"A Little Less Conversation" (A Little More Action Please) - Charles Chaplin accompanied by Elvis Presley
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Passando a palavra...em Português!
O Português, sendo a sexta língua mais falada no mundo e lingua materna para quase 220 milhões de pessoas, está agora a ser alvo de mais atenção da parte da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS).
ePORTUGUESEe, uma iniciativa para alargar o multilinguismo na OMS, fornece aos países de expressão portuguesa meios de informação para melhorar os seus sistemas de saúde e realçar o desempenho do pessoal de saúde. O Português é a lingua falada em Angola, Brasil, Cabo Verde, Guiné Bissau, Moçambique, Portugal, São Tomé e Principe e Timor Leste. E também a lingua official em AFRO e AMRO ("regiões" da OMS).
O Director brasileiro de "Ageing and Life Course" (Envelhecimento e percurso de vida), Alexandre Kalache, declarou "hoje em dia, a informação é transmitida em menos de um secondo e aqueles que não compreenderam a mensagem ficam para trás. A iniciativa ePORTUGUESEe é um bom exemplo de uma rede de divulgação da informação em linguagems locais assegurando-se que a mensagem é compreendida por aqueles que mais precisam".
ePORTUGUESe estabelecerá e manterá uma conexão entre instituições relacionadas com a saúde para desenvolver a informação em português e facilitar a divulgação de conhecimento. Esta iniciativa resulta da resolução 58/28 da World Health Assembly (WHA - Assembleia Mundial de Saúde) e que apoia iniciativas de eSaúde ao nivel regional e interregional entre grupos de países que falam a mesma lingua.
Um dos seus objectivos principais é expandir a Virtual Health Library (VHL - Libraria de Saúde Virtual) desenvolvida por PAHO e que dá acesso ás ultimas informações de saúde em todos os países de expressão portuguesa. Em junho, a iniciativa ePORTUGUESEe realizou um seminário em São Paulo, Brasil onde os participantes dos oito Estados Membros se reuniram e discutiram todos os aspectos e dimensões dos cuidados de saúde, recursos humanos, ajuda ao desenvolvimento, educação ao nível de saúde e pesquisa.
A iniciativa ePORTUGUESEe também tem ajudado a WHO Press e a WHO Library (libraria da OMS) a desenvolver uma versão em português do projecto Blue Trunk Library (BTL - Libraria Azul). Ajudando assim profissionais de saúde em lugares onde a comunicação por via electrônica é difícil o então não existe.
Descobri esta noticia esta manhã quando cheguei ao escritório e fiz como sempre faço todos os dias, verifiquei a intranet da OMS para ver o que havia de novo. Qual não é o meu espanto quando me deparo com a palavra "portuguese" em grande na página do site! Tenho de admitir que sabendo que o português não sendo uma lingua oficial da OMS fiquei surpreendida, bem surpreendida, de saber que existia um programa que tem como objectivo proporcionar informação e ajuda ao nivel de saúde em lingua portuguesa.
A minha primeira reação foi saber como poderia contribuir para o programa ter mais "visibilidade" jà que esta é uma inciativa que merece toda a nossa atenção.
A minha primeira reação foi saber como poderia contribuir para o programa ter mais "visibilidade" jà que esta é uma inciativa que merece toda a nossa atenção.
Contactei a pessoa responsável do programa para poder ter a autorização de publicar o artigo no meu Blog jà que hoje em dia os blogs são os melhores veículos de informação. Por isso lhes peço que dêm uma olhada ao site web e ao blog do programa. Quem sabe, talvez vocês possam ajudar a divulgar a informação necessária atravês de novas estratégias e técnicas!
O site do programa ePORTUGUESEe pode ser visto aqui.
Resolução 58/28 da WHA pode ser vista aqui.
Endereço do blog do ePORTUGUESEe: http://eportuguese.blogspot.com/
Este artigo foi publicado com a gentil autorização da Dra Regina Ungerer
Spreading the word... in Portuguese
Portuguese, the 6th most widely spoken language in the world and mother-tongue to almost 220 million people, is receiving more attention on the World Health Organizazion (WHO) agenda.
ePORTUGUESe, an initiative to extend multilingualism at WHO, provides Portuguese-speaking countries with information tools to improve their health systems and enhance health workforce performance.
Portuguese is the national language of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and East Timor. It is also an official language in AFRO and AMRO. Brazilian Director of Ageing and Life Course, Alexandre Kalache, said "Nowadays, information can be transmitted in a split second and those who cannot understand the message are left behind. The ePORTUGUESe initiative is a good example of a network to circulate information in local languages making sure the message is fully understood by those who really need it".
ePORTUGUESe will establish and maintain a link between health-related institutions to promote the development of information in Portuguese and facilitate the spread of local knowledge.
The initiative follows World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution 58/28, which supports regional and interregional eHealth initiatives among groups of countries that speak a common language. One of its main objectives is to expand the Virtual Health Library (VHL) developed by PAHO, which provides access to the latest health information in all Portuguese speaking countries.
The ePORTUGUESe initiative prompted a workshop last June in São Paulo, Brazil where participants from the eight Member States met and considered all the aspects and dimensions of health care, human resources' capacity building, health education and research. ePORTUGUESe has also helped WHO Press and the WHO Library to develop a Portuguese language version of the Blue Trunk Library project (BTL). This will assist health workers in places where electronic communication is difficult or non-existent.
I discovered this news this morning when arriving at the office and did as I always, checked the intranet to see what was new. To my big surprise the word "portuguese" was all over the site! I do have to say that portuguese not being an official WHO language I was quite surprised to find out that there was a programme aiming at providing health information and help in portuguese within WHO. I was very well surprised and immediately wondered how I could help the programme have more visibility as this is a great initiative that deserves our support.
I have therefore contacted the person in charge of the programme for authorization to publish it in my Blog as blogs are nowadays the best way to "spread" the news. So, please take your time to tour the website as well as the blog. Who knows, maybe you can help creating opportunities to disseminate information through new communication strategies and techniques.
The ePORTUGUESe website can be viewed here.
The ePORTUGUESe website can be viewed here.
World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution 58/28 can be viewed here.
You might wish to also visit the ePORTUGUESEe Blog at http://eportuguese.blogspot.com/
Published with Dr Regina Ungerer kind permission.
Saturday, 13 October 2007
PASTAFARIANS...!!!
In the United States, someone who was appalled by the decision taken by the State of Kansas in 2005 to teach “creationism” at school, created the “Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster”!
The school authorities had decided that the “intelligent design” which is suppose to explain the creation of the world by a superior being, should be taught as an alternative to Darwin’s theory of evolution which is traditionally in every school programme.
Bobby Henderson, a scientist, decided to counter-attack by “absurdity” and sent a letter to the authorities to explain that “pastafarism” should also be taught in science classes (read the letter here). According to this theory, the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster and the followers of the Church of the Flying Monster are called “pastafarians”!
This info had been circulating on the web site BoingBoing and had gained a lot of momentum from then on. A creationist had offered a lot of money in reward to anyone who would be able to provide an “absolute proof of the theory of evolution”. The site had reacted offering even more money to anyone who could provide an “absolute proof that Jesus is not the son of the Flying Spaghetti Monster”! Proof is still awaited…
The first time I read about this, the only reaction I had was to shake my head, the second was to laugh. I thought “why once again do we have to battle over such things? Why is it that religion has to be the centre of discussions which are from the beginning condemned to end nowhere”? Religion is and should always be a personal thing. Should we impose our beliefs on others? I think if you look at the past, on what was and is being done in HIS name, you will get an approximate answer.
I was born a catholic, even went to Sunday school for a while, but religion was never a very important part in my life, not in a way that makes me go to Church every Sunday. I did use to wonder when I returned to Portugal, why religion (catholic) was taught at school? So, being an adolescent who had, as other adolescents, other important things to worry about; I thought that religion did not belong in school and said so. That earned me a very fiery discussion with the priest who used to teach the religion classes!
