link: http://news.yahoo.com/outrage-over-sign-language-interpreter-madiba-memorial-082056835.html
since the memorial for nelson mandela was televised, there was a sign language interpreter there to sign the speeches for the deaf community. the problem was that the person who they hired did not actually sign the ceremony in any known language. it appears that he simply made up his own gestures.
i watched a portion of the video, and had i not known he was making stuff up, i would have at least thought he was like perfecting his hand skills for a rap music video, but knowing that he did make it up was just too much. i mean, at what point did he say to himself, i'm going to do this even thought i don't know what i'm doing. or, i'm going to do this and even though i know what i should be doing, i'm going to screw it up and see who notices. i'd love to hear his side of the story.
besides being a huge disrespect to the deaf, what a terrible place to do such a thing. i don't know what i think should be done to him, or who has any authority to do anything to him, but something should be done.
abby keele
12.11.2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
international law: Chinese government tries to spin smog as a healthy benefit, and aid to national defense
link: http://news.yahoo.com/chinese-government-tries-to-spin-smog-as-a-healthy-benefit--and-aid-to-national-defense-174649885.html
recently, the pollution and smog in china has been terrible. it has forced the closure of schools, among making other daily activities difficult. according to this article the chinese government is putting a spin on the smog and pointing out the positive effects that it has:
1. It unifies the Chinese people.
2. It makes China more equal.
3. It raises citizen awareness of the cost of China’s economic development.
4. It makes people funnier.
5. It makes people more knowledgeable (of things like meteorology and the English word haze).
my personal favorite is that it makes the people more equal. you can't be jealous of some else because the smog is effecting them less. that is true.
abby keele
12.10.2013
recently, the pollution and smog in china has been terrible. it has forced the closure of schools, among making other daily activities difficult. according to this article the chinese government is putting a spin on the smog and pointing out the positive effects that it has:
1. It unifies the Chinese people.
2. It makes China more equal.
3. It raises citizen awareness of the cost of China’s economic development.
4. It makes people funnier.
5. It makes people more knowledgeable (of things like meteorology and the English word haze).
my personal favorite is that it makes the people more equal. you can't be jealous of some else because the smog is effecting them less. that is true.
abby keele
12.10.2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
international law: Nelson Mandela, revered statesman and anti-apartheid leader, dies at 95
link: http://news.yahoo.com/nelson-mandela-dies-214057711.html
nelson mandela has passed away due to some complications with a lung infection. he was 95 years old. he had led a very adventurous and divided life. not everyone agreed with his views, and he has been a very controversial figure over the past years.
to me, it will be interesting to watch how much hype there is over his death. i'd like to compare it to whitney houston. it just blew my mind how many people stood up and honored her, when she was just a singer. i bet he doesn't get as much hype.
abby keele
12.05.2013
so, it's been a few days, and just based of my own memory, this does seem to be less of a loss to our world, or at least the u.s., than whitney houston. honestly, in my own facebook feed, i had more about paul walker than i did about nelson mandela (says a lot about my friends. i may reconsider my list). i tried looking up stats about how many tweets per second there were about these things, and i found that that information is hard to get. i wonder how the news companies get it to report it.
but, my purpose is not to take away from the life and actions of mandela. my wanting to make this comparison stems from a curiosity that i have had for a while about why we honor those in our culture who actually do not contribute to society, a bit more than we do those individuals how have contributed. i want to understand why our world is more worried about a dope head recording artist who overdosed than their neighbor who fought in the war for our freedoms.
i want to know these things, because they disturb me. i don't want to live in a society like that. it leads no where good. it's a dangerous path. i wonder if i can understand it, if there is a way to get our priorities back. i hollered out at work that mr. mandela had died and the 22 year old in the cubicle next to me asked who he was.
now, i'm not professing to be a mandela expert, or an expert in anything international really. if this class has taught me anything, it has made me aware of how internationally ignorant i am. but really? we don't even talk about this guy? regardless of if you believe he was a good guy or a bad guy, he had a real impact on a whole section of the world. doesn't he get a chapter or something?
and end rant.
abby keele
12.07.2013
nelson mandela has passed away due to some complications with a lung infection. he was 95 years old. he had led a very adventurous and divided life. not everyone agreed with his views, and he has been a very controversial figure over the past years.
to me, it will be interesting to watch how much hype there is over his death. i'd like to compare it to whitney houston. it just blew my mind how many people stood up and honored her, when she was just a singer. i bet he doesn't get as much hype.
abby keele
12.05.2013
so, it's been a few days, and just based of my own memory, this does seem to be less of a loss to our world, or at least the u.s., than whitney houston. honestly, in my own facebook feed, i had more about paul walker than i did about nelson mandela (says a lot about my friends. i may reconsider my list). i tried looking up stats about how many tweets per second there were about these things, and i found that that information is hard to get. i wonder how the news companies get it to report it.
but, my purpose is not to take away from the life and actions of mandela. my wanting to make this comparison stems from a curiosity that i have had for a while about why we honor those in our culture who actually do not contribute to society, a bit more than we do those individuals how have contributed. i want to understand why our world is more worried about a dope head recording artist who overdosed than their neighbor who fought in the war for our freedoms.
i want to know these things, because they disturb me. i don't want to live in a society like that. it leads no where good. it's a dangerous path. i wonder if i can understand it, if there is a way to get our priorities back. i hollered out at work that mr. mandela had died and the 22 year old in the cubicle next to me asked who he was.
now, i'm not professing to be a mandela expert, or an expert in anything international really. if this class has taught me anything, it has made me aware of how internationally ignorant i am. but really? we don't even talk about this guy? regardless of if you believe he was a good guy or a bad guy, he had a real impact on a whole section of the world. doesn't he get a chapter or something?
and end rant.
abby keele
12.07.2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
international law: men tried to behead soldier on London street, court hears
link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/29/us-britain-soldier-idUSBRE9AS0JH20131129
according to this story, back in may in london, 2 men ran over a veteran soldier, and then dragged him into the middle of the street and started hacking at him with a meat cleaver and a knife, almost decapitating him. the men were apparently disgusted that the soldier had taken part in wars against muslims.
the two men are now in court, and the gruesome story is being relived for the jury.
i find this story disgusting. i hope that the men responsible for this are held responsible. i hope that as the hearing progresses the news continues to follow the status, and i am able to hear of the outcome.
abby keele
11.29.2013
according to this story, back in may in london, 2 men ran over a veteran soldier, and then dragged him into the middle of the street and started hacking at him with a meat cleaver and a knife, almost decapitating him. the men were apparently disgusted that the soldier had taken part in wars against muslims.
the two men are now in court, and the gruesome story is being relived for the jury.
i find this story disgusting. i hope that the men responsible for this are held responsible. i hope that as the hearing progresses the news continues to follow the status, and i am able to hear of the outcome.
abby keele
11.29.2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
international law: pakistani activist malala given Sakharov prize for bravery against taliban
link: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/20/world/europe/eu-malala-prize/index.html?hpt=wo_mid
Malala Yousafzai, a teenager who survived an assassination attempt by the taliban due to her voice regarding education was recently honored by receiving the Sakharov prize. Malala, of course, externalized and pleaded for help for undereducated countries.
i simply blogged about this because i was impressed by her during the interviews i've seen and she has an amazing story.
Malala Yousafzai, a teenager who survived an assassination attempt by the taliban due to her voice regarding education was recently honored by receiving the Sakharov prize. Malala, of course, externalized and pleaded for help for undereducated countries.
i simply blogged about this because i was impressed by her during the interviews i've seen and she has an amazing story.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
international law: british spy found in padlocked gym bag probably died by accident, police say
link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/13/uk-police-spy-whose-body-was-found-in-padlocked-gym-bag-probably-died-by/
basically a british spy was found dead in his apartment. he was naked, stuffed inside a gym bag, which was also padlocked shut. the government said that it was accidental and not related to his work.
my opinion: really? was he practicing his escape routine?
basically a british spy was found dead in his apartment. he was naked, stuffed inside a gym bag, which was also padlocked shut. the government said that it was accidental and not related to his work.
my opinion: really? was he practicing his escape routine?
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
international law: india supreme court investigates ex-judge for sexual harassment
link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24909511
Apparently, while interning with an Indian Supreme Court Judge, graduate Stella James was sexually harassed. She claims that in December, while in a hotel room, the judge harassed her in a non physical way.
The court has set up a panel of 3 that will review the claims and come to a conclusion. The committee is headed by senior Justice RM Lodha, and includes other Justices as well. They indicate they cannot take the accusations lightly.
It will be interesting to see exactly how she was assaulted, since she did indicate that it did not result in physical injuries. I think that it is hard for her to stand up against someone so influential and prestigious, so I am glad that she is doing that.
Apparently, while interning with an Indian Supreme Court Judge, graduate Stella James was sexually harassed. She claims that in December, while in a hotel room, the judge harassed her in a non physical way.
The court has set up a panel of 3 that will review the claims and come to a conclusion. The committee is headed by senior Justice RM Lodha, and includes other Justices as well. They indicate they cannot take the accusations lightly.
It will be interesting to see exactly how she was assaulted, since she did indicate that it did not result in physical injuries. I think that it is hard for her to stand up against someone so influential and prestigious, so I am glad that she is doing that.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
international law: venezuela's president requests special decree
link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24456056
president nicolas maduro has requested of parliament to give him special powers so that he can fight corruption and "economic" sabotage. apparently this request is something that has been requested and granted in the past with president chavez.
while it's unclear what special powers maduro would have if parliament granted his request, it is obvious that there is opposition to him having the power. after former president chavez passed away, henrique capriles ran against maduro in elections, and narrowly lost. capriles suggests that giving maduro this power would simply allow him to scrutinize any dissent, and that it will only be used as a distraction from the real issues.
i did this article because i had the pleasure of talking with someone who was born in venezuela. from what he has to say, there is a lot of corruption in the country, and that it's likely that no president will be able to make change without the people wanting to change first. he also thinks that it is unlikely that the majority of the people will want change, because the government is providing the ability to live without working or contributing to society. even though they are ridiculously poor, they get food, and can rob what else they need with no repercussions.
so, based on that information while reading this article it seems as though the non majority want change, and less corruption, but when it comes time to voice it, the poor majority keep the country in the state that it is in.
abby keele 10.09.2013
president nicolas maduro has requested of parliament to give him special powers so that he can fight corruption and "economic" sabotage. apparently this request is something that has been requested and granted in the past with president chavez.
while it's unclear what special powers maduro would have if parliament granted his request, it is obvious that there is opposition to him having the power. after former president chavez passed away, henrique capriles ran against maduro in elections, and narrowly lost. capriles suggests that giving maduro this power would simply allow him to scrutinize any dissent, and that it will only be used as a distraction from the real issues.
i did this article because i had the pleasure of talking with someone who was born in venezuela. from what he has to say, there is a lot of corruption in the country, and that it's likely that no president will be able to make change without the people wanting to change first. he also thinks that it is unlikely that the majority of the people will want change, because the government is providing the ability to live without working or contributing to society. even though they are ridiculously poor, they get food, and can rob what else they need with no repercussions.
so, based on that information while reading this article it seems as though the non majority want change, and less corruption, but when it comes time to voice it, the poor majority keep the country in the state that it is in.
abby keele 10.09.2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
international law: amanda knox trial, round 2
link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24332584
in 2007 amanda was accused and jailed for the murder of her roomate, meredith kercher. she was eventually convicted of the murder, and then had the ruling overturned during the appeals process. again, during the appeals process, the overturned ruling was overturned. as a result, there is a new trial regarding the murder.
the judge hearing the retrial has ordered new DNA samples to be ran on the knife that is the suspected murder weapon.
amanda is not in italy for the new trials.
my thoughts on this are that, well, basically, not only is the US judicial system flawed, but clearly so are other countries judicial systems. which, i feel, is a logical conclusion, however; i think that sometimes we get so wrapped up in how flawed we find our own system, that we lose sight that it is still one of the best in the world.
