I’ve received an invitation to an interesting event and I’m now spreading the word !

The Balkan Youth and Sport Forum 2009 is a collaborative event giving its bid for a sustainable future for youth in South-East Europe. It is taking place btw. September 7-13 2009, in the beautiful surroundings of Bosnian capital city, Sarajevo. The Forum is set for an inspirational learning experience with participation of youth from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia, as well as other European countries. Built around the current youth agenda in South-East Europe, the forum will put forward its perspectives on the role of youth in sport. BYSF ‘09 will focus on issues such as: youth participation, democratic citizenship and non-formal education through sport.

The Balkan Youth & Sport Forum will result in a declaration, by which the participants shall forward ideas, actions and recommendations on developing the youth and sport policies in the southeast Europe region. Relevant political stakeholders are to receive the declaration on the final day of the forum.

The forum is organized by the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), a Copenhagen-based organization internationally active in fields such as sports, non-formal education, youth participation. By its activities, ISCA supports cross-border understanding through sport and culture, it promotes sport as a bearer of cultural identity and it encourages the broadest possible participation in sports and cultural activities for affiliated members.

Would you like to take part in an exciting event,  and at the same time be inspired by 45 young people – all gathered to raise a collective voice to decision makers on what is important to youth? Then submit your application for this forum before July 31. Your participation will be appreciated and will make a real difference!

Timeline: September 7-13 2009

Venue: Sarajevo, Bosnia

Application deadline: July 31, 2009

Selection notification:  August 4, 2009

Participant profile: young people (18-30) involved in sports clubs and other types of organizations

Financial conditions: no participation fee, accomodation and meals provided by organizers, travel costs reimbursed according to a set framework.

Further details and application form:  ISCA website

He stays an icon of my childhood years. To me it’s not only the death of a “greater-than-life” individual, but indirectly also the death of something I associate with myself…a long-forgotten period, probably the best in my life. The death of an icon symbolic for that age once more reminds me of time’s ruthless flow. Childhood passed, the world changed, I am different, the ones around me are not the same  anymore and some are gone forever. Everything’s so fast-paced and transformations are so painful. Living seems a struggle to forget about the inevitable end .

MJ was not a mere singer, he was a phenomenon that will remain imprinted in the history of music, in our culture and in our hearts. Probably the most widely beloved artist ever, uniting an entire world through his music. Whenever I listen to MJ’s songs I feel life. A passion, strength, dynamism that can only make you think of life. Now he’s gone and it seems surreal. Tears are sliding down my cheeks…

Influence on other artists:

Brand new goodies from the Suicide Squirrels series. Enjoy the blood dripping, enjoy the bushy tail decomposing, enjoy a loving squirrel heart torn apart – literally

Check:  Suicide Squirrel TV

Two songs I adore from an album I adore by an artist I adore 

It’s not my thing to use big words, but these are just exceptional.

Both from Maxwell’s second album – “Embrya” (1998) > “Drowndeep: Hula” and “Submerge: Til We Become The Sun“. Turn the lights off and feel. Breathtaking vocal range seemingly embracing you in a sensual elevation.  Hot, vintage soul blended with the chilling, ambiental beats. Hypnotic falsettos. Fluid grooves. Sleek lyricism. Deep. Serene. Emotional. Mysterious. Spiritual. Lush. Versatile.

Some critics complained about the substance-less or chaotic lyrics and the overly extravagant concept behind “Embrya”. Titles and lyrics might indeed seem so, but exactly this music’s eccentric, eclectic, sophisticated nature is what magnetizes me completely. An artist’s guts to push his limits and to push listeners out of  their comfort zone by introducing something opulent, that’ll surely not fit everyone’s tastes. That might also be the reason for Maxwell’s being underrated: he’s just not accessible to masses. Too deep to enter the mainstream, though highly acclaimed among soul, neo soul, R&B and quiet storm lovers. Instead, commercial garbage is usually getting the attention and when a tune like Maxwell’s emerges, critics try cut its potential by picking on lyrics, names or concepts. As for me, when I listen to music what comes first is its sound, not its lyrics. If I need something deep, I’ll open a philosophy anthology. Conversely, there’r loads of smart messages embedded in tracks I couldn’t call anything but noise. So when non-noise and especially complex non-noise is there to be enjoyed, I guess we should be thankful and praise those few true artists.