I am a Roman Catholic, and as such I believe in one of the most precious gifts God has left us “free will”. I choose to believe that there must be a superior being watching over us, and I choose to believe that when I talk to Him, He listens, where ever I am.
But then, I also have a scientific upbringing. Having studied archaeology, I often stop at details and ask as Saint Thomas did, i.e. “see to believe”. Therefore, the religion part in me makes me talk to Jesus when I need comfort and then the scientist in me makes me think that he was a man of flesh and blood who had very interesting ideas and a good philosophy of life.
Now, this “sterile” debate between the theory of evolution and creationism is devoted to get no where! Because no one can be a hundred percent sure. I am sure my fellow “scientists” will agree with me, that we can never be sure of anything, that no matter how far we get in getting scientific explanations and proofs out, that there is always a small percentage of doubt. That is the most important part in science (in my humble opinion) “doubt to be able to go further”. When you reach a certainty, you are stuck and will not be able to see further in future unless you remain with a small part of doubt and challenge that certainty to be sure.
Therefore, who can guarantee what God looks like? Could it be a Flying Spaghetti Monster? It could also be anything else we like if we start thinking this way!
The school authorities had decided that the “intelligent design” which is suppose to explain the creation of the world by a superior being, should be taught as an alternative to Darwin’s theory of evolution which is traditionally in every school programme.
Bobby Henderson, a scientist, decided to counter-attack by “absurdity” and sent a letter to the authorities to explain that “pastafarism” should also be taught in science classes (read the letter here). According to this theory, the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster and the followers of the Church of the Flying Monster are called “pastafarians”!
This info had been circulating on the web site BoingBoing and had gained a lot of momentum from then on. A creationist had offered a lot of money in reward to anyone who would be able to provide an “absolute proof of the theory of evolution”. The site had reacted offering even more money to anyone who could provide an “absolute proof that Jesus is not the son of the Flying Spaghetti Monster”! Proof is still awaited…
The first time I read about this, the only reaction I had was to shake my head, the second was to laugh. I thought “why once again do we have to battle over such things? Why is it that religion has to be the centre of discussions which are from the beginning condemned to end nowhere”? Religion is and should always be a personal thing. Should we impose our beliefs on others? I think if you look at the past, on what was and is being done in HIS name, you will get an approximate answer.
I was born a catholic, even went to Sunday school for a while, but religion was never a very important part in my life, not in a way that makes me go to Church every Sunday. I did use to wonder when I returned to Portugal, why religion (catholic) was taught at school? So, being an adolescent who had, as other adolescents, other important things to worry about; I thought that religion did not belong in school and said so. That earned me a very fiery discussion with the priest who used to teach the religion classes!
I am a Roman Catholic, and as such I believe in one of the most precious gifts God has left us “free will”. I choose to believe that there must be a superior being watching over us, and I choose to believe that when I talk to Him, He listens, where ever I am.
But then, I also have a scientific upbringing. Having studied archaeology, I often stop at details and ask as Saint Thomas did, i.e. “see to believe”. Therefore, the religion part in me makes me talk to Jesus when I need comfort and then the scientist in me makes me think that he was a man of flesh and blood who had very interesting ideas and a good philosophy of life.
Now, this “sterile” debate between the theory of evolution and creationism is devoted to get no where! Because no one can be a hundred percent sure. I am sure my fellow “scientists” will agree with me, that we can never be sure of anything, that no matter how far we get in getting scientific explanations and proofs out, that there is always a small percentage of doubt. That is the most important part in science (in my humble opinion) “doubt to be able to go further”. When you reach a certainty, you are stuck and will not be able to see further in future unless you remain with a small part of doubt and challenge that certainty to be sure.
Therefore, who can guarantee what God looks like? Could it be a Flying Spaghetti Monster? It could also be anything else we like if we start thinking this way!
To anyone interested, visit the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster website (click here)!
Friday, 12 October 2007
My own two cents on Madeleine...Part III
The DNA results have still not arrived in Portugal, but the elements already available seem to indicate that Madeleine McCann was in the car the parents had rented. The Portuguese police believes that the new evidence will be crucial for the continuing of the investigation, which can now regain momentum.
The data which has been provided to the Portuguese police seem to lead to the conclusion that the evidence material collected in the car and in the apartment of the McCann, belonged Madeleine McCann. The Portuguese authorities are supposed to be having the full report by the end of the week, but all points to a confirmation of the information released by the press i.e. that the McCann may have been "active" participants in Madeleine's disappearance.
However, several details still need to be confirmed. Namely, if the hair found in the car and in the apartment is Madeleine's and if it was ante or post-mortem. Also still to be confirmed, is if the analyses will show traces of sedatives, as implied by the police.
The police is also awaiting for other confirmations such as the analysis of the evidence material found in the Renault Scenic, rented one month after Maddie disappeared. The current available reports lead to a confirmation of the theory that Maddie was carried in the car and that it was not just a mere transfer of DNA through a piece of cloth as the McCann have declared. The other answer provided by the McCann, namely that the DNA found in the car could belong to any of Maddie's twin sister or brother was dismissed as not possible by the British laboratory in charge of examining the DNA material.
According to the Portuguese newspaper "Correio da Manhã", the arrival of these new reports, gives new momentum to the investigation. All this will be communicated to the British police as any further questioning of the McCann from the Portuguese will have to be done through their British counterparts (British law does not allow extradition of its citizens) - will they be going back to Portugal, if the Portuguese authorities request it, as they always said they would???? In case they will be formally charged of having a participation in Madeleine's disappearance/death, they will have to be judged in England (unless they decide to go back to Portugal).
Now guess what? To counter the laboratory results (may I remind that it is a BRITISH lab), the law firm Kingsley Napley, hired their own team for new testing - this after the Birmingham lab itself suggested that the Portuguese police may be right! Also, may I remind everyone that the choice of the Birmingham laboratory was a well-thought decision? After all, that is where the best and most modern technology for this kind of tests can be found. Aren't the British shooting their own foot?
What???? Are they thinking their results will be any different? Gosh, the results presented so far were presented by the Forensic Science Service. How far are the British willing to go just to keep on their smear campaign against the Portuguese police and their work?
The data which has been provided to the Portuguese police seem to lead to the conclusion that the evidence material collected in the car and in the apartment of the McCann, belonged Madeleine McCann. The Portuguese authorities are supposed to be having the full report by the end of the week, but all points to a confirmation of the information released by the press i.e. that the McCann may have been "active" participants in Madeleine's disappearance.
However, several details still need to be confirmed. Namely, if the hair found in the car and in the apartment is Madeleine's and if it was ante or post-mortem. Also still to be confirmed, is if the analyses will show traces of sedatives, as implied by the police.
The police is also awaiting for other confirmations such as the analysis of the evidence material found in the Renault Scenic, rented one month after Maddie disappeared. The current available reports lead to a confirmation of the theory that Maddie was carried in the car and that it was not just a mere transfer of DNA through a piece of cloth as the McCann have declared. The other answer provided by the McCann, namely that the DNA found in the car could belong to any of Maddie's twin sister or brother was dismissed as not possible by the British laboratory in charge of examining the DNA material.
According to the Portuguese newspaper "Correio da Manhã", the arrival of these new reports, gives new momentum to the investigation. All this will be communicated to the British police as any further questioning of the McCann from the Portuguese will have to be done through their British counterparts (British law does not allow extradition of its citizens) - will they be going back to Portugal, if the Portuguese authorities request it, as they always said they would???? In case they will be formally charged of having a participation in Madeleine's disappearance/death, they will have to be judged in England (unless they decide to go back to Portugal).
Now guess what? To counter the laboratory results (may I remind that it is a BRITISH lab), the law firm Kingsley Napley, hired their own team for new testing - this after the Birmingham lab itself suggested that the Portuguese police may be right! Also, may I remind everyone that the choice of the Birmingham laboratory was a well-thought decision? After all, that is where the best and most modern technology for this kind of tests can be found. Aren't the British shooting their own foot?
