Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Woodring Stover
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Job opening
The Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) is looking for a BURMA PROGRAM AND MANILA LIAISON OFFICE COORDINATOR who will be based in its Manila Liaison office in Quezon City, Philippines.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will be primarily responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of campaigns, lobby activities, internships and exchanges on Burma. You will concurrently manage IIDs Manila Liaison office.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Develop, lead and manage IIDs campaigns and lobby initiatives on Burma
- Effectively and efficiently monitor and evaluate the program, manage its resources and maintain its partnerships
- Coordinate the internship and exchange program on Burma
- Prepare program project proposals and reports
- Represent the Executive Director / IID in official functions in Manila
- Supervise the staff of the Burma program and the Manila Liaison office
- Implement Manila activities of other IID programs
- Liaise with IIDs Manila-based Board members and partners
Person Specification:
Essentia
l- At least 5 years experience in campaign and advocacy work with a national, regional or international NGO
- Experience in managing a campaign or advocacy program, including planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation- Familiar with current Burma issues as well as other IID concerns
- Experience in personnel management
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent network-building skills
- Highly motivated, initiative, resourceful and flexible
- Can work effectively with a team- Willing to travel abroad
- Computer literate
Desirable
- Advance studies in any social science or related field
- Knowledge in ASEAN regional socio-political situation specifically on Burma issues, and other global concerns especially that affect peoples of the South
- Experience in liaising with media
- Competitive writing skills
Submit application and comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae to:
The Executive Director
Initiatives for International Dialogue
27 Galaxy Street, GSIS Heights
Matina, Davao City,Philippines
Fax: (63)(82) 2992052E-mail: admin@iidnet.org
DEADLINE: MAY 31, 2005
For information about IID, visit www.iidnet.org.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will be primarily responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of campaigns, lobby activities, internships and exchanges on Burma. You will concurrently manage IIDs Manila Liaison office.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Develop, lead and manage IIDs campaigns and lobby initiatives on Burma
- Effectively and efficiently monitor and evaluate the program, manage its resources and maintain its partnerships
- Coordinate the internship and exchange program on Burma
- Prepare program project proposals and reports
- Represent the Executive Director / IID in official functions in Manila
- Supervise the staff of the Burma program and the Manila Liaison office
- Implement Manila activities of other IID programs
- Liaise with IIDs Manila-based Board members and partners
Person Specification:
Essentia
l- At least 5 years experience in campaign and advocacy work with a national, regional or international NGO
- Experience in managing a campaign or advocacy program, including planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation- Familiar with current Burma issues as well as other IID concerns
- Experience in personnel management
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent network-building skills
- Highly motivated, initiative, resourceful and flexible
- Can work effectively with a team- Willing to travel abroad
- Computer literate
Desirable
- Advance studies in any social science or related field
- Knowledge in ASEAN regional socio-political situation specifically on Burma issues, and other global concerns especially that affect peoples of the South
- Experience in liaising with media
- Competitive writing skills
Submit application and comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae to:
The Executive Director
Initiatives for International Dialogue
27 Galaxy Street, GSIS Heights
Matina, Davao City,Philippines
Fax: (63)(82) 2992052E-mail: admin@iidnet.org
DEADLINE: MAY 31, 2005
For information about IID, visit www.iidnet.org.
Monday, May 09, 2005
From Nick Joaquin's Woman Who Had Two Navels:
--But they were corrupt, Father!
--They were human, my child. And if we were to reject all worldly authority for that reason, we would have to reject everything: marriage and government and society; the family, the state and the church. We would have to abolish the world.
--They were human, my child. And if we were to reject all worldly authority for that reason, we would have to reject everything: marriage and government and society; the family, the state and the church. We would have to abolish the world.
Friday, May 06, 2005
DEMISTIFYING DE SOTO
A Roundtable Discussion on Hernando de Soto’s Model of Development and Its Impact on Philippine Economic Policies
13 May 2005
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
SEAMEO INNOTECH, Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City
Background:
Hernando de Soto, a Peruvian economist whose ideas made him a global celebrity, is now the subject of both praise and criticism, from the left and from the right. For the left, de Soto has formulated the most seemingly practical ideas for reducing global poverty. For the right, de Soto offers the most compelling way to market capitalism to the poor. At last year’s
annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, former United States President Bill Clinton publicly declared that de Soto is “probably the world’s most important living economist.” He also has the backing of international financial institutions, foremost of which is the World Bank.