Actually these two tunes are nothing less than deep, but it takes a little while to feel’em. The maybe incoherent and incomplete message in these tracks’ lyrics is actually empowering the tunes, as it creates a state of exaltation, a serene and emotional trance. Here words and ideas are secondary and charm derives exactly from their being dispersed and unpolished. They’r letting the sound shine. Maxwell is just what I call true music. The kind that sets a vibration in your mind and soul, takes you by storm, coalesces unexplainable emotions, caresses your ears and thoughts, embraces you in warmth. Keeps the musicality in music, a feature long forgotten nowadays…

Maxwell – Submerge: Til We Become The Sun

Over to under

Enter your wonder baby

Submerge into me baby

And take me to higher

Submerge within the light

Illuminate my night

And let your atmosphere surround me

Submerge within the light all night

Till we become the sun

See if I’m breathing

Because I’m not sure

Tonight if I’m alive

Words are demeaning

They can’t describe

Submerge within the light

Til we become the sun

Maxwell- Drowndeep: Hula

Confusing as this is

I hope my kiss can rectify

The lack of part time bliss

A weightlessness inside

Your life, Your life, your life…

(Oohh waah) let’s drown deep in us

(Oohh waah) make no fight, no fuss

(Oohh waah) come drown deep in us

In us, in us, in us, in us…

I’ll wear your liquid kiss

And watch as if inside

Dispel the negative

As if a myth alive

Why should I let you go

How could I let you go

When we be up here all alone

Hula hula baby

(Oohh waah) let’s drown deep in us

(Oohh waah) make no fight, no fuss

(Oohh waah) come drown deep in us

In us, in us, in us, in us…

Here’r some stats since my first post on April 24th:

Total views – 1.191

Top 3 posts/pages:

Demotivational Posters (148 views)

Fragility of being (137 views)

FAQ (53 views)

First impressions of my performance as a junior blogger: it’s demotivating to see the “demotivational posters” ranking first. For real. Other posts were much more interesting or so I hope. But it seems there’s a trend these days around. Over 200 people were directed by search engines at my blog when looking for terms like: Gunter Brus, demotivational posters, motivation etc. So I have to wait a bit till the afore-mentioned will get out of fashion, so I can catch readers’ eyes with other stuff.

I’m a stick up kid. Not really, I only “stick up” people’s affection. But I have a thing for Lyfe. This tune suits my mood now. Chillin, bit cynical, bit anti-social, bit miserable, bit fed up. For the ones who aren’t in the know: stick up kid = dude “specialized” in robbin’. I think robbin is actually exciting. I should check it myself one day. Whoever wants to try this experience wit me, let me know so we can plan a lil’ smthin’ .

Just for fun, we will then return the stolen good to  its owner 

An extensive post on Lyfe’s music later this week…

Track only:

Check the video [track's clean version] on the link below. I think it’s really good. Plus – if you liked the tune, it completes your perception of Lyfe and his msg:

Lyfe Jennings – Stick Up Kid (Official Music Video) –

Lyfe Jennings – Stick up kid

Rolling in my 2-door Monte Carlo
Lookin for somebody I can borrow
5 or 10 dollars ‘til tomorrow
I’m doin bad ya’ll uh-uhn
I just smoked my last pack of cigarettes today
Ever seen a nigga diggin in the ashtray
It’s a crumbling and humbling sight to see
I’m doing bad ya’ll uh-uhn
And they’r teasin’ me with these 23’s and these dvds in their ride
And they pass me by-by-by-by-by-by
And have the nerve to wonder why

I be robbin these niggas
I’m a stick up kid
That’s how I live, I admit it
I be robbin’ these niggas
I’m a stick up kid
And if you’r doing too much I’m coming to get it

[bis]

See lately I’ve been thinkin bout saving my soul
And do prayers make it to heaven from the ghetto ?
I asked all my friends but they all say they don’t know
It’s all bad ya’ll…
And the preacher talking bout some stuff he don’t know
When church done became a fuckin’ fashion show
And they won’t let a nigga in with these timbos
It’s all bad ya’ll

And they’r teasin’ me with these 23’s and these dvds in their ride
And they pass me by-by-by-by-by-by
And have the nerve to wonder why

I be robbin these niggas
I’m a stick up kid
That’s how I live, I admit it
I be robbin’ these niggas
I’m a stick up kid
And if you’r doing too much I’m coming to get it

Nobody knows the trouble I see
Nobody knows but me (3x)

Recent developments:

In defiance of the supreme leader’s ultimatum yesterday, thousands took to the streets again. Heavy security presence and violent confrontations were today’s trademarks. Iranian forces have used tear gas, water cannon, batons and live rounds to disperse protesters. A heavy blast at the holy shrine of Imam Khomeini was reported earlier today – a suicide attack  to have allegedly killed several people. Until now, no further details are available about this incident.  Other protesters seem to have died by getting shot by security forces. Moussavi stated on al Arabiya that election rigging was planned months in advance. His Facebook page informs Mousavi is preparing himself for martyrdom. The authenticity of the message could not be so far confirmed. Today cellphone networks in Iran were reported to be down. International journalist are still banned from reporting.