What???? Are they thinking their results will be any different? Gosh, the results presented so far were presented by the Forensic Science Service. How far are the British willing to go just to keep on their smear campaign against the Portuguese police and their work?
Monday, 8 October 2007
Immigration...contre tests ADN? Exception française?
Un amendement au projet de loi sur l’immigration, qui prévoit dans le cadre du regroupement familial d’effectuer des tests ADN sur les candidats, a été adopté à l’Assemblée nationale française. Plusieurs responsables politiques et associations françaises de défense des droits humains ont déjà exprimé leur indignation face à une telle pratique.
Les candidats au regroupement familial pourraient être obligés de subir des tests ADN. C’est le sens de l’amendement présenté par le député UMP, Thierry Mariani, et qui a été adopté par la commission des lois de l’Assemblée nationale lors de l’examen du projet de loi sur l’immigration du ministre Brice Hortefeux. Le test serait volontaire et le demandeur devrait en supporter le coût évalué à 1000 euros.
La France ne ferait ainsi que suivre l’exemple de onze autres pays européens. Vraiment? Les Italiens et les Allemands semblent avoir fait de cette preuve un usage exceptionnel quand la France veut en faire une loi!
En Italie, par exemple, les tests ADN sont réalisés dans le cadre du regroupement familial sous l’égide de l’Organisation internationale pour les migrations (OIM) qui conduit depuis 2001, à la demande du gouvernement italien, un programme d’aide à la réunification des familles. L’OIM récolte les échantillons nécessaires qui sont ensuite traités par un laboratoire agréé par l’Etat italien. L’examen est pris en charge par ce dernier.
Cependant, le test est volontaire et n'intervient que s’il n’existe aucun document pour prouver la filiation. Ce dernier point est néanmoins laissé à l’appréciation des autorités italiennes. D’autant que « la notion de famille ne peut se limiter aux liens du sang ».
L’Allemagne n’a pas légiféré sur les tests ADN
L’OIM recommande également que les migrants et leurs familles soient tenus informés à chaque instant du processus dans lequel ils se sont engagés. De même, le refus de se plier au test, qui peut accélérer la procédure, et c’est l’un de ses principaux avantages, « ne doit influer négativement sur la décision finale ». Suggéré ou spontané, le test reste bien évidemment confidentiel et l’OIM est garant de la destruction de ces résultats qui ne seront ainsi utilisées à aucune autre fin. En somme, la pratique fait figure d’ultime recours et c’est dans la même logique que s’inscrit l’Allemagne.
Premier point : la loi allemande ne prévoit pas de test ADN en matière de regroupement familial. « Le recours au test génétique est très rare », souligne-t-on à l’ambassade d’Allemagne à Paris. « C’est une très grande exception ». La règle veut que la République fédérale exige des personnes qui souhaitent fouler son sol une preuve scientifique de leur appartenance familiale si elle doute fortement de la véracité des éléments qui lui ont été fournis. Aussi, peut-elle inviter le demandeur « à coopérer » en se soumettant au test qu’elle exige.
Comme en Italie, la démarche peut aussi s’avérer volontaire dans le but d’obtenir une décision plus rapide.
Certes, les tests ADN se pratiquent dans certains pays européens, mais ils ne font pas pour autant partie d’un dispositif légal.
(Source: Afrike.com du 8 Octobre)
My own two cents on Madeleine...Part II
Daniel Krugel, a South African private detective who last July searched for Maddie in Praia da Luz (and who had been invited by the McCann) claims to know where Maddie is buried.
Daniel Krugel declared to the “Sunday Mirror”: “I am convinced that Madeleine’s body is in Praia da Luz”. He added that “the chances that she is alive are very slim”.According to the Portuguese newspapers, a source close to the investigation says that the place is the area where Maddie’s father used to jog.
According to the newspaper “Correio da Manhã”, the Portuguese authorities believe that the body may have been buried on the beach a few hours after her death. Daniel Kruger confirmed that he arrived in Portugal with his team on 17 July and during 4 days he used a machine of his own invention which can detect people based on their DNA. The targeted areas were the Ocean Club apartment as well as the surroundings and main exits from Praia da Luz.
Krugel told the “Sunday Mirror” that he is about to return to Portugal at the McCann request. In a report he surrendered to the Portuguese police, Krugel mentions a 500 square metre area as the probable place where Maddie was buried. However, the authorities did not proceed to any dig on the area.
Krugel says that his work started with one of Maddie’s hair which had been provided by Gerry McCann. “The aim was to have a chart of the DNA”. He then used the machine of his own invention (called matter orientation system) which, based on quantum physics and GPS, can reveal the location of a body.
Of his work done in Algarve he states that: “I did an extensive search in Praia da Luz with the help of the machine and of some friends. We were there 16 hours a day. No place was forgotten”. Mr Krugel is forbidden to reveal the location he mentioned in his report to the police as per Portuguese law.
He stated to the “News of the World” that he is not mentioning it to “avoid people going there out of curiosity and therefore destroying evidence”. He however stressed that “everyday the trail was clearer”. “The machine was always providing the same bearings which made me always come back to the same location. This made me believe that Madeleine is there”.
Daniel Krugel a former colonel of the South African police is known as “The Locator” name given after his discovery of several bodies. He guarantees a success of 90% in all the cases he investigated.
It was following Daniel Krugel’s work that the request for the British dogs (which can smell dead bodies) was made. This lead to the collection of evidence which in its turn lead to the belief that the McCann were guilty.
My opinion???? What to believe? So many incredible stories about Madeleine’s disappearance have been around that one does not know what to believe anymore…besides this one seems to be a little bit “tirée par les cheveux” as we would say in French!!!
Quantum physics and GPS to locate DNA? I’ll let the scientists answer…
Daniel Krugel declared to the “Sunday Mirror”: “I am convinced that Madeleine’s body is in Praia da Luz”. He added that “the chances that she is alive are very slim”.According to the Portuguese newspapers, a source close to the investigation says that the place is the area where Maddie’s father used to jog.
According to the newspaper “Correio da Manhã”, the Portuguese authorities believe that the body may have been buried on the beach a few hours after her death. Daniel Kruger confirmed that he arrived in Portugal with his team on 17 July and during 4 days he used a machine of his own invention which can detect people based on their DNA. The targeted areas were the Ocean Club apartment as well as the surroundings and main exits from Praia da Luz.
Krugel told the “Sunday Mirror” that he is about to return to Portugal at the McCann request. In a report he surrendered to the Portuguese police, Krugel mentions a 500 square metre area as the probable place where Maddie was buried. However, the authorities did not proceed to any dig on the area.
Krugel says that his work started with one of Maddie’s hair which had been provided by Gerry McCann. “The aim was to have a chart of the DNA”. He then used the machine of his own invention (called matter orientation system) which, based on quantum physics and GPS, can reveal the location of a body.
Of his work done in Algarve he states that: “I did an extensive search in Praia da Luz with the help of the machine and of some friends. We were there 16 hours a day. No place was forgotten”. Mr Krugel is forbidden to reveal the location he mentioned in his report to the police as per Portuguese law.
He stated to the “News of the World” that he is not mentioning it to “avoid people going there out of curiosity and therefore destroying evidence”. He however stressed that “everyday the trail was clearer”. “The machine was always providing the same bearings which made me always come back to the same location. This made me believe that Madeleine is there”.
Daniel Krugel a former colonel of the South African police is known as “The Locator” name given after his discovery of several bodies. He guarantees a success of 90% in all the cases he investigated.
It was following Daniel Krugel’s work that the request for the British dogs (which can smell dead bodies) was made. This lead to the collection of evidence which in its turn lead to the belief that the McCann were guilty.
My opinion???? What to believe? So many incredible stories about Madeleine’s disappearance have been around that one does not know what to believe anymore…besides this one seems to be a little bit “tirée par les cheveux” as we would say in French!!!