Various governments have started to adopt his model of development. For instance, in Thailand, the current “assets capitalization program” is aimed at the transformation of all land assets into fully transferable units, through privatization of tenure or land titling. The very basis of this program is de Soto’s Mystery of Capital.
The Philippine government has also tapped de Soto as an economic adviser. Believed to be a man with a “bag of economic tricks,” more and more Filipinos, ordinary and technocrats alike, are putting their faith in his development model. However, many policy analysts, civil society organizations and even the basic sectors are posing challenges and questions to de Soto’s framework. Most of them are still grappling with the meaning of his development model, more so, how his economic proposals would be beneficial to the country.
This forum aims to understand the essence of de Soto’s model of development and how it will redound to the government’s policies and programs. Also, the forum intends to address the following questions:
- How did the government adopt the tenets of de Soto’s model of poverty reduction (if the government did adopt de Soto’s tenets)? How have these translated to policies and programs?
- What are the implications of this model to the on-going agrarian reform program of the government and to farmers’ struggle for genuine land reform, in general?
- What are the economic proposals of de Soto for the Philippines? Would this be beneficial to the country’s development?
Main Speakers:
Dr. Leonardo A. Lanzona, Jr.
Associate Professor of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University
“Overview of Hernando de Soto’s Development Model and Policy Implications”
Panel of Reactors:
Ms. Au Regalado, MODE
Ka Romy Rubion, Makabayan-Pilipinas (to be confirmed)
DAMPA (to be confirmed)
Task Force Lara (to be confirmed)
Moderator: Mr. Martin Tanchuling, PhilNet-RDI
* For inquiries and confirmation, please contact Mary Ann or RC at 433-0899, 433-3387 or email at mbmanahan@focusweb.org
13 May 2005
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
SEAMEO INNOTECH, Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City
Background:
Hernando de Soto, a Peruvian economist whose ideas made him a global celebrity, is now the subject of both praise and criticism, from the left and from the right. For the left, de Soto has formulated the most seemingly practical ideas for reducing global poverty. For the right, de Soto offers the most compelling way to market capitalism to the poor. At last year’s
annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, former United States President Bill Clinton publicly declared that de Soto is “probably the world’s most important living economist.” He also has the backing of international financial institutions, foremost of which is the World Bank.
Various governments have started to adopt his model of development. For instance, in Thailand, the current “assets capitalization program” is aimed at the transformation of all land assets into fully transferable units, through privatization of tenure or land titling. The very basis of this program is de Soto’s Mystery of Capital.
The Philippine government has also tapped de Soto as an economic adviser. Believed to be a man with a “bag of economic tricks,” more and more Filipinos, ordinary and technocrats alike, are putting their faith in his development model. However, many policy analysts, civil society organizations and even the basic sectors are posing challenges and questions to de Soto’s framework. Most of them are still grappling with the meaning of his development model, more so, how his economic proposals would be beneficial to the country.
This forum aims to understand the essence of de Soto’s model of development and how it will redound to the government’s policies and programs. Also, the forum intends to address the following questions:
- How did the government adopt the tenets of de Soto’s model of poverty reduction (if the government did adopt de Soto’s tenets)? How have these translated to policies and programs?
- What are the implications of this model to the on-going agrarian reform program of the government and to farmers’ struggle for genuine land reform, in general?
- What are the economic proposals of de Soto for the Philippines? Would this be beneficial to the country’s development?
Main Speakers:
Dr. Leonardo A. Lanzona, Jr.
Associate Professor of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University
“Overview of Hernando de Soto’s Development Model and Policy Implications”
Panel of Reactors:
Ms. Au Regalado, MODE
Ka Romy Rubion, Makabayan-Pilipinas (to be confirmed)
DAMPA (to be confirmed)
Task Force Lara (to be confirmed)
Moderator: Mr. Martin Tanchuling, PhilNet-RDI
* For inquiries and confirmation, please contact Mary Ann or RC at 433-0899, 433-3387 or email at mbmanahan@focusweb.org
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Invitation to a forum on Burma's forced labor
Malugod po namin kayong inaanyayahang dumalo sa gaganaping Forum/Discussion: Ang Pwersahang Paggawa sa Burma…Laban ng Uring Manggagawa (Isang Takayan) hinggil sa lumalalang sitwasyon ng Pwersahang Paggawa (Forced Labor) sa bansang Burma na gaganapin sa darating na Mayo 07 Sabado 2:00pm sa Shoe Hall ikalawang palapag ng Marikina City Hall.
