A FLORENCE + THE MACHINE CHRISTMAS CAROL, 2010
Here as I blog in West Hollywood this Christmas I am thankful that we have freedom of expression and freedom of speech in America.
Finally, I have recovered from a dirty martini hang over from two nights ago at a Hollywood Hills Christmas party. I like olives, so always get it wrong when I see them in a festive glass. I only had two martinis, but they were good ones! The relief of not having a Bellevedere voddie headache today is awesome, yet the respite is short lived when today I look at the news and I see that people are being persecuted in Iran for being different.
People are not allowed to have a Christmas this year. Those who want to are detained, some are behind bars, some will be martyred for their Christian faith in 2010!!! That’s insanity. (more…)
MAORI ON GOOGLE BOOKS! – ALREADY I HAVE ISSUES WITH GOOGLE LABS – BOOKS NGRAM VIEWER
[AI suggestion - perhaps NGRAM needs to go back to the chalk board phase]
If I was naive enough to believe Google’s “Books Ngram Viewer” that claims to count words based on 5 million published books and track their trends in terms of amount of times words appear in books (quantitative research), the Maori people of New Zealand would not fare well. The results would have me rehashing that archaic dead-end term, “racism” asap. Maori don’t like doing that in this enlightened age. It does not get people very far, because it immediately casts Maori in the light of having to drive a car fueled by ‘white man’s guilt.’ When you drive on whenua (land) that has tar seal put on it and called a “road,” that would be too much “irony” for a Maori to handle in any given day. Besides, why should we? That’s something that would appeal as a college student. The past is healing.
The tracking tool claims (my search conducted between years 1920 and 2008) that the word “Maori” peaked as a topic of interest in books in the year of 1978 (aprox). Since then it’s plummeted and currently, the usage of the word Maori is as low as its status listed in 1950 findings that’s given in the little graph that pops up. Already, this NGRAM Viewing tool of Google is capable of starting civil wars. I don’t like it much at all so far.
Being scientific, with heart and soul – this means: a) Maori are extinct again – a typical ‘pseudo-scientific’ finding (yawn!) Maori have learned to ignore since being able to read maps – but this time in a literary sense.
Already this supposedly revolutionary tool of technology is spitting out results generating ‘information’ that is rather boring quite frankly in my humble opinion. I say this because such ‘information’ has been so done TO DEATH already! (more…)
HEKIA PARATA’S APPOINTMENT AS A CABINET MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT IS CELEBRATED IN HOLLYWOOD – 12.6.10
[Blue Balloons as photographed by MP Katrina Shanks/Michael Woodhouse Media Group]
Hollywood California USA (Monday 6th December 2010)–A toast was raised in Hollywood today at West Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont at the announcement that Hekia Parata has been promoted as a Cabinet Minister of New Zealand.
Ms. Parata becomes Ethnic Affair’s and Women’s Affairs Minister. She also picks up associate minister roles for Accident Compensation Commission, Energy and Resources and for The Community and Voluntary Sector. The latter is a new role and was requested by Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Tariana Turia, who said she did not need an associate for disability issues any more.
Prime Minister of New Zealand, last sighted wearing a Muhammad Ali boxing silky robe in a charity auction for burns sufferers, Mr John Key, announced Ms Parata’s appointment at a post Cabinet press conference today, saying he believed she was the most deserving of the position.
“When it comes to Hekia, I think she’s extraordinarily talented,” he said.
At the news Hekia Parata said, “All New Zealanders understand these have been challenging times both domestically, and internationally. The National-led Government continues to face up to those challenges on behalf of all Kiwis. I look forward to doing my part to help all our communities realise the dream of a brighter future.”
“I look forward to getting my feet under the desk and learning all I can about the portfolios the Prime Minister has entrusted me with. I’m excited about the prospect of serving the public of New Zealand in a Ministerial role and the new challenges this will bring.”
Hollywood Maori-Kiwi blogger Sam Cruickshank met with Hollywood friends to toast one glass of Veuve Clicquot in honor of Ms. Parata’s very timely appointment on the global stage of politics. Her leadership will be very welcomed in California, where Maori-Kiwi filmmakers of Ms. Parata’s tribe of Ngati Porou have presented films to the world that have been Oscar nominated twice in Los Angeles cinematic history and body of work to date.
Hekia’s skills in diplomacy are an asset to New Zealand’s growth potential that are key to growing the New Zealand economy in win-win diplomatic partnerships of the future. In particular Parata’s destiny to lead the charge on many human rights issues affecting women on a global stage is something to watch as her international political career unfolds along with her New Zealand cabinet portfolios.
Her capacity of heart is similar to an advocate of oppressed peoples of the world, on the scale of an Angelina Jolie, if Ms. Parata is allowed to and also funded to by the New Zealand people to express that from New Zealand for the world.
