Devastating Toll of Syringe Reuse-Marc Koska

Unbelievable.

I got this video from a post on one of my friend's pages. Click on the link and watch the video. It's terrible that things like this are happening.

http://www.ted.com/talks/marc_koska_the_devastating_toll_of_syringe_reuse.html

Ever get mad at your computer?

Too funny! :-) Ever get mad at your computer and you just want to tear it to 'bits'? Yeah, you might want to think twice about it now!

:-)

Website Devoted to Solving Common Problems Faced by Farmers

This is an email from my dear friend Uday:

The one website is developed for farmers "www.KisanSmartSell.com” India’s first Web portal developed to streamline the wide range of agricultural products of good quality to sell at competitive prices in an open market.

With the focus of solving the problems common to Farmers, dealers work environment. The role of the farmer in today's world is changing and is, quite frankly, unsure; reasons are the same from the last few decades. Though government has started to pay attention at some extent, main problem still exists is competitive prices to Agricultural Products.

After performing a thorough survey of market, by understanding the problems of Farmers, dealers, website put this knowledge into practice and systematically applied on to our portal as being one which most closely matches the today’s need.

What We Provide

1. Advertise farmers Agricultural Products.

2. Get Market Rates anytime, anywhere.

3. Let Consumer to Contact you directly.

4. We help you to get advantage of Government Schemes.

5. Open an account of farmers in National bank.

6. Provide kisan credit cards to farmers.

7. provide the all the details,medicine's and all type of testing addresses and guidelines to farmers.

8. tech them to how to increase their productivity.

Here is link to get started

http://www.kisansmartsell.com/

We have a team located in different zone, to bring your agricultural products into market to get right price.

This is very important and beneficiary information for framers.

Please forward to your relatives, colleagues,friends.

--
Sincerely,
Uday Thombre
uday@udaythombre.com

Unacceptable!!!

Forbes magazine says that the US & the UK are slipping in closing the gender gap. To me, this is completely unacceptable! >_<

US...we need to step it up! :-) Ya, ya, ya, I know, you win some-you lose some. Umm, but did you forget? We're the freaking United States of America! :-) We are supposed to win it ALL :-) So let's fix this thing ok? :-) Thanks :-)

Oh, and ladies, we need to work harder to fix this too! :-) Stop having so many babies and letting your man tell you what to do with your money/career/life. Ok? Thanks :-)

http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/27/world-economic-forum-forbes-woman-leadership-gender-gap.html

How do you know you're obsessed?

How do you know you're obsessed? When you have a Hello Kitty wedding, complete with Hello Kitty platinum rings! Oh, and I don't think the girl would be nearly as crazy as I would say the guy is for going along with it! :-) Love Hello Kitty to death, but she's not going to the altar with me :-)

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5627096516559708101

My translation of Paulina Rubio's "Escaleras de arena"

If you see a '*', that's where I need a little bit of help...I couldn't think of an appropriate translation.

Paulina Rubio
Escaleras de arena
Gran City Pop

Estoy harta de correr tras de ti,
I'm tired of running after you,
de subir escaleras de arena,
climbing stairs made of sand,
de vivir en una nube y, por fin,
living in a cloud and, finally,
entendí que tu amor envenena.
I understood that your love poisons.

*A contracorriente mi corazón,
*Against the wishes of my heart,
ya no lo quiere intentar,
it no longer wants to try it,
tu momento pasó,
your moment passed,
me cansé de esperar,
I grew tired of waiting,
ni te doy,* ni me vas,
I don't give to you, *neither do you go to me,
*pido esquina,
*I ask for a corner,
no hay nada que hablar.
and there is nothing to talk about.

Esta vez, *el suelo se nos rompió,
This time *the floor falls beneath us,
lo que antes sentí, desapareció.
what I felt before, it's gone.
Ya lo ves, el juego se termino,
Now you see the game has ended,
se hace tarde y me toca decir adiós.
it's getting late and it touches me to say goodbye.

Pasa el tiempo y ya no quiero seguir
Time passes and I still don't want to continue
construyendo castillos de agua,
building castles of water,
buscaré caminos lejos de aquí,
I will find ways roads far from here,
donde vuele de nuevo mi alma.
where again my soul will fly.

Crece un abismo entre tú y yo,
An abyss grows between you and I,
que ya no quiero saltar,
one that I don't want to jump,
eres luna que hoy crece
You are the moon that grows today
y vuelve a menguar,
and disappears again,
ni te voy, ni me vas,
I don't go to you, neither do you go to me,
me retiro, te voy a olvidar.
I'm leaving, I am going to forget you.