Ito ay dadaluhan ng iba’t-ibang asosasyon at unyon ng mga manggagawa di lamang sa Marikina kundi sa kalakhang Maynila. Nakatakdang magbigay ng kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng mga manggawa sa Burma si Naing Ko ko, myembro ng National Council of Union of Burma (NCUB) at Federation of Trade Union of Burma (FTUB).
Ang IID at FBC-Phils sa loob ng maraming taon ay kinukundena ang gobyernong militar ng Burma sa patuloy nitong pagbalewala sa karapatan ng sarili nitong mga manggagawa at mamamayan. Ang Burma ay nasa ilalim ng gobyernong junta sa loob na halos ng 43 taon at hanggang sa ngayon, ang paglapastangan sa karapatan ng mga mamayan sa malayang pamamahayag, pagsali sa mga pulitikal na asosayon, midya at karapatan ng mga manggagawa ay patuloy na hindi nabibigyang lunas. Laganap din ang pagsasamantala sa karapatan ng mga kababaihan at ang sinumang magpahayag ng mga lehitimong pagtutol sa patakaran ng gobyerno ay ikinukulong.
Ang patuloy na pagiging manhid ng gobyernong militar sa kabila ng kondemnasyon mula sa international community (ASEAN, UN, ILO) sa kalagayan ng sistema ng pwersahang paggawa sa Burma ay marapat lamang na bigyang pansin ng mga kapwa manggagawa saan mang dako ng daigdig.
Ibayong hirap at pandarahas sa mga construction sites, hindi makatarungang pasweldo at ang pagtatrabaho sa maghapon ng walang karampatang kompensasyon mula sa pamahalaan at sa mga kumpanyang nakikinabang sa diktadurya ng Burma ang ilan lamang sa dinaranas ng mga kapatid nating manggagawa sa nasabing bansa.
Naniniwala kami na ang manggagawang Pilipino ay naglalayon na isulong ang interes at mga karapatan niya bilang uri sa lipunan na nakararanas din ng pang-aabuso sa ibat ibang paraan na idinidikta ng umiiral na sistema sa lipunan. Ang ating maiaambag, gaano man kaliit, sa mga kapatid nating manggagawa sa Burma ay isang malaking tulong.
Lubos kaming umaasa sa inyong partisipasyon sa darating na forum na ito. Mabuhay ang Uring Manggagawa!
Ito ay dadaluhan ng iba’t-ibang asosasyon at unyon ng mga manggagawa di lamang sa Marikina kundi sa kalakhang Maynila. Nakatakdang magbigay ng kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng mga manggawa sa Burma si Naing Ko ko, myembro ng National Council of Union of Burma (NCUB) at Federation of Trade Union of Burma (FTUB).
Ang IID at FBC-Phils sa loob ng maraming taon ay kinukundena ang gobyernong militar ng Burma sa patuloy nitong pagbalewala sa karapatan ng sarili nitong mga manggagawa at mamamayan. Ang Burma ay nasa ilalim ng gobyernong junta sa loob na halos ng 43 taon at hanggang sa ngayon, ang paglapastangan sa karapatan ng mga mamayan sa malayang pamamahayag, pagsali sa mga pulitikal na asosayon, midya at karapatan ng mga manggagawa ay patuloy na hindi nabibigyang lunas. Laganap din ang pagsasamantala sa karapatan ng mga kababaihan at ang sinumang magpahayag ng mga lehitimong pagtutol sa patakaran ng gobyerno ay ikinukulong.
Ang patuloy na pagiging manhid ng gobyernong militar sa kabila ng kondemnasyon mula sa international community (ASEAN, UN, ILO) sa kalagayan ng sistema ng pwersahang paggawa sa Burma ay marapat lamang na bigyang pansin ng mga kapwa manggagawa saan mang dako ng daigdig.