Her gifts of noho-puku (EQ) instinctual intelligence and their full and free expression to be vibrant and creative make Ms. Parata exceptionally talented and exciting as a political leader serving New Zealand and The World with her gifts.
She’s known in Hollywood as a global star of politics already.
ENDS
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 12.5.10~
THE HORIWOOD TOP TEN – MON 11.29.10
It is the second time Brad Pitt has seen Megamind. This time Mr Pitt is pictured with Angelina seeing the film again in Paris, France.
Wikileaks US leaked docs news dominates our top ten celebrity, entertainment news posts here in Hollywood. A shock, because this is not a political blog but an entertainment celebrity blog. I guess world leaders are celebrities right now then, if they’re rating above known celeb names. A good sign.
Here’s John Key‘s quote on the 1600 documents that relate to New Zealand, 1400 hundred of them stemming from Wellington: ”My understanding is it’s more likely to be the odd sort of comment which is colourful in nature, the sort of thing that you might say to your mate around the coffee table but not necessarily something you’d want written down and read by the person that you were reporting on—I see biodocuments (documents about people) or I see reports that come in from our embassies and high commissions around the world. They always have a degree of colour or [creative] licence about them. I take them with a grain of salt. Generally the positions we hold we make them public anyway.”
Good advice on how Wikileaks docs should be read. Just like most things written on this blog really. On that note, our top ten voted worldwide today are:
1. Pic: Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson vacation in Capri
2. Saudi Arabia and Arab leaders side with Israel’s view of Iran
3. Olivia Wilde does all the stuff Megan Fox won’t do
4. Jay-Z and Beyonce have late lunch in New Zealand
5. Wikileaks: Saudi gives President Obama “glowing” review like John Key will get
6. Kate Middleton’s comparisons to Princess Dianna are prevalent
7. Zahara Jolie-Pitt has the Naomi Campbell pouts down pat already
8. Kim Kardashian covers W Magazine
9. Art: Kanye West & Lady Gaga
10. TIE A: Is there ‘lost trust’ in the USA over the wikileaks docs scandal?
10. TIE B: Jay-Z’s tribute to lost Greymouth Miners
“No one is under any illusions about how we feel about the Fiji administration at the moment or what’s happening in Afghanistan so I’d be surprised if there’s anything there”–JK for NZ.
TVNZ reporting via NZPA on NZ’s Position about the US criticism in the Wikileaks Doc: ‘After revelations via Wikileaks that diplomats were told to spy on United Nations figures, the US is accountable, NZ’s leader says.
‘Among the documents released was a classified directive to US diplomats sent on behalf of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in July 2009 which sought intelligence on the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the ambassadors of the other permanent members of the UN Security Council – Britain, China, Russia and France.
The “new national human intelligence collection directive” was sent to US representatives at the UN missions in New York, Vienna and Rome, and 33 embassies and consulates. The UN has reacted saying it will take up concerns with the US and that its operations under the 1946 convention on the privileges and immunities of the United Nations included immunity from search or interference by member governments.
Key did not criticise the US when asked about the controversy this afternoon.
[Brad and Angelina, Paris courtesy of Getty Images. This image - Two Keys via NZ Herald]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.30.10~
PALM TREE WISDOM, COCOANUT GROVE, OSCARS HISTORY 1930′s FOR G20 ECONOMIES WORLD LEADERS
In Oscars Hollywood history, the Cocoanut Grove was the venue celebrating Americans much loved art form of Hollywood’s cinema’s best awards for excellence.
From this image we see a Palm Tree as a symbol of Peace. Whether a palm is found in California, throughout The South Pacific, in Israel or Iran provides a message for us all to ponder as a symbol.
A palm tree grows peacefully in earth’s soil, irrespective of how people draw up maps of territory. Its a very humble tree. It just grows. Its leaves offer shade in extreme heat conditions for people and camels alike. It always signifies that water is found nearby, water being a symbol of life that all growing things need to live. A palm tree’s fruit is eaten by people of Californian, people in Iran or Israel alike. A palm tree does not discriminate. It looks after people equally.
May leaders of the world (G20 Economies Summit leaders included) all have a movie date with Peace, in their hearts concerning the future direction of the world and showing mercy to others, not all that different from ourselves.
This is California’s story in the City of Angels. We are peace messengers in The City of Angels–just like a palm tree is. May the art of peace be the most glorified American art of all and bring forth its fruit in due season.
I think an emphasis on water systems watering people who don’t have it in the world with clean drinking water, would be an intelligent thing of G20 leaders to obsess on at this point in World History. With the existing wealth all G-20 Summit leaders nations have, let’s leak some water these nations way who are without.
That’s smart leadership. Instead of just “World Economy, War Economy,” as buzz words, let’s think “Water Economy” too for all people in the world. A war on lack for the least in the world is what’s needed. That’s true power, to think that way and shows respect for basic human rights in the world.
