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X Factor Song Choices, Week 7

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:22:27 -0600

Time to dig out your stonewash jeans and leather jackets - and prepare yourselves for this weeks X Factor Performance Show which is ...GEORGE MICHAEL & WHAM WEEK!

Here's the songlist of what each contestant will be performing tonight. Let's not forget tomorrow night Susan Boyle is performing her brand new single along with

Stacey - I Can't Make You Love Me
John and Edward - I'm Your Man
Olly - Fast Love
Danyl - Careless Whisper
Joe - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Lloyd - Faith

X Factor Week 7, What the Judges said!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:46:35 -0600

It was George Michael and Wham week on The X Factor tonight and the remaining six finalists took the stage by storm to impress the judges.

Lloyd Daniels - Faith

Dannii: "Lloyd, that was a great opening to the show. You look fantastic tonight - it's like a whole reinvention. You've definitely got something that is the X factor and we can't put our finger on it. I'm just hoping that each week the vocals keep going up and up, because where we are in the competition you need to have a wow moment. At the end of the song the falsetto was great - you need to use that more, that's your trick."

Louis: "Lloyd, I know you were under a lot of pressure this week because you were in the bottom two, but you came back fighting. I love your new haircut, I love your new image, I love everything - except the voice. I think you're a real popstar, but I think you're out of your depth now. I think there are better singers than you."

Simon: "Actually, Lloyd, that surprised me because it wasn't bad at all. I'm not saying it was the best vocal I've ever heard, but you look a lot better, you're starting to perform to the public and it started to feel believable. Maybe you've started to believe in yourself. You stepped up in a week - very good."

Cheryl: "It's really amazing for me to watch you grow before my eyes. I feel like you're turning into a little man. You look adorable and I think that was your best, most comfortable performance."

Stacey Solomon - I Can't Make You Love Me

Louis: "Stacey, last week you absolutely stole the show, and I want everybody to know you are a great performer and there is nothing phoney about you. Whatever it is, star quality, you've definitely got it and I think you're definitely going to make the final three. And Dannii picked a brilliant, brilliant song for you."

Cheryl: "What's happened now is your voice has become as big as your personality, and that's what we were all waiting for. It was a great song choice, you just need to believe you can win now. You need to start believing you're the winner because you could do it."

Simon: "You are, as it showed in the film, one of the most genuinely nice people we've had on these shows. You really are, and I think you've turned into a little star. Do I think it was as good as last week? No, I don't. It was a little bit mechanical in parts. The last part was very good, but the first part was a little bit clumsy. But there's no question you're going to be here next week. I'd be amazed if you weren't."

Dannii: "Stacey, that was such an elegant performance - so, so beautiful. I just have to say this show is all about dreams and making people's dreams come true, and Cheryl's right - you have to believe this could come true for you, because they [the audience] do."

John & Edward - I'm Your Man

Dannii: "Wow guys. You look amazing. You know what really shocked me tonight - the singing was in tune and the rapping was out of time. I don't know what's happening now, I'm totally confused. It was fun..."

Cheryl: "Out of all the contestants you've been on the biggest and toughest rollercoaster, and no matter what happens you need to be really proud of yourself for coming this far."

Simon: "I don't think it was George and Andrew - it was Andrew and Andrew. But look, guys, it was a perfect song choice. I do think Louis is giving you too much to do. He's turned you into his version of Action Man dolls. Every week, there's crazy, crazy choreography."

Louis: "Because they can do it! They never stop rehearsing. Everywhere I go young girls are shouting 'Jedward, Jedward, Jedward'. These guys are connecting with them. I'm having the best time of my life working with you. But I need people to vote for you guys. This year would not be the same without them - we'd have no fun."

Simon: "What I would say is you did have quite a hard time at the start and you have converted a lot of people. I think you've done that just by being relentless. You're like an unstoppable machine at the moment."

Danyl Johnson - Careless Whisper

Dannii: "Danyl, that is one of my all time favourite songs, a classic. I think Simon did the right thing by choosing a really original version of that for you - it was a wise move and you sang it perfectly."

