deal, Zuma’s financial advisor Schabir Shaik was convicted of taking bribes from Thint, a French arms company. In 2005, Zuma was also charged for taking bribes from Shaik to prevent the French subsidiary from being investigated.
In light of the charges, the National Prosecuting Authority found that Leonard McCarthy, the former head of the Scorpion investigative unit and Bulelani Ngcuka, husband of Mr. Mbeki’s vice-president, had interfered with Zuma’s prosecution. According to Mokoledi Mpshe, the acting director of public prosecutions, McCarthy and Ngcuka had sought to influence the timing of the case. Due to the interference, the presiding judge on the case, Vusi Tshabalala overturned the case. However, Judge Tshabalala did acknowledge that his decision was not an acquittal. As a result, Zuma has not been able to clear his name.
Although Zuma is favoured to win the elections and corruption charges have been dropped, Sebastian Berger, a Telegraph correspondent believes ramifications from the corruption case will have a ripple effect on South Africa’s politics and its prominent political figures. Already, South Africa’s Independent Democrat leader, de Lille, has filed charges against McCarthy and Ngcuka for interfering with the prosecution.
In light of Zuma’s legal battles, it remains to be seen how his party’s support and performance will be affected in the upcoming elections on April 22.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the case was aborted because of political interference. After the charges were dropped by the High Court in Durban, South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance filed an application for judicial review of Zuma’s case. Jonah Fisher from BBC news reports that the Democratic Alliance believes the National Prosecution Authority is being used as a tool of the Zuma faction under the ANC. Although the issue of political interference prevented the case from moving forward, Patricia de Lille, the leader of the Independent Democrats argues that the issue of interference is a completely separate matter from the substantive evidence against Zuma. Although Zuma contends that he has not committed a crime against the South Africa’s people, de Lille believes that the evidence possessed by the National Prosecuting Authority must still be tested before his guilty is determined.
The charges against Zuma stem from South Africa’s controversial arms deal in 1999. Originally, the arms deal was supposed to modernise South Africa’s national defence force. The arms deal included contracts with Germany, Italy, Sweden, Britain, and France. Several years following the deal, Zuma’s financial advisor Schabir Shaik was convicted of taking bribes from Thint, a French arms company. In 2005, Zuma was also charged for taking bribes from Shaik to prevent the French subsidiary from being investigated.
In light of the charges, the National Prosecuting Authority found that Leonard McCarthy, the former head of the Scorpion investigative unit and Bulelani Ngcuka, husband of Mr. Mbeki’s vice-president, had interfered with Zuma’s prosecution. According to Mokoledi Mpshe, the acting director of public prosecutions, McCarthy and Ngcuka had sought to influence the timing of the case. Due to the interference, the presiding judge on the case, Vusi Tshabalala overturned the case. However, Judge Tshabalala did acknowledge that his decision was not an acquittal. As a result, Zuma has not been able to clear his name.
Although Zuma is favoured to win the elections and corruption charges have been dropped, Sebastian Berger, a Telegraph correspondent believes ramifications from the corruption case will have a ripple effect on South Africa’s politics and its prominent political figures. Already, South Africa’s Independent Democrat leader, de Lille, has filed charges against McCarthy and Ngcuka for interfering with the prosecution.
In light of Zuma’s legal battles, it remains to be seen how his party’s support and performance will be affected in the upcoming elections on April 22.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Silly over Sudoku
I hate numbers. Whether its trigonometry or just calculating the tip, I’m just hopeless. However, despite my dire skills, I stumbled upon a very interesting game that might help me become the next mathematician. Okay, probably not, but it’s worth a try.
I found this game in the back of the daily Metro newspaper, sandwiched in between the crossword and the horoscope section. Aside from the useless but amusing horoscope I usually avoid this page and skip to the celebrity gossip section. For me at least, learning about Lindsay Lohan’s latest tricks are far more interesting than solving a 55 word puzzle on a Monday morning!
However, despite my aversion, I started to notice a lot of subway riders eagerly flipping to the back page, hastily searching for a pen and then attacking the daily mathematical brainteaser before they get to work. Their steady but deep concentration suddenly spiked my curiosity and within a few minutes I found myself also confronting SUDOKU.