Ibayong hirap at pandarahas sa mga construction sites, hindi makatarungang pasweldo at ang pagtatrabaho sa maghapon ng walang karampatang kompensasyon mula sa pamahalaan at sa mga kumpanyang nakikinabang sa diktadurya ng Burma ang ilan lamang sa dinaranas ng mga kapatid nating manggagawa sa nasabing bansa.
Naniniwala kami na ang manggagawang Pilipino ay naglalayon na isulong ang interes at mga karapatan niya bilang uri sa lipunan na nakararanas din ng pang-aabuso sa ibat ibang paraan na idinidikta ng umiiral na sistema sa lipunan. Ang ating maiaambag, gaano man kaliit, sa mga kapatid nating manggagawa sa Burma ay isang malaking tulong.
Lubos kaming umaasa sa inyong partisipasyon sa darating na forum na ito. Mabuhay ang Uring Manggagawa!
Friday, April 29, 2005
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Literature
If you missed reading it yesterday ( I did ), the Inquirer had Don Quixote de la Mancha for its editorial. Salman Rushdie on the trasformational power of literature.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Forum
"KATOTOHANAN SA GITNA NG HIDWAAN:
Searching for Justice and Peace in Sulu"
Spread the word!...
(A Forum/presentation of data & information gathered from the Sulu fact finding mission.)
@ Miriam College Audio-visual Room D
Thursday, April 28, 2:00-5:00
Organized by the MINDANAO PEACEWEAVERS
in coordination with the MINDANAO SOLIDARITY NETWORK,
Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Miriam, CPE COLab and Pax Christi-Miriam College
Searching for Justice and Peace in Sulu"
Spread the word!...
(A Forum/presentation of data & information gathered from the Sulu fact finding mission.)
@ Miriam College Audio-visual Room D
Thursday, April 28, 2:00-5:00
Organized by the MINDANAO PEACEWEAVERS
in coordination with the MINDANAO SOLIDARITY NETWORK,
Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Miriam, CPE COLab and Pax Christi-Miriam College
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
Jean Jacques Rousseau at the DENR
Yesterday, I happened to be at the DENR and the full force of the Philippine Left --the rejectionists and the reaffirmists-- was there pouring invectives on Secretary Defensor, who, by the way, never showed up. The crowds I saw were pretty big, needing extra policemen to direct the traffic. As with any fairly large crowd united for a common political purpose, there was this palpable energy in the air, the seeming possibilty --almost always unfounded-- that any moment, through the camaraderie of men, the world could be changed and justice would reign.
The concerns of the crowd were various: the logging in Quezon, the impact of mining to indigenous peoples, the incinerator in Cavite. What greatly affected me though was a speech by a man named Father Ed. He was lamenting the fact that before the Philippine republic was instituted, indigenous peoples were living in idyllic conditions in harmony with nature; the DENR, according to Father Ed, did nothing but to accelerate the degradation of the environment by its careless issuance of permits to destroy. The institution of political society saw the degradation of the environment; the present government is doing nothing but preside the destruction of the earth.
I cannot do justice to Father Ed's hortatory piece, but what deeply affected me was not so much his eloquence (albeit he was eloquent) but the flash of recognition that struck me while pondering his lament. His speech was Jean Jacques Rousseau in the flesh, straight from the pages of The Discourse on the Origin of Inequality ! And in front of Father Ed, hearing his laments on progress, were young people in loincloths holding political banners. I felt it was Jean Jacques Rousseau himself, risen from the dead, to haunt the sophistication of our society. My hands were clasped as if in prayer. It was all I could do, short of appearing deranged, to express my reverence upon meeting a great philosopher.
The concerns of the crowd were various: the logging in Quezon, the impact of mining to indigenous peoples, the incinerator in Cavite. What greatly affected me though was a speech by a man named Father Ed. He was lamenting the fact that before the Philippine republic was instituted, indigenous peoples were living in idyllic conditions in harmony with nature; the DENR, according to Father Ed, did nothing but to accelerate the degradation of the environment by its careless issuance of permits to destroy. The institution of political society saw the degradation of the environment; the present government is doing nothing but preside the destruction of the earth.
I cannot do justice to Father Ed's hortatory piece, but what deeply affected me was not so much his eloquence (albeit he was eloquent) but the flash of recognition that struck me while pondering his lament. His speech was Jean Jacques Rousseau in the flesh, straight from the pages of The Discourse on the Origin of Inequality ! And in front of Father Ed, hearing his laments on progress, were young people in loincloths holding political banners. I felt it was Jean Jacques Rousseau himself, risen from the dead, to haunt the sophistication of our society. My hands were clasped as if in prayer. It was all I could do, short of appearing deranged, to express my reverence upon meeting a great philosopher.
