Siobhan Magnus
The minute she stepped on to the stage, to do Aretha Franklin’s
“Think”, I thought she was going to shoot herself in the foot. The Queen of Soul is a tall order to climb. How could a white girl, that is as skinny like a twig, belt out a signature performance on that song.
Siobhan Magnus dispelled my beliefs. She grabbed the song by the throat, and wowed the audience, including me. It was the kind of performance that, for whatever its flaws, will be remembered as the best moment on American Idol last week. The excellent performances by
Lilly Scott, and close runner up,
Crystal Bowersox, have long been forgotten.
Lee Dewyze
So who are favored among the guys? For two weeks in a row, my vote went to Lee Dewyze. He sounds current, and with the right producer, he could be making records right now. Two other guys I like a lot are Alex Lambert and Andrew Garcia. Again, these guys have the kind of voices that should make a recording engineer happy.
Todrick Hall seems to fit in the mold of an artist with the talent to intrigue those who like contemporary jazz and the improvisation that goes along with the genre. You wonder how long the judges and audience will go for him. He is not exactly out of the cookie cutter.
Categories: The Rift
Tagged: American Idol, Aretha Franklin, Crystal Bowersox, Govia, Lee Dewyze, Lilly Scott, Siobhan Magnus, Todrick Hall
John Park
Somebody is playing a cruel joke. There is a contestant on American Idol that should be gone long ago. He sings as bad as Drew Brees hums a tune while taking a shower for a
commercial. Drew Brees earned a Super Bowl ring, and I recognize that singing (
um humming) is not his thing so let him bore me for a change.
After yesterday, I realize that a substantial part of America’s population is tone deaf. Haeley Vaughn was sent home and she deserved to go. Haeley was an early favorite of mine, but she is at her best when she has a guitar in her hand and that infectious smile on her face. She allowed that cynical bastard Simon Cowell to get into her head, did a terrible version of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb”, and the people were unforgiving.
Michelle Delamor was sent home and she should not. The girl can sing. She looks good and she did a better job with Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open” than Didi Benami did with Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me”.
Didi was another early favorite of mine but she was plain ordinary this week. The voters obviously felt that the mascot-turned cheerleader with the folksy appeal was better than the girl with a body that will not end up at Jenny Craig anytime soon. You know them jealous Michelle.
Now can someone please explain to me why guys with voices as good as John Park or Jermaine Sellers end up going home while the Karaoke singer remains? And please don’t tell me it is because the Karaoke singer is cute. Unless you are a complete bigot, John is handsome and with an added bonus; he has presence.
Categories: Orf the Street
Tagged: American Idol, Drew Brees, Govia, Haeley Vaughn, Jenny Craig, Jermaine Sellers, John Park, Michelle Delamor, Simon Cowell
ICC WT20 WI 2010 Tournament Director Robert Bryan meets Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas.
The ICC Venue Office has stayed very busy of late. Their activities included hosting Consultant Mandy Keegan and Project Executive Glen Kirton from Rushmans, the firm tasked with the implementation of the accreditation process for the ICC WT20 WI 2010 cricket tournament.
The group spent Saturday February 27 inspecting the facilities at Warner Park and the Wesley Methodist Church Hall, site of the tournaments accreditation center. They also liaised with Manager of Solutions and Services Mr. Vernon Guishard of local Telecom, IT and Broadband provider, LIME.
According to Ms Keegan, who also performed the same role for the CWC 2007, “the location of the accreditation center is ideal and my expectations are that the operations would be better organized and surpass the previous experience in the Caribbean
The Rushmans team departed St. Kitts on Sunday February 28 after conducting similar inspections in Guyana, Barbados, and St Lucia.
Next it was the turn of the Tournament Director, Mr. Robert Bryan and Finance Officer, Mr. Reginald St. Juste who arrived in St. Kitts on February 27 and 28 respectively. Their role included discussions with the ICC Venue Office in St. Kitts with the aim of finalizing all outstanding matters to do with the staging of the First Round Preliminary matches of the women’s version of the ICC WT20 WI 2010. During the stopover, Mr. Bryan met Dr. Denzil Douglas.
In addition to this, they also took the opportunity to meet and hold discussions with the recently appointed Minister of Sports, Mr. Glen Phillip. Mr. Bryan confirmed that he was very pleased with the meeting and looks forward to the continuing excellent working relationship that the tournament organizers have established with the government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
While all these meetings were taking place, Corporate Communications officer of the ICC Venue Office, Clement Ogarro, released the official tournament song called “Bring It” to the local media and DJ fraternity. This song was recorded and sung by Mr. Vegas and Faye Ann Lyons.
The song has created a definite buzz and a very positive response from fans. “Bring It”, was featured at the Farmville party at Bobsy’s by DJ Ronnie Rascal on February 27, and at the Beaumont Park on February 28 by DJ Tombstone.