Recent reports from human rights organizations allege at least 100 people have been arrested: demonstrators, human rights activists, journalists, bloggers. Dozen others have been killed and injured.  Hospital officials told at least 19 people died so far, whereas unconfirmed reports put the death toll as high as 150. Over 2.000 complaints were filed by families of those killed an injured, according to the police. The violence damaged hundreds of building, cars and public properties.

As I was mentioning the other days, it seems to me that for protesters it is more and more turning into a rejection of the present political establishment. That is – whereas for the opposition it’s mainly one of getting its hands on power, for million Iranians it’s not about the opposition winning or Ahmadinejad losing, but one of revising the entire system.  When it comes to opposition leader Mir Hosein Mousavi, I actually doubt he would take it so far so as to challenge the supreme leader and to call for extensive actions for overthrowing the current system. After all, Mousavi is  part of the system, he is no outsider although he claims being a reformist. In essence, he is just the front cover of the ideals people are actually fighting for. I see it all as a somewhat civil rights movement and  maybe also one aimed at doing away with the present hybrid system, which seems to not anymore fit citizens’ expectations and needs. Well, religion and politics have never been a fabulous mix.

Iran might be facing an historic moment these days. Never since the 1979 Islamic revolution has it been so divided and inflamed. Khamenei’s 20 year hold on power  is being increasingly challenged. In his speech yesterday it became clear he was in a way legitimizing his own position and the overall Islamic arrangement of Iranian governance. That obviously came as a response to his being under threat. The speech too little focused on actual controversies over the election, but on praising the Islamic rule, the Iranian republic, discrediting foreign enemies and preaching peace and solidarity – all meant to divert attention from core issues and to consolidate the legitimacy of current politics.

With his extended tentacles in essential Iranian power structures, Khamenei has the capacity to implement a violent crackdown on dissent.  Iran’s supreme leader practically has the final say over all relevant issues.  He controls the Guardian Council, the army, the intelligence services, he confirms elections of presidents, he is commander-in-chief, has great influence over foreign affairs, the judiciary and over the powerful Revolutionary Guard. Not to mention the paramilitary Basij. All these can be mobilized against protesters if necessary.

Over half of Iranian population is made of youth, which further complicates the entire matter. Why so? Because most are of course opposing the Islamic rule, and sufficiently defiant to risk their own lives for freedom. They are the most vulnerable  and simultaneously powerful category – they fear nothing and are enough mesmerized by the heroic image of fighting for ideals, even if that costs their lives. When you feel life under such an oppressive system is miserable beyond reason, you wouldn’t mind risking it for the sake of change. And death is indeed a misty concept when you are young. I suspect Khamenei’s speech yesterday did nothing but spark more anger and dissent, the “shut up and go home” message might come as the last drop to fill the glass of wrath.  Furthermore, anti-incumbent youth is quite well educated, which augments political awareness and the desire for change. For youth the elections issue seemingly came as a threshold: they just couldn’t put up with it all anymore.

Protests are likely to intensify the next days, irrespective of  the official stand of opposition leader Mousavi. If this scenario is to turn valid, Khamenei could on the one hand back off and try reconciliation with the angry masses or, on the other hand – increase repression and violently crush demonstrations. The possibility of his stepping down is I think quite slim. Whatever the result, the Islamic leadership seems to have been considerably shaken and compensatory measures will be necessary for authorities to reconcile with angry ctizens. Probably the present hardline stance of Iranian politics will require adjustments.

The role of technology has proved crucial in this ongoing story – both for inside communication, and for letting the world know about the turmoil. Much of the information coming out of Iran has been through social networks, as  journalists were banned from reporting. The opposition forces have been  intelligently using the new media. Social media have been abuzz with discussions and reports, which has primarily offered a dialogue platform for Iranians and non-Iranians, but which has also indirectly showed the world the impact social media are having today.

Although I have always enjoyed Ahmadinejad’s anti-imperialist rhetoric, I couldn’t be an upholder of his political essence. I mean – from multiple perspectives I’d like him as a “buddy”, but definitely not as my president. But despite all his flaws, he is not entirely responsible for dire realities in Iran. He is often portrayed as the evil dictator – that I think stems from Western cliches and I do have a problem with such simplistic judgments. Politics is far too entangled to attribute failure and evil to one man only.  I am not a supporter of  any politician in this story…I am more concerned with practice, not with talk – because yes, that is what politics is all about: talk. Politicians don’t quite matter actually, because their very condition as politicians alters their (sometimes) truly noble ideals. I think no political leader deserves worship, but all deserve pressure. And that is our responsibility as citizens. So I welcome the present movement and I admire all the youngsters fighting against an oppressive system depriving them of core rights and liberties.

