Podcasting since 2004; Conversations, conflicts, adventures and monologues from around the world.
Washington DC based writer, political consultant, and blogger @ Americablog.com, John Aravosis has been in Amsterdam for the past few days. During a recent walk back from the Albert Cuyp market we recorded this talk about the Port Sale issue, the fatal errors of the Bush administration, multinational corporations and the World Bank. Talk about hot button issues – olé!
Discussed:
Listen to the podcast you lazy shownotes reader.
Music:
Madeleine Peyroux – J’ai Deux Amours
Paco Ibañez – Como Tu
…. that’s the crux of one of the conversations we the bloggers have been having over the past few days. John says whenever he goes on trip somewhere, the less people read or comment. Tony has observed similar. Is it a coincidence? Maybe people don’t like to hear about nice places and how good life can sometimes seem when you leave your reality for a while and go live in another reality. Maybe some people don’t like reading my blog because I live in a picturesque place all year round? Nevermind this meta-talk, let’s move on to a recommendation.
I’ve been very actively seeking blogs from countries that I feel are under-represented in western media. Earlier this week I mentioned one from the Philippines, today I want to sing the praises of a blog from Liberia entitled “Liberia Stories.” I’m growing increasingly fond of this modest blog which is a wealth of snapshots and daily life snippets from Monrovia. While you may go through your average day never thinking about what’s happening in Liberia, it is still a special place, like many special places in the world, that deserve the quality of life, respect, and attention that we give to any other country. Gone are the days of being “too far” from a country to not be able to find out what’s happening there – search for it – it’s somewhere on the internet, for you to increase your knowledge and awareness of the world you live in.
Go forth… explore technorati…
You wouldn’t have to dig very far into my archives to find a story about how I enjoyed meeting another blogger or podcaster in person. I would probably write quite a bit about how often it seems like we’re old friends who have known each other for ages. And while last weekend I got to spend time with some very fun bloggers and friends, the second half of this week has brought 2 bloggers to Amsterdam that it is an even greater pleasure to lead around town.
Not only does it give me a chance to visit spots I haven’t stopped at in ages, it is a terrific source of brainfood/inspiration. Spending time with the likes of a blogger I’ve been reading for a few years – Tony Pierce of the Busblog, and a blogger who I have only very recently been reading – John Aravosis of Americablog.
I sometimes stop and look around during our conversations on the street, in restaurants, as the squat bar, checking to see if anyone else notices how elaborate and involved our discussions are. From the american political system, to addictive television shows, and from blogging to idiosyncracies of a city like this one – we cover it all, as only bloggers would.
Tomorrow I’m looking to lead a little bike tour through one of my two favorite neighborhoods, during which I’m sure we’ll discuss a wealthof topics that will shock the neighbors. Normally I’m a person of routines, even on my day off – Friday. But over the past few days I’ve simply forgotten my routine and replaced it with the enjoyment wandering the town with curious visitors. And of course, blogging made it possible.
also: “Amanda’s account of her visit, Tony’s Account of the evening at “Led Zepplin”, John’s Arrival
, etc etc.
With the recent announcement by the World Trade Organization which finds the Europe Union at fault for stopping Genetically Modified Food from entering its markets, what will happen now? Who benefits if things continue this way and who is at risk? Where do national laws and policies fit in against the backdrop of WTO conclusions?
Discussed:
The forthcoming ruling on GMOs
The reasons for the EU strategy
Governments and Biotech of US, Canada, and Argentina rejoice
Consumer opinions within the EU
Growth and Demand of Organic
Guardian Article
Quotes from notable people
Future for GMO’s and governmental shift to the right.
Brief comment on the Ports Issue
Music:
G.Love – Milk and Cereal
Ben Folds 5 – Prison Food
Merle Haggard – Farmers Daughter
Dead Kennedys – Soup is Good Food
Feist – Let it Die
As I write this the deathtoll is quite uncertain. BBC says 90 confirmed dead but that it may get as high as 1,000. An entire town swallowed up by a landslide.
I was browsing around the blogosphere for Philippine blogs and first hand testimony from the area, but oddly enough I couldn’t find much. The Asiapundit’s blog provided a good gateway to find Torn and Frayed in Manila. In a recent post addressing natural disasters and how the nation handles them, Torn and Frayed writes:
Where the Philippines and many other countries perform badly is in taking precautions before emergencies occur. Why are families living on Mayon in the first place? Or Guinsaugon? Presumably we will find out some of the answers to the Leyte tragedy in the next few days. Since the area had experienced more rainfall than for at any other time in the last 30 years —(read on)
My only other comment on this tragedy, for now, is that while watching the BBC news coverage I saw the US aircraft carrier and the Marines that were dispatched to help in the relief effort. All I kept thinking was — this is what the military should be used for, this is the kind of military initiative I support.
We all have our wishes for the world in 2006. Many of them won’t come true, especially that one about world peace, I’m betting. But one wish I have, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable, is that the self-proclaimed Jesus Christ of Italian politics would be voted out or just have mercy on his citizens, we europeans, and the rest of the world, and simply resign.
To begin with I’m inclined to ask an Italian or any close observer of the show down there, how could a prime minister this inept maintain one of the longest running governments in the history of the country? But then that question seems silly cause, well, they re-elected GW over in the new world.
Come April, it is time to vote this oligarch, who owns most of the countries television channels, newspapers, and publishers, not to mention AC Milan, OUT! And why not have Romano Prodi, world reknown and respected leader, with his fantastic coalition of left and progressive parties that includes my favorite named party – La Margherita (Mayor of Rome’s crazy party), take back the country. And then finally it might be time for Berlusconi to face up to his financial failures, dirty secrets, and corporate crimes.
It’s one of my simple wishes for 2-0-0-6.
AudioCommunique #107 (mp3)