THE THIRST FOR POWER AND ITS ULTIMATE PRICE IN AFRICAN POLITICS

African leaders


Many people study politics at school. They are simply inspired to be politicians because they want to create or make a special contribution to the country they belong to. 


Throughout history, some politicians have created and continue to create a good name for themselves by proving to be outstanding leaders to their countries, because of their unique service to the people. The people first, that's the core of their engagement and service to their countries.

Unfortunately, in Africa, the story is entirely different. Most politicians are inspired into politics by corruption. The heavyweight of poverty hanging over Africa's continent creates a sort of barrier to prevents most African leaders from caring for the welfare of the masses. 

They only see it as an opportunity to amass wealth for themselves and their family, while the people suffer in poverty. Such leaders are extremely dangerous and often like to be in power as long as they wish or till death.

Many ask, why  Africa continues to be poor when it has all the best natural resources? Is it because Africans are lazy? Is it because the leaders do not care to develop their countries? 

Like many developing and developed countries, there are both hard-working class of people and lazy workers. But what has ruined Africa totally is the military. Lack of good leadership, experience, and corruption has destroyed Africa without any remedy.

What makes some of the African leaders cling to power at all costs? The answer is the same, 'Corruption.' After over 42 years in power, Muammar Gaddafi's iron rule tragically came to an end this week. The question is, 'Do African leaders learn anything from such experience? 

Mugabe now joins the ranks of Africa's aging authoritarians. Instead of stepping down, many African heads of state walk in an embodiment of corruption until they meet their untimely death, but nothing lasts forever.

AFRICAN-AMERICANS must put the painful memories of slavery behind them

African-Americans: How many of them are proud to be Africans?


About six years ago, there used to be a black, I had been seeing frequently at a drinking Café I used to work in Antwerp, Belgium. As I said earlier, I have met him many times, but his strange attitude made me find out where he comes from. 


He never responded to my greetings. Closely, I could greet him, but every time without a word. I made inquiries to my boss as to who he was, and I was told that he was a musician from the United States of America. I wasn't surprised to hear that.

I choose special books I like to read. The few I had read are about African-Americans. Some call them "African souls lost in the diaspora." Most of them hate to be called Africans. Despite knowing well the circumstances that led them to be African-Americans, some simply prefer to be morons and claim to be Americans, instead of Africans."

Part of the lyrics of the song "Greetings" by Jamaican reggae star Burning Spear, real name Winston Rodney, says 'One thing I don't understand, why so many black people in America have no intention, respect for the culture. I wonder why. 

Even though they say I am a Yankee, never mind them. I still love my black brothers and black sisters in America. Such a lyric evidently speaks about the same negative attitude maintained by African-Americans, which I am writing about.

It is documented that Africans faced a shameful and brutal experience in slavery, which went on for more than three hundred years. Three hundred years of raids, roundups, pursuits, and ambushes by the white man resulted in millions of young Africans deported across the Atlantic in horrific conditions. 

Those who were lucky to emerge in today's new world are the descendants of the slaves who are now African-Americans. Unfortunately, the unexpected riches they have built have diminished their ability to remember their history.

The painful and lasting imprints of this epoch left upon the memory and consciousness of the African, centuries of disdain, humiliation, and suffering, have degraded the black man to the extent that some feel it is better to claim as an American than African. 

Unfortunately, maintaining this negative attitude is not helping them; they are rather a laughing stock in the eyes of the white man.

I am happy and proud to be African. I think the soul singer James Brown was also proud to be, else he wouldn't have played "Say it Loud I'm black and Proud." I think it's time for every African-American to put behind them those painful memories. 

Once in their lifetime, if any of them could get the chance to visit Africa, as some of them had previously done, they would love Africa and proudly claim to be Africans.

BOOK: WILLIAM AND HARRY BY KATIE NICOLL

Katie Nicoll



William and Harry, the children of the wayward Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, were very young when their mother met her untimely death in an accident in France.

