Dalai Lama...steps aside as Tibetan political leader! Paves way for Democracy!



The Dalai Lama  (a friend on MySpace) announced on the anniversary of the Tibetan uprisings yesterday afternoon that he intends to follow through on a long-time inner wish to step down as Tibet's political leader so that he may primarily focus on his loftier mystical role as Spiritual advisor.

Analysts on the sidelines are conjecturing that His Holiness has chosen to journey down this path with the express hope that there will be a move in the Tibetan refugee community away from theocratic rule towards a democratic society when Tibet is at long-last liberated.

"My desire is to devolve authority has nothing to do with a desire to shirk my responsibility. It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run," the Dalai Lama calmly noted to a posse of followers and tourists in recent days from a safe perch in his homeland.

In addition, he underscored that he would also ask the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile to change the existing charter to reflect his wishes - with the ultimate aim - of handing over authority to an elected leader in the near future.

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, was born Lhamo Thondup on July 6th (1935) to a poor family in the small village of Taktser in the province of Amdo.

The name Lhamo Thondup literally means ‘Wish-Fulfilling Goddess’.

His Holiness is held to be the reincarnation of each of the previous thirteen Dalai Lamas of Tibet (the first having been born in 1351 AD) who are in turn are considered to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara - or Chenrezig (Bodhisattva of Compassion) - the holder of the White Lotus.

Thus, His Holiness is also believed to be a manifestation of Chenrezig.

In fact, he is the seventy-fourth Dali Lama in a pure lineage that can be traced back to a Brahman boy who lived in the time of Buddha Shakyamuni.

When Lhamo Thondup was barely three years old, a search party - that had been sent out by the Tibetan government to find the new incarnation of the Dalai Lama - arrived at Kumbum monastery once it was discerned there had been a number of auspicious signs reported in the region.

One of these omens concerned the embalmed body of a predecessor - Thupten Gyatso (the Thirteenth Dalai Lama) - who had died aged fifty-seven in 1933.

During a period of resting in state - the head was discovered to have turned from facing south to northeast - for some inexplicable reason.

Shortly after that, the Regent - himself a Senior Lama - had a vision.

Looking into the waters of the sacred lake - Lhamo Lhatso (Southern Tibet) - he clearly saw the letters Ah, Ka and Ma float into view.

These were followed by the image of a three-storied monastery (decorated with an exquisite turquoise and gold roof) nestled alongside a path which merged inside a nearby hill.

At this juncture, the scout caught sight of a small house with strangely-shaped guttering, as well.

He was sure that the letter Ah referred to - Amdo - the Northeastern Province.

So, it was there that a search party was sent to explore the possibilities.

By the time the excited entourage reached Kumbum, they instinctively felt that they were on the right track.

It seemed likely that if the letter Ah referred to Amdo, that Ka must indicate the monastery at Kumbum (which was three-storied with a torquoise-colored roof).

Now, the seekers needed to locate a hill and a house, with peculiar guttering.

So, they began to search the neighbouring villages.

When they saw the gnarled branches of juniper wood on the roof of the one particular dwelling, they were certain that Dalai Lama would not be far away.

Nevertheless, rather than reveal the purpose of their visit, the group asked only to stay the night.

The leader of the party, Kewtsang Rinpoche, then pretended to be a servant and spent much of the evening observing and playing with the youngest child in the house.

The child recognised him and called out the name:

‘Sera lama, Sera lama’

Sera was Kewtsang Rinpoche's monastery.

The following morning the contingent left; then, returned a few days later as a formal deputation.

This time they brought with them a number of things that had belonged to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama (along with several similar items that did not).

In every case, the infant correctly identified those belonging to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, as he cried out:

“It’s mine. It’s mine.”

The search party was jubilant!

The boy was taken to Kumbum monastery and later recognized as the new incarnation of the Dalai Lama.

At 15, the Dalai Lama found himself the undisputed leader of six million people, facing the threat of a full-scale war.

For nine troublesome years, His Holiness tried to evade a full-scale military takeover of Tibet by China on the one hand - and the bold-faced effort to placate the growing resentment among Tibetan resistance fighters against the Chinese aggressors - on the other.

His Holiness made a historic visit to China from July 1954 to June 1955 for peace talks with Mao Zadong and a handful of Chinese leaders such as Chou En-lai, Chu Teh and Deng Xiaoping.

One winter day in 1959 - General Chiang Chin-wu of Communist China - extended a seemingly innocent invitation to the Tibetan leader to attend a theatrical show by a Chinese dance troupe.

When the invitation was repeated with the conditions that no Tibetan soldiers were to accompany the Dalai Lama (and that his bodyguards were to be unarmed) the Lhasa populace became suspicious.