Esta vez, *el suelo se nos rompió,
This time *the floor falls beneath us,
lo que antes sentí, desapareció.
what I felt before, it's gone.
Ya lo ves, el juego se termino,
Now you see the game has ended,
se hace tarde y me toca decir adiós.
it's getting late and it touches me to say goodbye.

Conflict in the Horn of Africa...written for the SC for ODUMUN

Conflict in the Horn of Africa
Category: News and Politics

Just an issue brief I wrote for the ODUMUN!!!

Carolyn Veloria

Security Council

November 6, 2006

The Horn of Africa: Conflicts in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia

In previous centuries, conquest and colonization were key elements to the success and survival of a country. However, as these powerful countries began to withdraw their reign over colonies and offer them their independence, it is seen that many of those colonies break into turmoil. In many cases, the result is a civil war, which then begins to directly affect the people due to poor economy, poverty, and the like. In the case of the Horn of Africa, Italy, France, and Great Britain all had colonies that were located along the Red Sea. Eventually, the withdrawal of these colonies left Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia with no specific borders and without strong leadership. Today, the question is still asked how the internal and external conflicts of each country can be solved in a practical and efficient manner.

History

In the mid-1800s, the route that many European countries used to steer their way towards India was to go south on the Atlantic Ocean along the coast of Africa, round the cape, head north along the east coast of Africa, then head east towards India. However, to achieve this and maintain the ships, coaling stations were needed along the way. In 1939, the British built a coaling station in Aden, located on the south coast of Arabia, which was manned by workers brought over from Somalia. Almost immediately, other countries began building coal stations of their own. Soon afterwards, the French acquired French Somaliland, known today as Djibouti; the British acquired British Somaliland, most of which is now Somalia; and the Italians acquired Italian Somaliland, also part of Somalia and the land that is now Eritrea.

Nevertheless, there began to emerge one other competitor for the land. From Ethiopia, Menelik II became emperor in 1889 and began to show interest in the land that the European countries had taken over. Not surprisingly, each of the countries then began to form treaties with the other in order to ensure that one would not try to take the land from the other.

One treaty was the Treaty of Uccialli in 1889 between Italy and Ethiopia concerning Eritrea. It stated that Ethiopia was a protectorate of Italy and that the Italians were allowed to have a portion of Ethiopia to be able to connect their two pieces of land. The emperor agreed at first, but then, almost instantly, renounced the treaty.[1] By 1896, Italy and Ethiopia had gathered arms and eventually reached total war, the result being a horrible defeat by the Italians and their retreat to the boundaries before the treaty. Ethiopia then took Ogaden, a strip of land between Ethiopia and Italian Somaliland, and gave a southern portion of British Somalia, known as the Haud.[2] By this time, the Suez Canal had already opened and the overall importance of the land along the Red Sea increased exponentially.

By 1898 native Somaliland people exhibited colonial resistance and the 1920s brought fascism to Africa through the Italian colonies. The Italians then captured Ethiopia in 1936 through an illegal invasion which slaughtered many of the Somali people. By 1940, Britain withdrew from its territory. However, by 1941 Britain had recaptured all territory except French Somaliland.[3] In 1942 Somalian people were drafted to aid in the British led campaign to liberate Ethiopia from Italy. The tables turned later when each country returned to the boundaries from 1897, although Ethiopia still had Ogaden and Haud, and, under a United Nations Trusteeship, Italy , despite crimes of humanity committed in both Somalia and Ethiopia, was allowed to return to their land with the promise that Somalia will have independence within ten years. The promise is kept and by 1960 the Somali Republic, or Somalia, is formed from Italian and British Colonies. In addition, the French colony gained its independence in 1977 and became Djibouti.[4]

Also in 1950, Eritrea accepted a position where it would have a federal, autonomous status within Ethiopia. This position was backed by the UN through a federation between the two states in September 1952.[5] However Ethiopia, still wanting Eritrea as its own territory, suspended the Eritrean constitution in 1952 and even removed the Eritrean flag in 1959.[6]

Since 1977, Somalia has been a product of civil war, experiencing even more conflict after 1991 when the president Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown by the southern United Somali Congress. A legitimate government has yet to gain recognition in the international community.