As part of the promotion for the song and the tournament, fans in St Kitts and other Caribbean islands will get the opportunity to witness a scintillating performance by both artistes as part of the “Bring It” Bus Tour, and Flash Mob Concert series scheduled for March and April.
Categories: The Caribbean
Tagged: Barbados, Bring It, Clement O'Garro, Cricket, Faye Ann Lyons, Guyana, ICC WT20 WI 2010, Mr. Vegas, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Steel Pans
Travel Professionals who sell heritage tourism products and have the ear of millions of African American and other Minority travelers, will convene in Nassau, Bahamas, on April 22-25, 2010 for their eighth annual conference and trade show.
Statistics show that US$90 billion plus is spent annually by minorities on travel with a high percent of those dollars being spent on heritage tourism. In addition, statistics show that heritage tourism travelers tend to extend their vacations for the purpose of enjoying heritage sites and trails and the chance to experience a connection with the local culture.
According to Karen Little, director of the Heritage Tourism Division of TPOC, “The projected growth rate of heritage tourism is 4.5 percent annually, which effects local communities, state economies, and impacts global cultural awareness that cannot be done by the Internet.”
TPOC is offering travel suppliers interested in benefiting from this growing market and those interested in being a part of this global impact, an opportunity to display their products at this “one of a kind” conference and trade show and an opportunity to learn more about the heritage traveler.
For more information, visit here.
Categories: Announcements · The Caribbean
Tagged: Exhibition Industry, Karen Little, St. Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas, TPOC, Travel and Hospitality Industry, Travel Professionals of Color
Clement Ogarro
St Kitts All-star Steel Orchestra
At a brief ceremony to review the National Anthems to be played at the start of each game during the preliminary women’s fixtures for the ICC WT20 WI 2010 in St Kitts, the St Kitts All-star Steel Orchestra was given rave reviews for their four renditions.
This function was the first of its kind and was witnessed by officials involved in the planning of the Sportainment component of the games. The session was chaired by Captain Nigel “Numpy” Williams, who gave a brief introduction of the anthems which were played. Sportainment Coordinator Mr. Cosbert Manchester gave the opening remarks and introduced the panel of reviewers which included musician, Calvin Esdaille, music trainer and conductor, Pam Wall, and pan player extraordinaire, Alexis Knight.
The twenty-six piece orchestra which boasts a majority of youthful players from all over St Kitts is conducted by Melvin “Mellie” Hewlett. Their renditions for the night included anthems from England, New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
Pam Wall expressed her pleasure at being invited to such a function and complimented the band on their excellent performance. She gave the youthful players a few tips to improve on their already impressive repertoire.
The evening ended with brief remarks from ICC Event manager in St Kitts, Val Henry, and regional Tournament Director, Robert Bryan. He spoke of the challenges in getting the agreement to have the Steel Band participate in the Anthem Ceremony but expressed his general satisfaction with the review, and stressed the fact that this will be a lasting legacy of the ICC WT20 WI 2010 cricket tournament.
Categories: The Caribbean · Travel With Literature
Tagged: Australia, Clement O'Garro, Cricket, England, ICC WT20 WI 2010, Melvin Hewlett, New Zealand, Nigel Williams, Pam Wall, Robert Bryan, Sri Lanka, St Kitts All-star Steel Orchestra, St. Kitts and Nevis, Val Henry
Africa Tourism Association (ATA) 3rd Annual US-Africa Tourism Seminar will be held March 4-5th at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, Washington, DC, 20001 in Room 204 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Representatives from the more than a dozen African countries — Angola, Kenya, Gambia, Tanzania, Ghana, Zimbabwe, the Republic of the Congo, Namibia, South Africa, Libya, Lesotho, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda — will attend the event.
Ambassador Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, US Department of State, will speak about tourism policy choices in Africa for the administration.
For more information, and registration, visit here.
Categories: Announcements
Tagged: Africa Tourism Association, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, and Uganda, Angola, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, The Caribbean, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, The United States-Africa Tourism Policy, Travel Industry, United States Africa relations, Washinton Convention Center, Zimbabwe
Capetonians perform diski dance
Cape Town Tourism organized an 800-strong group of Peninsula youths to perform the diski dance at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday, when the City marks 100 days until the first official FIFA 2010 World Cup™ whistle is blown. Joined by Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato, and key tourism industry stakeholders, Cape Town Tourism is set to bring color, music, and the energy of youth into the iconic stadium as an inspiration for all Capetonians to “Live It! Love It! LOUDER!”
Arguably the largest formal diski dance gathering yet, the 800 children taking part in Cape Town Tourism’s “100 Days till Kick-off” celebration are from community centers across the city.