_________________________________________

Some perspectives  from young Iranians:

“What the authorities say only represent their frame of mind and not that of the people of Iran (…) People of the world must know that the Iranian people are very different from the government. We all want religion to be separated from government and we want some air to breathe freely. Most of the educated young are emigrating from Iran and this flow of immigration will increase in the next four years. I am also thinking of emigrating next year.

(Sisyphus, 26,  Shiraz)

Frankly, I am very proud of my people now. Before I felt that all the years of suppression and economic recession in Iran had affected the mind of my people. I thought that had made them narrow minded and closed minded. It is important to educate Iranians that democracy cannot be created overnight and they should look at the improvements rather than the final goal. In this way, they will not consider themselves as losers but actually winners. Probably the story of how other countries created the democracy in their society would help.

(Omid, 35, Tehran)

_____________________________________________

Excerpts from Ayatollah Khamenei’s yesterday speech:

The laws and legal structure in our country do not allow for ballot rigging or cheating in elections. If the difference between two ballots were a few hundred thousands votes or even a million, it might be possible to understand accusations of cheating, but how is it possible to cheat 11 million votes? People have faith, and those who support the election candidates must also have faith that the Islamic Republic will never cheat and betray people of their votes.

Struggling on the streets after elections is not acceptable. It diminishes the electoral process and democracy. I call on all sides to put a stop to such actions; these are not correct actions. If they do not stop these actions, then any consequences will be their responsibility.

Trust [by the people of the Islamic establishment] is the biggest asset of the Islamic Republic. They [foreign powers] want to remove this trust from the Islamic Republic, they want to sow doubt and confusion about the electoral process. They want to shake the trust that people have. The enemies of the Iranian nation know that when trust is undermined it weakens unity.

The enemies are targeting the Islamic establishment’s legitimacy by questioning the election and its authenticity before and after [the election]. After street protests, some foreign powers … started to interfere in Iran’s state matters by questioning the result of the vote. They do not know the Iranian nation. I strongly condemn such interference. American officials’ remarks about human rights and limitations on people are not acceptable because they have no idea about human rights after what they have done in Afghanistan and Iran and other parts of the world. We do not need advice over human rights from them.

Source of above interviews and excerpts:

BBC

I much apologize for not posting any squirrel news lately. I’m sure you have been anxiously waiting to get updates of my blog’s  “Squirrels worldwide” category. But waiting has come to an end: the Agnostic Squirrel gets back at you with fresh squirrel innovations. One of them: the “Suicide Squirrels“ series -  a story of 100 adorable little squirrels that have decided they want to die. 100 squirrels > 100 episodes ! Witness the squirrels kill themselves one by one in a series of terribly ingenious suicides – always passing away with a serene smile on their tiny little face. So stop squirreling around and prepare watch  genius suicidal squirrels in action. New episodes shall be posted regularly.

Check:
Suicide Squirrels TV

Directly from the PSID (Political Squirrel Information Desk):

Today Iranian supreme leader – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei officially endorsed the election’s outcome.  In a sermon at Tehran university, he backed Ahmadinejad’s second term as president, brushing away the opposition’s hopes. He issued a “religious ultimatum”, demanding an immediate end to the protests, or else all reformist  protesters would be legally charged.  His call was one for peace and unity, underlining the need for cohesion and solidarity among Iranian people, despite superficial differences in opinion. According to his speech today, the historic voter turnout of 85 % legitimized the Islamic system, exhibiting Iranians’ trust in the regime. The Islamic rule, he says, would never permit an election fraud, thus the present result is nothing but the pure expression of citizens’ political views. There was an 11 million vote difference between the winner and his main opponent, how could rigging happen? – he added. As for the rallies flooding the streets this past week, Khamenei pointed out they are in vain, as the result will not be shifted for the sake of some unsatisfied voices. Also, political leaders inciting to riots shall shoulder the entire responsibility if blood will be spilled amid extremist manifestations.

Of course, there was also talk of the foreign hostile powers, trying to undermine the legitimacy of Iran’s Islamic establishment and to manipulate the world’s perception of how the voting really went. Khamenei went on by saying that Iran needs no advice from the West over human rights, as it has been itself countinously rising the flag of human rights by supporting opressed communities in Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead, the US is the worst human rights violator. Which yes, isn’t so far from the truth – I dare say. The speech ended in fervent acclaim of the supreme leader. Thousands  massed outside the packed hall and cheered Khamenei, al Jazeera reports – most attending this speech being some of the Ayatollah’s staunchest supporters.