With a brief set of instructions, the game appears to be somewhat straightforward to the untrained eye or the math dummy (by which i mean - me). But on closer observation, I realize, that arranging numbers can be somewhat challenging, (especially when you’re holding a non fat extra hot Starbucks latte on the subway at rush hour). In any case, I was hooked within the first few seconds. And for reasons i still can’t explain, I actually enjoyed putting all the numbers in those very small squares as the subway slowly moved from stop to stop.
Although, I only recently became acquainted with the game, Sudoku has been around for decades. The number placement puzzle was actually invented in 1979 and first published in The Times (British ed) newspaper in 2004. I won’t bore you with too much history but I stumbled upon an interesting fact while researching (yes I’m that addicted) the numbers game.
Apparently, last June an Australian drug related jury trial had to be stopped because 5 of the 12 jurors had been playing Sudoku instead of listening to evidence.
Can you believe it?! A drug related case aborted because a silly game becomes too addictive! (Pretty ironic if you ask me)
Anyways, next time you’re on the subway, pull out your pen or pencil and challenge yourself to a game of Soduku. It’s definitely more captivating than reading about Chris Brown’s or Amy Winehouse’s latest court appearance.
I found this game in the back of the daily Metro newspaper, sandwiched in between the crossword and the horoscope section. Aside from the useless but amusing horoscope I usually avoid this page and skip to the celebrity gossip section. For me at least, learning about Lindsay Lohan’s latest tricks are far more interesting than solving a 55 word puzzle on a Monday morning!
However, despite my aversion, I started to notice a lot of subway riders eagerly flipping to the back page, hastily searching for a pen and then attacking the daily mathematical brainteaser before they get to work. Their steady but deep concentration suddenly spiked my curiosity and within a few minutes I found myself also confronting SUDOKU.
With a brief set of instructions, the game appears to be somewhat straightforward to the untrained eye or the math dummy (by which i mean - me). But on closer observation, I realize, that arranging numbers can be somewhat challenging, (especially when you’re holding a non fat extra hot Starbucks latte on the subway at rush hour). In any case, I was hooked within the first few seconds. And for reasons i still can’t explain, I actually enjoyed putting all the numbers in those very small squares as the subway slowly moved from stop to stop.
Although, I only recently became acquainted with the game, Sudoku has been around for decades. The number placement puzzle was actually invented in 1979 and first published in The Times (British ed) newspaper in 2004. I won’t bore you with too much history but I stumbled upon an interesting fact while researching (yes I’m that addicted) the numbers game.
Apparently, last June an Australian drug related jury trial had to be stopped because 5 of the 12 jurors had been playing Sudoku instead of listening to evidence.
Can you believe it?! A drug related case aborted because a silly game becomes too addictive! (Pretty ironic if you ask me)
Anyways, next time you’re on the subway, pull out your pen or pencil and challenge yourself to a game of Soduku. It’s definitely more captivating than reading about Chris Brown’s or Amy Winehouse’s latest court appearance.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Pakistan’s Chief Justice back on the bench
Amid the escalating protests by lawyers, civil society and opposition political parties, Pakistan’s top judge, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was reinstated to the Supreme Court in mid March. After being suspended from the bench for two years, Chaudhry was restored to his position as Chief Justice by Pakistan’s president Asif Ali Zardari. During his suspension, Adbul Hameed Dogaras had been appointed as the de facto chief justice of Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
Different views on his reinstatement
There have been mixed reactions to the judge’s recent reinstatement. While some feel his restoration is a victory for judicial independence, others worry that his restoration could undermine an allegiance between Pakistan People’s party and the Pakistan Muslim league. According to BBC correspondent Ilyas Khan, Pakistan People’s party believe that Chaudhry can only return if he takes a fresh oath of office and admits the legality of 2007 removal. BBC also reports that some feel the former chief justice has already disqualified himself from the position because Chaudhry had engaged in street politics for the last two years. Moreover, Rashid Qureshi, a former aide to former president Pervez Musharraf, argues that Chaudhry’s reinstatement has no legal basis and believes the government just reacted under pressure from the opposition to reinstate him. The army is also averse to his return, given Chaudhry’s past investigations into alleged human rights abuses committed by Pakistan’s military.