Like other children who lost their loved ones tragically, they were emotionally affected. Since the death of Diana, William and Harry have been mystical figures constantly in the media.

While their mother wept in silence, Prince Charles was having an affair with her rival Camilla. Diana thought leaving behind all the royal blues could make her happy. Unfortunately, things went wrong.

On the shelves now is the story of William and Harry. A book written by Katie Nicoll. The gripping book reveals it all, about how the boys have made it through to be strongly united.       

GHANA'S ECONOMY GROWING AT A VERY FAST RATE

Ex-Ghanaian head of state: Late John Evans Atta-Mills

GHANA'S economic growth has been said to be the fastest growing in the world, within the first half of 2011, by Economy Watch.com. 

Other countries that were selected among the 12 fastest growing economies in the world, were India, Angola, Iraq, Ethiopia, Mozambique, East Timor, and Laos.

Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was estimated to be 20.146, was far ahead of the 14.337 percent recorded in Qatar, as the fastest growing country.

Qatar was followed by Turkmenistan, which recorded 12.18percent; China, 9.901 and Liberia with 9.0 percent.

The organization responsible for recording economic statistics, under the umbrella of the International Monetary Fund, that tracks the Gross Domestic Product of countries across the world, puts Ghana's nominal growth of 23 percent ahead of the other countries. 

This comes in the wake of the international investment community, ranking Ghana as the fourth-best investment country in Africa.

In an unrelated issue, Ghana's President John Evans Atta Mills has urged his fellow African leaders to respect the constitution of their countries and not to overstay their terms of office. 

In bilateral talks between his Botswana counterpart Seretse Khama Ian Khama, who paid a visit to Ghana, he noted that part of the difficulties facing the continent was due to the unhealthy desire of some of the leaders to perpetuate their stay in power after their mandate had expired.

President Mills told his colleagues that there is life after being a president and advised them not to overstay their welcome.

GOD CAN'T BE BLAMED FOR OUR OWN ERRORS

The beauty of God's creation

Once, a couple desperate for a child but never had one, said to me, "It's hard to live without a child when you love your wife dearly. We aim to have children, but we have never had one." 

I asked the man, who is in his early forties, if he had ever made that request to God.

"Is there any God at all? If there is, then he is a very wicked God." That was his answer. I asked him, if you do not believe that God exists, and never seek for him, why then does he seem wicked to you when you have no experience with him?". He laughed.

Mistakes, crime, frustration, drug addiction, and sins are caused by individuals. Everyone knows right from wrong, but simply ignores doing the right thing and follows their desire, lust, and selfishness, without thinking of the Holy Bible or God. But when things get bad along the line, God is always blamed for our wrongdoings.

For example, a pregnant woman knows perfectly well that smoking and drinking alcohol are health hazards to an unborn child. Yet they ignore all those health hazards, by smoking, drinking, and even doing drugs sometimes. 

Yet after delivery, when the poor baby becomes a handicapped child, the blame is shifted to God. Many handicapped children were caused by the parents themselves, even though some were caused by biological problems or heredity.  

One may never experience the spiritual presence of God if you don't seek his face. The sweet flavor of a food doesn't guarantee its deliciousness; one needs to taste it. 

Another point is, alcoholic pregnant women, giving birth to handicapped children, must desist blaming God; instead, they must refrain from alcohol, smoking, and drugs during pregnancy.

AMY WINEHOUSE'S STORY: BOOK ON HER LIFE & DEATH PUBLISHED

Amy Winehouse



Amy Winehouse was a good musician, despite all the obstacles she faced in her life, like other people. Amy was found dead in her north London home on July 23, 2011. 

As an indisputable musical icon and controversial celebrity figure, it is worth noting that Amy's biography must be published for her numerous fans worldwide to read.

Amy Winehouse’s unique blend of jazz, pop, and soul singing and songwriting made her unique. She got a host of awards in her career, including two prestigious Ivor Novello and five Grammys, as well as an army of committed fans who adore her rich voice and painfully honest lyrics.