[Image - courtesy of Vanity Fair]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.28.10~
WORLD PEACE, POLYNESIAN MUSIC – HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE by ADEAZE
To love our enemies is where true love begins
Peace is like a harmonious river that always flows over the rocks and hate-hurled boulders of the human frailties and short-sighted misunderstandings of history’s wars–Horiwood 2010′s for World Peace
Two brothers of New Zealand ask one question in song. That question is very pertinent for all leaders of the civilized world today who claim to know what Peace is, when dishing out Peace Awards on a global stage.
It is a question penned by the Isle of Man born and Australia raised Gibb brothers (of The Bee Gees) of the UK:
How deep is your love?
Here’s Adeaze of New Zealand with that question with their performance as sung by brothers 9z and Viiz Tupa’i of Otara - South Auckland, in The Supercity of New Zealand.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.28.10. Lyrics follow after the jump:~
MONTANA NATIVE AMERICAN INDIANS, INDICATE GLOBAL WARMING’S CHANGES TO TRIBAL LIFE
In the 2010′s people who think green for the environment–are the big stars of the world–Horiwood, Hollywood.
When Native American Indians (perhaps the most unselfish people and most tolerant in America) indicate the world is changing due to global warming, I perk up my ears and listen. They’ve got nothing to lose in indicating we all better live a bit differently and stop polluting the planet so much in our generation so that future generations won’t hate us later for being greedy idiots. For this reason, I love this story today.
Jennifer H. Cunningham brings us this unique story as guest commentary in Hollywood today. She writes:
(Nov. 21) — Streams that support cold-water fish are getting warmer. Traditional native plants are becoming harder to find. And some animal migratory patterns have been altered and disrupted.
Native American tribes own and manage 5 percent of the land in the U.S. — lands that are rich with renewable resources. But Native Americans are disproportionately affected by climate change given their close association with land and wildlife as they live in dialogue with the earth more than most of us do each day.
‘Climate change is being acutely felt on reservations in the West, putting tribal environments, identity and cultural traditions at risk, experts say.’ (more…)
“NATIVE AMERICAN” INDIAN STORE IN THE VALLEY – 11.17.10
The Valley always brings a smile. In right or wrong ways.
Here’s some images of “Native American Indian” Art, right on Ventura Blvd in The Valley, California. More specifically located at The Indian Art Center of California. A shop.
Worth sharing today as a commentary on society in general. There wasn’t a real Indian in sight. Go figure.
My always over-active brain asked the questions: Where are the real Native American Indians at, in Hollywood? And where is the Native American Indian line up of Senators in the American Senate? State Governors too?
Instead, let’s just share these pictures. Do I believe that any “Native American Indian” visual presence is better than none? Yes I do. The rest is up to US –of “the political issues” that these artworks raise awareness of, in modern society. Inclusion vs Exclusion? People in dialogue with landscape and natural resources preservation or not?
I think we need these peoples view in the world, across a lot of government policy-setting and decision-making arenas, don’t you?
By the way, I love The Valley. It can be a fun place. Known to be a little less uptight and snobby, than other parts of Los Angeles. There are a lot of nice people there too.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.17.10~
AB – AUBERGINE, BABA GANOUSH RECIPE for RUGBY FOOTBALL FANS AND A-LIST AMERICAN CELEBRITIES
A different view: Photoshopped Aubergine featuring the letters, A & B.
If you blog from Hollywood “A” will always stand for Angeles, Angel (a messenger), or, Angelina (Jolie) – a second generation proven Hollywood star and cultural, global treasure of America.
“B” in Hollywood’s current celebrity star system, will always stand for Brad (Pitt)- champion celebrity supporter of the New Orleans Saints football team, who wear a Super Bowl ring. “B” stands for Barack (President Obama, husband of FLOTUS Michelle Obama) and Bill (Clinton) husband of the current US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton or (more current) Canada‘s teen entertainer, Bieber (Justin) or a returning Kawana (Governor) of California, Jerry Brown too.
Of these names listed – American culture is spun, millions of dollars, time, energy, resources, hours and hours and hours of global attention and effort are spent printing, distributing, broadcasting, (watching, viewing, emulating, discussing at office water coolers) any inkling of a sighting or a key message from any one of these names.
As celebrities of entertainment, politics, music, arts and culture – they form a multi-billion dollar industry that generates around them each day. AB people, leading the world – in a metaphor of a (solar) star system, or the particles of an atom. They are the oracles, of a Super Power’s discourse. The artillery (signifiers elect by popular free-choice vote) of a super power’s dominance and culture–imploring the key message of: ‘emulate US’ worldwide. They’re fun people. Fun sells. As celebrities of US culture, I like them all. More often than not, they always bring a smile.
“B” also equals whose got the ball. B is also about what you do for others when you have the ball.