Louis: "Danyl, there's no doubt you can sing anything, but I think you tried too hard tonight. I would have preferred a different arrangement. You're a great singer but I think you're trying too hard and I think Simon is making it very difficult for you."

Cheryl: "I've got to be really honest with you, Danyl. Parts of that were really flat. The start was exposed because the track is so bare. But I think your image and performance are always fantastic."

Simon: "Well, Cheryl, I think we were listening to two different songs there, I genuinely do. Because why that was so good, in my opinion, was that that is what is called respecting the song. Taking it, listening to it, and most importantly doing something original with it. No doubt Louis would have had you up in the scaffolding in a T-shirt. How can you say I tried too hard? By the way, to clear something up Danyl, you are 100% right to have chosen that song. It was your decision and it was the right decision."

Olly Murs - Fast Love

Dannii: "Olly, Olly, Olly - Essex must be going mad for you tonight. You're always polished and you know how to rock the audience. That's a particularly hard song to sing, because you have to tune into the bass line. The first half did have tuning problems, but once you got into the higher register you were really kicking through so just watch that."

Louis: "I loved everything about your performance. You have the potential to be the new popstar up there with Robbie, Gary, Will Young and the others. You're a natural mover, and there's nothing fake about you - everything about Olly Murs is real. You've got the potential to win this competition."

Cheryl: "You know what the best thing about you is, Olly? You've got really broad appeal. Young lads think you're cool and want to knock about with you, girls love you, kids like you. There's no fuss about you, you get your head down and get the job done. You always come out and deliver. I really like you Olly, and I wish you all the best. And I really enjoyed your performance."

Simon: "You're going to have no problems with the chicks when you leave the competition! You are turning into a really, really, really good, fearless performer. You did something original, you put that difficult dance break in the middle. I see a huge, huge improvement in you week after week, it's great."

Joe McElderry - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Dannii: "Joe, four judges standing for you! That was exceptional. And it's kind of weird - when you first walked out I could see you were nervous. You don't need to be. You have such passion and a real honesty to your voice. I love you. You deserve to be here and I would love to see you in the final."

Louis: "That was definitely the best performance of the night vocally, in every way. The thing I like about you is you show up and do your job. There's never a problem with you. You've got a great appeal, like Olly. I think you could be a UK Michael Bublé. The only problem is the songs were George Michael songs and Madam here [Cheryl Cole] broke the rules - that's an Elton John song. George Michael sang a little bit of it but it was a hit for Elton."

Simon: "Here's a new rule - we're going to stop you from speaking. Because after this young kid gets up on stage, does the performance of his life and absolutely 100% nailed the song - and you've got the audacity to sit there with your silly, stupid little rulebook again and say he only sang half the song... who cares? Who cares what you think? I've got to tell you, Joe, I take a little bit of credit for this because I told you in rehearsals to give it that extra 10% and you did, so congratulations."

Cheryl: "Joe, you just stole the show. You absolutely smashed it and I couldn't be more proud of you. I could absolutely burst with pride when I watch you. You're adorable, I love watching you, and here's to the final."

AFRIPOL PERSONS OF THE MONTH: JAY-Z, MADONNA AND CHARLIZE THERON

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:44:41 -0600

Complied by Emeka Chiakwelu strategist@afripol.org

With this raging global recession and Africa’s distress there are still individuals who are always willing to offer a helping hand. These individuals - JAYZ, MADONNA AND CHARLIZE THERON are willing to standup and to be counted. They have contributed to the well being of Africa by offering their time, prestige and resources in making our world a better place.

JAY-Z: The rap music mogul and successful capitalist have contributed to Africa by advocating for “water for life “project in partnership with United Nations. Water might be abundant in the world but the clean drinking water is scare, this has become a crisis in Africa. Jay-z and UN clean drinking water project has become an enlightenment tool on the issue of water crisis in the world. It has been said that almost 2 million children perished due to poor water sanitation and waterborne diseases. Jay-z in his New York concert raised over $250,000 for Play Pumps International for its water project in Africa. Together with MTV he lunched a water project travel to Africa and producing a diary video - showcasing children traveling miles to fetch water for drinking and domestic consumption. This water project will aid to stop many children from sicknesses associated with water crisis and free them from waterborne diseases. With the rural provision of clean water, life will be easier for women and children who normally travel long distances seeking for drinkable water.

