IL DEVO REFLECTIONS OF APEC SUMMIT VLADIVOSTOK 2012 – USA, NZ, RUSSIA, CHINA
After APEC, everyone was conscious of China in some way, for both trade and South Seas maritime stability:
“No company should have to look for workers in China because they couldn’t find any with the right skills here at home” (Apple’s story of being the no.1 US company on Wall Street). Then: “We’ve reasserted our power across the Pacific and stood up to China on behalf of our workers.” Then: “After all, you don’t call Russia our number one enemy… unless you’re still stuck in a Cold War time warp. You might not be ready for diplomacy with Beijing if you can’t visit the Olympics without insulting our closest ally.”
Barack Obama, USA, DNC Speech.–FirstPost.
“The falling Chinese demand for raw materials was something New Zealand needed to watch as it could affect Australia, New Zealand’s biggest trading partner.”
John Key, New Zealand in Russia–TVNZ.
“Protecting interests of specific companies alone might be helpful for the economy in a short-term prospect, but is harmful in a long-term prospect. Concrete steps must be put in place to reduce protectionist policies that distort markets as this scares investors away and hampers business development in general.”
China has maritime disputes with several countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam, South Korea and Japan. The Chinese are so big that left alone, the other small countries will be deprived of any role in the conversation. It is wise if China and Southeast Asia countries can work to resolve disputes and adopt a framework for negotiations on rival territorial claims in a region rich in oil and gas. The U.S. is seeking to defuse conflict in the South China Sea, through which half of the world’s commercial cargo moves.
Clinton also stated that the global community should make joint efforts to enhance the role of women in the economy as, according to her, the world is annually losing some $40b dollars due to unfulfilled potential of women who are blocked participation in economic processes.”
Hillary Clinton, USA on protectionism, maritime disputes in the South China Sea and gender inequality and opening up the playing field with greater transparency.–EurasiaReview & BusinessWeek.
Music: Il Divo – Hallelujah
What Russia as host nation thought in summary:
“The 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum wrapped up an annual summit in Vladivostok’s far eastern Russian seaport Sunday, vowing to work together to support growth and restore confidence in shaken financial markets. The region accounts for about half of all world economic activity and 40 percent of world trade. (more…)
MAORI CULTURE IS OF INCREASING VALUE TO NEW ZEALAND’S WELL BEING AND ROBUST CREATIVE ECONOMY
Good News in turning the tide towards Maori Kiwis ability to grow New Zeland substantially with substance in the future, particular in fostering healthy culture for all New Zealand youth that encourages a team spirit.
Hot off the press from the New Zealand Herald website: “The acceptance of Maori culture as an important part of New Zealand society will only increase further in the future, history professor Paul Moon says.
According to the Roy Morgan State of the Nation March 2012 report, there has been an upsurge in the number of New Zealanders who consider Maori culture to be an “essential component” of New Zealand society.
In December 2001, 52 per cent of respondents said it was essential, compared to 61 per cent a decade later, although in the past three years the figure has remained steady around the 60 per cent mark. Dr Moon, professor of history at the AUT’s Faculty of Maori Development, said the figure is “bound to” get higher in the future. It’s a demographic fact, a cultural fact and a social maturity fact that increasingly we will begin to see that aspect of the culture as integral to New Zealand society.
Dr Moon said the increase was down to two components – long-term factors such as programmes teaching Te Reo and tikanga Maori, and events which put New Zealand on the world stage, such as the Rugby World Cup.
“The more we are in the international spotlight for an event like the Rugby World Cup, the more the indigenous culture tends to fall under the spotlight.”
Performers and artists such as [the incomparable] singer Tiki Taane who combine traditional Maori culture with contemporary elements also boost acceptance.
“I think that is where the biggest advances are taking place, because there are almost two strands of Maori culture running side by side. When most people think of [Maori culture] they might think of a haka performance, or a hangi, or an event at a marae, that’s the sort we tend to put on for tourists. But there is a whole other dimension of Maori culture, such as Tiki Taane who are mixing traditional elements with more contemporary ones, there are artists, writers, poets, dancers, that whole modern aspect of culture that tends to get sidelined popularly, but are still very important and is gradually making more penetration.”
Paul added: “But certainly if you were to look at New Zealand from an overseas perspective… I think the results would be very high that it is an essential part of the culture. The fact that Maori culture is the indigenous culture and does not appear anywhere else in the world, that adds to its importance.”