Why he was dismissed
The chief justice’s dismissal was triggered by then President Pervez Musharraf, who feared Chaudhry and the other Supreme Court judges would challenge the legality of his re-election in the 2007 elections. Reuter’s correspondent, Simon Cameron also reports that Musharraf feared Chaudhry would make him stand by a constitutional requirement to abdicate his position as army chief during his presidential bid. In November 2007, Musharraf declared a state of emergency and dismissed Chaudhry after he refused to take a fresh oath of office. Aside from challenging Musharraf, Cameron reports that Chaudhry’s suspension could have been prompted by his involvement in some sensitive political cases. Specifically, his hearing of cases involving missing persons picked up by Pakistan’s military and intelligence services. According to New York Times reporter Jane Perlez, Pakistan’s security forces have been holding civilians without charges since 9/11 on the basis they might be involved in terrorism.
Who will be affected by his return?
Despite the warm welcome by the opposition party, Chaudhry’s return may have a detrimental effect on Zardari’s presidency. According to BBC correspondent, Barbara Plett, Chaudhry could overturn the amnesty that allowed Zardari to return to Pakistan last year. Upon his return from exile, Zardari, the widower of Benazir Bhutto led Pakistan’s People’s Party to victory by winning the presidential elections. Chaudhry’s reinstatement could also negatively impact former president Musharraf. Returning to the bench, the judge has the authority to bring charges against the former presidents for his suspension of the constitution in 2007. Additionally, the judicial bench may face a reshuffling, as Chaudhry decides what to do with judges appointed by Zardari during his two year hiatus.
Since his reinstatement the judge has kept a fairly low profile. Salman Masood, a New York Times correspondent reports that Chaudhry has declined Zardari’s requests to attend a couple of government functions. Yet, Chaudhry has been somewhat active appointing a five member bench to hear the case of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif and his younger brother, Shahbaz Sharif. Earlier this year, the brothers were banned from running for public office in the Punjab province. However, the newly appointed bench suspended the ruling and Shahbaz has returned to his post as Chief Minister in the province.
Different views on his reinstatement
There have been mixed reactions to the judge’s recent reinstatement. While some feel his restoration is a victory for judicial independence, others worry that his restoration could undermine an allegiance between Pakistan People’s party and the Pakistan Muslim league. According to BBC correspondent Ilyas Khan, Pakistan People’s party believe that Chaudhry can only return if he takes a fresh oath of office and admits the legality of 2007 removal. BBC also reports that some feel the former chief justice has already disqualified himself from the position because Chaudhry had engaged in street politics for the last two years. Moreover, Rashid Qureshi, a former aide to former president Pervez Musharraf, argues that Chaudhry’s reinstatement has no legal basis and believes the government just reacted under pressure from the opposition to reinstate him. The army is also averse to his return, given Chaudhry’s past investigations into alleged human rights abuses committed by Pakistan’s military.
Why he was dismissed
The chief justice’s dismissal was triggered by then President Pervez Musharraf, who feared Chaudhry and the other Supreme Court judges would challenge the legality of his re-election in the 2007 elections. Reuter’s correspondent, Simon Cameron also reports that Musharraf feared Chaudhry would make him stand by a constitutional requirement to abdicate his position as army chief during his presidential bid. In November 2007, Musharraf declared a state of emergency and dismissed Chaudhry after he refused to take a fresh oath of office. Aside from challenging Musharraf, Cameron reports that Chaudhry’s suspension could have been prompted by his involvement in some sensitive political cases. Specifically, his hearing of cases involving missing persons picked up by Pakistan’s military and intelligence services. According to New York Times reporter Jane Perlez, Pakistan’s security forces have been holding civilians without charges since 9/11 on the basis they might be involved in terrorism.
Who will be affected by his return?