MADONNA: The popular musician and Hollywood actress have on going project in Malawi, a country in Southern Africa. Madonna lunched her Malawi Foundation in 2006 to carry out humanitarian projects in the country where she previously adopted one child and another recently. Madonna and her partner Michael Berg stated, “We choose Malawi because we refuse to turn our backs on those in dire need. In the fourth poorest country in the world, Malawians face an unfortunate combination of disease, drought, poverty and a lack of critical resources. Confronting these extreme problems on a daily basis exacts a great toll. And few bear the brunt greater than the country's women and children—particularly the 2,000,000 orphaned and vulnerable children.” Madonna is currently building a Girl’s School in Malawi and she promised to replicate the school in other parts of Africa. Education is a key to progress and success in 21^st century and many girls are left behind in Africa. Education will open doors for life time learning and opportunities. Madonna must be given credit for her vision and good will that will change the life of girls and young women in Malawi. She contributes resources and time to this noble project. Recently it was reported in the news that Madonna raised 11 million dollars for his Malawi project in Brazil.

CHARLIZE THERON: The Hollywood movie star was born and grew up in South Africa. She has never forgotten her country of birth. Charlize Theron frequently traveled to his native land South Africa where she lunched his African Outreach Project which provides a comprehensive education on AIDS/HIV including testing and computer training in less privileged communities. On her “First mission, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project worked in collaboration with Oprah ‘Angel Network provide lead funding to create a mobile health and computer unit designed to improve the health and social development of youth in Umkhanyakude District in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The mobile health clinic was officially launched on November 8, 2007 at a school assembly attended by local dignitaries, representatives from Oprah's Angel Network and Ms. Theron. Since the launch, additional support has come from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), helping to provide additional mobile units. The units now serve approximately 10,000 students from 12 high schools, visiting each school for one week each month. In addition, the units have serviced over 8,000 community members during weekends and school holidays.” She is doing a great job in the country of her birth. Theron deserves to be commended and acknowledged.

JAYZ, MADONNA AND CHARLIZE THERON are citizens of the world and because of their steadfast commitments to our collective humanity The Management and Staff of Afripol chose them as the PERSONS OF THE MONTH- NOVEMBER.

Mr. Emeka Chiakwelu is the Principal policy strategist at Afripol Organization. Africa Political and EconomicStrategicCenter (Afripol) is foremost a public policy center whose fundamental objective is to broaden the parameters of public policy debates in Africa. To advocate, promote and encourage free enterprise, democracy, sustainable green environment, human rights, conflict resolutions, transparency and probity in Africa. www.afripol.org

World heritage week-Thousands of students visit Dogra Art Museum in Jammu

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:07:37 -0600

Jammu, November 21 (Vijay Kumar):- As a part of celebration of World Heritage Week from 18th of November and to sensitize the younger generation about the importance and preservation of rich cultural heritage of the state, the department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, on Satuerday at Jammu organized free entry for students in Dogra Art Museum.

Thousands of students belonging to various schools and colleges visited Dogra Art Museum in Jammu. The department also provided free expert guide service to the students visiting the Museum and imparted them the rich knowledge about the historical and cultural heritage of the state.

The special exhibits displayed in Dogra Art Museum included world famous miniatures paintings of Jammu, Basohli and Kangra schools, Terracotta heads from famous Kushan site, Ambaran Akhnoor Jammu, weaponry of Dogra rulers, ethnic jewellery and dresses, royal bow of Mughal emperor Shah Jehan, numismatic collections from Kushan period and onwards, historical documents w.e.f. 1724 A.D and Takri inscription on stone plate (recovered recently). The students, teachers and staff of different institutions appreciated the efforts and gesture the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and hoped that such celebrations would also continue in future.

Deputy Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Jammu personally guided the students regarding the exhibits.

www.scoopnews.in

J&K Woman Minister urged women folk to shed ignorance & play their role in eradication social evils

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:35:19 -0600

Jammu,November 21,(Vijay Kumar)- J&K lone woman Minister for Social Welfare, Ms Sakina Itoo has urged women folk to shed ignorance and play their role in eradication of social evils.