Special thanks to the NZH’s Paul Harper who penned this report.
[Demonstrating 'the art of fierce', discipline, teamwork, unity in choreography and the unique expression of the mana, ihi and wehi of our ancestors of New Zealand's legacy of resilient spirit... here's Waiorea with their whakaeke performance item... at the Secondary Schools Nationals 2010- Kapa Haka - Maori Cultural performing arts festival. Their energy makes our identity as Kiwis stronger.].
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 15.3.12~
NZ’S 3 TAEKWONDO ATHLETES – LONDON OLYMPICS 2012
Who will be representing New Zealand at Taekwondo at Olympics 2012?
South African-born Vaughn Scott, 20, in the under 80kg division, Robyn Cheong in the women’s under 57kg class and Logan Campell in the under 60kg event.
Look out for these 3 athletes on the mat in London. Beijing was Cheong and Campell’s Olympics prior.
“I know I’m better than last time. I’m a better fighter. I’m fitter, faster and smarter,” Logan said.
That’s awesome! Kick on.
[Logan appears in the red gear above at Beijing, 2008 - AP Photo: Matt Dunham].
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 14.3.12~
TAIAHA TIMES – GOVERNOR RANFURLY & NGATI WHATUA IN AUCKLAND CITY 1898
It was 1898 in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland City, Aotearoa New Zealand. Maori had signed The Treaty of Waitangi with Queen Victoria‘s reprensentatives for The Crown 48 years prior.
Kate Sheppard had achieved the right for Kiwi girls to be recognized as equal partners of the Crown and vote, the very first to happen in a nation for women in the world, just five years before this grainy photo was taken. As a founding mother of New Zealand, Kate Sheppard was sheer legend.
On the 2nd of December 1898, Ngati Whatua gifted this prized taiaha, a martial arts weapon, as a warm sign of respect and welcome to Governor Ranfurly on his arrival to Auckland City.
Maori in Auckland have always been such very decent people to the City of Auckland. The taiaha gifted is ornately carved as depicted within its exquisite groove scarred wooden riffs. As a founding father of New Zealand who toured a lot, The Governor went on to get a rugby football shield named after him. It’s a much loved rugby football shield today.
I just love this photo. It reminds me of the Kiwis who went before us and helped mould New Zealand. The moment reminds me of the longstanding generosity of my people as well, for their gracious patience as tu tangata and above all, for their huge belief in good faith.
[Auckland Weekly News credit - Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 9.2.12~
DOUBLE TAIAHA – MARTIAL ARTS KIWI EXCELLENCE OF SPIRIT 2012
Revelation & Relevancy 2012
“Students train for years mastering the movements, balance, timing and coordination involved in using the taiaha. One of the more visible presentations of its use is the wero ceremony. A warrior challenges a visitor with a taiaha to determine if he is a friend or foe. He leaves a token at the visitors feet. A friend will pick up the token. A foe will step on the token and attack.
The taiaha is a representation of the ancestors. Never place the “head” on the ground. It is a sign of disrespect. The shaft represents the body of the ancestors. When the warrior brought the taiaha into battle, it represented him bringing his ancestors with him. When held in front of a visitor, the eyes on the flattened, two-sided head represent looking forward and also the past – representing all-seeing.”
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 3.2.12. News source: BPD~
CAN’T BE TAMED – ACTION TEEN TAYLOR LAUTNER’S JANUARY 2012 PHOTO SHOOT
ALEX MERAZ 30th MOST VOTED STAR 2011
Alex Meraz the performance artist, artist, mixed-martial arts action man, father, husband and Young Hollywood action movie star actor of blockbusting box office films – has been voted the 30th favorite star for 2011 on Horiwood.Com.
As Alex’s twitter account was often what I’d turn to for inspiration when I needed a laugh, some cultural inspiration in the hood – let’s let his words remind us, why this lad is a total winner.
On press to the youth market: Check out a sneak peek of my episode of MTV’s #WhenIWas17http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/712730/when-i-was-17-preview-clip-alex-meraz-takes-an-art-class.jhtml#id=1674646
On being a twinkle toes dancer once: Loving Toronto! Had fun hanging with my old dance troupe @kahawiit made me kinda miss the old dance days. Twinkle Toes might come back!