Soon a crowd of tens of thousands of Tibetans gathered around the Norbulingka Palace determined to thwart any threat against their young leader's life.

On March 17th, 1959 - during a consultation with Nechung Oracle - His Holiness was given explicit instructions to exit the country immediately.

The Oracle's decision was further confirmed - when a Divinity performed by His Holiness - produced the same answer (even though the odds against making a successful break seemed terrifyingly high).

A few minutes before ten o'clock, His Holiness - now disguised as a common soldier - slipped past the massive throngs of people with a small escort and proceeded towards Kyichu river (where he was joined by an entourage which included immediate family members).

He's been in exile ever since.

http://www.thetattler.biz



His Holiness!

Purses...the rage for Chinese Alpha males! Macho counterparts in U.S. snicker!

Nothin' swishy about it!



The Los Angeles Times reported today that purses are all the rage  - a stylish must-have accessory, in fact - for Chinese Alpha males.

According to the gainfully employed in Asia, it is not just about "the look".

"It's crucial to business," asserted investor Tiger Zhang to one curious probing reporter.

Business cards, cash - and cellphones - tuck nicely inside the buttery-soft leather flaps - which make it a useful tool for toting (despite what a posse of macho North American men may think).

Some have snappy handles - others, utilitarian straps - to facilitate slinging over the shoulder.

Has the knapsack gone by way of the dinosaur?

The pricey bags - fashioned by tony designers such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Burberry - don't come cheap at $500 (and upwards) a pop!

A catchy slogan springs to mind, too.

"Go boldly where no man has gone before."

Got a problem with it, dude?

Watch it!

Any self-respecting Chinese male must just hit 'ya with their purse if they catch you snickering.

When you consider the weighty techie gizmos stowed inside - a bitchy impromptu swipe like that - may end up packing quite a wallop!

Moi?

I'll stick with the back pocket of my worn jeans, thank you

Later!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Peacock trends for Alpha Males this spring!

President Obama...State Dinner for President Hu! Barbra Streisand comment offensive to Chinese?

Handshakes across the water!

President Obama toasted Chinese President Hu, the 1st Lady looked stunning in a red silk organza gown with delicate black flourishes, and the tony elite nibbled on a five-course dinner (before saunering off for an evening of live entertainment) under a distinguished-looking three-quarter-length portrait of President Lincoln who stared down on the goings-on from a far wall.

The occasion?

Why - a State dinner at the White House in honor of Chinese President Hu who is currently visiting these shores - of course!

There was a lot of pomp and circumstance throughout the course of the heady evening, too!

President Obama saluted the people of both Nations on the auspicious occasion, for starters.

"May they (the Chinese & the Americans) grow together in friendship. May they prosper together in peace. And may they realize their dream of the future for themselves, for their children and for their grandchildren," he stressed with great poignancy.

The glittering affair was attended by the "Who's Who" of American Society.

Well, supporters of the Democrats, to be sure!

Former Presidents Clinton and Carter were spied mingling among a host of celebrated luminaries who dressed-to-the-nines for the dazzling don't-miss event.

Mainstays on the political scene - Henry Kissinger and Madelaine Albright, for instance - put in appearances, too.

Not to be outdone, the Hollywood red-carpet-crowd turned out in full force to get up-close-and-personal with power brokers on Washington Hill.

The guest list included - Barbra Streisand, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, Cellist Yo-You Ma, film star Jackie Chan, Fashion Designer Vera Wang, and Walt Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger  - to name a few.

The rarefied uppercrust who attended supped on a menu featuring mouth-watering entrees such as Maine Lobster and dry-aged rib-eye.

"Typically American," according to White House officials.

In spite of growing controversy in recent years over China's use of dangerous lead in children's toy exports, the shameful shunning of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a tendency to use real animal fur in fashion offerings to the dismay of animal activists, and allegations of unfair competition by U.S. Lawmakers - most scrambled at the opportunity to sashay into the tony affair.

When Barbra Streisand was asked how she wangled an invite, she allegedly quipped to a reporter:

"I used to work at a Chinese restaurant."

Ooops!

I wonder how the Chinese feel about the stereo-type and being slighted by big-bucks-bab?

I expect there will also be an outcry later in the week when an investigative journalist turns in on a report on the cost of the Hu dinner during  these tough economic times.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



Google...hires staff to improve Chinese relations!



In a bold-faced effort to appease the Chinese - and lift a spectre of mistrust that currently hovers over relations with Officials in that Nation over censorship issues - global giant Google has increased its work force by twenty percent to better address government relationships.

Although google still maintains a license for operation and a structure to service users in China, their footing remains unstable, in the aftermath of a clash over google's high-flying style and launch of a host of services in that rapidly expanding market.

