Reset

With traning and nutrition being top priorities of athletes for the London Olympic Games, the first games in London since 1948 provide an interesting challenge for the athletes from the various competing countries.

The run-up events have not provided that glitz and glamour tuning up that has previously been felt in the series of sports.  Injuries have plagued a number of athletes and baton dropping in some relays have changed the fate of national pride.  The top four fastest 100m men's runners are from a world-renowned island in the Caribbean (3) while there is one from the United States. The women have improved their times although there have been some changes among the top women from 2004 to 2012.  Other events have gained persons of greater notiriety including swimming and diving with the United States and Britain represented by Ryan Lochte and Tom Daley respectively.

The sport of tennis will be played at the home of the Championships Wimbledon.  There the best in the world should be looking to improve the status of the sport in the Olympics with golf set to be introduced in 2016 as an Olympic sport in Rio de Janiero Brazil.  

The reset button is represented by a still strong media and banking influence present in the United Kingdom. Many of the best scripted shows have been translated for use in other cultures, the exact quality is for others to ascertain.  However, the athletes who are representing their countries must have a sense of decorum befitting the situation as their abilities could be further tested under adverse weather conditions.  The quest for that elusive gold medal does not compare to competing for one's country, an tiring but necessary good performed by some athletes whose natural talents lend to the sport.  The representing is a good thing that stand the test of time and hopefully will be relevant in the very least to the families who have participated.

Much work was done to ensure that the facilities to ensure usability and unlike the Commonwealth Games in India that was poorly attended because the stadium was only built last minute.  The coinciding of many post-colonial country celebrations (as mentioned in previous posts) should only serve to provide a contrast that could make an interesting games.  The book, 'The Power and the Glory' was recently released and hopefully if one display in London should make an interesting read for prospective patrons.  Idyllically, there will be a reset after the games end on August 12, representing a sort of post-colonialism that will have a weird feeling as a senior games or World Cup in Europe is unlikely for some time.  Maybe Madrid 2020 but that is anyone's guess.  The reset approaches.

Movie Stars: Where are you?

This year has seen the passage of a number of stars that have chartered the landscape of cinema.  Ernest Borgnine, that charismatic actor who was awarded in the 1950's.  The multi-lingual speaker, English, Italian and German starred in the film Marty, a film largely based on a man's portrayal of self-image and relationships (as far as I have seen so far).  Andy Griffith also passed and he starred in a number of influential positions including as the Georgia barred lawyer Matlock as well as the famous Andy Griffith Show.  Donna Summer's repretoire was brought to life with songs like the Last Dance and Hot Stuff.  Robin Hugh Gibb of the Bee Gees also passed away contributing to songs like "Lonely Days", "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" "Boy's Do Fall In Love", and "Secret Agent".

The movie "Sparkle" is set to come this summer starring Whitney Houston, another cinematic wunderkind who featured in the Bodyguard, the Preacher's Wife, Cinderella among other movies.  The controversial death caused massive undertones of evangelical outcry...largely because of her church roots.

The loss of these stars that helped to centralize generations.  That centralization helped to bring together generations interested in the cinematic process that ensues.    The likeability and originality of the characters must be something to note.  Having had a writer's strike over greater remuneration for projects (especially those that are successful), there has been a steady generation of material some of which has done well at the box office.

Link 1 Link 2

Space

An interesting report came out speaking about Nigeria and Ghana entering the space race. Although late, these countries whose population exceeds that of over 250 million, must seek to implement tools to ensure their own protection in years to come.  These countries have implemented educational programs targeted at making their populations the best of the best when it comes to science and technology and have faculty that are pioneers in their fields.

The launching of satellites into space represents the ability to increase the defence mechanisms of both countries and increases their capability to understand their terrain, roads and infrastructure from above.  Particularly, it aid in the defence mechanisms relating to adverse meteorological conditions.   After establishing a new satellite in 2003, NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X were released in August 2011 and a 15-yr hybrid geostationary satellite called NigComSat-1R that serves as ideal tool for television and internet services within the region was released in December 2011.

For the purpose of engagement in space exploration with students and young professionals, and Ghana Space Science and Technology Centre (GSSTC) was established in May 2012 and combines with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).

The initiatives presented show that there must be real applicabilities to development and protection in two countries so important to the socio-economic backbone of West Africa. Additionally, because Kenya in particular has increased it's use of mobile technology, there needs to be a proactive effort to engage people in the diaspora with technology management with respect to youth and how jobs are provided.

The greatest effort to quell an unemployment rate of 16.5% between 16 and 24 year olds, particularly about 30.2% for African American youth, is unfounded given initiative like the above to establish a space program. A 2.7 million dollar joblessness gap is staggering and continued efforts in the United States through the job corps like Peace and AmeriCorps have enabled students to place particular emphasis on personal development locally and internationally.  Given that fellow collegemates have done this level of volunteer work and have survived, non-aweing initiatives like these should be promoted for personal development.

                                                                 Link1  Link 2 Link 3

Transition

The Anglophonic Youth have reached the stage where a generation has been marked by the arrival to the age of 30 by Prince William of Windsor. The recent healthcare bill has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court in a landmark 5-4 decision as reported on NBC breaking news with respect to issues dealing with the tax penalty.

The summer is now in full swing.  The Championships at Wimbledon are on and going somewhat predictably except for the first round loss by Venus Williams. The Strawberries and Cream are out in full force yet no Bud Collins due to health reasons.

The month of June 2012 marks an important transition in the lives of the generation starting with the 1980's and the rest of the year including the London Olympics, the events in the Europe and the United States will set the tone for the rest of the years.

Tiger Woods has improved to 2nd on the all time list of golfers who have won a title to 74 passing the 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus and trying to approach Sam Sneed's record of 82 titles.

While major sporting events dictate the proceedings other events that are meant to spark pride are occurring because this year is a marker for a number of events, ranging from the event known as the leap second to the independence movement in the former British West Indies in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, marking their 50th anniversary with the other islands in the Eastern Caribbean yet to celebrate.  With Jubilee celebrations drawing to a close, there are many socially sensitive events that are occurring from June to November and as the opening up of business in the former British territory of Burma and the election of the Pro-Democracy leader to the position of Opposition leader having recently visited the United Kingdom including her alma-mater on an official visit.

With new freedoms come new responsibilities.  Get Smart.