On Hollywood weekend pedicures: @frankshamrock Good thing I got a pedicure before you took this photo frankshamrock.tumblr.com/post/135805806…
On touring Rahm Emanuel’s City: Me and @danielcudmore riding around Chicago on our mini press tour. http://twitpic.com/7fx2m7
On being surrounded by fellow ‘sex symbols’: Getting ready to co-host EXTRA with @MarioLopezExtra@THEREALCHASKE and @sonofbrown !! Too much twisted steel & sex appeal for one room!!
On not taking work too seriously: Getting suited up for the Breaking Dawn premier… I look like the Count of Monte Cristo, feeling sharp like cheddar!!!
On letting the artist within breathe: Spent the day painting… here’s what I got so farhttp://twitpic.com/7dld9l
On appreciating the classics: Just finished visiting the house Beethoven was born in… incredibly inspiring to see his piano’s and score sheets. Loving Bonn, Germany!
On self promotion contracted obligations: WOW! I’m so bad at promoting my own movie! Here’s the trailer for NEVER BACK DOWN 2 out on DVD now!http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2838010905/
On adjusting to New York: Heading to NYC in a few days to begin filming my latest project! Better pack my pepper spray…
Movie Trailer for Never Back Down:
Photo – What Indigenous artist bros do to their feet:
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 1.12.11~
KUNG-FU-BALL, SEPAK TAKRAW – DIRECTION FOR CHINESE BUSINESS GROWTH AREAS
Sports View Today – Sepak takraw is a rapid net-and court sport with elements of football, volleyball, martial arts and gymnastics. (Or in other words it’s a sport that allows Asian athlete reflexogoly geniuses, to show off, basically! :) I think the fusion-sports aesthetic of sepak takraw are extremely clever.
The leading exponents of this game are found in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. They demonstrate motion techniques that could make Lionel Messni‘s bones crack. Common net exchanges between exponents (players) of the sport are depicted in this Youtube video clip link here. The image below features Thailand’s Komkid Suapimpa (left) and Zaw Latt of Burma (right) competing at the Asian Beach Games in the Omani Capital. The men’s regue features three-a-side. Thailand won this match. The next Asian Beach Games will be held in Haiyang, China in 2012.
Biz News: According to my Asian biz advisor, into what areas to be on the look-out for, as China grows and grows and grows its economy, are these main areas. They are:
The most lucrative jobs in China are expected to be:
Architecture & design. By 2020 there will be 93 Chinese cities of 5million inhabitants or more. Urbanization is moving forward at a quick rate. Up to 50,000 skyscrapers will be built by 2025. Outside service providers are currently being sourced.
Environmental Services: Big environmental issues in China see this super power seeking help in this arena.
Agribusiness: Feeding China is China’s no.1 concern. Chinese want quality food.
Financial and Professional Services: In 2006 China did not have a bank in the world’s top 20 banks. By 2009 the world’s three largest banks by market capitalization are Chinese. It is China’s goal to be a world financial lender. Banking services are what China seeks to strengthen its human capitol and management within China’s booming banks industry.
Mining Services & Engineering: Chinese cities have grown because they’re resourced based. This one nation is the world’s largest consumer of copper, aluminium, nickel, zinc, lead, tine, iron ore and coal. Oil consumption is another big one. Resource security and looking at other nations mines, while waving the lure of Chinese dollars are what China are about today in securing these resources for Chinese people.
Let’s add to this list rugby coaches as well then as people who share a passion for rugby football KNOW that you’re not living unless you’re playing rugby football really.
It’s exciting as a team sport. China is going to LOVE IT! :)
In other sports news, here’s a snap shot of Kung-Fu-Ball or sepak takraw as it is known… the latest high energy sport to capture the world’s attention. Mean.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 8.6.11~
UMA THURMAN SPENDS SOME QUALITY FAMILY BONDING TIME IN PARIS
Uma Thurman, Maya and Levon were photographed walking through the streets of Paris as a happy family, catching up together.
Photo courtesy of The UK Daily Mail, who also reveal that Uma is reteaming with director Quentin Tarantino and actress Daryl Hannah for Kill Bill III.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 3.27.11~
CLIFF CURTIS 25th MOST VOTED STAR 2011
In the center of our top 50 most voted stars this year is Mr Cliff Curtis.
He is as comfortable walking into a packed Hollywood restaurant (being instantly recognized by everyone) as he is walking barefoot with his kids on Ohope Beach.