Addressing the gathering soon after inaugurating a 2-day legal awareness programme organized by J&K State Women’s Commission at Samba, here today, the Minister said that more and more awareness programmes should be organized to ensure participation of women to sensitize them about their indispensable role for the society at large. The programme conducted in collaboration with SAHYOG India, a Non-Government Organization is sponsored by National Commission for Women, New Delhi.

Saying that every citizen must abide by the laws enacted to provide protection to women Ms. Sakina said that without the participation of women, the development of the nation could not be undertaken properly. She stressed upon the women to look forward, raise their voice against injustice and other atrocities to build a value-based society. She apprised about the organizations working for upliftment of women folk and asked the women to cooperate with them for progressive future. The Minister complimented the women Commission and Sehyog India for their tireless efforts to ensure women upliftment. She asked them to focus on awareness programmes and reach out to the women folk at their doorsteps particularly those residing in remote and, inaccessible areas so as to educate them about their legal rights. She divulged that the Chief Minister has assured to appoint a suitable chairperson for the Commission soon.

Citing examples of popular women of India who strived hard to bring equality and justice in the society, Ms. Itoo asked the women to follow their footsteps to bring about improvement and healthy change. Asking them to avail the benefits provided under various schemes like self help groups, loan facility, self employment avenues and others, the Minister said that by participating in these programmes, women can progress towards a bright future. She also highlighted the role of women in eradication of social evils and implementation of Domestic Violence Act in J&K.

On the occasion, the Minister distributed appreciation certificates to big donors for their efforts in raising maximum funds for the welfare of suffering humanity.

Sub Divisional Magistrate, Ms. Sheetal Nanda, , said that every citizen must honour the laws enacted to provide protection to women and also to achieve the objectives of equality and development as women commission is to eradicate the evils of exploiting the women and ensuring welfare, protection and relief to them.

Dr. Ashvini Jojra Founder President SAHYOG INDIA said in the state like Jammu and Kashmir the women have multi-dimensional hardships and the women commission is a platform for the women with the appropriate authorities. SAHYOG INDIA will put all efforts to take programmes of women commission to the grass-root level with result oriented approach, she said.

Member Secretary of J&K State Commission for Women, Hafiza Muzzaffar gave elaborative details regarding the women commission and its policies to ensure the welfare of women in all circumstances. She said to strengthen the women commission regular workshops, seminars and debates shall be organised in remote areas to bring the needy under the canopy of commission and other relevant agencies.

www.scoopnews.in

Kashmir is not an economic problem but a political one: Ali Sagar

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:32:30 -0600

Srinagar, November 21:(Vijay Kumar) -- Referring to the recent statement of the J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullaha, Minister for Rural Development, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohd Sagar said that we believe that Kashmir is not an economic problem but a political one, which can be resolved through the process of dialogue between various parties . He said that we have to take concrete measures to address this issue and in this regard National Conference will play role of facilitator.

The minister was addressing a public gathering at Hygam village of Baramulla district after taking a review cum public darbar meeting at the district.Ali Sagar while assuring that National Conference will play pivotal role in settlement of Kashmir issue said the party has always played a positive role for settlement of various vexed problems and always pleaded the cause of Kashmiri people before various for a.

He said that it is recorded history that National Conference has always resorted to people friendly measures so that the people of the state do not suffer viz-a-viz political, economical and developmental aspect. He said that it was due to tireless efforts of the late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah that the lot of people living in even rural and far flung areas got economically lifted due to the historical Act of land to the tiller which in a way paved way for the upliftment of the land tillers who were otherwise subjected to inhuman and exploitative treatment by the big land holders.

The minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Roads and Buildings Javid Ahmed Dar, MLA Sopore Mohammad Ashraf Ganaie and senior leaders of the party.

www.scoopnews.in

All IDP'S In Camps Of Northern Sri Lanka To Give Freedom Of Movement From December

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:36:10 -0600

Senior Adviser to the President Mahinda Rajapaksha MP Basil Rajapaksha today announced that the Internally Displaced Persons(IDP) in the the IDP Camps in Northern Sri Lanka including the High Security Manick Farm camp will given freedom to move freely with the effect from 01st of December.He made this Announcement after visiting the Manick Farm IDP Camp in Northern Sri Lanka this morning.