Meanwhile, the hiring of additional staff in the advertising sector, appears to be sending a signal from the Mountain View company offices that it's all business as usual.

A spokesperson at google has acknowledged a continuing effort to land advertising accounts in China in spite of the climate of uncertainty that presently prevails.

Can google crack the great wall?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Immigration & Customs Enforcement...arrests fashion counterfeiters! San Francisco raids...

Vera Wang designs vulnerable to counterfeits!

Shortly after Bill Clinton walked daughter Chelsea down the aisle on his arm at her high-profile wedding over the weekend in Rhinebeck (NY), local news anchors reported on the stunning wedding gown designed by leading fashion designer, Vera Wang.

In follow-up newsbites, young brides-to-be were invited to stay tuned, to learn how they could "whip" up the same pricey "look" for their own special occasion at the altar to fall within their budget constraints.

You betcha!

Right now, in back-door shops around the country, a host of dress designers are probably tossing together wedding gowns that echo the exquisite gown worn by Chelsea at a fraction of the cost.

It's called a "knock-off - and the practice of copy-catting - is a prevelant trend in the highly-competitive fashion industry.

But, when a clothing manufacturer steals a design outright and stamps it with a designer's label (without permission or license) - of Vera Wang, for example - that is a fraudulent act which prompts Law Enforcement to sit up and take notice.

In fact, on Tuesday, prosecutors announced that they just conducted a sweep and have charged operators of eight boutiques in the Bay area, for allegedly turning out designer fakes which were actually cut-and-seamed together in China.

According to the US attorney for Northern California and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the twenty-five count indictment is part of the largest federal enforcement action ever taken against West Coast retailers suspected of selling counterfeit designer apparel and accessories.

And, the government takes these matters seriously for good reason.
.
"Trademark infringement and intellectual property crime not only cost this country much needed jobs and business revenues, but the illegal importation of substandard products can also pose a serious threat to consumers' health and safety," an official noted in a terse press release on the heels of the arrests.

The accused knock-off artists were charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the U.S., and trafficking in counterfeit (fake) goods.

"To consumers who think designer knock-offs are a harmless way to beat the system and get a great deal, 'buyer beware','" said ICE Director John Morton.

"The investigation has led to the seizure of nearly 100 million dollars worth of counterfeit merchandise [based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) had the products been legitimate]," a statement said.

The luxury-brand fakes were packaged under known product names such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Nike, Armani, and Coach.

Tourists may have been hood-winked by the clever fakes that show up on retail shelves in the form of tony handbags, luxurious scarves, designer sunglasses, butter-smooth leather wallets, and snazzy eye-catching watches.

http://www.julilanaayrs.com

Bodyguards & Assassins...sweeping epic with dazzling fight scenes! Historical drama...

In this action-packed drama - film notables Tony Leung, Donnie Yen, and Simon Yam - breathe life into this historical tale about exiled revolutionary Sun Yat-sen’s return to Hong Kong and the subsequent fall of the Qing Dynasty.

Director Teddy Chan has used broad strokes to evoke all the high drama of a sweeping epic - a potent approach - that ends up mesmerizing filmgoers in the final analysis.

A precise attention to detail - coupled with lush flourishes (that capture the intrigues of a mysterious bygone era steeped in tradition) - elevate this well-crafted feature into a realm of its own.

The fight scenes - featuring Hong Kong’s top action stars - are quite remarkable.

Bloody, violent, novel, gut-wrenching, awesome!

The subtitle for this vastly entertaining film?

1001 ways to kill your enemy!

Bodyguards and Assassins packs both an emotional and physical whallop.

A must-see Teddy Chan offering for Martial Arts fans.

Bodyguards & Assassins was shot entirely on location in Beijing in approximately four months (according to a Chan buddy).

English subtitles.

  http://www.thetattler.biz/

Facebook...eyes Chinese Internet market!

It what appears to be a flow against the tide, Facebook is musing the pros and cons of jumping into the Chinese Internet marketplace.

On the heels of Google’s abrupt withdrawal from China over censorship issues, the popular social hub  appears to be ready to throw caution to the wind.

It may be a good marriage; after all, in recent days members of Facebook have complained about invasion of privacy and rights violations, prevalent in China.

The Chinese media at Sina.com held back on the specifics, but a Facebook representative had no qualms about spouting off at the mouth about the possibilities.

“We’re interested in China, just as we are with many other countries, and while we are studying and learning about them all, we have no specific plans for China at this time.”

Yup!

They’re about to launch a Facebook banner on the Chinese blogosphere.

A tipster at Sina.com was quick on the uptake and offered up advice to Facebook aficionados.