Notice of hiring lawyer
PBPF is looking for a staff lawyer to provide developmental legal assistance forMindanao communities in the field of environment and governance.Applicants must speak at least basic "Bisaya" and must be deeply motivated topartner with marginalized communities. The work will demand a lot of traveland training.
The position allows private practice for as long as this does notin any way go against the core values of the organization or conflict withexisting schedules.Experience in developmental legal assistance would be a plus factor but the mostimportant requirement is a desire to work with the poor and marginalized toadvance justice issues. In the case of a new lawyer taking this post, a month's internship with like-minded NGOs can be arranged if necessary.
Applicants may send letter of application with ID picture, three identifiedreference persons, attached curriculum vitae and photocopy of transcript toAlice P. Gabuya or Ana Maria G. Balayon.PROJECT OFFICERPBPF is looking for a project officer who will coordinate a Mindanao-wideproject to provide developmental legal assistance for communities in the filedof environment and governance.Applicants must speak at least basic "Bisaya", must be willing to travel, andmust possess a strong motivation to partner with marginalized communities.
Thework will entail arranging trainings and other activities that will meet theneeds of partners; orienting resource persons, conducting visits and filingregular reports.A six to eight week phase-in period will be provided.Applicants may send letter of application with ID picture, three identifiedreference persons, attached curriculum vitae and photocopy of transcript toAlice P. Gabuya or Ana Maria G. Balayon.
Paglilingkod Batas Pangkapatiran Foundation, Inc.493 Gen. Luna Extension, Mt. Apo Street,Davao City, 8000Telefax: (082) 226-2059; 305-6936E-mail: pbpfdvo@mozcom.com
The position allows private practice for as long as this does notin any way go against the core values of the organization or conflict withexisting schedules.Experience in developmental legal assistance would be a plus factor but the mostimportant requirement is a desire to work with the poor and marginalized toadvance justice issues. In the case of a new lawyer taking this post, a month's internship with like-minded NGOs can be arranged if necessary.
Applicants may send letter of application with ID picture, three identifiedreference persons, attached curriculum vitae and photocopy of transcript toAlice P. Gabuya or Ana Maria G. Balayon.PROJECT OFFICERPBPF is looking for a project officer who will coordinate a Mindanao-wideproject to provide developmental legal assistance for communities in the filedof environment and governance.Applicants must speak at least basic "Bisaya", must be willing to travel, andmust possess a strong motivation to partner with marginalized communities.
Thework will entail arranging trainings and other activities that will meet theneeds of partners; orienting resource persons, conducting visits and filingregular reports.A six to eight week phase-in period will be provided.Applicants may send letter of application with ID picture, three identifiedreference persons, attached curriculum vitae and photocopy of transcript toAlice P. Gabuya or Ana Maria G. Balayon.
Paglilingkod Batas Pangkapatiran Foundation, Inc.493 Gen. Luna Extension, Mt. Apo Street,Davao City, 8000Telefax: (082) 226-2059; 305-6936E-mail: pbpfdvo@mozcom.com
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
The next sovereign
It is said that just about the only advice Pope John Paul II gave on how to choose the pope to succeed him was this: pick the person who is "most suited to govern the universal church in a fruitful and beneficial way."
One thing working for the candidacy of Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany (who is said said to be the frontrunner) is the fact that, at 78, he is not exactly at the prime of his youth and, if elected pope, would probably serve for a single-digit number of years in contrast to Pope John Paul II's quarter-century reign as the Roman Pontiff. (Click here for an interactive presentation of just how a pope is elected.) In his sermon just before the cardinals convened into a conclave, Cardinal Ratzinger inveighed against moral relativism and issued a call for orthodoxy. He was probably alluding to the many affronts to Catholic orthodoxy that have been gaining momentum these past years --specifically the feverish campaign for same-sex marriages in the West, the call for female priesthood and the socialist temptation of the Catholic doctrine.
