“The worst drought in 60 years has thrown some 13 million people across the Horn of Africa into crisis. In Somalia, ravaged by two decades of conflict, the consequences have been disastrous. We ask if aid in this region of the world has become politicised? And has Washington’s pre-occupation with terrorism in the Horn of Africa contributed to the deadly consequences of this disaster?”

-Al Jazeera English

Photo courtesy of David Axe.

The answer to the first question is, “Duh.”

Aid work in Africa has been tied to politics since the first time outside governments decided to step in. I think the grassroots Christian groups and other non-profit organizations (like Doctors Without Borders) do a better job at maintaining aid. OK, so there are some bible-thumping on the part of the Christian groups and the other NPOs tend to lean left, but this does not affect the fact that they are helping out in practical terms. When it’s a government involve, not just Washington in this example, the rice and anti-malaria kits come with diplomats. Famine should never be used as a pawn in a political chess game. The only benefit of a government body bringing aid is that they are backed up by millions of tax payer money and logistical resources.

Now, this goes deeper than that. In the book “Dead Aid”, which I read a while back and is a book worth checking out at your local library, the author, economist Dambisa Moyo, states that aid actually harms Africa more than it helps them. What you get (and this is obvious) is a system of dependence. Dependence on outsiders is what set Africa back to begin with, like colonialism for instance, in which they had no choice but to depend on their European colonizers. You see, food is politics. Famine is one of the best ways to gain power over a region politically.

On to the second question. Pirates, Muslim militants and warlords have been conducting a bloody orgy in the Horn for some time now. It doesn’t help that western-made guns end up there either. The U.S., I think, still remembers the Blackhawk incident in Somalia. But if top officials are found in the Horn, the U.S. will go there and destroy them. And it has been conducting operations there, even if just intelligence gathering.

So, what you have now is an imbalance of priorities. Do we go after terrorists or aid the civilians? There are really no one-way options here. It’s like a branch with an intricate set of twigs protruding out. You can’t have access to the civilians without dealing with the political elements of the country. In this case, before you can even bring aid you need to do some politicizing, which may contradict with my first argument, but in this circumstance you have no choice but to give in to the push-pull mechanism of political bargaining.

The West is good at setting up sanctions and that may work well for countries like Iran and North Korea, because they’re major players in the global stage, but a nation in the Horn won’t flinch a nerve over threats of sanction. To them this is nothing new. When was the last time anyone had truly done anything in Africa that affected the region? Oh, right, Libya. But when it comes to sub-Saharan Africa, it’s as if these government suits show a kind of guilt. Oh dear, we made a mess of that continent. Let’s just throw them money from afar. Stepping into a sub-Saharan African country is like stepping back into your own crime scene.

Quelling terrorism anywhere is an important priority, but the local governments in that area need to step their game up as well. American/NATO operations are still in Af-Pak. We don’t need another front. We just pulled our troops out of Iraq; Let’s give them a rest. Washington should focus more on humanitarian efforts (with as less politics involved if possible) and diplomatic missions than military actions. This can be done by taking a more regulatory role, in that making sure aid money and supplies actually get into the hands of civilians and the non-profit organizations already working there. The U.S. and the EU needs to make sure that medicine and canned foods don’t end up being filtered through local governments and are used for their personal profit. Helping with economic programs might also work. Tell the local government to either get with the program or face a larger crisis. If aid—medical, food and educational—isn’t put to use properly, the country could sink deeper into a death pit. The links between terrorism and poverty has been well-studied in developing countries. I’d rather see people being fed than being blown up in a guerrilla war between western forces and militants.

Philippines is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that is amazingly blessed with rich natural resources. White sand beaches, crystal clear lagoons, virgin forests that houses endangered species of various animals and even the recently claimed as one the 7 wonders of world Puerto Princessa Underground River can be found in the country. These natural wonders are more than enough to lure tourists to visit the country.

That’s why when reports came out that the country’s Department of Tourism (DOT) has been promoting the Philippines as the best destination for broken hearted or divorcees to move on with their lives, a lot of eyebrows were raised disapproving the marketing scheme.