“They should set up shop like MySpace did by sharing data with the U.S. Market but does not completely copy the American way.”

Since Facebook boasts a membership of 400 million world-wide (with 70% non-U.S. based) perhaps a Global perspective (and hands-on approach) is better suited to their ceremonious entry into the Chinese social, political, and business arenas.

 

http://www.thetattler.com

Chinese Hackers...ghost network used for espionage! Indian Government files cracked...

 

According to researchers in Canada, there is a door to a subterranean “otherworld” on the Internet where Chinese hackers stealth fully roam at whim and indulge in high-stakes espionage.

The complex “ecosystem” has been targeting the Indian government, researchers at the Shadow Server Foundation, have accused.

Through an elaborate clandestine network of social networking hubs, and free web hosting sites, the perpetrators have allegedly gleaned highly-classified documents and other data from the Indian Government, the United Nations, and the even the personal papers of the exiled Dalai Lama.

The criminals are thriving, noted Ron Deiber (Director of the U of T Munk School of Global Affairs).

In the recent past, Citizen Lab (a member of Information Warfare Monitor) - uncovered an espionage network by the name of GhostNet - run by a nefarious band of hackers targeting the Tibetan Government.

The network hacking the Indian government was given the name Shadow.

The hackers make use of a network of computers comprised by malware - software designed to take over, monitor, and harm computers without the owner’s (user’s) knowledge.

I reported on a malicious intruder by the name of the - Soldier Virus - which is currently infecting computers around North American which uses the malware software aforementioned.

Post: 03/31/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/03/soldier-virusscam-extorting-money.html

In the near future, I shall be publishing a post with instructions on how to eradicate the nasty intruder on home computers and laptops.

Researchers have been alarmed to learn that simple networks like the one I encountered with the Soldier virus (using malware software) are fast-becoming complex systems moving from simple criminal exploitations to political, military, and illegal acts motivated by a hunger for highly-sensitive intelligence data.

“We see criminal networks increasingly compromising sensitive targets and stealing sensitive information, in addition to typical things that they’re interested in, like credit card numbers and bank account numbers,” added Dieber.

Although the researchers were able to track the hackers to Chinese soil, they were unable to link the intrusions directly to the Chinese Government.

The hackers rely on the victim acting on information (bait) in order to infect their computer with the malware.

For this reason, enticing e-mails (at-the-ready to infect), are used to prey on human nature.

“They will use either compelling newsworthy themes or in some cases , they’ll use very specific information from a previous ‘attack‘, “noted Nart Villeneuve, a chief security official at the SecDevGroup.

Villeneuve cautioned that PC users should keep their eye out for attachments containing pdf’s, word documents, PowerPoints, and Zip files.

The infected files will compromise the user’s computer bringing it under the attacker’s control.

As was the case, when my own laptop became infected with the “Soldier virus“.

“Then they will be able to send documents from the user’s computer to other locations.

Researchers are scheduling a Global Security Summit at the University of Toronto in the fall in a bold-faced effort to policymakers together from the world community so they may share resources in hopes of building sound practices in a realm currently lacking normal procedures or pervasive policing.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Barack Obama...China furious over proposed meeting with Dalai Lama!

President Hu an International joke!

Once again - Chinese Officials have flown into a nasty child's tantrum on the heels of the news that President Obama is entertaining thoughts of meeting with the exiled spiritual leader - the Dalai Lama.

In a terse press statement, Zhu Weiqun (Deputy head of the Communist United Front Works Department) stressed that talks with the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate were stalled with little hope for progress in respect to Tibet's cry for independence (release from the tyranny of the communist regime).

In so many words, China warned Obama that any proposed meeting would upset Sino-U.S. relations.

President Hu Jintao is slated to travel to Washington in April (tentative) and his advance team has cautioned that any audience with the Dalai Lama before that visit might anger the Chinese government and the Hu Jintao in particular.

Since when does the U.S. kow-tow to a foreign nation like China - a country that continually violates human rights and suppresses the will (and spiritual faith) of the people?

I trust that the President will ignore the foot stamping and give His Holiness his due.

Who needs China's toy imports rife with lead poisoning anyway?

Bush showed balls!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Google...postpones Android phones for China! Ouch...

As I reported this past week, Google has taken a stand against China on the heels of quarrels with officials overseas in respect to privacy issues, censorship, and recent cyber atttacks launched against google (and ten top U.S. companies) in search of intellectual property and "Corporate secrets" to steal.

In retaliation, google has pushed back its release date for android phones in China.

The nifty google product was manufactured with leading-edge technology by Motorola, Inc. and Samsung.

The two wireless phones were to be introduced to combat hacking maneuvers in respect to internal network security issues.