The question though is this: are the above issues really the most pressing and historically significant ? I think not. Contraception, for one, is one battle the Church has already lost. Among the laity, there is also no burning desire to see women ordained. Pope John Paull II may also have successfully buried liberation theology in the dust heap of Latin American history. And as for same-sex marriages, it must be recalled that in its early beginnings the Catholic Church battled prevalent homosexuality in the Roman world and it was so magnificently successful in its campaign that by the time the Enlightenment engulfed Europe, the Judeo-Christian tradition has irrevocably supplanted that which was inherited from the Greeks. The Church can do again what it successfully did in the past.
The moral and ethical issues that should preoccupy the clergy and the next papacy should be those of science. Arguably, the scientific discoveries of our time mirror that of the discoveries in the time of Galileo Galilei, who supported the Copernican system and was persecuted by the Church for it. (Pope John Paul has apologized for this moral failing.) What was cosmology then is biotechnology now. It would further the faith if the next pope has great rapport with the scientific community.
One thing working for the candidacy of Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany (who is said said to be the frontrunner) is the fact that, at 78, he is not exactly at the prime of his youth and, if elected pope, would probably serve for a single-digit number of years in contrast to Pope John Paul II's quarter-century reign as the Roman Pontiff. (Click here for an interactive presentation of just how a pope is elected.) In his sermon just before the cardinals convened into a conclave, Cardinal Ratzinger inveighed against moral relativism and issued a call for orthodoxy. He was probably alluding to the many affronts to Catholic orthodoxy that have been gaining momentum these past years --specifically the feverish campaign for same-sex marriages in the West, the call for female priesthood and the socialist temptation of the Catholic doctrine.
The question though is this: are the above issues really the most pressing and historically significant ? I think not. Contraception, for one, is one battle the Church has already lost. Among the laity, there is also no burning desire to see women ordained. Pope John Paull II may also have successfully buried liberation theology in the dust heap of Latin American history. And as for same-sex marriages, it must be recalled that in its early beginnings the Catholic Church battled prevalent homosexuality in the Roman world and it was so magnificently successful in its campaign that by the time the Enlightenment engulfed Europe, the Judeo-Christian tradition has irrevocably supplanted that which was inherited from the Greeks. The Church can do again what it successfully did in the past.
The moral and ethical issues that should preoccupy the clergy and the next papacy should be those of science. Arguably, the scientific discoveries of our time mirror that of the discoveries in the time of Galileo Galilei, who supported the Copernican system and was persecuted by the Church for it. (Pope John Paul has apologized for this moral failing.) What was cosmology then is biotechnology now. It would further the faith if the next pope has great rapport with the scientific community.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Web prowl
Download the 16 Best-ever Freeware Utilities for your computer. Open-access academic journals, catalogued according to subjects, are available in this one swell online directory. For those who want to understand the Asian Development Bank, Unpacking the ADB: A Guide to Understanding the Asian Development Bank has been recently released online. In case you don't know yet, the Philippine Center for Investigative journalism has started its own blog, the first institutional blog in the Philippines.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Madame Bovary
Have you read Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert? The InMediasRes reading group will be meeting to discuss the novel tomorrow, Saturday, 3 PM, at the Datelines Bookshop, Marikino Shoe Expo, Cubao. If your Saturday is free, please join us. Here are the discussion questions for tomorrow:
Have you read Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert? The InMediasRes reading group will be meeting to discuss the novel tomorrow, Saturday, 3 PM, at the Datelines Bookshop, Marikino Shoe Expo, Cubao. If your Saturday is free, please join us. Here are the discussion questions for tomorrow:
Is Madame Bovary a sentimental fool or simply a romantic idealist longing for a life less ordinary?
What is the cause of her great unhappiness?
How would a Marxist interpret Madame Bovary's predicament?
How do you react to the main characters in the book? Do you admire or detest any of them? Do you find any hateful, laughable or pitiable? Can you locate any heroes or villains, good or bad characters?
We are told at one point in the text that madame Bovary, virtually throughout her years of maturity, has been "waiting for something to happen". Yet much happens-she falls in love, she marries, she has a child, she falls in love again, then again, and this time has an adulterous affair, she nearly commits suicide, and so on. What does it mean to say that she is "waiting for something to happen."
Madame Bovary hoped that she would give birth to a son because she thought a son would at least be free and could fulfill vicariously all her dashed dreams. If Madame Bovary were a man, would it have really made a difference? What are the gender issues in the novel?