He’s a skilled practitioner on a blockbuster action movie set, or, wielding a taiaha in the ancient martial arts traditions of Maori mau rakau on Mokoia Island, Rotorua.
He is every inch a true star of Aotearoa, New Zealand that is globally loved.
Cliff Curtis started out from humble beginnings. He was adopted by family members as a whangai child. Many times the beach fed him and his family. Not a bad life at all, despite the many hardships he had to endure. Curtis soon grew up to become New Zealand’s ballroom dancing champion. Cliff Curtis was dancing with the stars long before many of us ever were in Aotearoa New Zealand.
An avid theater actor schooled in Poneke Wellington, Cliff became a household movie star name, playing a man who pretended to be another man’s good mate. Instead, against an alcohol-fueled backdrop of domestic violence, the character Cliff played was raping (and killing) the other man’s child. Though this got Cliff recognized worldwide, it was a role that Cliff spent 15 years trying to shake.
The movie Once Were Warriors was judged at Cannes International film festival and it made a hard-bitten Hollywood veteran film judge, like Clint Eastwood, weep. Cliff went on to play many roles in his career that can all be studied here. Any Maori actor must study Cliff Curtis, a man who excelled at playing Mid-Eastern characters from Iraqis to Israelis and Colombians to Mexicans. Cliff Curtis is so talented.
The choices of roles he’s played demonstrate Cliff’s ability to shape shift. He is now deemed to be an actor of Hollywood that will grow into a Morgan Freeman styled character actor and Hollywood legend in time. Like good wine, Cliff Curtis is a humanitarian, global warrior activist actor we look forward to seeing more from as an artist.
Cliff’s latest two roles have seen him star in Colombiana with Hollywood’s 9th highest earning box office star of 2010, Zoe Saldanas. Cliff plays Zoe’s mentor, with Zoe cast in the role of a woman who lost her parents through the drug trade, as can be seen in the film Colombiana.
Other roles include starring opposite Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) for the second time in the film Crossing Over where Cliff and Harrison are cast in a film having to solve problems of tension and conflict that can arise when tackling immigration issues.
I like Cliff because he’s always a happy hori. When you’re Maori, that’s as good as it gets.
In Hollywood, he is.
As an actor, Cliff’s ‘hero’ has never been a person in the industry. His hero is Maui – the mythological character he grew up learning about as a New Zealand school kid all those years ago. Maui, the adventurer fished up the North Island, tamed the sun and withstood the heat of jealousiesof his stronger siblings. Cliff to me, is the original Hollywood Maui.
Because of his connection with Maori and Polynesian storytelling – when you watch Cliff on screen as an artist, he always takes with him the Maui character and reinterprets this adventurer onscreen, in many forms – no matter what ethnicity of character – Hollywood has cast him in.
If you want an Oscar nomination, it’s also known in Hollywood that Cliff is one of the main contenders to star alongside. He brings an element of authenticity to any film project. He adds the depth to Hollywood film texts. Curtis is of Ngati Hauiti and Te Arawa (Maori tribal) lineage. His beautiful wife is from Myanmar. I like their family a lot. :)
Cliff is the first Maori in the world to star in a blockbuster 3D film that has excelled in Asia and Asia-Pacific territories. He is the world’s 1st Hollywood Maori King, the 25th most voted star this year. Chur!
I like Cliff because not only is he an award winning producer these days, but he can be just so darn funny. He’s straight up and most times incredibly humble. A Kiwi we are all very proud of. Go Bro!
[Photo courtesy of Star Pulse]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 3.12.11~
December 3, 2011 | Categories: 3D, 50 Starz 2011, Action Stars, Actors, America, Aotearoa New Zealand, Art, artist, Burma, Cliff Curtis, Cross-Cultural Narratives, Dance, Dancing With The Stars, Directors, Entertainment Celebrity News, Entertainment Distribution, Entertainment News, Families, Family Vs Fame, Hollywood Entertainment News, Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Hollywood History, Hollywood Maori Kings, Hollywood Today, Kiwi Heroes, Kiwi Sex Symbols, Kiwi Sexy Symbols - The Guys, Kool Kiwis, Maori, Maori Film School, Martial Arts, Mau Rakau, Myanmar, Ngati Hauiti, Polynesian, Pop Cultural Commentary, Producers, Star System - The Art of American Celebrity, Star System - The Art of Aotearoa New Zealand Celebrity, Te Arawa, Te Reo Rangatira, Tino Rangatiratanga | 1 Comment »