Anxious consumers are now forced to sit out the stand-off between Google and the Chinese government until the dispute is resolved.

Industry experts on the sidelines note that the Chinese have rarely ever backed down on established National policies geared towards keeping foreigners and adversaries at bay.

In fact, in respect to the issues at hand, it's the same old same old.

The wall protecting China will probably get higher, wider, and longer.

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Google...Chinese cyber attacks! Virus & trojan alerts posted weeks ago...

Google cyber-attacks in China!

A few weeks ago when I was conducting a search at GOOGLE,one of  my anti-virus program issued an alert about malicious viruses and trojans at the GOOGLE site.

I proceeded to pen a post to alert internet surfers.

Post: 12/12/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/blogspotsecurity-alert-intruder-posts.html

Over the next few days, GOOGLE and media outlets failed to report the  incidents, which I thought was a bit odd.

Meanwhile, on FACEBOOK - after the alert was posted on my home page - a hacker slipped into my site and began to post messages with my photograph and name without my knowledge or permission (in retaliation or was the intrusion just a coincidence?)

The unknown individuals used the FISH TANK game to gain access, so I immediately stopped participating in those kind of software programs being offered by FACEBOOK (or other members).

After I reported the incident to FACEBOOK the hacking at that portal stopped.

So, I expect that technical staff at the popular social hub took action.

Just this past week, though, GOOGLE admitted to having been under attack a few weeks ago during the time frame I mentioned the attacks originally occurred.

So, it appears in retrospect, that my report was correct.

For some inexplicable reason, GOOGLE and the team at their headquarters, kept silent for a couple of weeks.

On Friday, it was reported that GOOGLE and about twenty other companies, were sent e-mails or instant messages addressed to their senior technical managers in a sly effort by hackers to entice them into clicking on a web page links.

When a major anti-virus company got caught up in the ruse, they discovered a flaw in Internet Explorer's Web browser (the one I used to search at GOOGLE when I stumbled on the virus and trojan activity).

Attackers capitalized on the glitch to take control of PC's and began probng the network for intellectual property of high value that they could hijack surreptiously.

Microsoft is now working on a patch to alleviate the problem.

Meanwhile, internet users are being advised to not only use a firewall, but set the level on high.

Officials have underscored that the perpetrators were not naive young hackers tampering on the internet to bolster their egos.

In fact, they believe that sophisticated individuals which high-tech capabilities (who plotted their steps quite carefully) were involved.

It is speculated that their home base of operations was in China.

Google has considered pulling out of China, in fact, because of the security breaches.

It is alleged that China and other overseas nations in that region (and elsewhere) have been involved first-hand in state-sponsored cyber intrusions of commerical and military targets.

James Lewis, a Program Director at the Center for Strateic and International studies,  noted to the press recently that China has been actively pursuing a tech industry.

He has levelled an accusing finger at Chinese officials and alleged that they have sought to accomplish that end by engaging in illicit technological transfer of intellectual property (theft) without permission (and sometiimes even knowledge of the victims).

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Falun Gong...Art Exhibit (Truthfulness/Compassion/Tolerance) @ Clark County Library District...

Well, if there there was a need for truthfulness, compassion and tolerance, it was over the past week when misunderstandings clouded (and complicated) issues, the tempers of Americans raged, and - quite frankly - man's inhumanity to man soared to new levels around the country in a host of forums.

Today, I stumbled across an Art exhibit at the Clark County Library (@ Flamingo & Maryland Parkway) which was creatively (and spiritually) inspired by the ancient traditional Chinese mind/body practice that seeks to cultivate one's heart and mind through study of universal practices based on Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance.

The two-dozen or so paintings on display are not only beautifully executed, but have a calming effect when contemplated quiety in a meditative state.

In some cases, a handful of the canvasses trigger deeper emotions, because they focus on violent images of soldiers in China, punishing those who practice the tradition long-rooted in the Chinese culture.

According to a pamphlet handed out at the gallery, Falun Gong is not in accord with the communist ideology.

For this reason, the Chinese government has been arresting practioners in a concerted effort to curb the spiritual practice - with the ultimate aim - of snuffing out the spiritual practice.

In the process, many have been beaten, tortured, even killed.

According to informed sources, 2,300 have died from torture, 200,000 have been sent to Labor camps without trial, and 1,000 have been abused in Mental hospitals.

"We are calling on the Chinese Government to stop mass arrests, arbitrary detentions, torture, unfair trails, and other human rights violations resulting from its official campaign against Falun Gong."

Amnesty International

How You can Help

*Call on your Congresspeson to take action
*Appeal to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate
*Write President  Barack Obama

http://www.julianayrs.com

 

Beijing...renews attacks on Dalai Lama! Denounces call for limited sovereignty...