Said Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Dan Plato: “Cape Town is one of the world’s premier tourism destinations, and in preparation for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, we have spent massive amounts of money on making Cape Town an even more accessible and enjoyable destination. These improvements are taking shape as the World Cup approaches, and we look forward to them benefiting residents and visitors for decades to come.”
Lianne Burton, spokesperson for Cape Town Tourism, added: “In just over three months, Cape Town will be on the center stage of the sporting world. Today, we are getting up and dancing to celebrate our beautiful new stadium, the city’s new infrastructure, and, most importantly, the future of Cape Town – our young people, who are leading the way to ‘Live it! Love it! LOUDER!’ as we near the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It’s about ensuring that civic pride among our young people will be part of the World Cup legacy for Cape Town.”
After initial concerns, ticket sales and hotel bookings are now on the rise. Much of the preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ has been completed, and what is left to be done is assured to be on track. Managing international perceptions of a FIFA World Cup in Africa has proven to be the biggest challenge to the event, and the months ahead will be heavily invested in countering negative and skewed perceptions. Said Burton: “Ultimately, this highly-televised event will give us an opportunity to show that Cape Town, already a proven lifestyle and events capital, is capable of hosting a mega-event in an entertaining, safe, efficient, and memorable way. We are ready to welcome the world.”
Categories: Travel With Literature
Tagged: Cape Town, Dan Plato, diski dance, FIFA 2010 World Cup, Lianne Burton, soccer, South Africa
February 28, 2010 · 1 Comment
A community-based appeal for Google to make Hawaii one of the test locales for its recently-announced, ultra-fast broadband service is being organized through an online petition. Called Gigabit Hawaii, the initiative seeks to get tens of thousands of residents to add their support by a March 15 deadline when the petition of community-based encouragement will be transmitted to Google – which will be making initial selections after March 25.
Local government has already made an official request, but Google had stated that “a level of community support” would be one of the factors. The Gigabit Hawaii initiative hopes to help make the point by providing an easy way for the general public to participate with a quick online signing. People are asked to network the petition address to family and friends and through organizations.
Several leading members of the local high-tech community drafted a multi-point support document and formatted the petition. Olin Lagon of Kanu Hawaii stated his support: “Unlike most parts of the US, our own residents are separated by ocean. Enabling gigabit broadband directly into our communities could have a profound impact on better connecting our neighborhoods and islands, as well as invigorating our challenged public educational system.”
Reflecting on the economy, Dan Leuck of TechHui and Ikayzo said: “Being on the most isolated island chain on Earth, the speed and quality of our connection to the net directly impacts our ability to communicate, learn, educate, and conduct business. Google’s gigabit broadband initiative could help reinvigorate communities and businesses in an economic downturn.”
Kevin Hughes of Sprout said: “Hundreds of millions of people use and rely on Google’s network-based applications as part of their daily lives. Let’s show them that Hawaii residents want and deserve the kind of network infrastructure with the speed, efficiency, and reliability that their products are known for. Their presence will encourage innovation, spur competition, and lay the groundwork for an economy driven by the production of intellectual capital rather than the scarcity of natural resources.”
To support the petition, go here.
Categories: Announcements · Technology
Tagged: broadband, community initative, Gigabit Hawaii, Google, public support, The Pacific
The UFI Open Seminar in the Middle East will be held in Manama, Bahrain, from March 29-31, 2010 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC). The seminar will be hosted by UFI member Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA).
Themed “Toolbox for Future Exhibition Management,” the seminar’s program will offer industry professionals updated concepts and effective tools and tips covering a wide range of professional issues. Featuring world-class speakers, the topic spectrum will cover:
- Greening the expo: ethical responsibilities and business needs
- Perspectives: the power of demand
- Pricing strategies in the trade fair industry
- Industry sponsorships: maximizing benefits for both parties
- Virtual trade shows: complementary component or competitor?
In addition, a panel discussion will address the delicate relationship between exhibitions and hotels during a session entitled: “Late check out! Event attendees and organizers face tougher hotel policies.”
The unique environment of the Gulf archipelago will enhance the seminar’s social activities, providing ideal networking opportunities for participants, as well as a very special dinner will be organized at the La Fontaine Contemporary Arts Centre and Restaurant. An exceptional tour of Bahrain will allow participants to enjoy the unique flavor of Bahraini culture through visits of the National Museum, Beit Al Quran,Bahrain Fort, and the Tree of Life!
“We are encouraging companies and organizations from the business and leisure tourism and hospitality sectors to profit from this one-of-a-kind marketing and hospitality opportunity that showcases the kingdom’s facilities. BECA is honored to host this important industry event, which will have the unique power to inspire and stimulate dialogue among the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry stakeholders in the region,” said Hassan Jaffer Mohamed, chief executive officer of BECA.