Despite the warm welcome by the opposition party, Chaudhry’s return may have a detrimental effect on Zardari’s presidency. According to BBC correspondent, Barbara Plett, Chaudhry could overturn the amnesty that allowed Zardari to return to Pakistan last year. Upon his return from exile, Zardari, the widower of Benazir Bhutto led Pakistan’s People’s Party to victory by winning the presidential elections. Chaudhry’s reinstatement could also negatively impact former president Musharraf. Returning to the bench, the judge has the authority to bring charges against the former presidents for his suspension of the constitution in 2007. Additionally, the judicial bench may face a reshuffling, as Chaudhry decides what to do with judges appointed by Zardari during his two year hiatus.
Since his reinstatement the judge has kept a fairly low profile. Salman Masood, a New York Times correspondent reports that Chaudhry has declined Zardari’s requests to attend a couple of government functions. Yet, Chaudhry has been somewhat active appointing a five member bench to hear the case of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif and his younger brother, Shahbaz Sharif. Earlier this year, the brothers were banned from running for public office in the Punjab province. However, the newly appointed bench suspended the ruling and Shahbaz has returned to his post as Chief Minister in the province.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
RE/MAX Scavenger Hunt
As much as I love history, I sometimes dread the thought of visiting museums. The cold walls, the dingy portraits and the monotonous amount of dirty old collectibles from the middle ages can be quite mind numbing. However, to my pleasant surprise, my visit to the Royal Ontario Museum on Monday morning was both fun and refreshing. And...I now have a greater appreciation for some of the history housed in the downtown enclave. Moreover, unlike the regular high school visits, my adventure began with a special 2 hour scavenger hunt and a bunch of competitive realtors who hastily ran up and down the various hallways and staircases searching for different clues.
With my daring sidekick, we began our hunt in the hallways of early Europe trying on some of the most ridiculous medieval head gear that would probably make my hairdresser cry. From there, we hurried along the corridors in search of an Egyptian mummy whose name was less than memorable. Changing directions and decades, we moved into the dinosaur exhibit, where we brilliantly constructed a tiny tyrannosaurus before the other groups could. After searching for the flying reptile named after an Aztec god, we moved onto Greece, wear my sidekick dressed me in a tasteful purple toga. We then searched for some rotten old helmets and a Tibetan monk who looked calm and peaceful as many different school groups scuffled about him. Lastly, we hurried into the biodiversity exhibit to check out some little green frogs. (Not the Kermit friendly kind)
Being more adventurous than the other groups, we also attempted to find the queen bee before heading to the finish. Luckily, while scrutinizing the millions of bumblebees in the beehouse, another keen observer slipped us the answer. And with that, we were off and running again, but this time to the finish line, where we hoped first prize would still be waiting for us. Holding our breath as we made our final descent down the elevator, we were shocked to find that our competition had gotten the best of us. Although first prize eluded us this time, the hunt provided an insightful look into the various parts of history and kept us on our toes from start to finish.
With my daring sidekick, we began our hunt in the hallways of early Europe trying on some of the most ridiculous medieval head gear that would probably make my hairdresser cry. From there, we hurried along the corridors in search of an Egyptian mummy whose name was less than memorable. Changing directions and decades, we moved into the dinosaur exhibit, where we brilliantly constructed a tiny tyrannosaurus before the other groups could. After searching for the flying reptile named after an Aztec god, we moved onto Greece, wear my sidekick dressed me in a tasteful purple toga. We then searched for some rotten old helmets and a Tibetan monk who looked calm and peaceful as many different school groups scuffled about him. Lastly, we hurried into the biodiversity exhibit to check out some little green frogs. (Not the Kermit friendly kind)
Being more adventurous than the other groups, we also attempted to find the queen bee before heading to the finish. Luckily, while scrutinizing the millions of bumblebees in the beehouse, another keen observer slipped us the answer. And with that, we were off and running again, but this time to the finish line, where we hoped first prize would still be waiting for us. Holding our breath as we made our final descent down the elevator, we were shocked to find that our competition had gotten the best of us. Although first prize eluded us this time, the hunt provided an insightful look into the various parts of history and kept us on our toes from start to finish.
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