Despite assurances - leading-up-to and during the course of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing - that Chinese Officials would make a good-faith effort to resolve pressing issues regarding sovereignty and Tibetan exiles, it appears that the negotiations have failed.

At the heart of the matter is the question of sovereignty.

In view of the ever- diminishing prospects for a total sovereignty, His Holiness - the Dalai Lama - recommended a "middle way" (limited sovereignty) approach as a quick-fix to a thorny dilemma.

As usual, Beijing officials accused the Dalai Lama of colluding with their staunchest enemies.

In a strident statement released to the media, Mr. Zhu Weiqun - Executive Vice Minister of Front Work Department and the Communist Party arm that is overseeing the talks - announced the Government's decision to reject the Dalai Lama's solution.

Zhu accused Tibetan exiles of conspiring with democracy activists, an outlawed spiritual group known as the Falun Gong, and Militant Muslim separatists.

In the final analysis, Zhu argued that the "middle way" solution would only lead to an "ethnic cleansing" of Han Chinese from the region.

Some argue that a rejection of the implementation of a "middle way" may actually strengthen the position of younger radical Tibetan leaders who favor a full-fledged push for freedom.

China holds fast to their position - that all officially recognized religions in China should be controlled by by the Government - including the appointment of its spiritual leaders.

This is a troubling stance for Tibetan Buddhists who believe that their holiest of spiritual leaders are reincarnated from a distinctive lineage traced back throughout the ages.

I.O.U.S.A...documentary on U.S. Debt a downer! But, educational...

Not surprisingly, I.O.U.S.A. turned out to be a big downer!

When the lights went up, I scurried out of the movie theatre vowing to cut up all my credit cards, never spend a penny needlessly again, and think twice about who I vote for in the upcoming election.

In addition to shaking me into a reality zone - the well-produced documentary on National debt - educated me, too.

No wonder, I.O.U.S.A. has been dubbed the "inconvenient truth" of the economic sector.

The first shocker unfolds on the screen when former U.S. GAO head - David Walker - points out some disconcerting facts about the nest-egg called Social Security.

Until now, surplus funds being collected from wage-earners, have been used to pay off debt elsewhere on the negative fiscal landscape.

But, when baby-boomers start retiring and collecting their old age benefits, those trust funds will swiftly vanish.

The end result? A devastating financial crunch.

If that news wasn't disturbing enough - the dilemma regarding foreign trade - will surely smack you up one side of the wall and down the other!

As most historians know, this country's great fortunes were built on the sweat of the backs of American workers, who produced quality goods and services that were exported to foreign nations for top dollar.

But, in recent years, the contracts have been consistently farmed out.

Now - there appears to be an imbalance in the import/export trade - which is crippling the economy by the ba**s, daily.

But, figures outlining the staggering sums of greenbacks owed to an ever-increasing number of foreign nations, is the most distressing of all.

Like China, for example.

No wonder the President found it difficult to "boycott" the Olympics!

We're into those suckers for a few billion bucks!

In what amounted to - "fiscal wake-up tours" - Walker traipsed around the country to spread the word at cozy speaking engagements for the enlightened few just a scant few years back.

On those occasions, he made no bones about it.

He compared the U.S. to the final days of the "militarily overextended" and "fiscally irresponsible" days of ancient Rome.

Sound familiar?

Originally, Walker preached his message of financial doom-and-gloom to mostly half-empty rooms.

But, the interest picked up, when Walker was featured in a "60 Minutes" probe.

At this juncture, a handful of backers - a private-equity billionaire, Walker, and a Baltimore newsletter editor - came up with the idea to produce - I.O.U.S.A. - with the specific aim of convincing Americans the National debt was creating a looming economic crisis that must be acted now.

Did you know the National deficit now stands at about $9.6 trillion and that it is climbing by the minute?

If you include all the unfunded entitlement obligations — such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and so forth and so on - it's actually $53 trillion, Walker asserts stone-faced to crowds who sober at the thought.

And, it the debt will only get deeper as we get older, he alleges.

"The debt has increased our risk of being held hostage by foreign lenders."

On the heels of this frightening thought, he is inclined to joke, though.

"The financial condition of the U.S. is worse than advertised."

The nation's debt now accounts for 66 percent of the gross national product.

But unless things change, as the compelling film underscores, the cost of aging baby boomers will push that proportion to 244 percent by 2040 (twice what it was at the end of World War II at our highest level of national debt).

Consequently, Walker and his financial wizards recommend broad entitlement overhaul, tough budget controls, conservation of energy and - ultimately - urge that Americans not buy things they can't afford.

