Safari Notes

For years, Americans were welcomed with open arms and looked at with awe, wherever they went; not any more. America's recent policies and doings, have turned many against Americans.Sadly, many non Americans do not realize that, at present - most Americans are not happy at all with their government. It is right to hate the present regime in Washington, but not all Americans. It is also interesting to note that: Donald Rumsfeld believes that by using the Internet more forcefully, the minds and feelings of non-Americans can be won. He is utterly wrong! America has to change how it relates to other countries; it has to respect others and accept international opinion and laws; it has to stop being a bully. Otherwise, America will only continue to have negative re-action from non-Americans. Before the collapse of the USSR, people looked at the US - as a protector and savior; and America was very much respected and welcomed world-wide; but, now - the US is looked at as an arrogant, imperi

I always find it very interesting to read, listen or watch the news; especially, about world events. I read much over the Internet; but it is watching news on the TV that I find most interesting, and at times - frustrating! One moment, I would be watching Aljazeera and the next - CNN , or the BBC or Euronews . Most times, they would have similar headlines and stories - but all presented differently. Some times, so much conflicting - that it is hard to know who to believe in; through the years, I find Aljazeera and Euronews more trustful. The BBC is most informative and has more depth, but at times, they are subjective too. CNN , used to be my most favorite, but gradually - I realized how they would twist and spin stories; in recent years, that has been more so. CNN uses terms like: the 'International community', 'regime' and 'government', 'democracy' and 'democratic', and 'terrorism' - with a twist. The 'International community&#

Before, they used to chain people and herd them off in to slavery; these days, there is no need for that - most of us accept slavery, voluntarily; economic slavery. Davos, doesn't help Africa much; much was discussed and said about Africa during the last meeting of the rich and powerful; and still - the suffering and pain in Africa continues and increases. Many don't like it being said - but, to date, many want to keep Africa in shackles; Africa is still a 'playground' for neocolonialists. Imperialism is still at work in Africa. Africa's vast wealth and resources are being used, not to improve things in Africa - but to enrich those out of it. Africa, is the only region in the world, that has become poorer in the last forty years; it has gone backwards. While its wealth, have been continuously plundered and looted. And the plunderers and looters, always try to confuse people and create confusion on what is happening in Africa. On one side, they have repeatedly poured

I am always very surprised and pained at how, up to now, both Senegal and Tanzania are rarely mentioned at how well they have done. And: they have done exceptionally well. And, yet the major world news media very rarely mention this. Both countries had the luck of having Great leaders with foresight and vision right from independence from colonial powers: Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Leopold Senghor of Senegal. All the positive results in these two countries now, are due, mainly to them. From the start, they were incorruptible leaders who ruled without letting nepotism and cronyism sway their judgment. Both had impeccable integrity and were very well informed about history, the arts and the world at large. Both laid solid foundations for having proper civil societies in their countries; and both willingly gave up power. They willingly gave up power before the collapse of the Soviet Union; which was considered impossible in Africa, then. Senghor, a Christian, gave up power in 1981 and

Ugandan poet, anthropologist, and social critic, who wrote in Luo and in English. P'Bitek was one of the most vigorous and original voices in East African 20th-century poetry. His satirical monologues dealt with the conflict between European and African cultures. In his most famous poem, The Song of Lawino (1966), p'Bitek introduced a style that became known as "comic singing." Stop despising people As if you were a little foolish man, Stop treating me like saltless ash Become barren of insults and stupidity; Who has ever uprooted the Pumpkin? (from 'My Husband's Tongue Is Bitter,' in The Song of Lawino) p'Bitek, Okot, 1931–82, Ugandan writer and anthropologist. Educated at the Univ. of Bristol, University College of Wales, and Oxford, p'Bitek is best known for three verse novels, Song of Lawino (1966), Song of Ocol (1970), and Two Songs (1971). In these works, he told poignant contemporary stories, using Acholi literary devices. In addition to his

Giraffes near the Kilimanjaro "Africa, is one of those places, that you either love or hate, there is no in-between. There is the equatorial sun and humidity of Kampala, the deserts of northern Kenya, the tribal flare ups and wars that take place without a moments notice, the corruption, lawlessness, the impending doom of disease such as malaria and AIDS, inadequate hospitals, horrible traffic that would drive anyone insane, poverty, slums, living conditions one cannot imagine and yet. Then there is Mother Africa, a continent filled with the most awesome beauty anywhere in the world. The majestic Rift Valley, endless Lake Victoria, the Nile River moving eternally to the sea, the terraced gardens on the mountain sides of Rwanda, the Maasai Mara in Kenya with all of its wildlife. The history of a people with ancient cultures and customs that are still being practiced in many areas. The endless horizon, a heaven that seems higher than here in North America, thunderstorms over Lake Vi

I have always found that, the most demanding, most absorbing and enjoyable beings to be with and deal with are, Children and animals. I have always been happiest and most peaceful with the two. I have three daughters from my first marriage and two sons from my present one. Through the years, my Children have gradually but surely become my closest friends and confidants. It has taken lots of patience and all the wisdom I have, to build this. Being a teacher, and having taught prior to marrying - helped a lot in my understanding Children. All Children are basically alike, no matter where they are from and from what background. All Children need lots of love, care and most of all - attention. Many people give their Children love and care, but many too, do not pay attention to them. Paying attention means a lot of things: I believe it is - listening to them more and telling them less, from morning till evening; sharing with them their kind of interests and not imposing on them your own; an