Quantum physics and GPS to locate DNA? I’ll let the scientists answer…
Sunday, 7 October 2007
Casa Pia...Part II ???
One is entitled to ask what kind of justice exists in Portugal at the light of the latest news concerning the “Casa Pia” (translation: “Pious House”). I was shocked to read the latest declarations on the Portuguese newspaper “Correio da Manhã” from Catalina Pestana ex-headmaster of the Casa Pia: “...there is still internal abusers... there is a strong suspicion of external networks that continue to sexually abuse the children of the Casa Pia”.
Did we not learn anything, did we not take any lessons from that high profile lawsuit of some years ago which revealed the ugliest sides of human nature if such acts continue to exist among this venerable institution?
In her interview, and still according to the Correio da Manhã, the former headmaster has assured that an official inquiry has been undertaken since she has already been heard, adding that, “I don’t know what happened in the meantime. However, I expect that as the prosecutor says that our Criminal Code must be modified, that he will also put the same energy into this inquiry and not leave it buried in a drawer”.
According to a source from the office of Pinto Monteiro, the PGR (Procuradoria Geral da Républica = Attorney General Office of the Portuguese Republic) received the formal complaint from the ex-headmaster and has proceeded to an official inquiry. A situation that is confirmed by the Attorney General himself, who in a statement to RTP (Portuguese State Television), said he was not aware if the sexual abuses in the institution were still going on, but that he had received and registered the complaint from Catalina Pestana and that he had forwarded it to the competent office which is now investigating the case.
Did we not learn anything, did we not take any lessons from that high profile lawsuit of some years ago which revealed the ugliest sides of human nature if such acts continue to exist among this venerable institution?
In her interview, and still according to the Correio da Manhã, the former headmaster has assured that an official inquiry has been undertaken since she has already been heard, adding that, “I don’t know what happened in the meantime. However, I expect that as the prosecutor says that our Criminal Code must be modified, that he will also put the same energy into this inquiry and not leave it buried in a drawer”.
According to a source from the office of Pinto Monteiro, the PGR (Procuradoria Geral da Républica = Attorney General Office of the Portuguese Republic) received the formal complaint from the ex-headmaster and has proceeded to an official inquiry. A situation that is confirmed by the Attorney General himself, who in a statement to RTP (Portuguese State Television), said he was not aware if the sexual abuses in the institution were still going on, but that he had received and registered the complaint from Catalina Pestana and that he had forwarded it to the competent office which is now investigating the case.
Still according to the newspaper, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, which has the guardianship of the Casa Pia, did not want to comment the declarations of the ex-headmaster considering that it is necessary to safeguard the reputation of the institution and of its pupils.
Peter Namora, ex-pupil of the Casa Pia and now lawyer said he does not have any formal proof but he corroborates the declarations of Catalina Pestana guaranteeing that the pupils are seen “out” again and that they are seen “having supper and been driven around by persons that the pupils do not know” which might indicate that the sexual abuses are still going on.
Peter Namora, ex-pupil of the Casa Pia and now lawyer said he does not have any formal proof but he corroborates the declarations of Catalina Pestana guaranteeing that the pupils are seen “out” again and that they are seen “having supper and been driven around by persons that the pupils do not know” which might indicate that the sexual abuses are still going on.
Many complain that Catalina Pestana has once more put the matter on the front page, considering that one of her duties as ex-headmaster of the institution is to watch over the reputation of the Casa Pia.
How ridiculous can this be? Had she not done it, could we guarantee the total “integrity” of the institution and appropriately fight what seems to still be happening? Do we have to forget because of some old-fashioned ideas, that the most important are the children and not the reputation of an institution? Children well-being should be the first concern on this matter. Our first worry should be to verify if the statements are correct and if such is the case, we must make sure that such does not happen again. Children should look at the future with optimism and trust.
I make mine the words of Catalina Pestana: “I hope that the Attorney General will not leave this inquiry in the bottom of his drawer”!
How ridiculous can this be? Had she not done it, could we guarantee the total “integrity” of the institution and appropriately fight what seems to still be happening? Do we have to forget because of some old-fashioned ideas, that the most important are the children and not the reputation of an institution? Children well-being should be the first concern on this matter. Our first worry should be to verify if the statements are correct and if such is the case, we must make sure that such does not happen again. Children should look at the future with optimism and trust.
I make mine the words of Catalina Pestana: “I hope that the Attorney General will not leave this inquiry in the bottom of his drawer”!
Casa Pia...episódio II???
É de se perguntar que tipo de justiça existe no nosso país quando se lé as ultimas noticias. Qual não é o meu espanto ao ler as ultimas noticias no jornal “Correio da Manhã” que segundo Catalina Pestana, ex-provedora da Casa Pia, “…ainda existem abusadores internos…existem fortes suspeitas de redes externas que continuam a usar miúdos da Casa Pia para abusos sexuais”.
Mas afinal para que serviu aquele processo altamente mediático que revelou os lados mais sordidos da natureza humana se tais actos continuam a existirem no seio desta venerável instituição ?
Numa entrevista, e ainda segundo o Correio da Manhã, a antiga responsável garantiu saber da abertura de um inquérito porque já foi ouvida, acrescentando que, “não sei o que aconteceu entretanto, mas espero que, com a mesma frontalidade com que o senhor Procurador diz que o Código de Processo Penal tem de ser alterado, também não deixe ficar esse inquérito no fundo da gaveta”.
Mas afinal para que serviu aquele processo altamente mediático que revelou os lados mais sordidos da natureza humana se tais actos continuam a existirem no seio desta venerável instituição ?
Numa entrevista, e ainda segundo o Correio da Manhã, a antiga responsável garantiu saber da abertura de um inquérito porque já foi ouvida, acrescentando que, “não sei o que aconteceu entretanto, mas espero que, com a mesma frontalidade com que o senhor Procurador diz que o Código de Processo Penal tem de ser alterado, também não deixe ficar esse inquérito no fundo da gaveta”.
Segundo fonte do gabinete de Pinto Monteiro, a Procuradoria Geral da Républica recebeu a queixa da ex-provedora e procedeu à abertura de um inquérito-crime. Uma situação confirmada pelo próprio Procurador que, em declarações à RTP, disse não saber se os abusos sexuais naquela instituição continuam, mas que recebeu a denúncia de Catalina Pestana e a remeteu para o departamento competente, que está a investigar o caso. Segundo o jornal, o Ministério da Solidariedade Social, que tem a tutela da Casa Pia, escusou-se a comentar as denúncias da antiga provedora, considerando que é necessário salvaguardar a reputação do estabelecimento e dos alunos que o frequentem.
A corroborar as denúncias de Catalina Pestana surgiu Pedro Namora, antigo aluno da Casa Pia e advogado, que, ainda segundo o jornal, disse não ter provas, mas que subscreve as palavras da antiga provadora, garantindo que os alunos andam outra vez “cá fora” e são vistos “a jantar com personalidades que não conhecem de lado nenhum e a serem transportados de carro”, o que indicia um reinicio da prática de pedofilia. Muitos se lamentam que Catalina Pestana tenha voltado a meter o assunto nas primeiras páginas dos jornais, considerando que uma das diligências da ex-provedora era zelar pela reputação da Casa Pia.
Mas meus caros amigos, se ela não o tivesse feito, serà que poderiamos garantir a total integridade da instituição e do que (parece) continua a suceder? Serà que por và-se là saber que tipo de ideas da era “victoriana” temos de esquecer que o mais importante são as crianças e que deveriam ser essas mesmas a nossa principal preocupação, verificar se o relatado é verídico e se tal for o caso assegurar que tais actos não se repitam e que as crianças possam olhar para o futuro que as espera com outros olhos...com optimismo e confiança?
Faço minhas as palavras de Catalina Pestana “Espero que não deixe (Procuradoria Geral da Républica) ficar este inquérito no fundo da gaveta”!
Faço minhas as palavras de Catalina Pestana “Espero que não deixe (Procuradoria Geral da Républica) ficar este inquérito no fundo da gaveta”!