To know the history of these conflicts barely scratches the surface in understanding the conflict as a whole. In addition to the historical perspective, the politics of the situation are essential as well.

After World War II, Britain discussed with the UN the future of Eritrea, which began to bring international attention to the situation in the Horn of Africa. Prior to this, the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) was formed and took up arms in September 1961. However, before the British withdrew, the United States signed an agreement with Haile Selassie, who was placed back on the Ethiopian throne by the British prior to 1936, for a base in Eritrea. The US has also given nearly $250 million and training from American military to the Ethiopian government, which has been used by Selassie to continue the ambition for full annexation of Eritrea.[7]

In 1970, the ELF breaks into two branches, the original ELF and the Eritrean Popular Liberation Front (EPLF or PLF). The PLF broke away with a Marxist ideal, while the ELF simply wanted independence. It was not long before the two groups broke into civil war in 1972-74. So essentially, the Eritrean people were fighting not only the Ethiopians for independence, but were also struggling with conflicts regarding their internal balance of power. Each group felt that they had a better way to work towards independence and, consequently, each decided to deal with Ethiopia in their own way.[8]

Since the 70s many guerrilla wars have erupted and the Ethiopian government has had many leaders replaced. Ethiopia has also formed many of their policies with a socialist appeal. Additionally, the US military has given support to Ethiopian forces on a number of occasions. The People's Republic of China has given aid to the PLF, however at that time, even that aid supply was uncertain because of "Haile Selassie's diplomatic recognition and a direct weekly flight…to Peking."[9] The Soviet Union also began to increase their interest in Ethiopia due to their "Ethiopian Socialism".[10] Even Sudan has had ties with the situation (especially since they, too, have been under British occupation) though the ties are more for imperialistic reasons than aid.[11]

Situation in Eritrea-Ethiopia Today

War continues to rage between the two countries and among the Eritrean people even today. In 1991, the Eritrean city of Asmara was seized from the ELF by the PLF. Nevertheless, hope begins to emerge in April 1993 when a "referendum [ratified] independence for Eritrea within the frontiers of the former Italian colony."[12] Yet again, in May 1998, war broke out between Ethiopia and Eritrea over a border dispute. Seeing the chaos, the Secretary-General "immediately contacted the leaders of both countries, urging restraint and offering assistance in resolving the conflict peacefully."[13] Peace negotiations were held by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), however, in May 2000 war emerged once more.

With this renewed outbreak of violence the Security Council imposed targeted sanctions on both countries for "the sale or supply to Eritrea and Ethiopia of weapons, ammunition, military vehicles, equipment and spare parts, as well as any provision to the two countries of technical aid or training related to the manufacture or use of arms."[14] In addition, the Security Council urged both parties to resume peace negotiations under the auspices of the OAU. The peace talks ended on the 18^th of June 2000 with the signing by both parties of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities as outlined in a report by the Security Council.[15] Additionally, Security Council Resolution 1312 established the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE).[16] This mission was created to

establish and maintain liaison with the parties; visit the parties' military headquarters and other units in all areas of operation of the mission deemed necessary by the Secretary-General; establish and put into operation the mechanism for verifying the cessation of hostilities; prepare for the establishment of the Military Coordination Commission provided for in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement; and assist in planning for a future peacekeeping operation.[17]

Later, on the 12^th of December 2000, the comprehensive Peace Agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea was signed.[18]

In July 12, 2005, the Security Council condemned Eritrea's lack of cooperation with the UNMEE. Eritrea had asked for some members of the UNMEE to leave the country within 10 days.[19] More recently, the UN News Centre reported that the Security Council has called on Eritrea to withdraw troops from the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) and to abide by the implementations set forth by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC).[20] However, Eritrea has maintained its ban on UNMEE while the UN mission continues to send troops to the TSZ in accordance with its mandate. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has stated that "the incursion by the Eritrean military not only violated the integrity of the TSZ, but was in breach of the June 2000 agreement on cessation of hostilities".[21] The Eritrean government continues to reject aid from Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and has even expelled the US Agency for International Development (USAID) from the country.[22]

Situation in Somalia Today

Somalia, although adversely affected by the various inhabitation of their land by the Italian and various ethnic groups, did not experience such a high rate of violence and turmoil until the 1991 overthrow of the Supreme President Mohamed Siad Barre. Through 1993, famine and conflicts concerning human rights continued to escalate. The United Nations finally enters the picture in 1993 with Operation Restore Hope to alleviate the famine. As shown in Black Hawk Down, UN forces suffered many casualties, eventually having to withdraw in March of 1995.