The Movement of the Inmates of the Menick Camp was restricted due to the Information received that the LTTE Suspects are also there among the IDP's of the Camp.MP Basil Rajapaksha who is also the President of the Task Force for Rehabilitation and Re Settlement of President Mahinda Rajapaksha said that Government decided to give Greater Freedom for the IDP'S under the Government's Stratagy of improving the Rights and Privileges of the IDP'S.

He also said that the All IDP'S in the Camps of Northern Sri Lanka will be resettled by 31st of January 2010.

Be Kashmiri & Speak Kashmiri

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:46:58 -0600

Srinagar, November 21 (Vijay Kumar) - J&K Minister for Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik ON Saturday asserting that the University of Kashmir is “global headquarter of Kashmiri language,”

Addressing academics and students at a seminar in the Kashmir University campus in Srinagar,Malik called for “close co-ordination” between academics, government and civil society to promote the language in an effective manner.

He said, “It is an indisputable fact that this highest chair of learning is a global epicentre of Kashmiri language. The academics, writers, government and civil society have to therefore work in close coordination to promote Kashmiri in the educational institutions and elsewhere.”

The three-day annual seminar titled “Trends in contemporary literary criticism” is organised by the varsity’s Department of Kashmiri. “If there is any injustice being done to this language, it is our responsibility to do justice and promote this language at different levels. If this seminar comes up with different recommendations about the promotion of the language, we will be glad to consider them for implementation,” Malik said, adding, “It is essential to make Kashmiri language, literature and curriculum more relevant to the contemporary times.”

He asserted that the government would do everything to promote the Kashmiri language. “We will ensure that Kashmiri is taught in an effective manner in colleges and higher secondary and sufficient staff is available for the same,” he said.

The former KU vice-chancellor, Prof Hamidi Kashmiri, said it was essential to examine the objective behind criticism when it comes to literary works. “We often see the criticism based on personal observations. It is essential that before criticizing, we understand the purpose behind it. If it adds to our knowledge, then it is okay,” he said, adding, “It is important to examine as to why we lag behind in literary criticism and why we have not been able to produce adequate critics, though a few are doing their job.”

Former KU professor and Gyan Peth Awardee, Prof Rehman Rahi, gave a detailed account of the writers who have contributed to the promotion of Kashmiri language and literature. He, however, said that Kashmir has not been able to produce many literary critics.

Noted Urdu writer, Taranum Riyaz, who was the guest of honour, dwelt at length on the importance of literary criticism. “Criticism forms an important part of literary arena. It is with criticism that we are able to approach and understand different subjects in a better way,” she said.

She said the activities like seminars can go a long way in educating people about the importance of Kashmiri language and literature. “I am happy that the Kashmiri department organised this seminar. And I hope it will hold the next seminar on the life and works of Habba Khatoon,” Taranum said.

The KU registrar, Prof Syed Fayyaz, said the varsity was committed to promote Kashmiri language and literature. “A lot needs be done in this regard. We however, understand our responsibility keeping in view that the Kashmiri department is the heart of this university,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Head, Department of Kashmiri, Prof Shad Ramzan, said the colleges and higher secondary schools in the Valley, where Kashmiri is taught, lacked adequate staff to teach the subject. “It is a matter of concern that not many posts are being advertised in Kashmiri at the colleges and higher secondary level,” he said.

He lauded the efforts of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi, in promoting Kashmiri language. “It is because of the Vice-Chancellor that the Kashmiri language has been introduced at the B.Ed level as well. And it is because of him that the Kashmiri department is getting space in a new building,” Prof Shad Ramzan said.

On the occasion, several publications of the Kashmiri department and Kashmiri writers were released. Aush te Alawe, a collection of short stories by Rahim Rehbar, was among them.