Artigo no Correio da Manhã de domingo 7 Outubro 2007:
As suspeitas de novos abusos sexuais na Casa Pia participadas pela ex-provedora Catalina Pestana e que estão a ser investigadas pelo Departamento de Investigação e Acção Penal (DIAP) de Lisboa – coordenado por Maria José Morgado – apontam para uma falha no processo de reestruturação do ensino da instituição que acolhe crianças carenciadas e sem família.
“A ser verdade fico bastante constrangido”, disse ao CM Roberto Carneiro, que liderou o conselho técnico-científico que criou as directrizes para uma reforma da Casa Pia. O antigo ministro da Educação entende que, a confirmarem-se as suspeitas, significa “que falhou o acompanhamento das crianças e que os formadores não estão em condições de se dedicarem em pleno à sua missão”.
A aposta na formação foi um dos princípios base que orientou o trabalho da comissão. A comissão científica projectou uma reforma profunda da Casa Pia que visava a formação de crianças sem família e ensino profissional, em detrimento do ensino para alunos externos.
Roberto Carneiro, desconhece se, três anos depois de concluído o seu trabalho, esta reforma foi concretizada. “A comissão não tinha responsabilidades executivas para uma posterior avaliação”, disse.
Saturday, 6 October 2007
Je t'aime encore - Marcia featuring II Wayz
Marcia is a young Zouk artist from Cabo Verde. Needless to say she has an amazing voice!
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
On Travel...on travels!
While abroad, enjoying my own private farniente, looking at the sea and being surprised by how much I had succeeded in forgetting work (OK, couldn't help verifying my mails one day and to even answer to a few people), I found my self thinking of all the travels I have already done and how much my life has changed because of it.
I am not saying that that adventure was the only responsible factor. All the other steps taken after that contributed to the person I am and led me to the career I am currently building. In those steps I include all the mistakes done along the way, all the successes (proud to say they were many) and all the travels and experiences coming from them and which enriched my life.
There was also that incredible trip to Brazil, to Salvador in the state of Bahia. Estar em Salvador foi como estar em casa...sensação incrível! The "Pelourinho" in Salvador is the reminiscence of the portuguese culture with that zest of life which is so proper to Brazil and its mix of cultures.
I couldn't conclude this post without talking about Italy and Uganda. Both these countries are important to me for many different reasons. Uganda, brings bitter-sweet memories, so you will forgive me if I don't talk much about it.
I often wonder what really made me leave to Greece that spring of 1999. 
The person I was at that time was not one to take risks. Quite the contrary. Was it a risk to go to Greece? Yes! Do I regret it? No.
The person I was at that time was not one to take risks. Quite the contrary. Was it a risk to go to Greece? Yes! Do I regret it? No. 
Looking at the sea today, the thought came to my mind, that if I hadn't accepted that invitation to go to Greece, I might not be where I am today, I might not be doing the work I am doing and I would surely not be the person I am now. Για πολλούς λόγους, η Ελλάδα θα είναι πάντα ειδική...είναι ένα "δεύτερο" σπίτι.
I am not saying that that adventure was the only responsible factor. All the other steps taken after that contributed to the person I am and led me to the career I am currently building. In those steps I include all the mistakes done along the way, all the successes (proud to say they were many) and all the travels and experiences coming from them and which enriched my life.
Then, I couldn't help thinking of the trip I made to India. I discovered an incredible country. One goes to India with definite ideas of what it is and once there all the pre-conceived ideas are simply wrong. I found my self in a country so welcoming, people with such a philosophy of life (and here I am using the larger meaning of the word) that once again I felt like being "home".
I will never forget those children I met in that village in Andhra Pradesh and their wonderful smile or the way they were touching my hair because they had never seen hair that colour and wanted to know how it was possible, what it felt like once one touched it. One of the best experiences I had during that
wonderful discovery of India.
wonderful discovery of India. 
I don't even regret having used a motorickshaw, although I several times felt like it was the end seeing the way the driving rules are...heuh...what might be the appropriate word? Ignored?!!! Yet, that is one experience one should really not miss out on if going to India!
There was also that incredible trip to Brazil, to Salvador in the state of Bahia. Estar em Salvador foi como estar em casa...sensação incrível! The "Pelourinho" in Salvador is the reminiscence of the portuguese culture with that zest of life which is so proper to Brazil and its mix of cultures.
There, we discovered that incredible programme that aims at taking children out of the streets. The group "Olodum" has a school where children can learn ho
w to play drums (among other things, music being "le fil conducteur"). (Olodum is famous for having taken part in one of Michael Jackson's songs and video). Seems like something very simple, but the programme is quite complex when one thinks of all it brings to those children and it has achieved unbelievable results.
w to play drums (among other things, music being "le fil conducteur"). (Olodum is famous for having taken part in one of Michael Jackson's songs and video). Seems like something very simple, but the programme is quite complex when one thinks of all it brings to those children and it has achieved unbelievable results. I couldn't conclude this post without talking about Italy and Uganda. Both these countries are important to me for many different reasons. Uganda, brings bitter-sweet memories, so you will forgive me if I don't talk much about it.
As for Italy, for many years I thought of going there, but life was always taking me to other countries, to other continents. Peró, per diversi motivi (che non appartengono in 
questo blog), l'Italia é sempre stata molto importante per me. Ed un giorno, sono andatta in Italia (Lisa, non ridere se dimentico una lettera!). Diciamo che...é un paese che vi fa vivere le vostre aspettative...durante tutto il tempo che ho passato in Italia mi sembra come se fosse stato in un "roller-coaster"...phheeewww!
questo blog), l'Italia é sempre stata molto importante per me. Ed un giorno, sono andatta in Italia (Lisa, non ridere se dimentico una lettera!). Diciamo che...é un paese che vi fa vivere le vostre aspettative...durante tutto il tempo che ho passato in Italia mi sembra come se fosse stato in un "roller-coaster"...phheeewww! All the above, is a good conclusion on why I enjoy so much to travel, to go to new places, to discover different ways of life which are completely opposite from the way I live mine. Most especially, all the travels (and the ones mentioned above are only a few among all those I undertook. Yet, I leave those for another post, for another subject) were important steps in my life.
"Broaden your horizons if you want to succeed in life" my father always told me. I surely will never regret to have taken the decision to go to Greece...that was only the beginning!
Monday, 24 September 2007
Sunday, 23 September 2007
My own two cents...on Madeleine
Getting sick and tired of the “smear” campaign that has Portugal and its police as a target lately, I thought of giving my own two cents on the Madeleine McCann disappearance.
Ok, so let’s see…don’t you think it is interesting to see how the PR campaign is shifting (or trying to shift the attention) from the McCann’s and the possibility that they are suspected only now? Let’s consider one thing: during all the time the McCann’s were not suspects, they spent their days launching balloons, visiting the Pope, going to the US as awareness about "missing children" or going to shopping sprees as stated in their blog BUT it is NOW that they are going to seriously make an ad campaign to find Madeleine?
Let’s go fact by fact:
1. Why do parents leave children of small age alone knowing that there is the risk that they will wake up and might leave the room?
2. Did the McCann’s sedate their children? They said no. However, on 9 September they told the Sunday Times that gave to their children Calpol (paracetamol) which does not have a sedating effect.
3. Why (according to a witness) does Kate McCann call Sky News about her missing child even BEFORE calling the police? Quite interesting don’t you think? Police reports (after studying the list of calls made from the McCann’s apartment) say that the call to Sky News was done at 22:00 while the call to the police was done at 22:40!
4. Why does Kate McCann remain in the room when everyone is out looking for Madeleine? If my child had disappeared from where she was supposed to be, the first thing I would do (and having witnessed those events several times, I know that is what usually happens) would be to go out to see if the child wouldn’t be wandering somewhere. Kate McCann chose to stay in the apartment.
5. One witness testified that Kate never cried, the neighbours only discovered it was her child that was missing when they saw the papers she gave to the police.