Meanwhile, wild stories about her turbulent and hedonistic personal life have kept Amy in the headlines. She is a daily fixture in the tabloids and a fascination with celebrity magazines, yet she also holds the respect of many serious musicians.

This remarkable biography traces the life of the tattooed wonder from her childhood pranks in north London through her days at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and her time spent working with pop impresario Simon Fuller, up to the talented and rebellious Amy Winehouse of today.

The book is now available throughout Europe and the United States of America.

KING YELLOWMAN: Classic Hits Changed The Reggae Scene In The 80's

Jamaican reggae star, King Yellowman



In the early eighties, the reggae world took another dimension when a Jamaican artist by the name  King Yellowman stormed the reggae scene with classic recordings that gave him international stardom.

Yellowman was born Winston Foster on 15 January 1956 in Kingston, Jamaica. As a dancehall deejay, Yellowman used his talent to compose great songs, establishing his identity as a true reggae icon in Jamaica. 

He was born an albino and raised in an orphanage home in Kingston, yet he overcame these obstacles and went on to become one of Jamaica's biggest reggae stars.

After winning a talent contest at Tastee Patties in Kingston, Yellow went on to excite reggae crowds all over Jamaica and the rest of the world with his boastful and sometimes sexy lyrics. 

His ability to ride the rhythm and excite reggae lovers made him an instant hit in Jamaica. He recorded Jamaica Nice, Strong me strong, Mi believe/ Summer Holiday, and a host of others.

In his career, Yellowman recorded many classic hits. In 1986, he was diagnosed with jaw cancer. He was given only six months to live. After surgery, he was off from the music scene for a long time. Yellowman began his comeback with the song "Blueberry Hill". 

Yellowman has always been very professional to work with and has always been a respectful and reliable human being. He has managed to outlive his predicted fate of death, and his performances are incredibly lively as he seems to have an unlimited amount of stage energy. 

AMY WINEHOUSE'S HOUSE ROBBED? HER SPIRIT WILL HAUNT THEM

Amy Winehouse

Britain is a country where crime can never be eradicated or even reduced. Because crime is like a subject taught at school. Criminals don't even have shame or remorse. They can kill an old person and rob him or her of a pound coin. 

It is a big shame that just days after Amy Winehouse was found dead, intruders stole personal items from her Camden home. British criminals are now robbing both the living and the dead. 

Those who carried out such abominable acts are not thieves; they are Ghouls, legendary evil beings that rob graves and feed on corpses.

Amy’s personal letters, lyric books, and even unreleased tracks are among the items taken. 

The singer’s home was declared a crime scene after her death on 23rd July, and it’s estimated that up to 20 people, from the police to friends and family, have had access to the property since then.

It's a big shame people like that live in this society. They can enjoy things stolen from the dead, but they can't take  Amy Winehouse's fame. She worked very hard to get to that stage. 

Her spirit will continue to haunt those responsible until all her items are brought back to her family.

BOB MARLEY sings campaign to raise funds to save famine East-Africa

Bob Marley


Reggae superstar Bob Marley, even though he is resting peacefully in his grave, his spirit still lives on. A classic track by him is being released today as part of a global celebrity campaign to raise funds for the victims of the famine in East Africa.

The Save the Children charity and the singer’s family hope that the new video for the 1973 track ‘High Tide Low Tide’ will tackle the humanitarian catastrophe that has left a reported 29,000 children dead and 10 million short of food.

The video, directed by award-winning Kevin McDonald and with music from the much-loved reggae star, is set to go viral with huge celebrity support, such as Jennifer Lopez¸, Lady Gaga, Queen, Madonna, and Beyonce, to name just a few.

From Tuesday, celebrities are set to post the video on their Facebook social profiles to raise awareness of the plight of East Africans to millions of people across the world.

The Marley family has asked in a letter to get as many people as possible to post the video on their Facebook profiles, too.