Faculty members at Kashmiri Department, Qazi Zahoor and Dr Mafooza Jan conducted the proceedings and delivered vote of thanks respectively.

www.scoopnews.in

Morocco: War on Press Continues

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:31:24 -0600

The Moroccan authorities are ratcheting up their attacks on independent journalists. A week rarely passes without the authorities hitting hard on the press for alleged infractions, cracking down on printed as well as online media. Press freedom watchdogs like Reporters Without Borders judge the situation of Press freedom in the country now as “difficult,” condemning a “judicial system [that] deploys an arsenal of sanctions designed to intimidate and financially asphyxiate the independent press.”

The latest attack on record has been a jail sentence pronounced on Monday from a court in Casablanca against Said Laâjal, a journalist in Al Massa'e, a widely read daily newspaper, and his publisher Rachid Nini, a popular columnist. Both journalists have been accused of “publication of false information” in connection with an article on a case of drug trafficking. Nini has declared that he won't be appealing the verdict (source: AFP). Bloggers have been reflecting on the case and the state of affairs.

eatbees, an American novelist, photographer and blogger who lives in Morocco has his suspicions about the real motivation of the prosecutors. He writes:

This is the criminalization of journalism, pure and simple. Reporters sometimes make mistakes and report things that turn out to be false. There are ways to handle that, but sending the journalists to jail is not one of them. I have the strong suspicion that Nini and Laâjal were prosecuted, not because of the facts of the case, but because they embarrassed someone important. Or maybe this was just a convenient way to go after Nini, who as publisher of Morocco’s most widely read newspaper and author of Morocco’s most widely read opinion column, is becoming a power center in his own right.

If Nini follows through on his commitment not to appeal, and goes to prison, it will be an act of courage and of civil disobedience. It will make him a martyr for press freedom in the eyes of millions of Moroccans. Good luck with that, Moroccan state.

It is worth mentioning that the journalist is already under a heavy fine for libel, threatening to bankrupt the whole publication, as blogger Ibn Kafka wrote recently [Fr], referring to a letter alleged to be written by Nini, pleading for a royal pardon:

Rachid Nini vit légitimement fort bien de cette florissante entreprise de presse (dans le contexte ravagé de la presse marocaine)…
[Il] aurait adressé une supplique au Roi […] dans laquelle il demande l’absolution des pêchés – en clair, la grâce pour son journal. Rien ne permet de garantir cette information, qui en soi n’est pas infâmante.

Rachid Nini gets a legitimately comfortable living out of his successful press business (relative to the devastated Moroccan media landscape) …
Some believe Nini had sent a letter of supplication to the King in which he seeks absolution of sins - in clear, asking for a pardon for his newspaper. There is no confirmation of that information, which in itself is not infamous.

Rachid Nini has raised controversy recently when he publicly disavowed one of his journalists who showed support for colleagues who were being harrassed and prosecuted by the government. Larbi, who is blogging on Comme une bouteille jetée à la mer!, argues [Fr] this doesn't make Nini worthy of a jail sentence nor should the journalist be considered a hero. He writes:

[H]eureusement que tout le monde n’a pas la même conception de la liberté d’expression et liberté de la presse que celle de Monsieur Nini. La place des journalistes n’est pas la prison mais dans leurs rédactions. Cela vaut pour tous les journalistes. Cela vaut pour Monsieur Nini . Et encore plus pour le journaliste Saïd Laâjal. La place de Rachid Nini et de Saïd Laâjal n’est pas la prison mais dans leur rédaction. Je suis bien entendu solidaire avec Rachid Nini et Saïd Laâjal. Parce que la peine de prison ferme qui leur est infligée est injuste au vu de ce qui leur est reproché. Et parce que même Monsieur Nini a a droit à ce qu’il a toujours dénié aux autres : exercer son métier de journaliste et s’exprimer librement, sans intimidations et sans procès arbitraires débouchant sur des peines infamantes.

Fortunately, not everyone has the same understanding of freedom of expression and freedom of the press as Mr Nini. The place of journalists is not in prison but in their offices. This applies to all journalists. This applies to Mr Nini. And even more to Said Laâjal. The place of Rachid Nini and Said Laâjal is not prison but in their offices. I am of course supportive of Rachid Nini and Said Laâjal, because the sentence of imprisonment imposed on them is unfair in light of what they are charged of. And because even Mr Nini has the right to what he has always denied to others: i.e. the exercise of his profession as journalist and free speech, without intimidation and arbitrary trials leading to infamous punishments.