6. Why, if kidnapping, only Madeleine was kidnapped when there was 3 small children in the same room? Let’s be honest, that is not logical.
7. Does the blood found in the car belong to Maddie? The parents explained that Maddie had a cut in a leg when they were flying to Portugal, traces of blood could therefore be on her clothes which would have been in the car after she disappeared. Professor Antonio Amorim, Vice-Director of the Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia da Universidade do Porto (Institute of Pathology and Immunology of Porto University) says that the DNA transfer from a piece of clothing to the safe of the car is “virtually impossible”. According to him, the chance that happens is merely an “academic” one (forget the CSI series you’re watching!). The McCann’s guarantee to have innocent explanations for the blood in the car they rented 3 weeks after Maddie’s disappearance. All her things were transported in that car and therefore there was a transfer of DNA. Prof. Amorim says “in theory yes, that can happen, in the real world? No, it is virtually impossible since the quality of the DNA would have to be acceptable" (the DNA found had only 15 of the 20 required markers). Prof. Amorim continues saying that there should have been "perfect conditions of humidity for the transfer". And that the blood could have been from her twin brother and sister? Prof. Amorim’s answer: "when you try to reconstruct a DNA, you look for target areas. A person’s DNA has great diversity; it is something that is different even between brothers and sisters. It’s like a lottery result that is transmitted to us by our parents and it would be the most serious mistake a lab could do to confuse one DNA with another"! May I please remind that all DNA testing was done in England?
8. At a request of British police, Portuguese police had sniffer dogs come from England, sniffer dogs which can smell “dead bodies”. The dogs found traces of that smell in the car and in the apartment. Explanation from the McCann’s: Kate being a doctor and having handled corps in the morgue before her holidays, the smell stayed in her clothes. Say what? Three weeks later the smell would linger on? Even after having washed the clothing. Because let’s see, 3 weeks before her holidays and 4 weeks after Maddie disappeared i.e. 7 weeks later, the dogs would still be able to smell it? She doesn’t wash her clothes?
As I said above, it was the McCann’s who wanted the “media circus” to be able to search for their daughter. Ok, they got a private jet to go to the Vatican, to the US, to Morocco, all over Europe. All this disturbed the police work who could not work properly as it had to spend half its time avoiding the press!
Many Portuguese now believe that all this media frenzy was a smoke screen. The impression in Portugal is that all that served one purpose, that the McCann’s could not in any case be guilty. Little by little, the McCann’s had convinced the world that it was a kidnapping and that there was not much hope of recovering Maddie. However, they would not go back to England without her. Until…they were declared arguidos and “fled” to England.
("Arguido" is a person who is being formally charged of some crime. The legal status of “arguido” is used in criminal procedures only. If it is what is called a "civil" procedure the person is called "réu". You are an arguido after you are considered a formal suspect and until you are considered guilty or not guilty, or until the other part gives up on the process.
1. What rights does the status of arguido give to a suspect?
The arguido has the right to have a fair trial, to defend himself and he must have a lawyer. An "arguido" has more legal rights than a witness, including right to remain silent and have a lawyer. Some people request to be declared "arguido" to get this protection. Police must declare a witness an "arguido" before asking certain questions or making an arrest. Courts may restrict movements of an "arguido". An arrest or charge does not always follow someone being named an "arguido"
2. What obligations does it place upon a suspect?
The obligations are to be present in court and to respect the instructions of the judge before the trial occurs.
3. How long is it possible to be an arguido?
Can’t remember what the Portuguese law says about this because cases usually take so long...
4. What is the difference between being an arguido and a witness?
A witness is the person who testifies in court, the person who saw something or knows something, or is important to the case. We call it a "testemunha". Arguido is the person who is being charged of some crime)
The conclusion of the police: an accident might have happened in the apartment, Maddie died and the parents and their friends decided to hide the body, pretended there had been a kidnapping and to later dispose of her. In the meantime the media frenzy had got to such an extent that they could not come back on their declarations.
Was it then just a case of protecting a reputation? But who’s reputation, Kate’s or Gerry? After some search, the police discovered that Gerry McCann, a cardiologist, has powerful friends that he was aiming at an important job in the Ministry of Health and was hoping to start a political career. That must have weighted a lot in the few hours after Maddie’s disappearance.
Don’t get me wrong on what I have written, I would prefer that Maddie was kidnapped and that one day she could be found. I really hope this is what happened and that somehow, she is ok.
BUT… the bottom line is that parents left their children unattended and Maddie is still missing. The McCann will have to live with that guilt for the rest of their lives.
By the way, in a poll published by the Sunday Times, 48% of the British people asked to answer believe the McCann’s might be responsible of Maddie’s death.
Saturday, 22 September 2007
Estranha Forma de Vida...e a Saudade!
Estranha forma de vida cantava Amália...é...estranha forma de vida que faz com que muitas vezes não se sabe a que vida se pertence.
Nasci portuguesa, mas tendo vivido a maior parte da minha vida no estrangeiro, nada fazia com que me identificasse realmente como "portuguesa". No entanto, hoje é assim que me sinto. Não sou de "origem" portuguesa (como respondia a quem perguntava), mas "portuguesa"...grande diferença...pelo menos para mim.
Não quero fazer um discurso filosófico-político sobre as razões que leva os portugueses a emigrar...eu conheço bem as razões que levaram os meus pais a tomar essa decisão e a explicação acaba aqui. O que é mais importante é saber como se identificar...a que parte do mundo pertencemos.
Quando jovem nunca fui muito de gostar de Portugal ou de me interessar por um país que não tinha nada que ver comigo, afinal, era apenas o país onde passava ferias...até ao dia em que decisão foi tomada de voltar para Portugal com o consequente choque cultural e social (pelo menos para mim). Foi difícil habituar-se a um país que não conhecia.
Pensava que poderia retomar a minha vida de antes quando voltei a ir para o estrangeiro, afinal tinha voltado para o meu "elemento natural", de onde (no meu entender) nunca deveria de ter saído.
"De que nacionalidade és"? A essa pergunta respondia sempre "sou de origem portuguesa mas vivi a maior parte da minha vida em...e por isso sou mais ... do que portuguesa". Isso é desconhecer a marca que um país é capaz de nos deixar. Hoje a minha resposta é diferente, à mesma pergunta respondo "sou portuguesa!"
Estranho como se acaba por ter orgulho de falar do seu país...a tentar fazer comprender a sua cultura, a sua historia, a sua gente e o porquê da "saudade", essa palavra que não existe em mais nenhuma lingua do mundo a não ser em português...essa palavra que não se pode traduzir ou explicar.
Saudade...é, nós portugueses vivemos eternamente nesse estado de saudade...e essa é uma das razões que me levaram hoje a escrever em português no meu blog (afinal depois de ter escrito em inglês e francês, bem merecia que escrevesse na minha propria lingua)...a saudade. Saudade do tempo (pouco) que vivi em Portugal, saudade daquela atmosphera acolhedera que só no seu país se consegue sentir...saudade...saudade. Essa saudade e estranha forma de vida que a Amália cantava como ninguem...
Foi por vontade de Deus
Que eu vivo nesta ansiedade
Que todos os ais são meus
Que é toda minha saudade
Foi por vontade de Deus
Que estranha forma de vida
Vive este meu coração
Vive de vida perdida
Quem lhe daria um condão
Que estranha forma de vida
Coração independente
Coração que eu não comando
Vive perdido entre a gente
Teimosamente sangrando
Coração independente
Eu não te acompanho mais
Pára, deixa de bater
Se não sabes aonde vais
Por que teimas em correr?
Eu não te acompanho mais
Para os portugueses que por mero acaso descobrem o meu blog...a intenção actual não é de escrever as minhas "bocas" sobre o que se passa em Portugal mesmo se vontade não me falta neste momento. Mas estou cansada demais para ter um raciocínio coherente ou inteligente a esta hora da noite...continuem a visitar o meu blog...as minhas "bocas" não vão tardar muito!