You’re an A-List star in Hollywood when you do A-List worthy things with the ball you hold in your hands for others. Angelina Jolie perhaps sums this up the best, on her humanitarian missions for the UN, to people of the world most needing advocacy. AB is a blood type (like any other, O type for example is too) –the signifier of human life globally–symbolizing the movement of a pulse for the good, across the globe, for people.
Practically speaking though, if you’re from New Zealand and you’re a rugby football enthusiast, AB stands for All Blacks and of them and what they have achieved in sports and what AB’s culture has inspired for human rights records of the World (cf: Nelson Mandela‘s story and human rights, apartheid advocacy via Maori New Zealanders and Kiwis in the documentary films of artist, Merata Mita, one of the most significant filmic artists in the world of all time, who held, focused or directed a camera, in often zero budget filming conditions–yet in a Queenly manner, like Angelina Jolie is now as a debut director, seeing beyond color bars into the heart of genocidal, raping tendencies as a filmic theme)–is only the stuff Hollywood legends are written of and made of. Hence that very long sentence. Sorry ’bout that.
On the other side of the world, in New Zealand, at a significant time in world history as captured on film in Merata’s film, Patu! – AB’s culture helped free a Nobel Peace Prize Winning King, of South Africa. His life story of freedom, is a Kiwi story too. He’s in our hot mix. Maori and Kiwi’s freed him with advocacy also, helping give Nelson his long awaited cup of Liberty in his unique journey of a very long walk to freedom as a now celebrated South Africa icon of the world. When New Zealand play South Africa in rugby, we celebrate our part we play, in his ongoing legacy of freedom. He gave us a challenge, we responded, and that legacy to free others, will always be what we do in rugby country, Middle Earth. It’s a proven gift, a cultural taonga (inner treasure) AB Kiwi-thinkers have, carry, possess, pass on to others when needed for the world.
We instigate the play and the pass of freedom with our actions and instincts, outworked in a teamwork formation. We always have.
AB thinkers and action star-doers, are ‘Humanitarian Messangers of Sport.’ They are down-to-earth and fine Commonwealth people. Their nobility of spirit is defined by a Joe Blogg’s-appearing cloak of humility.
Like any rugby football enthusiast or ‘team work sports’ appreciating Kiwi in the world –The AB’s are our fun heroes. Gladiators of sport, whenever they appear, they symbolize fearless change in a modern world of fiercely contested challenges. New teamwork strategies in play is what they evolve as a science of sport and an art form of globally loved entertainment. They are masters at evolving the game of play and making it better.
Image: Photo-shopped Aubergine (deep purple) appearing as black. Hot image via Freaking News website.
[For a good Baba Ganoush dip recipe, enjoyed by people in the Middle East equally (regardless of geographical borders) and also with people in the Western World too, check out David Bovitz recipe. Pictures are also DB's. Recipe found here].
What’s cooking in your kitchen for the world America? Good things, I trust. Happy cooking, creating, eating, shared and diverse dining. Peace ya’ll! :)
[Below Image: 'Canterbury Kia Mau Training Rugby Ball" courtesy if Ikon Sport].
A and B are two important keys on a King or Queen’s piano’s keyboard. I am not either. I am the “C” key, of Middle Earth (eyes are needed to C), like any try-and-do-some-good Kiwi does, I try and join in too, in and around supporting our rugby footballers to excel in teamwork opportunities that get the best results on and off the field.
Our rugby players are our AB’s stars. The rest of us Kiwi’s – at best, tend to play the “Middle C” key role of Middle Earth – to entertain for a peaceful and productive future of “big hearted” purposes in the world. Baba Ganoush - with pita bread as a change from Latino-staple Corn Chips and Salsa, in this Jerry Brown latino-voted California’s elect future, of political climate change terrain of Hollywood, that I blog from. Exciting times.
Keeping it real, is having a diverse taste palate. That way, we’re more likely to consider the needs of others, with a worldview different and/or similar to our own. Mature tastes then maturing together with consideration and love for others in our stout rugby and football hearts- Baba Ganoush, why not?! You know it. Peace!
~Music, Sam Cooke – A Change is Gonna Come in honor of Motown Artists contribution to the world for MO-vember rugby nation mugs 2010. Courage to Collaborate And Bee more awesome. Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.5.10~
A QUICK KIWI STUDY OF JERRY BROWN – CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR KING ELECT – 11.4.10
“A clear perspective – JB”
Jerry Brown has returned to the ring, to be Governor Elect of California.
He’s 72, fighting fit – and holds press conferences at Oakland.
He’s California Governor King 2010′s. What got Jerry elected? The strength of the brown people vote of California, namely Latino.
Let’s see what grey powered wisdom he creates within California to lift up America and maintain the festive contribution Latina and Latino, Hispanic-Americans have been giving California for hundreds of years, before all of us aliens got here to rock it out with Star Trek films and the like.