The debt is so troubling, investor Warren Buffett stiffly warned in the searing hour-and-a-half doc, that it may result in "political instability".

That's one reason why you should look very closely at the political candidate you intend to vote for this upcoming election!

Do Obama and McCain intend to address the issues?

More importantly, do they have any solutions to curb the out-of-control scenario?

Not everyone agrees that we're totally doomed to financial extinction, though.

Arthur Laffer, a developer of the famous Laffer Curve - argues that if taxes rise too high - people lose incentive to work. He surmises that as long as the debt level stays where it is, it can be financed down over time like a landowner with a mortgage.

Tell that to Americans on the verge of losing their homes!

For those keen on being primed about fiscal responsibility - I.O.U.S.A. is screening at the Regency Theatre (Fairfax District) - for a bargain afternoon matinee rate of $3.50.

Check it out, but take along some anti-depressants.

You'll need 'em!

George Bush...musters up ba**s to criticize Chinese Government!

U.S. Embassy transparent...


On the occasion of the unveiling of the $434 million-dollar U.S. Embassy in Beijing, President Bush surprised quite a few folks when he slyly jumped on the opportunity to criticize China's continued acts of repression within its borders.

Once the dedication ceremonies were underway - and the President had basically taken care of the Nation's business - he was inclined to expound on his thoughts about free speech.

"We strongly believe societies which allow free expression of ideas tend to be the most prosperous and the most peaceful."

When you consider his remarks were made on Chinese soil - well - it was a pretty ba**sy thing to do.

Now - I expect - they'll cut 'em off and serve them up as a delicacy!

But, Hail to the Chief, anyway.

The Foreign Minister was quick to put the PREZ in his lowly place, though.

"We firmly oppose any words or acts which interfere in other countries' internal affairs, using human rights and religion and other issues."

If the President's motorcade disappears, we'll know just how much of an affront the remarks were to the Chinese.

And, one more thing, George.

Get yourself a food taster you can trust, real fast!

Bush speaks in Beijing as Barack Obama looks on...

Darfur Now...genocide a myth conjured up for black votes in U.S.

The Ambassador to Sudan states that there is no genocide in his country.

In fact, in the documentary film - "Darfur Now", he boldly alleges that the idea is a myth created by politicians in the United States to land black votes.

In a matter of minutes, though, those absurd notions are quickly put to rest as the tragedy in Darfur unfolds on screen.

Villages have been looted and burned, women have been raped, and children murdered mercilessly at the hands of the Janjaweed (known as the "Devil on Horseback") and all is sanctioned by the Government of Sudan.

Accusers say Sudan's government is guilty of "ethnic cleansing" and crimes against humanity.

Likewise, "The Human Rights" watch accuses government-backed Arab militias of systematic attacks on black Sudanese peasants and government forces of starving black Sudanese to death in concentration camps.

On the heels of these reports, the United Nations has alleged that the government and the militias (the Janjaweed) have systematically starved refugees under their control.

More than seven million of the world's nearly twelve million refugees have been confined to camps, special settlements, or other conditions in which their basic human rights have been denied for ten years or more, according to the 2004 World Refugee Survey released by the U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR).

Without doubt - it's a complex situation fraught with unnerving truths, sinister characters and enough mysteries - to satisfy any amateur sleuth pining for closure.

In this stirring documentary, the filmmakers engage in an admirable effort to lay bare any uncertainties, with the specific aim of exposing the corrupt underbelly of an ugly all-powerful criminal regime in control.

And, the filmmakers accomplish the task in a novel potent way.

With great insight, the camera focuses on six different individuals from inside Darfur and around the globe who are involved in bold-faced efforts to throw a searing spotlight on the tragedy in Sudan.

These brave activists consist of a Darfurian woman who becomes a rebel, a Chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, a focused United Nations worker, and a justice-seeking UCLA graduate with ties to Sudan.

In the process, the producers unmask a noble truth:

One person can bring about a difference to millions in the scheme of things.

It only takes one foot to step forward to start effecting real change.

A thread of the intricate tapestry which is Darfu - unravels - as one man (the head prosecutor at the International Criminal Court) begins an investigation into the alleged atrocities with the specific aim of bringing the responsible culprits to justice.

With a pervading sadness - the Official recalls the criminal proceedings in his own homeland (Argentina) - where corrupt officials were brought to trial.

Those humble beginnings in that heady historical era ended up forging a foundation for his life's work ahead.

When frustrated reporters quiz him as to why the wheels of justice are turning so slowly - and hint that there appears to be a failure to bring the evil-doers before the court for speedy prosecution - he is crestfallen.