Por agora a palavra de ordem é...divirtir-se...com assuntos sérios!!!!
Nasci portuguesa, mas tendo vivido a maior parte da minha vida no estrangeiro, nada fazia com que me identificasse realmente como "portuguesa". No entanto, hoje é assim que me sinto. Não sou de "origem" portuguesa (como respondia a quem perguntava), mas "portuguesa"...grande diferença...pelo menos para mim.
Não quero fazer um discurso filosófico-político sobre as razões que leva os portugueses a emigrar...eu conheço bem as razões que levaram os meus pais a tomar essa decisão e a explicação acaba aqui. O que é mais importante é saber como se identificar...a que parte do mundo pertencemos.
Quando jovem nunca fui muito de gostar de Portugal ou de me interessar por um país que não tinha nada que ver comigo, afinal, era apenas o país onde passava ferias...até ao dia em que decisão foi tomada de voltar para Portugal com o consequente choque cultural e social (pelo menos para mim). Foi difícil habituar-se a um país que não conhecia.
Pensava que poderia retomar a minha vida de antes quando voltei a ir para o estrangeiro, afinal tinha voltado para o meu "elemento natural", de onde (no meu entender) nunca deveria de ter saído.
"De que nacionalidade és"? A essa pergunta respondia sempre "sou de origem portuguesa mas vivi a maior parte da minha vida em...e por isso sou mais ... do que portuguesa". Isso é desconhecer a marca que um país é capaz de nos deixar. Hoje a minha resposta é diferente, à mesma pergunta respondo "sou portuguesa!"
Estranho como se acaba por ter orgulho de falar do seu país...a tentar fazer comprender a sua cultura, a sua historia, a sua gente e o porquê da "saudade", essa palavra que não existe em mais nenhuma lingua do mundo a não ser em português...essa palavra que não se pode traduzir ou explicar.
Saudade...é, nós portugueses vivemos eternamente nesse estado de saudade...e essa é uma das razões que me levaram hoje a escrever em português no meu blog (afinal depois de ter escrito em inglês e francês, bem merecia que escrevesse na minha propria lingua)...a saudade. Saudade do tempo (pouco) que vivi em Portugal, saudade daquela atmosphera acolhedera que só no seu país se consegue sentir...saudade...saudade. Essa saudade e estranha forma de vida que a Amália cantava como ninguem...
Foi por vontade de Deus
Que eu vivo nesta ansiedade
Que todos os ais são meus
Que é toda minha saudade
Foi por vontade de Deus
Que estranha forma de vida
Vive este meu coração
Vive de vida perdida
Quem lhe daria um condão
Que estranha forma de vida
Coração independente
Coração que eu não comando
Vive perdido entre a gente
Teimosamente sangrando
Coração independente
Eu não te acompanho mais
Pára, deixa de bater
Se não sabes aonde vais
Por que teimas em correr?
Eu não te acompanho mais
Para os portugueses que por mero acaso descobrem o meu blog...a intenção actual não é de escrever as minhas "bocas" sobre o que se passa em Portugal mesmo se vontade não me falta neste momento. Mas estou cansada demais para ter um raciocínio coherente ou inteligente a esta hora da noite...continuem a visitar o meu blog...as minhas "bocas" não vão tardar muito!
Por agora a palavra de ordem é...divirtir-se...com assuntos sérios!!!!
Monday, 17 September 2007
Des Langues et de leur usages...
Preuve du (petit) succès que commence à avoir mon blog, voilà qu'il commence à être difficile de répondre aux attentes de tous ceux et celles qui le visitent. La question du jour étant..."à quand un message en français sur ton blog"? (La personne se reconnaîtra, mais nous connaissons assez bien notre sens de l'humour à toutes les deux!)
Donc, prochaine étape: me rappeler que même si l'anglais est la langue universelle (bla, bla, bla...qui a décidé que ce devait être l'anglais d'abord????), mon univers le plus proche (et je pense aussi à l'univers du 6ème étage) navigue au beau milieu d'une myriade de langues.
Bien des fois je me crois en pleine tour de Babel e.g. je commence ma journée en parlant français pour passer à l'anglais en passant par l'italien et l'espagnol et le portugais...et tout ceci en une seule journée! Il faut admettre qu'il y a matière à réflexion ...finalement admettons le...ça rend service une seule langue (mais pourquoi l'anglais...ne me répondez surtout pas que la raison est "démographique" ou que c'est la langue la plus facile à apprendre...!).
Et puis comment ne pas s'emmêler les pinceaux avec tout ce charabia dans toutes ces langues différentes. Alors voyons, au 6ème étage résonne: du portugais, de l'espagnol, de l'italien, du français, de l'anglais, du russe, de l'afrikaans, de l'allemand et du suédois...eh beh.
Donc, prochaine étape: me rappeler que même si l'anglais est la langue universelle (bla, bla, bla...qui a décidé que ce devait être l'anglais d'abord????), mon univers le plus proche (et je pense aussi à l'univers du 6ème étage) navigue au beau milieu d'une myriade de langues.
Bien des fois je me crois en pleine tour de Babel e.g. je commence ma journée en parlant français pour passer à l'anglais en passant par l'italien et l'espagnol et le portugais...et tout ceci en une seule journée! Il faut admettre qu'il y a matière à réflexion ...finalement admettons le...ça rend service une seule langue (mais pourquoi l'anglais...ne me répondez surtout pas que la raison est "démographique" ou que c'est la langue la plus facile à apprendre...!).
Et puis comment ne pas s'emmêler les pinceaux avec tout ce charabia dans toutes ces langues différentes. Alors voyons, au 6ème étage résonne: du portugais, de l'espagnol, de l'italien, du français, de l'anglais, du russe, de l'afrikaans, de l'allemand et du suédois...eh beh.
Qui m'a un jour demandé pourquoi j'aime tellement travailler dans un univers multiculturel...? La réponse est là. Pas besoin d'aller plus loin, quand une telle richesse linguistique est présente au sein d'une seule et même équipe, l'apport culturel est bien plus grand que tous les livres que l'on peut lire! Et puis ce que ça peut être drôle des fois!
Angela, Angéla, Ângela, Angelikki!?
Friday, 14 September 2007
Blogs and subjects of discussion...
On a coffee break with colleagues, and having fun as usual with the "Dream Team" from the "6th Floor", the important question suddenly became: "when are you going to write another post in your blog?"
I was puzzled by the interest my blog had generated among them...hadn't realized to which extent. My "little" blog had its admirers...
I had started my blog with no precise intention, maybe it was just a will to "go with the flow", after all, working in a "technology" environment, managing a website, and being a fan of the latest technological "gadgets" that might seem natural.
In fact, quite an irony, when thinking that I had delayed as much as I could to have a mobile phone or that I discovered Internet only 9 years ago! Seems so long now ... who would have guessed???
To go back to that interesting coffee break...laughing as usual ...the question of the next post came out of the blue and actually quite puzzled me. I hadn't realized my blog was being read with much interest amongst colleagues.
Seems that the post on the fire situation in Greece was a success. A few simple words to express my own view of the problem, my own revolt with a situation that is still so confusing and difficult to explain why it reached such catastrophic levels and my grief for a country I learnt to love as if my own. That little summary of the situation had caught their attention and interest!
Is it true finally that the "pen is mightier than the sword"? I know what some of you might be thinking...it sounds a bit pompous to say such a thing for a little blog like mine, but if my blog could interest 20 people on what was happening in Greece (people who were completely unaware of the real extent of the disaster), then it was worth while!
To end this post, I leave you with the complete adage coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in his 1839 play "Richelieu, or the Conspiracy":
True, This!
Beneath the rule of men entirely great,
The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold
The arch-enchanters wand! itself a nothing!
But taking sorcery from the master-hand
To paralyse the Cæsars, and to strike
The loud earth breathless!
Take away the sword
States can be saved without it!