An opinion shared by Naoufel who explains [Ar] that Press freedom should apply to everyone, even to Mr Nini. He writes:

هو بالنسبة لي شخص وقح .. انتهازي و متملق، يكتب ضد أي شيء إلا الملك..يحاكم الحكومة و الشعب و زملائه في الصحافة لكنه لا يتجرأ أن يقترب من مربع القصر رغم أن اصغر طفل في المملكة التي لم تعد شريفة يعرف أن أصغر قرار لا يمر دون دراية الملك..كتب ضد من كانوا زملائه[…]
الآن..هل نتضامن معه؟
لا خيار آخر

For me Nini is arrogant, opportunist and vile (sic). He writes against anything other than the king… Puts the government, the people and his colleagues on trial but does not dare going anywhere near the royal palace, although the youngest child in the Sherifian (descendant of the prophet) kingdom, which is no longer Sherifian by the way, knows that the most trivial resolution does not pass without the knowledge of the King.. He wrote against his colleagues… Now, should we support him? I think we have no choice but to.

Thank You, Jeanne-Claude

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:23:27 -0600

I had the honor to work as an installer on the Gates Project in February 2005. It was a transformational moment for me and the City that I love. There is something magical about spending an entire week in Central Park, especially in the frost of winter, surrounded by nature and sky, laboring to raise a work of art. Jeanne-Claude was everywhere that week. Greeting us for breakfast in the Boat House, touring the installation site in a donated Maybach limousine, selflessly sharing her moment and vision, posing for the camera, scolding us for sneaking our children into the lunch room. No matter that we had to get up at 5:30AM to arrive at ‘work’ on time.

At the coffee urn one morning the New York City Police Chief assigned to Central Park, turned to me and said, “This is okay. I was skeptical, but this is okay.” Jeanne-Claude and Christo could melt the hardest of hearts with their senseless acts of communal joy.

We installers, total strangers at the beginning of week, became fast friends that week. We shared the wonder of Central Park changing into something new and different. The Gates directed the eye to all the beauty of Olmstead’s manmade creation, highlighting its details by wrapping it in waves of saffron. On the first day, there was anxiety that we won’t get finished in time as 450 novices strained to build and raise 7,500 Gates in a single week. On days two and three, the whole Park felt like a field day at summer camp with each team striving to make and then exceed its quota. Swiftly we learned and mastered the techniques of kitting, moving, assembling, leveling, securing and lifting the orange Plexiglas, aluminum and nylon structures. Our crew working to the west of the Bethesda Fountain started at Cherry Hill and then pushed north on Central Park Drive framing the Lake to the border of the Rambles. Working together like commoners raising a barn, we lifted 107 Gates that week. By the morning of the fourth day, Thursday, an order filtered down from Jeanne-Claude and Christo for us to slow down and relish the moment. At lunch, all of us confessed to having had a secret moment of awe, that rarest of human emotions, overwhelmed by the joy and beauty of the event. That afternoon, we were instructed to stop working and walk the Park and take in the project in the state of becoming. We nicknamed it the “100 Block Walk”. I took that walk five times that week in sun, snow, slush and darkness.

With the leaves gone in late February, Central Park becomes a series of sweeping vistas. Christo and Jeanne-Claude picked February because the sun is bright but cold and the weather shifts rapidly from sun to rain to snow. Under the late winter sun, Central Park turns into a string of large venues under a big sky framed by the City. On Saturday, February 12, 2005, the park filled with civilians and the media. It was the moment of the unfurling. Armed with grappling hocks we waited for the signal to unwrap the saffron curtains. When the moment arrived, the first Gate opened with a crash as the cardboard tube in the middle of the fabric smashed to the ground. My son rushed to pick up the tube and stack it on a hand truck. Everyone was smiling and exactly in that moment.

As the Gates billowed in the cold wind, he said, “This is the best day of my life.” I turned to him looking at the throng of people who had come to see the spectacle and said, “9/11 is finally over: New York can go back to living.”

Thank you, Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon.