Thursday 28 February 2008

Power to the Chicks!

Tescos has doubled its order for free-range chickens after recent campaigns led, to expose the cruelty under which battery chickens are forced to live their short lives, has finally had an effect, as reported by the Independent.

It good news in a sector that had never really grabbed enough attention.

In the recent efforts by celebrities such as Jamie Oliver to emphasize the importance of consuming only free-range chickens, battery farmed poultry has finally seen a drop in sales.

Keep it going, we all can make a difference for the millions of lives out there, starting from chickens!

Tuesday 26 February 2008

'Anti'-depressants?

Today, most front pages has displayed big no-no headers on the nature and use of antidepressants.

Although Most articles conclude that these may be no 'better' than taking placebo substitutes, the probable truth, still is being shunned, perhaps because one needs to leave that string of doubt, enough not to send pharmaceutical companies in crisis.

Although, today's headlines are indeed a step ahead, it is not enough.

When are sufferers and friends and families of those taking these drugs, such as Prozac, going to step up and realize: no, they don't help.

In fact, they are like pouring petrol on a fire!!

Anti depressants can only make a person, in need of help, become more psychologically week, addicted and loose any self confidence left inside.

People who have taken them, know what I am talking about, although it is hard t admit, that no medication or magical concoction can pull you out.

Only help, communication and trust in ones self can light up one's fears.

Monday 18 February 2008

Democracy in Pakistan competes US alliance to Musharraf in fight against Al-Qaeda.

Despite the majority of Pakistan's people having clearly expressed preference favour of the late Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan’s People Party (PPP)
, braving what was, the physically life-threatening mission of voting, Musharraf appears to be stuck or incrusted to his greedily-guarded seat.

The PPP today will search to form a coalition with the other favoured democratic party, to force Musharraf’s exit, but Bush hopes the new government would cooperate with Musharraf, US’ main Muslim ally against Al-Qaeda.

Pakistan’s desperate struggle for democracy risks, once again, to bend toward ‘higher’ prioritised agendas, coming second to the fight against terrorism.

Sadly ironic though.

Sunday 17 February 2008

Kosovo cuts the strings

Already a few days ago, on Sunday, finally after a long trail of discussions, warnings and team games over this tiny [ex]fraction of Serbia, Kosovo declared itself, as planned, independence from Serbia.

The mainly Albanian-dominated parliament declared of Kosovo, concluded, with the majority of votes in favour with the statement of independence Sunday17th.

What is to happen next awaits us with a chilly shiver, behind that corner.

The focus shall quiver between the present situation in Serbia and Kosovo, but perhaps more decisively, between on those big players in the background: Russia versus West.

While Putin stated him self, only a few days ago during the Council session, that Russia is and will be, forced to continue barricading itself against the allegedly continuous, antagonistic stance that USA and the West have displayed toward Russia, NATO will need to take very careful, sensitive steps into its newly joined allegiances, as its vast shadow risks being perceived with already-defensive demeanour.

Tension had reached yet again a simmering point, when Putin announced his country would continue barricading itself due to the West's antagonistic stance, and threatening Ukraine, on the verge of joining the NATO, with pointed missiles if Ukraine were to become strategically used by NATO.

The strings are cut, but freedom easily tangles among other tightly-corded strings.

Russia's opposition to Kosovo's independence, undoubtedly ties back to fears of NATO’s eastward expansion, fears already displayed in the fierce objection and threats Ukraine was pressured under: Russia warned that missiles would be pointed toward the country, if it allowed for NATO to position defence systems in its territory.

One hopes all players keep their cool, especially now, when east and west are wriggle around the stickiness, approaching the Olympic Games of Beijing, turned dangerously political.

While Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said Kosovo had sent letters to EU countries requesting recognition, Russia urged UN secretary general to oppose Kosovo's independence, calling for an emergency un security council, of which Russia is a permanent member with veto power.

All 27 EU member have now recognised (some itchingly) Kosovo’s independence and Nato is ready to move forces to Kosovo, if needed.