Exciting stuff. Wisdom at the forefront is a gift of grey powered citizens world wide. The vote of the majority, is a gift of brown people worldwide –lest we ever forget. Obviously, brown and grey of any color can work successfully together. ‘Brown’ cultures of the world, respect their elderly, in a way that many ‘societies’ in ‘the modern’ world, have forgotten.
I’m excited about Jerry Brown here in Cali. Depth with style. Not a bad combo. His spirit reminds me of a California version of a “Winston Churchill solid oakwood kind of bloke.” I’m going with that feeling and vibe. Solid like oak wood.
Needless to say, Salsa chips are up in California with this news. Today though, for Oakwood nations – I’m going with an image of brown jellybeans in a jar – in honor of a clear perspective, Brown and people like him can offer US all.
In the Maori language as customary and appropriate from New Zealand to a new King – “Mihi atu ki a koe ou tatou Rangatira o Te Kawangatanga Pai a “Hori-Rakau.” Kia kaha. Ka Tu to Wairua Kitea Pai. Karawhiua.”
Go Fellah.
Here’s Jerry Brown in pictures from the LA Times –after a win, that Obama described as being a “shellacking.” At the moment: “The governor-elect has a ‘very sobering’ meeting in Washington today, with the director of finance and vows to begin work on a spending plan, which must be submitted within days of his taking office in January.” It’s all about a good excel spread sheet really, aint it!
[This post by Hollywood's resident Maori brown-Kiwi lad, demonstrating the art of Brown Shell Power - The Kiwi Pop Art Way in the Hollywood Hood. Horiwood.Com. Ca. USA. 11.4.10~
Closing Thought: The people of this man on a broom (pictured cleaning in Oakland after Jerry Brown's victory speech), were responsible for saving California (possibly America's too) future. Go Latino and Latina of the USA and THE WORLD! Cool people. Caliente politics are sweeping America, right now! Clean sweep shellackings, even! This one going in Obama's favor. :)
We are because we see through color
we see people all connected to Earth and brown soil
from the youngest to the eldest, from the least to the greatest
all sustained with Life from the Middle (heart) of Earth's goodness.
We like to share
smiles
around like Chinese-esque Kiwi fruit
grown in Middle Earth and California.
~NZ Kiwis for Latina, Latino, California, all people of America & more fun in the World. Pic sources: tahi, rua, toru. Music: Good Kiwi girls sounds: When the Cats Away starring Annie Crummer & friends… Kia Orana!!!~
A HALO HOBBIT BROWN KEY – IS US IN NEW ZEALAND
Prelude:
We are Polyeurasian brown –Ata Te Kanawa 2010
Brown defines the palate of our awesome cinema’s future and legacy and our groovy human rights stance too–Horiwood Nov 2010 from Hollywood
‘Brown’ eyed glasses generation – India, China and allies – it’s time to put the mic on you. What do you know? Show not tell in 3D.
Life should never be about one constant dominant ‘color’ but about a mood, a flavor, defining a rich and diverse intellectual and cultural tapestry. Where culture flows that is relevant and appealing–money flows too. At the center in this millennium — brown (olive) shines bright.
No brown eyes are exactly the same.
My dad has blue eyes like the sky. My mother, Maori brown eyes like the earth. Sky father and Earth mother – makes up my brown glasses worldview–what unique colored eyes make up yours?
For Peace to occur in the Middle East we must think brown and green. We don’t have any other options if we are to save lives, time, resources, the planet, people descended from the same blood. For Peace’s far reaching Purposes via The Pacific’s triple [3D] star, in strife and war time – to meet in the middle of… Brown. is Key. The diverse, always surprising and rather remarkable peace key of Middle Earth’s kingdom. (The new no. 8 wire key, is flexible like copper, useful and capable of transmitting heat where and when needed). Peace ya’ll.
______
In New Zealand we are proudly “halo hobbit” and Maori and Polynesian brown. As a contrast we are proudly, Milky White/ Country Western white chocolate too. The best white chocolate in the world for Kiwi kids to grow up on is called the “Milky Bar” brand.
Our Kiwi-Asian community is pretty special as well. A whole other tapestry of rich cultural inflection again. Layered, complete, complex in their Kiwi worldviews.
Here’s a pic from Hollywood cinematic history, of Elijah Wood that reminds us of how a hobbit, keeper of the ring – romped home at the box office in a brown hoodie.
Color helps provide moods. Culturally our teams uniform is ‘brown.’ Amongst other colors we like and sport, Brown comes naturally to us, like the brown kiwi bird who we call ourselves after. KeyWe brown is US.
Shares politician, Michael Woodhouse about doing a personality test, and being diagnosed as having a “brown personality: “
In New Zealand, the earth is brown or alluvial black (earth minerals rich), so we stay grounded and stick close to that. We also have varieties of clay too – from white to vivid orange-red. All shades really, but this post is about the most common earth color, that being brown. I like the color. It’s deep.