“The Department of Tourism is treading on dangerous waters. Marketing the Philippines as a destination for divorcees is practically synonymous to marketing the Philippines as a destination for sex tourists,” says Luz Ilagan, a representative of a Filipino women’s group Gabriela.

“How exactly does the tourism department envision its role in promoting our country? You cannot promote the country as a place to comfort and console the broken hearted without bringing in Filipino women in the equation,” Ilagan added.

All of these started when DOT’s Assistant Secretary Domingo Ramon Enerio III was quoted saying that among the targeted markets of the country’s tourism are those running away from domestic turmoil. “If we can be a wedding or honeymoon destination, we can also become a destination for those in search of personal fulfillment, including those… in flight from domestic turmoil,” Enerio said.

Gabriela strongly disagrees with Enerio’s point of view as they are much concerned on the protection of Filipinas who have become victims of the sex industry. Ilagan challenged the department to rethink its strategies as this divorcee marketing highlights their role in the perpetuation of sex tourism in our country.

Chris Bech once visited the country as a tourist. He married a Filipina and settled in the Philippines for good. He stayed not only because his wife is living here but he just fell in love with the country’s beautiful beaches. Chris Bech now promotes the Samar Islands and has been encouraging his fellow expats to stay in the country for a comfortable retirement. He is just one of those tourists who were encouraged to stay and invest simply because of the country’s natural resources and not because of the presence of its beautiful women.

Almost all relationships that didn’t work out would eventually lead to bitterness. The couple who used to be best friends before they entered the intimate relationship now turned to be mortal enemies. It’s actually part of the process and in a matter of time, both would be able to forgive each other but the relationship can never be the same. As to the latest buzz among the controversial couples in the Hollywood industry, the Kim-Kris breakup has been the most talked about. Any article written with their names on it can acquire that much traffic that even irrelevant ads about boats for sale in Philippines can be placed. Breakups in the Hollywood is a common thing and changing partners can happen as fast as you change your clothes and their breakup just proved the existence.

At one time they’re so in love and all of a sudden they hate each other. From courtship, engagement, wedding preparations up to the extravagant wedding ceremony has been caught on tape for everyone to witness. Well, sad to say their love story is not all about it. It didn’t have a happy ending because after 72 days, Kim came out ranting to media that she’s filing a divorce. Many were stunned, though others were expecting it but not that fast.

During the Sunday premiere of Kourtney and Kim Take New York Kris appeared to be the “bad guy” in the relationship. Kris might have seen the show and counter-reacted by not pursuing the divorce. Instead, he wants their marriage to be annulled. He will be filing court papers for legal separation for the entire thing to appear to have never really happened. Annulment is way much stressful to handle than a having a divorce and they could end up hurting each other that much in the entire process. It seems that Kris is having his vengeance by contradicting Kim’s plans.

Thanksgiving Day 2011 will be celebrated in the US this coming Thursday, November 24, 2011. As part of the annual celebration, Macy’s will be having its 85th Thanksgiving Day Parade to entertain people most especially kids with their colorful floats and disney characters.

As written on Macy’s official website, Macys.com, the 2011 Thanks Giving Parade route starts at 77th Street and Central Park West and ends at 34th Street and 7th Avenue.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day 2011 Parade route begins at 77th Street and Central Park West in New York at 9am Eastern Time. It will then march south on Central Park West, and then turns into east onto Central park South.

When the parade reaches 7th Avenue, it will turn south at the corner of Central Park South and marches to 42nd Street. It then travels east along 42nd Street from 7th to 6th Avenue. At 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), the parade veers south and marches to 34th Street. At 34th Street, the parade heads west to Herald Square, ending the route at 34th Street and 7th Avenue.

Hosted by “Today Show” hosts Matt Lauer, Ann Curry and Al Roker, the2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air live on Thanksgiving Daystarting at 9:00 a.m. ET on NBC.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2011 will feature 15 giant character balloons; 44 novelty/ornament balloons, balloonicles and balloonheads; 27 floats; 1,600 cheerleaders, dancers and performance group members; 800 clowns; 11 marching bands; a host of celebrity performers, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.