Near the end of the book, a character is briefly introduced- Larivière-who seems quite different from all the others and he is immediately withdrawn from the action. What was Flaubert's purpose in introducing him?
Does the novel have a moral?
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Online course on reporting commodities opens May 2
The Konrad Adenauer Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University (CFJ) is now accepting applications for a six-week online course on Reporting on Food and Agriculture to be held from 2 May - 11 June 2005.
The course aims to develop skills on writing about farm topics and will tackle a wide range of issues including environmental degradation, genetically modified seeds, trade policies and disaster reportage. Major global commodity exchanges and their influence on the decisions of Asian farmers will also be explored.
Rene Pastor, deputy editor of the commodities desk of Reuters in New York will teach this course. Pastor has covered assignments ranging from coups and earthquakes and has worked in Singapore and Manila before his assignment to the United States. He also covered the attacks on the World Trade Center and the destruction of the commodity exchange there.
Fellowships are available to qualified and deserving journalists who are full-time staff of a news media organization in Asia. Applications must be received by Monday, 25 April 2005. Application forms may be downloaded from http://cfj.ateneo.edu or requested by e-mail at newsroom@admu.edu.ph and submitted by fax at +632 926 3254.
The CFJ may also be contacted by phone at +632 926 3253 or +632 426 6001 (local 5215).
CFJ, a joint project of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the Ateneo, was founded in June 2000 to promote good journalism in Asia. It carries out its mandate by providing training opportunities primarily to working journalists in the region. Journalists from the Pacific Islands are also welcome to apply. CFJ training programs include the diploma programs in online and broadcast journalism, certificate courses and a degree program leading to the Master of Arts in Journalism.
The Konrad Adenauer Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University (CFJ) is now accepting applications for a six-week online course on Reporting on Food and Agriculture to be held from 2 May - 11 June 2005.
The course aims to develop skills on writing about farm topics and will tackle a wide range of issues including environmental degradation, genetically modified seeds, trade policies and disaster reportage. Major global commodity exchanges and their influence on the decisions of Asian farmers will also be explored.
Rene Pastor, deputy editor of the commodities desk of Reuters in New York will teach this course. Pastor has covered assignments ranging from coups and earthquakes and has worked in Singapore and Manila before his assignment to the United States. He also covered the attacks on the World Trade Center and the destruction of the commodity exchange there.
Fellowships are available to qualified and deserving journalists who are full-time staff of a news media organization in Asia. Applications must be received by Monday, 25 April 2005. Application forms may be downloaded from http://cfj.ateneo.edu or requested by e-mail at newsroom@admu.edu.ph and submitted by fax at +632 926 3254.
The CFJ may also be contacted by phone at +632 926 3253 or +632 426 6001 (local 5215).
CFJ, a joint project of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the Ateneo, was founded in June 2000 to promote good journalism in Asia. It carries out its mandate by providing training opportunities primarily to working journalists in the region. Journalists from the Pacific Islands are also welcome to apply. CFJ training programs include the diploma programs in online and broadcast journalism, certificate courses and a degree program leading to the Master of Arts in Journalism.
Job opening
Action for Economic Reforms, a research, policy analysis and advocacy organization working on macroeconomic and governance issues, is in search of Policy Staff.
AER is looking for somebody who possesses the following minimum qualifications:
- has a postgraduate degree or is finishing a postgraduate degree in economics or development economics;
- has the skills and techniques for research and political/economic analysis;
- has good writing skills in English and Filipino;
- has ability to fluently articulate ideas in English and Filipino; and
- has self-initiative and can direct programs and projects.
AER offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.
Those interested should please send resume with covering application letter to aer@aer.ph. Deadline for submission is on 15 April 15, 2005. For more information about Action for Economic Reforms, please visit www.aer.ph.
Action for Economic Reforms, a research, policy analysis and advocacy organization working on macroeconomic and governance issues, is in search of Policy Staff.
AER is looking for somebody who possesses the following minimum qualifications:
- has a postgraduate degree or is finishing a postgraduate degree in economics or development economics;
- has the skills and techniques for research and political/economic analysis;
- has good writing skills in English and Filipino;
- has ability to fluently articulate ideas in English and Filipino; and
- has self-initiative and can direct programs and projects.
AER offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.