The cool aspect about living in a social media age, is if something gets boring, people just switch to something else. Passing the ball around a team of diverse players on any issue or genre of entertainment, is always key to success. It’s about sharing fun. Power = fun. Shared fun.
This pic: Random Maori Fullahs + a brown cotton tee, gifted by future politician, brown girl in the ring, Dale Karauria.
ps: I believe people should decide their own political parties – I don’t promote one political party alone on this blog. Someone I have been promoting a lot, from one particular political party is a woman that I believe is key to relationships with brown thinking people in the world from India to the Middle East. Her name is “Heck Yeah! Hekia”. Vote this woman into office in the Mana electoral seat. She’s the first of many talented Kiwi leaders who may or may not be brown but who have good “brown glasses” who with chutzpah is cheeky enough to lift the game of politics up a few notches into real political matters, where brown issues ride the crest of this millennium–with fun outcomes for all.
Since posting Hekia on this blog, my blog numbers have dropped – as all of a sudden my blog isn’t perceived as being ‘pure’ entertainment. Or not necessarily US relevant when I do that. It’s suddenly a ‘political’ blog. I don’t care. I’ll take the hit. She’s worth it. Go Hekia! And all Kiwis and women with vibrant personalities who dare to stick their hands up to lead. Her intuitive intelligence (noho puku instincts) is a gift to New Zealand and the world. Beyond NZ shores too – karawhiua!
[Meanwhile in America... a woman smiles beautifully while holding up this sign. Restore Sanity Rally, Washington DC - Signage via TPM]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.2.10~
KIWI HUMOR – DUCK UNDER MY UMBRELLA by JOHN KEY and PHIL HEATLEY
Duck under my umbrella says John Key and Phil Heatley.
Photo Caption: Prime Minister John Key and Whangarei MP Phil Heatley duck for cover as a rain squall blows through during their visit to He Mataariki School for Teen Parents in Raumanga.
Reports the Northern Advocate via Hollywood today: Thursday saw Prime Minister Key say this about education of teen moms:
Mr Key said “it was good to be back in a place that provided such fantastic learning opportunities for its students. Looking at your achievement board is an example of how well you are doing.”
“Everybody can be very proud of themselves,” he said.
Mr Key said the school was working incredibly well and was an important place for youngsters in the region.
“We know unless you get a good education it’s hard to get the job you want and get the opportunities you deserve,” he said.
Mr Key is proof that Chilvalry is alive and well for teen moms. In the spirit of Whangarei-Hollywood Art, here’s some right back at these two lads for their good efforts.
As most of the teen moms at He Mataariki can pick up a guitar, play it and sing beautifully as Maori and Kiwi women of talented promise, here’s some early Johnny Cash with his pals Elvis, Buddy Holly and Carl Perkins –The Million Dollar Quartet reflecting back to these multi-talented ladies–and the gentlemen who step up to the global stage to let them and their children’s global presence and contribution for The World, shine.
These two lads of Key-We land are a little bit Elvis and Johnny Cash meets Mother Teresa and Angelina Jolie, in the way that they rock n’ roll for others, as showmen and men who delight in taking fierce action, to lead for good causes.
The Million Dollar Quartet were also legendary lads who entertained.
[Top image courtesy of Northern Advocate]
[This image,yesterday - Hanoi Vietnam: LEADERS WHO LUNCH: ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsawan (R) shakes hands with Philippine President Benigno Aquino as (L-R) New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key, China's Premier Wen Jiabao, India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Buphavanh look on. Getty Images].
~Hollywood Walk of Fame, In Kind. Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 10.30.10~
THE KILBIRNIE BLOG LIKES GREEN PARTY NEWS
I see that the Kilbirnie Blog likes Green Party related political news. Especially news about kinsman, Kennedy Graham. The original post on that can be read here.
As the big news story today, via The New York Times, concerned the US issuing ‘terrorist attack warnings’ to Americans travelling in Europe, until January 2011, Ken offers words of wisdom on that.
The report raised anxiety, fear and suspicion levels today which made me immediately think of Kennedy Graham’s words about how we perceive enemies vs our own misplaced fears.
His words perhaps deserve another play out today from Hollywood, The Entertainment Capitol of the World, as fear robs us all of peace.
THE US ISSUES TERRORIST WARNINGS INTO EUROPE – 9.3.10
Pakistan – ISLAMABAD — Suspected militants attacked and set fire to at least 20 tankers carrying oil for NATO and U.S. troops in Afghanistan on Monday, the third such strike inside Pakistan in as many days, police said. Police officer Umer Hayat said three people were killed and blamed Monday’s attack on “terrorists.”
Are Europeans helping the other team in Pakistan? Outrageous: “ISLAMABAD — Dozens of Muslim militants with European citizenship are believed to be hiding out in the lawless tribal area of northwestern Pakistan, Pakistani and Western intelligence officials say, training for missions that could include terror attacks in European capitals.”