With this “Enough is enough!” message, it’s interesting how things will evolve from now on. Will Moussavi  call on his supporters to end their demonstrations ? And will they listen and accept something they now see as unacceptable? It’s not anymore only about a candidate’s win , but more and more seems to be about the core political establishment in Iran. I suspect Khamenei’s stand over the issue will further spark unrest, as people will get more and more frustrated by what they perceive as an unjust, oppressive system. Bearing in mind the latest protests, spirits seem to be so inflamed with discontent and anger that a “shut up and go home” message will only stir emotions.

Shifting focus, what is strange to me is that the current “revolution” is not actually engendering the views of an overwhelming majority, or so it seems. Reporters broadcasting from Iran reveal almost equal accounts of  pro-incumbent and conversely pro-opposition supporters. Although reformist demonstrations have been making the headlines these days around,  we shoudn’t overlook the huge number of Ahmadinejad backers, who seem satisfied enough with realities in Iran. So outright statements of an Iran willing to overthrow its current governance seems to me a bit far-fetched.

One notable development linking current events in Iran to the online world is Google’s decision to provide free online translation to/from Persian (Farsi). In its yesterday press release, Google stated that” “We feel that launching Persian is particularly important now, given ongoing events in Iran”. This is an extraordinary tool for augmenting the spread of information concerning the situation in Iran, allowing both Iranians and the outside world to understand and communicate more.

Part of Khamenei’s speech:

]]> http://agnosticsquirrel.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/khamenei-endorses-ahmadinejad/feed/ 0 Agnostic Squirrel http://agnosticsquirrel.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/anthony-hamilton-aint-nobody-worryin/ http://agnosticsquirrel.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/anthony-hamilton-aint-nobody-worryin/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:45:28 +0000 agnosticsquirrel http://agnosticsquirrel.wordpress.com/?p=572 ]]> While doing some research on human security the past month, the song to best mirror my feelings about what’s going on in this world…was (is) the one below. “Ain’t nobody worryin’”, from one of the artists I most feel – Anthony Hamilton.

Anthony Hamilton – Ain’t Nobody Worryin’

Ain’t nobody worryin’, when the shots fly high and the siren starts to ring.
Ain’t nobody worryin’, when the kids die young and the mothers are suffering.
Ain’t nobody prayin’, when they kneel down low; all they doin is tyin’ their shoe string.
Ain’t nobody worryin’ no more, no more, no more, no more.

The homeless have no where to turn,
When their stomach starts to burn
‘Cause they ain’t got food to eat.
How the children gonna learn,
when they gotta take turns
‘Cause they ain’t got books to read.
Then our babies turn to crime,
Started gettin’ high
‘Cause the job train’s kinda slow.

‘Cause ain’t nobody worryin’ no more, no more, no more, no more, no more.
When the tears start to fall and you can’t see your way,
Just carry on, c’mon, judgement day.
You don’t have to mourn, help’s on the way.
‘Cause ain’t nobody worryin’no more, no more.

These are our precious times;
Disease taking lives,
Medicaid ran out.
Show me a weapon line;
There’s a mother on the phone,
Tryin’ to beat the drought.
Tell me when will this end?
All the suffering;
My faith is runnin’ low.
Ain’t nobody worryin’ no more, no more, no more, no more, no more.
Ain’t nobody worryin’ no more, no more, no more, no more, no more.

When the tears start to fall and you can’t see your way,
And just carry on, c’mon, judgement day.
Don’t have to mourn no more, help’s on the way.
‘Cause ain’t nobody worryin’.

Ain’t nobody worryin’, when the shots fly high and the siren starts to ring.
I said, ain’t nobody worryin’, when the kids die young and the mothers are suffering.
Ain’t nobody worryin’; the black man’s doing time and no one cares for him. (Nobody carin’.)
The government on the grind and tryin’ to fence him in. (Our babies are gettin’ high.)
With drugs in the schools, we need to pray again.
When will it end? Will it end? Will it end? Will it end?

‘Cause ain’t nobody worryin’.(Shots fly high and the siren starts to ring.)
Ain’t nobody worryin’. (When the kids die young and the mothers are suffering.)
Ain’t nobody prayin’. (when they kneel down low; all they doin is tyin’ their shoe string.)
Ain’t nobody worryin’ no more, no more, no more, no more, no more.
Ain’t nobody worryin’ no more, no more, no more, no more, no more.
Ain’t nobody worryin’ no more, no more, no more, no more, no more.

Lyrics: www.sing365.com