Those interested should please send resume with covering application letter to aer@aer.ph. Deadline for submission is on 15 April 15, 2005. For more information about Action for Economic Reforms, please visit www.aer.ph.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Monday, April 04, 2005
ANTOLOHIYA HINGGIL SA KILUSANG PAGGAWA
Inaanyayahan ang lahat ng mga manggagawa at mga manunulat na magsumite ng kanilang mga maikling kuwento para sa isang antolohiya hinggil sa Kilusang Paggawa sa Pilipinas, sa partikular, ang pagpupursigi ng Kilusang Mayo Uno at iba pang konektado rito, hinggil sa mga isyu ng manggagawa at sa pakikipagsapalaran, pakikibaka, at tagumpay ng Kilusang Paggawa sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng isang kolektibong pagkilos.
Nais taluntunin ng antolohiyang ito ang kasaysayan ng kilusang paggawa sa Pilipinas (at ang koneksyon nito sa pandaigdigang kilusang paggawa), ang mga isyu ng manggagawa tulad ng kontraktwalisasyon, subkontraktwalisasyon, “rationalization” ng mga ahensiya’t institusyon ng pamahalaan, relasyon ng kapitalista at manggagawa, relasyon ng mga manggagawa, unfair labor practices, sexual harassment sa pagawaan, mga personal (at pulitikal) na testimonya, at ang pagbubudyong ng vanguard class ng isang kolektibong pagkilos upang makamit ang tunay na kalayaan at demokrasya. At marami pang iba.
Itataon ang publikasyong ito sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Paggawa sa Mayo 1, 2005. Kung kaya, inaasahan naming maipadadala ninyo ang inyong mga kontribusyong maikling kuwento tungkol sa at/o likha ng manggagawa sa Abril 13 (Miyerkules).
Ipadala sa mangiglap@yahoo.com. Kung may katanungan, magpadala ng email kina Joey Baquiran, Joi Barrios, Roland Tolentino o Mykel Andrada ng Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) ng UP Diliman o di kaya’y magtext sa 0915-4413324.
Inaanyayahan ang lahat ng mga manggagawa at mga manunulat na magsumite ng kanilang mga maikling kuwento para sa isang antolohiya hinggil sa Kilusang Paggawa sa Pilipinas, sa partikular, ang pagpupursigi ng Kilusang Mayo Uno at iba pang konektado rito, hinggil sa mga isyu ng manggagawa at sa pakikipagsapalaran, pakikibaka, at tagumpay ng Kilusang Paggawa sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng isang kolektibong pagkilos.
Nais taluntunin ng antolohiyang ito ang kasaysayan ng kilusang paggawa sa Pilipinas (at ang koneksyon nito sa pandaigdigang kilusang paggawa), ang mga isyu ng manggagawa tulad ng kontraktwalisasyon, subkontraktwalisasyon, “rationalization” ng mga ahensiya’t institusyon ng pamahalaan, relasyon ng kapitalista at manggagawa, relasyon ng mga manggagawa, unfair labor practices, sexual harassment sa pagawaan, mga personal (at pulitikal) na testimonya, at ang pagbubudyong ng vanguard class ng isang kolektibong pagkilos upang makamit ang tunay na kalayaan at demokrasya. At marami pang iba.
Itataon ang publikasyong ito sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Paggawa sa Mayo 1, 2005. Kung kaya, inaasahan naming maipadadala ninyo ang inyong mga kontribusyong maikling kuwento tungkol sa at/o likha ng manggagawa sa Abril 13 (Miyerkules).
Ipadala sa mangiglap@yahoo.com. Kung may katanungan, magpadala ng email kina Joey Baquiran, Joi Barrios, Roland Tolentino o Mykel Andrada ng Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) ng UP Diliman o di kaya’y magtext sa 0915-4413324.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary:
Deep down, all the while, she was waiting for something to happen. Like a sailor in distress, she kept casting desperate glances over the solitary waste of her life, seeking some white sail in the distant mists of the horizon. She had no idea by what wind it would reach her, toward what shore it would bear her, or what kind of craft it would be--tiny boat or towering vessel, laden with heartbreaks or filled to the gunwales with rapture. But every morning when she awoke she hoped that today would be the day; she listened for every sound, gave sudden starts, was surprised when nothing happened; and then, sadder with each succeeding sunset, she longed for tomorrow.
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