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not supposed to talk about classified information to the media, said foreigners in the area also include Chechens, Uzbeks, Arabs and Turks, one of whom was a former F-16 pilot in the Turkish air force.
“That shows you that some of the people who are coming are very well educated,” he said.” If you’re Muslim – it’s a good time, not to ring your cousin in Pakistan and ask how the wife and kids are.
The U.S has all of Europe grateful to it, by locking up the entire holiday season, with fear and suspicion: “State Department notice issued Sunday about the potential for terrorists attacks in Europe. The alert expires Jan. 11.
“Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services.
U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.” Although this warning is issued to American tourists in Europe, how does this make Europeans feel? It’s also very damaging to Europe’s tourism dollar, certainly a deterrent not to leave the U.S before Jan 11, and head in Europe’s direction. But since 9-11, we always have to take things like this serious. But in political press terms – all eyes are on Obama until January 11. As noted by the warning, obviously, always catch a cab. And always choose the most ‘Muslim’ looking cab driver, because no matter which way you look at it – he’s got children to feed, so he won’t be blowing you up, neither his well Educated Muslim ‘terrorist’-looking cousins either.
[And to calm things down a little, here's Janet Jackson (again) with her new beau Mr Al Mana, in Paris over the weekend. And also performing in 2002 or her World Tour - as a reminder that the Jackson family have always entertained Muslim nations too as an American family. Peace ya'll. Is Janet Jackson a modern day Princess Diana or what?! Anyway, More terrorist attack warnings follow]. (more…)
KENNEDY GRAHAM, OF THE GREEN PARTY, NEW ZEALAND
“Ken has worked in ‘and survived’ ten countries, and loves them all.”
Who: Kennedy Graham
What: Politician, New Zealand for The Green Party. Kennedy entered political life, December 2008.
Skill Sets: The Green Party website writes: “Ken teaches international politics and international law at the School of Law, Canterbury and Victoria University, and has previously worked for NGOs, the United Nations and as a diplomat.
“He was involved in negotiating the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, defending the policy as a NZ diplomat before the UN in Geneva and New York and was also Director of a UN programme in the Middle East.
“Having returned to New Zealand he now aspires to contribute his experience and perspectives to helping the country tackle the global problems we face.” This man thinks Peace and thinks Green.
Hollywood Claim to Fame: A great grandson of Robert Graham, New Zealand’s first Magistrate and also the Superintendent of Auckland City.
About Robert Graham: Wikipedia says this of the Scotsman turned Kiwi:
Robert Graham (1820–85) was a New Zealand politician. He represented the Southern Division electorate (containing Waikato, Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty and East Cape) in the 2nd New Zealand Parliament from 1855 to 1860.
He then represented the Frankin electorate in the 3rd and 4th Parliament from 1861 to 1868, when he resigned. He was Superintendent of Auckland and served as a provincial councillor at other times.
He has two great-grandsons who are or have been a Member of Parliament. Kennedy and also:
- Doug Graham was a National MP from 1984 to 1899 and a cabinet minister. You can also see Sir Douglas Graham in a post, where I wrote some poetry in Hollywood, published in the Mauri Ola book of poetry this year. Sir Doug’s picture can be seen here.
I was raised on the stories of Kennedy Graham‘s grandad Robert – who is also my kinsman too through my grandfather, Graham Edward Cruickshank. The oldest firstborn males of the Cruickshank-Graham families all have leather bound copies of Sir Robert’s life story, held within our families. Some days, my father would read me tales of Robert Graham. He read like an action man, in The Adventures of Maoriland – he was brave, had courage like no other settler, and he was confrontational without fear for good causes.
Robert Graham is legendary because he didn’t dare enter political office in New Zealand without first knowing the Maori language. He spoke fluent Maori, Maori Chiefs loved him and he loved to roll out with horis.
He set a star template from what all New Zealand politicians should seek to become as culturally nuanced ambassadors of New Zealand in the World. He realized that if you respect a nation’s Indigenous People like equals, you’ll learn their language before you try and mediate anything with them. If you do, this might make you a global ambassador of all peoples. We have yet to see politicians as a norm, with the same courtesy and respect Robert Graham showed Maori people, he led by knowing our culture in both spirit, tongue, and deed.
Robert and his family have always exemplified unusual success at mediating Peace between people of differing cultures with disputes.
Without meaning to sound nepotistic, Robert Graham is one of my New Zealand heroes. Go here to read, how Kennedy Graham and my family are related. And when I watch this clip of Kennedy, he’s very similar to my dad, when dad was his age. The way their hori (old English for silver) colored hair, falls naturally from their right side part is exactly the same; a rather spooky family resemblance. Both men of conviction and principles.
“Ken enjoys classical music and opera, reggae and folk, philosophy and history, and follows rugby ‘passively yet passionately’” says his political bio.