They said: “Not one child should be denied food nor water. Not one child should suffer from the conflict caused by grown men. Over three million women and children are suffering. They are innocent. They are not political. 

They are starving. Bob Marley, then and now, stands for Africa United, for one love, and for the protection of children worldwide.

“Please join us as we, along with Save the Children, stand up together as friends to put a stop to this needless waste of life, to feed our children, and to save their lives.

“This generous act will help us reach through your friends and ours over two hundred million people worldwide.” The proceeds of the new release will go to Save the Children.

SOMALIA: A LAWLESS, SAVAGE, AND CRUEL COUNTRY

Somalia is a very poor country, but ruthless

In a quiz competition, if I am asked, "What is the most savage and lawless country in the world?" My answer would be Somalia. In Africa, I have never seen people like Somalis before. I keep on asking myself many times that "What kind of God do these people worship?" 

Is it not the same "Allah" that other Islamists worship and pray five times a day, asking for forgiveness and blessings?

I am very sure that I am not the only person angry about the violent nature of these people, but the whole world, including other Muslims. Somalia is a lawless, poverty-stricken country that has been without an effective central government since dictator Siad Barre's regime was overthrown in 1991. 

Even though they have nothing better in that country to boast of, they have destroyed the little they have with bullets from guns.

How could a man be buried to the chest and be stoned to death? What kind of crime has he committed to die such a horrible death? Above all, all those who stoned him, who among them can claim to be a righteous man, who has never sinned before since birth?

How can Somalians rape their women when they know that the Koran speaks against such actions? Actions speak louder than words. From every angle, I believe that these ruthless people have disgraced all the good Muslims in other parts of the world.

Clashes between rival warlords, an Islamist insurgency, and the country's weak Transitional Federal Government are common. "It's a part of the world where life is hard and cheap," said David Shinn, a former ambassador to Ethiopia and now a professor at George Washington University. 

People are "willing to take very high risks for very high gains," he said. With piracy, "they figured out a way to do it."

With the average ransom for a ship approaching $2 million, piracy is one of the most lucrative businesses in Somalia, the BBC reported. In the northern region of Puntland, where many pirates are based, business is booming. 

"They have money; they have power, and they are getting stronger by the day," Abdi Farah Juha, a resident of the regional capital of Garowe, told the BBC. "They wed the most beautiful girls; they are building big houses; they have new cars; new guns."

Despite all those crimes both on land and sea, the country remains the poorest and lawless country in the world. "The youth growing up in poverty and violence," explained Africa specialist Ted Dagne of the Congressional Research Service. "They know how to shoot, they know violence; they don't know how to get a job."

Somalia lies at the entrance to the Gulf of Aden, a busy shipping lane that connects the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. 

Using high-speed powerboats, small bands of heavily armed raiders ride up to ships many times larger than their own and use grappling hooks and ladders to climb on board. Once on deck, they subdue the usually unarmed crew with automatic rifles and anti-tank missiles.

"Most ships don't carry guns for safety reasons," said Richard DeSimone, president of Ocean Marine at Travelers Insurance, which ensures large shipping vessels. "To ward off a speedboat attack is very difficult," he said. 

Pirates are usually not interested in the cargo of ships they hijack; instead, they want ransom money.

At least 14 vessels, including a Ukrainian freighter loaded with Russian battle tanks that were taken last month, are being held in the port town of Eyl, the BBC reported.
.

One thing advanced countries and European leaders must be careful about is, these criminals and pirates would one day find their way into Europe and other countries, like Italy, to request political asylum, then later become terrorists and cause terror in Europe.

HOMOSEXUALITY: WHY AFRICA CAN NOT ACCEPT

The cultural values in Africa can't accept homosexuality.



Homosexuality is seen as an abominable act in Africa. However, this social vice, which is less popular on the continent, is now becoming famous in many African countries, turning the countries into an unnerving place to live in, because church leaders and many organizations against this practice wouldn't like to embrace this type of culture to add to their own culture.