The line-up for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2011 includes giant balloon characters such as:

• Buzz Lightyear
• Clumsy Smurf
• Diary of A Wimpy Kid
• “Super Cute” Hello Kitty
• Kermit the Frog
• Kung Fu Panda
• Pikachu
• Pillsbury Doughboy
• Ronald McDonald
• Sailor Mickey
• Snoopy the Flying Ace
• Spider-Man
• SpongeBob SquarePants.

Normally, 6th graders are kids who usually begged to their parents to buy them the latest game console for a simple reason that their classmate got one. For them life having that cool soccer shoes or that fancy colorful bracelet with their initials in it is the best time ever.

Who could have ever imagine that a certain 6th grader envisioned to make his own video games to play with. “A lot of kids these days like to play games, but now they want to make them,” says Thomas Suarez, a 6th grader at a middle school in LA. Suarez at this time already have his own company named CarrotCorp. He’s the mind behind Earth Fortune, an app which will show different colors of the Earth depending on your fortune; and Bustin Jieber, a “whack-a-mole” game for Justin Bieber.

That basically answers the title of this post and that’s not all because Suarez has a long way to go. He started an App Club in school which allows students to learn how to design apps. He said that he will be making more apps in the future and is planning to learn Android programming and development.

Suarez inspired a lot people when he had his TED Talk from the recent TEDx conference in Manhattan Beach. Get to hear his speech with the video shown below.

There is no doubt that the latest Pacquiao-Marquez fight can be considered as one of the best boxing matches in the history. Both of them are just few of the boxers who played clean in their numerous past matches. Their rivalry seemed to be endless. They would always be branded as opponents inside the ring.

Pacquiao has been labeled to be the punisher to Mexican boxers after defeating 9 of them including Marquez in his entire professional boxing career. That’s why Marquez isn’t only fighting for the title every time he faces Pacquiao but he is also carrying that vengeance for his fellow Mexican boxers.

Boxing analysts are saying that Marquez is considered to be Pacquiao’s nemesis who could keep up with the latter’s speed and stamina. Their 12 round fight clearly showed why. Not like his previous fights, Pacquiao couldn’t just knock Marquez down that easy. If Pacquiao gives out punches, Marquez can do the same.

Both have their own rounds and the audience both inside MGM Grand and those in front of the silver screens couldn’t afford to miss a single moment.

Pacquiao and Marquez remained standing after 12 rounds and everyone’s heart started to pound heavily while waiting for the official decision. Marquez raised his hands claiming the victory while Pacquiao went straight to the ring corner and prayed.

At this moment, the decision would be all up to the judges. Robert Hoyle had it 114-114 and the crowd made noise. Then Dave Moretti had it 115-113 while Glenn Trowbridge had 116-112 declaring Manny Pacquiao to remain as the WBO World Welterweight Title holder.

The crowd seemed to be not happy with the decision. There has been booing mixed with the yells of happiness. Marquez walked out of the ring and went straight to his locker room avoiding the questions of the press while Pacquiao remained celebrating his victory.

This is yet another controversial bout between the two and the fight clearly didn’t show who’s the real undisputed in their category. It has been always a close fight just like their previous match last 2008 wherein Pacquiao won with just a point.

Statistically, Pacquiao clearly won and the judges’ decision is final. They might have seen his edge from Marquez in the fight that cannot be normally seen by a common boxing match viewer.

Before the year ends, everyone should make up their minds to choose who’s rightful enough for that lavish trophy given for the winners of the People’s Choice Awards 2012. Now that the list of nominees are out, choose wisely and make your stars shine as you want to be.

This year’s set of nominees for the movie category has been dominated by the Harry Potter stars. The last franchise of the movie ‘The Deathly Hallows Part 2′ shared the Favorite Movie category with Bridesmaids, The Help, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Harry Potter stars Ema Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton are nominated in the Favorite Movie Star Under 25 together with Chloe Moretz. Harry Potter himself, who is played by Daniel Radcliffe has been nominated in the Favorite Actor category along with Hugh Jackman
Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson and Ryan Reynolds.

The music category on the other hand has been dominated with Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Katy Perry with 5 nominations. Then followed by Adele and Taylor Swift with 4 and 3 nods respectively. Justin Beiber made it this year being the youngest among the nominees for the Favorite Male Artist along with Blake Shelton, Bruno Mars, Eminem and Enrique Iglesias.