as far as amanda knox is concerned, i don't know if i feel like she's guilty or not. i've mentioned before my lack of international news involvement, and even though i was aware of the trial i didn't follow it closely. so, i'm not aware of the intricacies of the case. i have seen amanda on the news denying her involvement, and i don't think that she's ever swayed in her stance.
abby keele
09.30.2013
in 2007 amanda was accused and jailed for the murder of her roomate, meredith kercher. she was eventually convicted of the murder, and then had the ruling overturned during the appeals process. again, during the appeals process, the overturned ruling was overturned. as a result, there is a new trial regarding the murder.
the judge hearing the retrial has ordered new DNA samples to be ran on the knife that is the suspected murder weapon.
amanda is not in italy for the new trials.
my thoughts on this are that, well, basically, not only is the US judicial system flawed, but clearly so are other countries judicial systems. which, i feel, is a logical conclusion, however; i think that sometimes we get so wrapped up in how flawed we find our own system, that we lose sight that it is still one of the best in the world.
as far as amanda knox is concerned, i don't know if i feel like she's guilty or not. i've mentioned before my lack of international news involvement, and even though i was aware of the trial i didn't follow it closely. so, i'm not aware of the intricacies of the case. i have seen amanda on the news denying her involvement, and i don't think that she's ever swayed in her stance.
abby keele
09.30.2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
international law: nairobi westgate attack
link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24193059
currently, it seems, that inside a shopping center in nairobi about 10 to 15 militants have entered, and taken some civilian hostages. at the time of that i read this there were 68 people confirmed dead.
i'll be honest, this article is very vague, and i'm assuming that in order to understand it, i would have apparently needed to be up to date in other goings on in the country. however; i am not, so i am somewhat confused. however; i have a dear friend who just a few months ago moved to south carolina from this region, and she is very sad about this.
abby keele 09.22.2013
currently, it seems, that inside a shopping center in nairobi about 10 to 15 militants have entered, and taken some civilian hostages. at the time of that i read this there were 68 people confirmed dead.
i'll be honest, this article is very vague, and i'm assuming that in order to understand it, i would have apparently needed to be up to date in other goings on in the country. however; i am not, so i am somewhat confused. however; i have a dear friend who just a few months ago moved to south carolina from this region, and she is very sad about this.
abby keele 09.22.2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
international law: scottish independence referendum
link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-13326310
considering that today in class we are going to have someone come and speak to us on this topic, i thought this q&a article may be helpful.
when is the referendum happening? september 18th, 2014
who gets to vote? anyone over the age of 16 who is a resident of scotland.
who is in charge? the UK government has given temporary powers to the scottish parliment.
who will be campaigning? yes scotland is pro independence, and better together is pro union.
why not just declare independence? the SNP would like the people's backing on such a significant issue.
what happens in a yes vote? a constitutional settlement would be agreed upon with the UK government. defense is another issue. also, currency would need to be decided. of course there are many other things that will need to be decided as well.
what happens in a no vote? could be the end of the SNP as a political force.
hopefully this helps us all have a better understanding when our speaker is in class today, and can help us think of informed questions to ask while he or she is there
abby keele 09.18.2013
considering that today in class we are going to have someone come and speak to us on this topic, i thought this q&a article may be helpful.
when is the referendum happening? september 18th, 2014
who gets to vote? anyone over the age of 16 who is a resident of scotland.
who is in charge? the UK government has given temporary powers to the scottish parliment.
who will be campaigning? yes scotland is pro independence, and better together is pro union.
why not just declare independence? the SNP would like the people's backing on such a significant issue.
what happens in a yes vote? a constitutional settlement would be agreed upon with the UK government. defense is another issue. also, currency would need to be decided. of course there are many other things that will need to be decided as well.
what happens in a no vote? could be the end of the SNP as a political force.
hopefully this helps us all have a better understanding when our speaker is in class today, and can help us think of informed questions to ask while he or she is there
abby keele 09.18.2013
Thursday, September 5, 2013
international law: syrian timeline
link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14703995
this is a link that has a full, yet brief history of syria. it starts out in the early 1900's, and gives accounts of historical events that have impacted the development of the county. the article touches on a lot of prior happenings, but also gives a quick overlook of more current events as well.