At times, I do ask myself time and time again, do Europeans think Africa will accept whatever they are interested in? Africa had nothing to do with Christianity before the white missionaries ever went there. 

They thought Africans to follow the Bible teachings. Well, later the truth was discovered. The reason was not to let Africans know about Christ but to loot.

Fortunately, many parts of Africa derived interest in the Bible and studied it thoroughly, therefore living by its teachings. An African Christian explaining his point to defend his hate against homosexuality would take one deep step into the Bible to give you a reference.  

Two of such scriptures confirming that homosexuality is an evil act can be read in 1st Timothy, chapter 10, and 1st Corinthians, chapter 6, verse 9. 

The question is, "Why are Europeans and other Gay Rights Organizations now fighting for the practice of homosexuality to be recognized in Africa when they have already been there with the Holy Bible, a book telling Christians how evil the practice of homosexuality is?" 

The teachings of the Holy Bible can't be reversed, so I am afraid to say that Africa can never change its mind or opinion on the negative aspects of homosexuality.

Africa is already overwhelmed by many diseases, such as AIDS, Ebola, and malaria; therefore, it makes sense that they don't want that practice. Europeans, Americans, and some organizations are the first people whose voices are heard whenever there is a bad situation in Africa. But whenever there is an epidemic, the response to contain the situation never comes or comes very slowly.

Africa has learned a lot from their misfortunes, which is the reason it is fighting against homosexuality today. Unfortunately, the path Uganda has taken to deal with this issue is totally out of course, and the death penalty for homosexuals is sheer madness. Violence against homosexuals is not an option or a solution.

BELGIUM REQUESTS THE EXTRADITION OF FORMER CHAD PRESIDENT TO FACE TRIAL

Former Chadian leader Hissene Habré


Belgium has requested Senegal to extradite former Chadian president Hissene Habré, to Europe, to face trial. The request was contained in a note handed to Senegal's Ambassador, Mr. Paul Badji, in Brussels recently, the Belgian government said in a statement.

The Senegalese diplomat was summoned to the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was handed the note, requesting his country to extradite Habré, if they can't let him face trial. In the statement, Belgium pledged its commitment to respect international justice and protect victims.

Senegal has earlier reversed its decision to extradite the former Chadian leader, to his country to face trial, following pressure from the UN Human Rights Commissioner and hosts of rights groups.

Hissene Habré, who has been living in Senegal, since he was ousted in 1990, was sentenced to death in absentia, in his country 2008, over charges of crimes against humanity.

However; Amnesty International (AI) has called on Senegal, not to repatriate Habré to his country. According to the global rights body, it's over ten years since a complaint was made against the former Chadian president, who fled to Senegal, after being moved from power in 1990, yet no judicial proceedings have begun.

Amnesty International thinks Habré will not receive a fair trial when extradited to his country, Chad.

THE VATICAN CITY Has Disappointed Its Followers And God, Above All

The Vatican City


In recent years, sexual abuse scandals involving the Catholic Church have been an ugly situation that no apology or remedy could heal the victims who are scarred for life.

Last year, the Catholic Church was under severe pressure over the complaints of victims that allegedly have been sexually abused by the church for several years while services to the church. 

The Vatican City has nothing to cover up the accusations but to apologize. The apology has been made, but new accusations keep appearing every day from many parts of the world.

In Kenya, the authorities are now looking for much evidence to prosecute a retired Dutch Roman Catholic bishop, Cornelius Schilder, for the sexual abuse of an underage boy, eighteen years ago.

The Deetman Commission investigating abuses within the Catholic Church alerted the Dutch authorities to the case. Unfortunately, since the victim did not report the case to the police, the commission is now facing problems in its investigations to prosecute Bishop Schilder.

Bishop Schilder, who is now in the Netherlands, has refused to talk to the press about the case. His lawyer has denied any abuse by the Bishop.

In 2005, the 32 alleged victim, Michael Ole Uka, was treated for the injuries relating to the abuse. He claimed to have been abused by several priests serving the Mill-Hill Missionary, for a very long period, including Bishop Schilder in 1993. 