The Somalian government today is not recognized by any kind of majority. The one appointed by outside forces is called the Transitional National Government, however it has little control or legitimacy in the region. Many secessions have taken place in Somalia in order to attempt to centralize a legitimate form of government. One such secession occurs in 1998, again in 1999, and the most recent occurring recently in 2006. These secessions are considered temporary, however have thus far failed in the attempt to centralize a government where many religions and ethnicities cannot agree with one another.

In 2006, the United States, through the Central Intelligence Agency, has backed the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism much to the dismay of a militia that remains loyal to Union of Islamic Courts. Meanwhile, Ethiopian troops have been busy on two fronts. First there is the conflict with Eritrea and the other with Somalia. Somalia has recently declared Jihad on Ethiopia and Islamic Member Courts and has accused them of declaring war with them. It has also been recently reported that "fully equipped" Eritrean troops are inside Somalia.[23] The US has also speculatively increased its involvement and arm sales in the last three years even though the UN has kept its arms embargo on the region.[24] More recently, the transitional government in Somalia has asked for an African Union peacekeeping force, however in September 2006, Islamic factions in the country convinced the AU to abandon any consideration in establishing a force in the region.

Conclusion

Until today, peace talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, and an accepted form of a legitimate government have failed. Externally both Ethiopia and Somalia are in conflict over territorial control, while internally factions within Somalia continue to fight over governmental control. Without any leadership or a strong government, little progress can be made. The situation in Eritrea and Ethiopia also appears grim.

Even now, the conflicts in the Horn of Africa are still very much alive. Questions of sovereignty, rights to land and religious beliefs continue to go without answers. In these situations, the international community will play a key role in determining the fate of this region.

---

[1] The Campaign of Adowa and the Rise of Menelik. Constable Editorial: 1935. pg. 16.

[2] Tibebu, Teshale. "Ethiopia: The Anomaly and Paradox of Africa" Journal of Black Studies: Vol. 26, No. 4. pg. 414-430. Sage Publications, Inc: March 1996. JSTOR link: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0021-9347%28199603%2926%3A4%3C414%3AET%22A%22O%3E2.0.CO%3B2-G

[3] Lata, Leenco. "The Horn of Africa as Common Homeland: The State and Self-Determination in the Era of Heightened Globalization". Canada: Wilfrid Laurier Press 2004. p. 94.

[4] Federal Research Division. "Somalia: A Country Study". Kessinger Publishing: 30 June 2004

[5] Conflict in the Horn of Africa. Le Monde Diplomatique. July 2000. http://mondediplo.com/2000/07/13ethiopiabox.

[6] Lobban, Richard. "The Eritrean War: Issues and Implications" Canadian Journal of African Studies Vol. 10, No. 2. (1976), pp. 335-346. JSTOR: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0008-3968%281976%2910%3A2%3C335%3ATEWIAI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Z

[7] Lobban, Richard.

[8] Lobban, Richard.

[9] Lobban, Richard.

[10] Lobban, Richard.

[11] Lobban, Richard.

[12] Conflict in the Horn of Africa. Le Monde Diplomatique. July 2000. http://mondediplo.com/2000/07/13ethiopiabox.

[13] UNMEE Background. United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. 2005. http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmee/background.html

[14] UNMEE Background.

[15] Report of the Secretary-General on Ethiopia and Eritrea. 30 June 2000. http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N00/508/70/PDF/N0050870.pdf?OpenElement

[16] Security Council Resolution 1312 (2000). http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N00/583/66/PDF/N0058366.pdf?OpenElement

[17] UNMEE Background.

[18] UNMEE Background.

[19] Security Council presidential statement. UN News Centre http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/sc8572.doc.htm

[20] Security Council Urges Eritrea 'to immediately withdraw' troops. UN News Centre http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=20294&Cr=ethiopia&Cr1=eritrea

[21] Eritrean-Ethiopian Border Zone Volatile. UN News Centre. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=20327&Cr=eritrea&Cr1=ethiopia

[22] Moving the War to Somalia. 5 Nov 2006. http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/ethiopi/articles/20061106.aspx

[23] Moving the War to Somalia. 5 Nov 2006. http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/ethiopi/articles/20061106.aspx

[24] US plans to scale up military presence in the Horn of Africa. A Joint Report: East African. 6 Nov 2006. http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/News/News061120063.htm