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by BRAD BALFOUR

NEW YORK, NY, USA - As the remains of the Columbia astronauts were flown in flag-draped boxes to be further identified, former astronaut Charles Bolden speculated on a morning talk show about the causes of its destruction. The first woman astronaut, Sally Ride, did the same on "Good Morning America".

A day or so earlier former shuttle pilot Eugene Cernan talked with GMA's Charlie Gibson on the need for the space program to continue. Even actor Matthew McConaughey rang in with his thoughts on the Today show, "When I was in[the film] 'Contact', I got to speak with [astrophysicist] Carl Sagan; I learned from him that we have to take risks."...MORE




by JAMIE MENUTIS

NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA - With the threat that Saddam Hussein poses to the world being trumped up every day by the American Administration, the inevitability of war seems a foregone conclusion. Does he or doesn't he have nuclear weapons? Well, my guess is no. If Iraq does indeed possess battle-ready nuclear weapons; there isn't a chance in hell that the United States would be running over there to fight a war.

Clearly the United States favors a leadership change in Iraq and has its reasons both geopolitical and otherwise. The United States sees itself as clearly able to win this war given the weapons that it is certain that Iraq presently possesses. The United States is under the impression that in a war with Iraq, American victory is attainable. And despite a few bullying words from the opponent, the perception that the US and its allies will prevail in such a war militarily is a given. Standing in the United States' favor is military might, resources, and government stability. Iraq seems outdone in each of these categories - it is holding onto power with an army who under fire could change allegiance quickly and its resources (apart from oil-and this is a big one) are dwindling.

Not being considered within this victory scenario is the escalation of guerilla tactics that will surely be implemented in response throughout the world and the debilitating and demoralizing effects such attacks will have upon the United States and other countries both economically and psychologically... MORE




by GAYNOR PAYNTER

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Hello from a somewhat despondent South African - it is the day after we have lost the opening match of the Cricket World Cup, to the West Indies, well known for their calypso style cricket. It was one of those nail biting, close matches which are not very good for the heart. The result came down to the last ball, and we lost by four runs, which is just one boundary (roughly equivalent to a baseball home run). It was a match well fought and a great evening's entertainment to say the least! We look forward to many more matches of the same calibre.

An incident that occurred a long time ago, in my childhood, popped into my head as I was driving home today. (I find that most of my remembering is done whilst as I am driving as I just don't have time to do it at any other time!) The memory took place at around the time that I was about nine or ten years old... MORE

by STUART ALTMAN

NEW YORK, NY, USA - Recently I set up another screename on my AOL account just so I can search the Web without being disturbed. It is different that my regular email address, which I use for communicating with my friends and family.

After getting this new email address I'm starting to wonder, who my real friends are. The reason is because I have only used this new screename a few times and already I've received hundreds of emails from extremely nice people I don't even know. Most of these kind and generous people send me emails to help me make more money or make my penis bigger. This is different than my old friends who borrow my money and think I'm an asshole....MORE

QUEENSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - The reaction of most South Africans to the photograph of myself wearing an American baseball cap with a (US) flag gives me an approximate idea of the changed attitude towards the US.

Sep 11, that fated day when American glory blushed, was a tragic revelation and changed many things in ways most of us never thought probable. I find myself, now, having to justify myself for wearing the cap. Curious enough most people who ask choose to ignore the skipper (t-shirt) of human rainbow I'm also wearing on the picture. Granted things like the agitprop Colonel Powell delivered to the UN Security Council does not help my case much.

I remember the time, not so long ago, when people assumed you were for liberal freedom, civil society, human dignity and the rest of those elusive concepts that are rapidly becoming nostalgia under G.W Bush administration. Then they were associated with the American Dream. To most of us America stood for what is possible when men are put on a level-playing field; ingenuity, enterprise, versatility, tolerance and the freedom to invent oneself under God's sky. All that made the US the capital of commercial civilization and manufacturing glory. For me that photograph is a symbol of my solidarity with that America. Now the US comes across more as a nervous giant of coercive strength, from where I'm standing.... MORE




by BOB POWERS

MARIETTA, OH, USA - This gray bearded columnist reviews mostly jazz in all flavors. But when good music of any genre crosses my front door, I always give it a listen and ­ when appropriate ­ will write a review.

Burrito Deluxe's new CD, "Georgia Peach"(Lamon Records) conducts an overdue salute to the 60s country rock band, the Flying Burrito Brothers. Gram Parsons was one of the founders who received lots of ink for his "bittersweet hipness" in the liner notes. But Sneaky Pete Kleinov, steel guitarist supreme, never got his proper due. "Georgia Peach" tries to make amends. The effort works well, as Kleinov never sounded better. Three compositions of Gram Parsons receive a proper salute in this joyous return to those special times when we all were a helluva lot younger... MORE





by ROD AMIS

NEW ORLEANS - 10 February, 2003: I have two words for you this week, my love: Camp Bondsteel.

You've probably not heard about Camp Bondsteel but, if you follow the link I've given you, you'll see that it is an American city in the heart of the former Yugoslavia. Strange how the Mouthpiece Media here in the United States have omitted telling you much about Camp Bondsteel, don't you think?

Even its name is deceptive. When most people think "camp" they think of something small and impermanent. But Camp Bondsteel is a city that isn't going away any time soon.

The word "occupation" comes to my mind and into that of most Serbs I know. ... MORE

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