For the TV category, the musical series Glee seemed to have shone among the rest with their stars being nominated on the several categories. Lea Michelle and Jane Lynch both made it to the Favorite TV Comedy Actress category while Chris Colfer and Cory Monteith for the male counterpart.

All the other nominees can be found in www.peopleschoice.com. and voting is now officially open.

Few more months to go before the much awaited biggest football event in the US. With the success of Green Bay Packers as the Super Bowl 2011 winner, the question now that a lot of football asks is who will be next year’s Super Bowl 2012 champion?

The Super Bowl 2012 will be held at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 5, 2012. The stadium features a retractable roof and window wall, thus allowing the Indianapolis Colts to play both indoors and outdoors. The surface is FieldTurf. The elements of kinetic architecture will provide for quick conversion of the facility to accommodate a variety of events.

Lucas Oil Stadium can be expanded to a capacity of 70,000 for big events such as the Super Bowl 2012 next year. It offers 137 luxury suites, including 8 field suites, as well as 12 super suites. It was built to accommodate for the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. In addition, the Quarterback Suite offers 200 seats for a unique shared suite experience.

Right now, all eyes are on the NFL regular season. Currently, the NFL games are on week 7. There are 10 more weeks to go before the championship round for the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC) begins next year. Who do you think will be next year’s AFC and NFC Champions to battle for the Vince Lombardi trophy of the Super Bowl 2012? Who will be the next after Green Bay Packers?

For the US which has the biggest share of viewers worldwide, NBC was appointed as the official broadcaster of the football event. They will have their Super Bowl 2012 Live Stream on TV. Consequently, various TV stations in several countries will be broadcasting the said event for football fanatics on these countries.

OccupyHouston launched its silent protest coincidentally the same day as the corporate-sponsored Energy Day in downtown’s Tranquility Park, which is down the street from Enron’s former headquarters. A protester told me that the two events “just happened to have coincided”. It was a peaceful protest, with only occasional remarks from motorists, telling the protesters “to get a job”. Overall, there seemed to be more support from the passers-by than conflict.

The organizers had spoken with a police officer after a couple of laps around the park. A high ranking officer told the organizers that they were allowed to walk through the Energy Day event. This took place amid curious onlookers attending the Energy Day event, which had tents on the park premises where vendors and sales reps were handing out pamphlets and brochures regarding sustainable energy products. With kids both in the protest and corporate-sponsored event, it seemed like a typical and pleasant weekend in downtown Houston—of course with a dash of politics.

Reading the signs that the protesters carried, you can tell that there wasn’t a centralized focus in their message, but rather a smorgasbord of issues ranging from human rights and the environment, to calls for President Obama’s impeachment and demanding that corporations be left out of politics. The size of the protest wasn’t as big as the Occupy Wall Street protests going on in New York City, but they got their message across, at least in the midtown area.

The protest was launched in synchronicity with at least 400 others around the nation.

Gantenerumab, a new drug developed by Roche Holding AG, promises treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the study published in the Archives of Neurology on October 10, 2011.

Researchers suspect the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain causes Alzheimer’s disease. The new Alzheimer’s drug may help lower levels of such plaque. It is said that Gantenerumab binds itself to amyloid plaques in the brain and remove them. It is being targeted at the early stages of Alzheimer’s with the hope that it can slow progression of the disease.

The Phase I study of 16 Alzheimer’s patients tested Gantenerumabat two doses against a placebo over six months of treatment. The new Alzheimer’s drug led to a dose-dependent reduction of brain amyloid, while amyloid load increased in patients receiving a placebo, Roche Holding AG stated.

“These results and especially the rapidity of the effects observed on amyloid removal are very encouraging and pave the way for the development of a novel treatment for Alzheimer’s disease,” Luca Santarelli, head of Roche’s global neuroscience disease division, said in a statement.

While the new Alzheimer’s drug promises treatment, experts caution more research is needed before this drug can be deemed safe or effective.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia affecting 25 million people worldwide. Symptoms of the disease include serious memory loss, confusion and mood changes develop gradually and worsen with time. Recently, many strides have been made in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease earlier, but doctors have been stymied by a lack of effective treatments to stop or slow the course of the disease.