Several Bahrain-based companies with a global presence and that are part of the MICE sector, including Arabian Exhibition Management and Cityneon (Middle East) WLL, are sponsoring the UFI-organized regional seminar.
According to Ibrahim Al Khaldi, regional manager of UFI’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) Office, UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, continues to enhance awareness throughout the region of the unique value of the exhibition industry. UFI also provides quality knowledge on the industry’s hot issues. “I am sure seminar participants will have an exceptional experience in this wonderful country, as we enjoy the warm hospitality of our host BECA,” he said.
UFI is the association of the world’s leading tradeshow organizers and fairground owners, major national and international exhibition associations, and select partners of the exhibition industry. For the full Open Seminar Program and online registration, go here.
Categories: Announcements
Tagged: Bahrain, Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority, Exhibition Industry, Gulf news, Hassan Jaffer Mohamed, Ibrahim Al Khaldi, Management, Seminar, The Middle East, UFI
February 26, 2010 · 1 Comment
Grammy Award-winning artist Shakira and World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick today launched a US$300 million joint initiative aimed at expanding development programs for young children in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The “Early Childhood Initiative: An investment for life” seeks to focus cost-effective policies and resources in the region, while mobilizing public support to improve opportunities for its young citizens and thereby help overcome deep inequalities, said Zoellick during a signing ceremony of the partnership agreement between Shakira’s ALAS Foundation, Columbia University’s Earth Institute and the World Bank, held at the Bank’s Washington D.C. headquarters.
Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs provide children with adequate nutrition, healthcare and stimulating environments from the moment of conception through age six –a period of development crucial for achieving a child’s full potential. The initiative will help expand ECD programs in a region where 9 million children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and 22 million lack access to early basic care.
“If we want to build a better world, we have to give children the chance to improve their lives, no matter where they are born or how difficult their circumstances. By giving every child a fair start in life, we are improving our collective future,” Shakira told the an audience of 100 VIPs, including Latin American and Caribbean ambassadors and officials from the education sector, along with representatives from other international organizations.
The Colombian artist is a leading activist for children and the founder of ALAS -a coalition of Latin American artists and business leaders promoting the adoption of comprehensive ECD programs in the region.
The groundbreaking initiative will provide over the next two years US$300 million in loans, grants and trust fund resources, as well as technical support, towards the design and implementation of ECD policies in Latin America and the Caribbean. It will also expand a learning community of practitioners to exchange knowledge and experiences.
“ALAS – and Shakira in particular – have made an enormous contribution to placing young children at the heart of the public policy priorities in Latin America ,” said Zoellick.“We are pleased to work with her, ALAS and the Earth Institute to offer hope and opportunity for children who deserve a better future.”
Zoellick and Shakira explained that investments in ECD programs are among the most effective –and cost-effective– a country can make as participating children demonstrate improved health and academic outcomes, while showing higher productivity and income in later years. They noted that delays in early childhood interventions are difficult and costly to reverse later in life, as the Bank’s recent publication “The Promise for Early Childhood Development in Latin America and the Caribbean” illustrates.
Citing Haiti’s emergency response as a timely example of working with partners, Zoellick said that ECD initiatives will play a key role in Haiti’s reconstruction, where attention will be placed on rebuilding not only the country’s infrastructure but also the potential of its people. He stressed the importance of partnering with UNICEF, UNESCO and the World Food Program, among others, to provide urgent relief to the Haitian children and mitigate the long-term impact of the January 12 earthquake on an entire generation of Haitians.
One of the initiative’s first programs will be a partnership with Mexico’s state agency CONAFE to provide training for parents and caregivers to improve their competencies and practices in caring for children 0-4. The initiative will focus on the poorest 172 municipalities in Mexico, located primarily in its southern states.
In addition to providing funds to participating countries, the Early Childhood Initiative will work with the ECD Secretariat for Latin America and the Caribbean, a project of ALAS, the Earth Institute, and the governments of Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Panama, Paraguay and Argentina, to develop best practices and identify promising pilot projects for children under 6. This work will be presented at the UN’s Millennium Development Goals Summit in September and the XX Ibero-American Summit of the regional Heads of State in November in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Over the last 20 years, the World Bank has been helping governments from over 50 countries invest in Early Childhood Development. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the Bank has financed over 30 ECD projects, including technical assistance, research and program funding. At present, private and public investments in ECD initiatives range from less than 1 percent to roughly 12 percent of the total educational expenditures of countries in the region, according to World Bank estimates.
Categories: Announcements · The Caribbean
Tagged: ALAS Foundation, Chile, Colombia, CONAFE, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Argentina, Robert B. Zoellick, Shakira, US$300 Million Early Childhood Initiative, World Bank