OK, lets be honest...he was not the only one to think that. So maybe, it is true...leaving you (until the next post - soon) with words from those who agree with me:
The Greek poet Euripides said, "The tongue is mightier than the blade."
Shakespeare in Hamlet writes that "... many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose quills."
In 1621 Robert Burton wrote The Anatomy of Melancholy, in which he stated: "From this it is clear how much more cruel the pen may be than the sword."
And Thomas Jefferson, who in 1796 sent a letter to Thomas Paine in which he wrote: "Go on doing with your pen what in other times was done with the sword."
I was puzzled by the interest my blog had generated among them...hadn't realized to which extent. My "little" blog had its admirers...
I had started my blog with no precise intention, maybe it was just a will to "go with the flow", after all, working in a "technology" environment, managing a website, and being a fan of the latest technological "gadgets" that might seem natural.
In fact, quite an irony, when thinking that I had delayed as much as I could to have a mobile phone or that I discovered Internet only 9 years ago! Seems so long now ... who would have guessed???
To go back to that interesting coffee break...laughing as usual ...the question of the next post came out of the blue and actually quite puzzled me. I hadn't realized my blog was being read with much interest amongst colleagues.
Seems that the post on the fire situation in Greece was a success. A few simple words to express my own view of the problem, my own revolt with a situation that is still so confusing and difficult to explain why it reached such catastrophic levels and my grief for a country I learnt to love as if my own. That little summary of the situation had caught their attention and interest!
Is it true finally that the "pen is mightier than the sword"? I know what some of you might be thinking...it sounds a bit pompous to say such a thing for a little blog like mine, but if my blog could interest 20 people on what was happening in Greece (people who were completely unaware of the real extent of the disaster), then it was worth while!
To end this post, I leave you with the complete adage coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in his 1839 play "Richelieu, or the Conspiracy":
True, This!
Beneath the rule of men entirely great,
The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold
The arch-enchanters wand! itself a nothing!
But taking sorcery from the master-hand
To paralyse the Cæsars, and to strike
The loud earth breathless!
Take away the sword
States can be saved without it!
OK, lets be honest...he was not the only one to think that. So maybe, it is true...leaving you (until the next post - soon) with words from those who agree with me:
The Greek poet Euripides said, "The tongue is mightier than the blade."
Shakespeare in Hamlet writes that "... many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose quills."
In 1621 Robert Burton wrote The Anatomy of Melancholy, in which he stated: "From this it is clear how much more cruel the pen may be than the sword."
And Thomas Jefferson, who in 1796 sent a letter to Thomas Paine in which he wrote: "Go on doing with your pen what in other times was done with the sword."
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Fire Situation in Greece
Having worked nearly 3 years with an NGO in Greece, when I see what is happening, I feel utterly upset with what is going on. Feels like my own home is burning to the ground!
The perception we have (at least in Switzerland) from what "perspires" from the Swiss and French press is a total lack of organization of the Greek government. One piece of news they keep repeating is: "help promised by the Greek government to the "victims" of the fires has still not arrived". This piece of news has been repeated for the last 2 weeks now!!! What is delaying help? How come 1 million can be offered by the Government in reward for anyone who has any information on who set the fires and the promised help get stuck somewhere???
Foreign press gives an idea of total indifference. Press around here never show images of the Prime Minister visiting the devastated areas. So my question is, has he ever been there? Has he fully evaluated the needs and anger of the Greek population? What is even worse, nothing done, foreign press gives an idea of total indifference. No official request for aid has been filed…seeing the magnitude of the disaster, one would expect such to happen.
But then, this is Europe and people think it is a region rich enough to deal with its own problems, other areas of the world deserve more attention. I don't deny help is more than needed elsewhere (having worked for many years in the NGO field, I know what it means to "need help"), but we are forgetting about ourselves while on our pursuit to "save the world" (or is it that this is not a big enough "complex emergency" which would focus the attention on NGOs and therefore bring fame and money?)
Being Portuguese I used to worry each time I had calls from family mentioning huge fires were raging during summer. Then 2 years ago, Portugal nearly completely burnt to the ground (if I can use the image). The Portuguese government seemed to think that "enough is enough" and decided to take what, in my view, is a very sensible and intelligent measure, they changed the law in a way that burnt land could not immediately be exploited by building companies and see buildings pop-up like mushrooms instead of trees! Such requests by building contractors are now studied case-by-case based on the "history" of the land area.
In 2005, the Institute for Nature Conservation (ICN), established in its report the following topics as the main priorities in terms of the protection of the forests against fire: decrease the burnt area, especially in "priority" areas for nature conservation as the most valuable ecological areas, reduce the number of ignitions, reduce the vulnerability of these areas and (most important in my opinion) monitor and restore burnt areas. There is also a greater awareness and commitment of public and private institutions in promoting a greater surveillance effort.
Therefore, "tree land" that could not be exploited because of its specificity, is now "non-building zone" if it was ravaged by a (natural?) fire!
Has anyone heard of huge fires in Portugal ever since? Compared to 2 years ago, this was a very, very calm year "summer-fire" wise.
Should Greece contemplate such a solution? Appropriate mapping of burnt land which would provide statistics on if "tree" land was yes or no changed into a "building zone" and at what rate would bring correct answers to the summer fire problems. One could then compare how many fires were "accidental", man induced and why if man induced as well as keep a track record of what was "forest zone" and what was "building zone" to avoid buildings to pop-up where they shouldn't!
The perception we have (at least in Switzerland) from what "perspires" from the Swiss and French press is a total lack of organization of the Greek government. One piece of news they keep repeating is: "help promised by the Greek government to the "victims" of the fires has still not arrived". This piece of news has been repeated for the last 2 weeks now!!! What is delaying help? How come 1 million can be offered by the Government in reward for anyone who has any information on who set the fires and the promised help get stuck somewhere???
Foreign press gives an idea of total indifference. Press around here never show images of the Prime Minister visiting the devastated areas. So my question is, has he ever been there? Has he fully evaluated the needs and anger of the Greek population? What is even worse, nothing done, foreign press gives an idea of total indifference. No official request for aid has been filed…seeing the magnitude of the disaster, one would expect such to happen.
But then, this is Europe and people think it is a region rich enough to deal with its own problems, other areas of the world deserve more attention. I don't deny help is more than needed elsewhere (having worked for many years in the NGO field, I know what it means to "need help"), but we are forgetting about ourselves while on our pursuit to "save the world" (or is it that this is not a big enough "complex emergency" which would focus the attention on NGOs and therefore bring fame and money?)
Being Portuguese I used to worry each time I had calls from family mentioning huge fires were raging during summer. Then 2 years ago, Portugal nearly completely burnt to the ground (if I can use the image). The Portuguese government seemed to think that "enough is enough" and decided to take what, in my view, is a very sensible and intelligent measure, they changed the law in a way that burnt land could not immediately be exploited by building companies and see buildings pop-up like mushrooms instead of trees! Such requests by building contractors are now studied case-by-case based on the "history" of the land area.
In 2005, the Institute for Nature Conservation (ICN), established in its report the following topics as the main priorities in terms of the protection of the forests against fire: decrease the burnt area, especially in "priority" areas for nature conservation as the most valuable ecological areas, reduce the number of ignitions, reduce the vulnerability of these areas and (most important in my opinion) monitor and restore burnt areas. There is also a greater awareness and commitment of public and private institutions in promoting a greater surveillance effort.
Therefore, "tree land" that could not be exploited because of its specificity, is now "non-building zone" if it was ravaged by a (natural?) fire!
Has anyone heard of huge fires in Portugal ever since? Compared to 2 years ago, this was a very, very calm year "summer-fire" wise.
Should Greece contemplate such a solution? Appropriate mapping of burnt land which would provide statistics on if "tree" land was yes or no changed into a "building zone" and at what rate would bring correct answers to the summer fire problems. One could then compare how many fires were "accidental", man induced and why if man induced as well as keep a track record of what was "forest zone" and what was "building zone" to avoid buildings to pop-up where they shouldn't!
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