The missionary paid for his medical treatment but failed to report the case to the Kenyan police, because that type of case, classified as homosexuality, is a crime.

It was, however, reported to the Vatican in Rome, but it took them three years and repeated requests to finally force the Bishop to retire.

As a matter of fact, the Vatican City and all those accused of such crime have totally disappointed God (the Holy Mary) whom they serve, and the followers of the Catholic Church. 

Instead of an apology, they must make sure such a crime shouldn't be repeated. An invisible cloud of shame hangs over the Vatican City now.

NORWAY MOVES ITS EMBASSY FROM ABIDJAN TO ACCRA

HE Ms. Hege Hertzberg, The Ambassador of Norway to Ghana

NORWEGIAN EMBASSY in Abidjan, serving the West African Countries, has been relocated to Accra, Ghana, for strategic reasons, says one of the top mission officials in Abidjan.

The first secretary of the embassy, Mr. Asgeir Stendal, said the decision to relocate was taken in October 2010 by the Norwegian government. 

According to him, the decision is due to political and economic reasons, because of the country's relationship and interests in Ghana.

The decision to relocate the embassy to Ghana was more for political reasons, not because of the Ivorian political crisis. 

The decision had already been taken before the presidential election was held in Côte d'Ivoire last year, said Mr. Stendal.

"The decision was taken because of the Norwegian government's larger interest in Ghana, aiming to establish a diplomatic web with the other countries, including the Ivory Coast. 

We have already said goodbye to our friends in the Ivorian diplomatic circle, as the embassy started its operation in Accra on July 1. He added.

Mr. Stendal said the Norwegian government has approved four million euros to assist the Ivory Coast in reconstruction after the political crisis. 

It will be recalled that the British embassy in the Ivory Coast was also relocated to Accra after the first political crisis between 2002 and 2004.

ANTWERP: TRANSPORT MADE MORE EASY BY BICYCLE

Antwerp city bicycles to enhance easy movement



One of the best transport connection systems and flexibility, facilitating easy movement of workers, school children, students, etc, in Europe, can be found in Antwerp. Yet the city planners are not at rest, always trying their best to improve the transportation system.


For example, a new tram line is under construction. That would run from Mortsel to Boechout, both suburbs of Antwerp. Another new line is from Deurne to Wijnegem Shopping Center. 

In June this year, the city of Antwerp introduced several red and white bicycles to facilitate easy movement in the city during rush hours.

"The bicycle hiring has been successful from the start. The customer service every day gets approximately eighty applications for a year card, and the number is increasing every day," Said Ivon Deden, the head of the customer service. 

According to her, by the end of summer, the cycle network will expand to about 85 stations.

There are many benefits to using bicycles as a regular mode of transport. Personal health benefits are very important. 

Cycling keeps the body in shape, reducing the chances of getting any heart problems. Cost benefits are another advantage as a bicycle doesn't attract any parking fees or petrol filling.

 Finally, regarding environmental benefits, a bicycle never pollutes the atmosphere and can quickly take one to their destination during rush hours. 

In Europe, the bicycle plays an important role as a mode of transport in many countries, such as the Netherlands, Denmark, France, and Norway.

TOURISM: ANTWERP AT A GLANCE

Antwerp city at night


SARAH DEVOS is a Belgian author, residing in the city of Antwerp. Her tourism book called  "200 PLACES YOU NEED TO SEE AS A TOURIST IN ANTWERP" has been published.

"Once in your lifetime, dare to deviate from your route to discover new places," suggests Sarah Devos.

The book is a collection of classic, personal interests, and favorite places for tourists to visit in Antwerp. "It is not a book for only tourists but for Belgians and the citizens of Antwerp as well", said Sarah.

"Why would you like to travel this summer, when close by there are many places of interest to discover in Antwerp?" Asks Sarah Devos.