Bottom line - he'd like to surge ahead - but understands from past litigation that an airtight case backed with solid indisputable evidence - is the key.

Then, the tale shifts to a U.N. worker and his frustrations in dealing with mounting problems on the battlefront.

Although the "World Food Project" delivers tons of food daily, the shipments are often hijacked by the Janjaweed, stolen, or kept from the mouths of the hungry and the needy.

At times, he feels as if he is just spinning his wheels.

There must be action, now!

The filmmakers proceed to expertly weave into the tale the quest of two men - who hatch up the idea (out-of-frustration really) to hit Sudan where it hurts most - in the pocketbook.

The dedicated duo commence with the arduous task of organizing a petition and gathering signatures with the ultimate aim of introducing a "Bill" in California for the "Divestment of Funds" (pension monies) from Sudan.

Meanwhile, the story shifts to the countryside, where a handful of rebels - rest, perch in trees and hide behind rocks - at the ready to hold back the Janjaweed, if necessary.

The intense fearful talk drifts to lofty ideas.

The villagers imagine what it will be like when the "white people" come. Ah, they envision paved roads, electricity, and the creature comforts of a home.

All manner of manna from heaven.

Until then - rag-tag members of the Woman's Union vow to fight for their lives and for Darfur - as ubiquitous automatic rifles protrude from their laps.

With suppressed smiles, they recall a day when there were orchards and lush gardens, and plenty for all.

Darfur had been a virtual Garden of Eden, but was thrown asunder for some inexplicable reason.

Don Cheadle, one of the producers for the gripping documentary argues,

"If all the people who call up American Idol each week also rang up the Government and protested," he asserted, "Some legitimate action would be underway today."

As he stood on the sidelines - the Ambassador to Sudan - taunted the filmmakers by boasting that the protests of outsiders would fall on deaf ears and that rebels fighting his regime would be pushed back.

"The Government has a monopoly on violence," he remarks matter-of-fact.

But, near the end of the documentary, there is good news.

The "Bill" to divest investments in the Sudan has not been vetoed by the Governor.

In one of the few humorous scenes in the movie - Schwarzenegger strides out - and strikes up some idle talk with Don Cheadle.

"I've never seen you in a suit. You look good," - something to that effect.

In another scene, Hillary Clinton steps into a meeting room looking for-all-the-world like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car.

Will she inherit this legacy?

Is that why she's being cautious?

With a flourish, Schwarzenegger signs the "Bill", and it is introduced into Law in the State of California.

To add to the joy of the tireless workers - the two political figures responsible for the heinous crimes are finally indicted and named as defendants - to be arrested and prosecuted at trial in the Hague.

But, the Ambassador is resolute.

The two political bag men will never be turned over to authorities, he assures the filmmakers.

At the close of the movie - it's evident the "heroes" of this documentary have impacted the Sudanese horrors - significantly.

But, life (and death) goes on in Darfur.

"Unless this criminal conduct is stopped," says one political insider, "The rest of the world will be like this in twenty-five years."

The price of apathy, perhaps?

Henri Frederic Amiel once noted,

Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.

Beijing Olympics...China ignorant about Global Warming. "Dog meat" consumption revolting notion!

China's last gleaming...

Protests in San Francisco...

In anticipation of a host of swarming masses descending on the Olympics in the next few weeks, China has issued some ultimatums to create a "greener" setting for the games.

For example, Officials have restricted the use of private automobiles on the streets over the next few weeks to reduce smog.

And, have increased mass transit in a bold-faced effort to alleviate the problem as well.

What a joke!

According to recent statistics, at least sixteen of the twenty most polluted cities are in China.

And - in spite of the fact the Chinese government has recently begun to relocate factories, haul old clunkers off the street, and plant trees to get a jump on global warming - it's all a little too late, isn't it?

The 11th hour actions should have been prompted by concerns about the environment, not by a deceitful attempt to gloss over the obvious - and in the process - conjure up a superficial image to the Nations of the world!

In essence, the whole bold-faced ploy is a white-wash.

In fact, China's efforts are akin to slapping a band-aid on a deep wound that has been hemorrhaging for years.

Indeed - some of the damage caused to the environment - is undoubtedly permanent.

The idea that restricting vehicle traffic for the next three weeks will rid the skies of green house gases is a ludicrous notion!

What really turned my stomach, though, was the announcement that a popular entree - "dog meat" - would be taken off the menu during the duration of the games to ensure foreign visitors were not offended during the course of the athletic celebration.

Are they going to allow a few stray dogs to wander the streets for appearances sake, too, before they herd them back to the chopping block at the close of the Olympics?

Talk about inhumane conduct!

This is a country populated by savages, in my estimation.

The arguments for "Boycott" are ripe!