for example, here is what has happened, in a quick summary, over the past few months:
hopefully the link is helpful to anyone else who is reading this blog.
enjoy!
abby keele 09.05.13
this is a link that has a full, yet brief history of syria. it starts out in the early 1900's, and gives accounts of historical events that have impacted the development of the county. the article touches on a lot of prior happenings, but also gives a quick overlook of more current events as well.
for example, here is what has happened, in a quick summary, over the past few months:
2013 July In a leadership overhaul, Saudi-backed Ahmed Jarba replaces interim figure George Sabra as leader of the main opposition National Coalition, defeating a Qatar-backed rival. Interim opposition PM Ghassan Hitto quits, citing his inability to form a government in rebel-held territory.because, if i'm being honest, i'm not up to date on worldly current events like i probably should be, i had a hard time understanding this situation in the same what that some of my classmates did. so, i thought i needed a quick breakdown of what has happened and why. this link was perfect, and now i feel like i am relatively up to speed, and can better monitor what happens in this situation going forward.
Rebels say they capture Khan al-Assal, the last major government-held town in the west of Aleppo Province, after two months of successful government offensives.
2013 August - Rebels and Western governments accuse pro-Assad forces of using chemical weapons in an attack that killed more than 300 people near Damascus. The Syrian government blame the rebels. US President Barack Obama says a "limited" strike is needed to degrade Damascus' chemical weapons capability. Russia and China warn against any attack on Syria.
hopefully the link is helpful to anyone else who is reading this blog.
enjoy!
abby keele 09.05.13
Saturday, August 31, 2013
international law: wealthy syrains continue to live uninterrupted lives
link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23905761
while bombing occurs almost continually in some areas of syria, causing it's residents to flee or likely be killed, part of syria is enjoying life as they have been. this is not to say that they are not aware or don't care what is happening, just that there are no attacks in their area. a few wealthier ladies who were spending the day at the pool of a hotel discussed their decisions to stay. one lady said that she just takes it one day at a time, and that she was worried that even if the current president was removed, that there is not anyone better to take his place. the other lady, when asked if she wanted the us to step in, said that she hopes not. she figures that will cause a new world war.
what occured to me while watching this story was: one, isn't it odd how our perspectives can be so different only a few miles apart, and two, it was very weird to me that these two ladies weren't more concerned than thay seem.
the video showed areas that had been attacked, and how the buildings were in ruins and how people had to leave, simply because the place was unliveable, not to mention the attcks they had to endure. then the video showed lots of people sitting at the pool, putting lotion on, jumping in to cool off, and having discussions about why they didn't leave, and if they want the us to step in. it seemed to me that they were not that diffenrent than the people who have had to flee, except they haven't had to yet. i don't think they would see it that way though.
abby keele 8.31.2013
while bombing occurs almost continually in some areas of syria, causing it's residents to flee or likely be killed, part of syria is enjoying life as they have been. this is not to say that they are not aware or don't care what is happening, just that there are no attacks in their area. a few wealthier ladies who were spending the day at the pool of a hotel discussed their decisions to stay. one lady said that she just takes it one day at a time, and that she was worried that even if the current president was removed, that there is not anyone better to take his place. the other lady, when asked if she wanted the us to step in, said that she hopes not. she figures that will cause a new world war.
what occured to me while watching this story was: one, isn't it odd how our perspectives can be so different only a few miles apart, and two, it was very weird to me that these two ladies weren't more concerned than thay seem.
the video showed areas that had been attacked, and how the buildings were in ruins and how people had to leave, simply because the place was unliveable, not to mention the attcks they had to endure. then the video showed lots of people sitting at the pool, putting lotion on, jumping in to cool off, and having discussions about why they didn't leave, and if they want the us to step in. it seemed to me that they were not that diffenrent than the people who have had to flee, except they haven't had to yet. i don't think they would see it that way though.
abby keele 8.31.2013
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