Out of 200 places of interest to visit in Antwerp, Sarah has selected her favorite 5 to be discovered. Curiosity killed the cat; therefore, let's find out about us.

REIGERSBOS, BERENDRECHT

At first sight, the place seems to be just a normal forest, but in the end, you will come to the "Berendrecht", stretching about five hundred meters wide. 

It is the biggest loch (an arm of the sea) in the world. Coincidentally, one may suddenly see one of the giant container ships sailing past.

MUSEUM PLANTIN-MORETUS

This compulsory. One has to rent an audio guide. Surprisingly, you will find yourself back in the olden days, exploring through historical monuments dated as far as five centuries ago, with the cracking sound of the two oldest surviving machines in your ears.

CONSCIENCEPLEIN (CONSCIENCE SQUARE)

The conscience Plein is a classic square full of personal emotions, according to Sarah. "When I went there for the first time with my love, we had a wonderful day with Ice cream. Said Sarah. 

The place is also a square of history. Do you know that the place is the first car-free square in Antwerp?" Asks Sarah. Really, the square is the right romantic place for a tourist attraction or to see.

EXOTIC MARKET, THEATREPLEIN (THEATRE SQUARE)

"What better way to learn and get to know the city than with a visit to one of the exotic markets? Asks Sarah. On Saturdays, I visit the market. 

I love to see the sellers with loud voice advertising their goods and calling for customers for their olives, tapenades, and other delicious products. A perfect Saturday, I often end the day by sitting on my terrace watching passers-by". Said Sarah.

SINT-JANSKERK en OMGEVING BORGERHOUT (Saint-John's Church and the environment of Borgerhout)

According to Sarah, she lives by the church towers in Borgerhout. The St. John's church or the Pepper House is a key place amongst the top five places tourists could visit. 

"Who still assumes that Borgerhout is scum and a dejected neighborhood?" Asked Sarah, urging everyone to come and discover the truth by walking around. 

"The neighborhood is a really lively place, with both the young, old, and families living there. There are splendid cafés and restaurants. Next year starts the construction of the "Rantjes Krugerplein". Concluded Sarah.

The book 200 places you have to see when in Antwerp,
is available at the bookshops. The publisher of the book
is "Lannoo Publishers". Price per copy-9.95 euros

CULLED FROM THE MAGAZINE "THE NIEUWE ANTWERPENAAR".
Number 47. July-August 2011, edition.

POLYGAMY AND EUROPE'S ECONOMY DEMAND ONE MAN, ONE WIFE

One man, three wives, a common thing to see in Islamic polygamy

Europe is gradually becoming a polygamous continent, due to migrations and settlements by people coming from countries with their own contrasting laws and cultures.

They follow the doctrine of the Koran and enter into polygamous marriages, before migration and within Europe, without realizing that it is an offense since polygamous marriages do not conform to the European pattern.

Polygamy is very common in Muslim countries, where women do not have civil rights, no education, can't own property, can't drive, and can't even vote. It's only a few of these countries are rich; most are very poor because women are kept at home and are restricted from contributing to the economy.

In Turkey, a country that wants to join the European Union, around 187,000 women are in polygamous marriages, according to a report carried out by AFP. However, Turkey is not the only country facing the issue of polygamy. Britain, Germany, and France are experiencing the same phenomenon.

For example, if Mr. Abdullai (Not referring to any person dead or alive) migrates from Turkey to live in Germany, France, Britain, or Belgium, with three wives, amongst the women, who is to be known as Mrs. Abdullai? 

And if each of the women is to give birth to four or five children each, totaling 20, who will be responsible for their welfare apart from the man? The government.

This is the reason Polygamy shouldn't be encouraged in Europe, because it drains the national coffers of a country, and could render a country's economy totally poor. 

Polygamy could drain the taxpayers' money and destroy a booming economy. That is the reason many countries practicing those polygamous marriages are virtually poor, and their people seek greener pastures in other European countries that do not permit that.