Mauri Ora Kennedy Graham . See you in the future. :)
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 10.1.10~
ANGELINA JOLIE VISITS KENYA
Hollywood’s Queen of hearts and refugees world wide, Angelina Jolie stopped by in Kenya, Saturday.
Jolie arrived at the Somali-Kenyan border’s Dadaab Refugee Camp. The camp was originally built for 90,000 people, but now holds 285,000 Somalis who fled for their lives to Kenya.
Jolie has been a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees since 2001 and she’s visited many nations to stare into the faces of the refugee crises. Such nations include: Sierra Leone, The Balkans, Namibia, Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, Ecuador and Tanzania.
Of hanging out at the world’s coal face of the refugee struggle, Angelina Jolie says:
“I’ve become a better human being. I’ve learned the strength of the human spirit. I see different aid workers in camps helping each other from everywhere –people who have come together from all over the world to lend a helping hand. It’s really changed my view of what is actually important. I’m not concerned with things I used to be so concerned with. I feel that now I’m of some use to other people in the world.”
She’s our Hollywood hero! To make a difference to those in need is the purpose of every blessing and good fortune we may have in this world. I love this woman!
To donate to Dadaab refugees better future, go here. Thank you!
CALLING ANGELINA JOLIE – THESE EMBERA INDIAN WOMEN NEED A CELEBRITY FACE PUT ON THEIR PLIGHT
I was moved to see in the New York Times, that the Embera Indian Group of Colombia are fighting for their culture and lives, as Colombian drug lords, continue to penetrate into their jungles in order to supply The West with cocaine. What if, Angelina Jolie as a UN Ambassador, spoke up on their behalf? Let’s hope their lives change soon for the good and that the Embera feel protected from rape, murder, carnage. Peace ya’ll!
RIHANNA, JULIAN ASSANGE, BARONESS SCOTLAND, “INFORMATION SHARING, OVERSHARING” AND “ESPIONAGE” VS “FREE SPEECH”–AS HOT BUZZ WORDS FROM AMERICA AND THE UK
celebrity buzzwords: Julian Assange Vs Angelina Jolie, now Vs Rihanna.
As humans, as people–we look over the fence at our neighbors, in a game of keeping up with the Joneses. The fear of being left behind, or missing out–is the basis of spying–be that polite, or secretive in the form of Espionage.
In fact, there is no trend-setting ability of leaders (fashions mimic others by spying), without observing what peers are doing, than advancing new or similar forms and better ways of doing things.
But when does research–verge into Espionage? Where is that line? Or does it not exist anymore in an age of new technology? The WikiLeaks case gives us all time to discuss that–on Facebook, a community far bigger than WikiLeaks, holding more information about individuals, than WikiLeaks ever could claim to hold.
Julian Assange of Wikileaks is the pin up boy of “Common Similarities between the US and the UK” that still exist today. Will this one man’s fate be decided by a US/ UK jury? His crime? He is a spy of spies because he owned IT that could track others spying tendencies in an obsessively voyeuristic political digital age–where most people don’t even watch politicians in the world, at all. Only other politicians do? Julian shared these politicians favorite (digital) media to read with other media. Anyway,
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Espionage is defined as being: ”the practice of spying or using spies to obtain information about the plans and activities especially of a foreign government or a competing company.” The origins of espionage is French, as in:
“French espionnage, from Middle French, from espionner to spy, from espion spy, from Old Italian spione, from spia, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German spehōn to spy. First Known Use: 1793.”
We are also encouraged to look at the word “spy” as in: “to watch secretly, usually for hostile purposes; and, to catch sight of or, SEE. Spying is the active activity of espionage. Who really, has time to do that? No one whose creative that’s for sure, only people copy, others creativity. (I’m a blogger, so at times I can be accused of that. Just saying).
The Espionage Act: According to the UK Guardian: “The US Espionage Act is a little-used law dating from 1911 – the same year as the UK’s Official Secrets Act, with which it has much in common.”
The current law can be used to prosecute those who leak and publish classified information that creates a national security risk. The law’s purpose is to tackle espionage. It has never been used on foreign press or any media organization before.
[Image of Rihanna via Trend Hairstyle. Angelia Jolie stars as a Spy in The Tourist above, after starring as an assassin who spied on her husband in Mr & Mrs Smith, and an accused spy in Salt. In fact playing spies is kind of a hot celebrity topic when you consider Jolie's film career.]
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December 1, 2010 | Categories: America, Angelina Jolie, Barbados, Johnny Depp, Movie Trailers, New Zealand, Pirates, Politics, Rihanna, Trends, UK, United Nations | Tags: America, Angelina Jolie, Barbados, Baroness Scotland, Espionage, Johnny Depp, Julian Assange, Movie Trailers, New Zealand, Pirates, Politics, Pop Culture Commentary, Privacy, Rihanna, Star System - The Art of American Celebrity, Super Powers Discourse & Direction, Trends, UK, United Nations | Leave A Comment »