"ONE MAN, ONE WIFE" is the slogan. Intuitively, this makes a lot of sense.

FILM: OLIVER SCHMITZ'S 'LIFE, ABOVE ALL'

African film on Aids


LIFE, ABOVE ALL, is a film by Oliver Schmitz, a White South-African residing in Germany. Oliver wants to raise awareness of the world about the AIDS epidemic in South Africa. 


The film was presented at the 2010 Cannes premiere. It's a film based on a Canadian novel and financed in Europe.

Almost six million South Africans are infected with HIV, killing thousands of people each day with AIDS. The AIDS epidemic is disastrous, silencing the dead, but the living are crying, wailing, and calling for help. 

Life, Above All" is trying to send a message of hope about an epidemic that has killed millions and will probably take millions to their untimely grave.

The film is about the difficult adolescence of Chandra, played by actress Khomoso Manyaka, in her first role in her acting career. The background of the story is sad but educational. 

Chandra has a bright future, as her school results were excellent. She has the opportunity to study further, but she has to wait.

She has other plans. Chandra has to arrange the burial for her baby sister and her junior brother. Her mother was not only sad, but the problems took their toll on her experience depression every day. It is worth for one to watch this film.

The background of the film was made with an excellent story, hoping this movie carries the message that could change the present situation in South Africa.

AMY WINEHOUSE TRAGIC DEATH IS A WASTE OF TALENT

Amy Winehouse

The sudden death of British singer Amy Winehouse came as a shock to many of her fans worldwide, even though many people were aware of her alcohol and drug problems.

Despite how talented Amy was, her weakness to refrain from alcohol and drugs changed her image and personality, which caused her tragic death last Saturday at her London residence.

Amy Winehouse released only two albums in her life, one of which sold more than a million copies, and won five Grammys. Her soul-jazz style of singing, hairstyle, and the fashion of clothes she chose to wear made her different from many female musicians.

Amy Winehouse is not the only singer to die mysteriously of alcohol and drug-related problems. Jimmy Hendrix, Rick James, Elvis Presley, Carl Crack, Billy Murcia, Allan Wilson, and a host of others died of alcohol and drug causes. It was like they couldn't handle their own fame.

Amy's sudden death is another example of how alcohol and drugs can be disastrous to mankind. She was only 27, confirming it's true that the great really die young.

LITTLE BELGIUM BUT DIFFICULT TO BE GOVERNED

Belgium

Belgium is a relatively small country in Europe, covering an area of 30,528 square kilometers, with a population of about 11 million people, yet it is the most difficult country in the world to rule.

298 days after the general election in June last year, Belgium is still without a government, making it the only country without a leader for such a long period, after Iraq. One may like to know the reason such a small country can't find peace to elect a stable government for itself.

As a country with two main linguistic groups, the Dutch-speakers (Flemish) and the French-speakers (Walloons), agreement in power-sharing to rule Belgium hasn't been easy, as the country experiences rapid changes of government than any other country in Europe.

For example, the Flemish nationalists want more autonomy, even to create an independent state. This is not what any of the political parties, such as the Liberals and Christian Democrats, want. 

At the same time, even the socialists who reject cuts and demand higher taxes do not want a government without the Flemish Nationalists.

In my opinion, I don't see the reason a small country like Belgium should be divided by an autonomous government. The idea of the Nationalists creating an independent state is a plan they should suspend. 

Dividing Belgium by self-governing would create more problems than the happiness the Flemish Nationalists are looking for.

Who would like the situation in Belgium to be chronic without a solution like that of the Israelis and the Palestinians? At the moment, Belgium's financial situation isn't good. 

The country reduced its debt level from 130% of the gross domestic product in the 1990s to the current level of 96%, but this is still high.

It is a big task to form a stable government in Belgium, yet it is the responsibility of all the political leaders, such as Bart De Wever, Elio Di Rupo, Philip De Winter, and past leaders, such as Yves Leterme, Herman van Rompuy, etc, to find a lasting solution for this great country.