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Post by SoCrazyInLoveWithGUY on May 2, 2005 12:44:19 GMT 10
Excellent! Thanks for that, AG.
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Post by td on May 3, 2005 19:40:04 GMT 10
Sounds like it was a very productive meeting ag....wish we all could have all been there. Ummm....was there just a little 'Guy-talk'?
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Post by angelicguy on May 3, 2005 20:32:44 GMT 10
Sounds like it was a very productive meeting ag....wish we all could have all been there. Ummm....was there just a little 'Guy-talk'? It was a great meeting...and er...um...there was lots some Guy talk!;D .
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wot are u talkin bout
Guest
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Post by wot are u talkin bout on May 3, 2005 20:38:25 GMT 10
wot are u talking about there was a whole whole alot of lil of guy talk it was more project starfish chat then anything lol
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Post by ahahahahaha on May 4, 2005 6:11:38 GMT 10
wot are u talking about there was a whole whole alot of lil of guy talk it was more project starfish chat then anything lol LOL! Well, we were able to get thru the WHOLE agenda! Thanx to Meeting Chair AG! She was amazing and professional! And, THEN, yep, there was some talk of the GUY that we know as DA FRO! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Peace, Me
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Post by td on May 4, 2005 17:38:31 GMT 10
Well oi'm positively shocked
Guy talk.....imagine that!
Oi'm surprised that u lot weren't all babbling, drooling messes after DA FRO's name came up *hmmm...they didn't actually say they WEREN'T babbling, drooling messes hehehehehe*
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Post by bigbootygirl on May 6, 2005 13:56:49 GMT 10
Hi Everybody,
One of the things that I know from my work as a Congressional Aide is that very few "world issues and problems" are as black and white as they seem. One thing that I believe to be important is that we all familiarize ourselves with the political, cultural, and socio-economic situation in Sri Lanka...if we are to have an understanding of the forces at play. I encourage everyone involved in Project Starfish to take some time to read about the history of Sri Lanka as well as to research the current situation. Additionally, if anyone is interested, I will be taking a course in the near future so that I can learn the language. PM me if you have an interest in doing the same.
I am leaving here several articles for you to read. You will find it easy to research Sri Lanka on the internet. Also, I am building up a small library of books on the history of Sri Lanka for my personal use. Should you wish to borrow any of these books please let me know.
Thank you and, as always, may GOD bless each and every one of you!
Peace,
Reg [/center] Here is the first article:
S.Lanka president vows to push tsunami aid deal 04 May 2005 06:36:35 GMT Source: Reuters COLOMBO, May 4 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's president has vowed to push through a tsunami aid-sharing deal with Tamil Tiger fighters to rebuild coastal communities in rebel strongholds, even at the risk of losing her job, local media reported on Wednesday.
The deal, known as the joint mechanism, would share $2 billion in pledged aid with the Tamil Tiger rebels who control parts of the north and east of the island, including several regions devastated by the Dec. 26 Indian Ocean tsunami.
But the deal faces fierce resistance from within President Chandrika Kumaratunga's government.
Her Marxist junior coalition partner, the People's Liberation Front (JVP), has rejected the plan, saying it would cave in to rebel demands for interim self-rule.
Kumaratunga did not set a timeframe for the pact, which aid agencies and diplomats would like to see before a key donor review meeting this month.
"I am determined to make the maximum use of the opportunity as the leader of the country," the state-run Daily News quoted Kumaratunga as telling religious leaders late on Tuesday.
"In the process, the government may fall, several ministries might be lost and even I might lose the presidency. But those things are not of national interest unlike bringing lasting peace to the country," she was quoted as saying.
The JVP has 39 seats in parliament and the shaky coalition would collapse if the Marxist party withdraws support.
The government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were locked in two decades of conflict, in which more than 64,000 people were killed, until a 2002 ceasefire.
The Tigers insist they must have the aid mechanism in place before they will consider any wider talks aimed at a lasting solution to the conflict. The rebels remain wary of a government they accuse of denying them a fair share of aid.
Nearly 40,000 people were swept to their deaths in Sri Lanka and another 500,000 made homeless by the tsunami -- the country's worst natural disaster in memory.
Mounting opposition from anti-LTTE groups has sparked fears the aid pact may not come through. [/color]
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Post by bigbootygirl on May 6, 2005 14:01:44 GMT 10
Here are two additional articles:
Opposition mounts to S.Lanka-rebel tsunami aid deal 01 May 2005 07:15:33 GMT Source: Reuters By Y.P. Rajesh
COLOMBO, May 1 (Reuters) - Growing opposition to a much-delayed tsunami aid-sharing deal between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels has sparked fears that the pact may not come through before a key donor meeting this month.
The deal, called the joint mechanism, proposes to share $2 billion worth of pledged aid between the government and the rebels -- who control parts of the north and east of the island -- to rebuild areas ravaged by the Indian Ocean tsunami.
"I think there is a concern that if this criticism is increasing it will be more difficult to agree on the mechanism," a western diplomat told Reuters. "So in that sense, yes it is worrying and the process of finalising it should be speeded up."
The donor meeting is scheduled to be held in mid-May in the central hill city of Kandy.
The aid-sharing deal is seen as a likely precursor to forging lasting peace in the war-torn nation. But its opponents say it would lead to giving in to a rebel demand for interim self-rule in their strongholds.
Last week, activists supported by a Marxist ally of the coalition government put up posters in the capital Colombo opposing the mechanism while powerful Buddhist monks launched a signature campaign against it.
Protests by a Muslim ally of the government, also opposed to the deal, could spill over into the streets in the east of the island, a newspaper report said.
The posters put up by the Patriotic National Movement (PNM) show a man whose bleeding head has fallen over a packet of food on a table.
"Do we give murderous tiger terrorists, who murdered Mr. Thyagarajaha Kailanathan while he was having his meal, a joint mechanism?" the poster asks, referring to the government official shot dead by the rebels last year.
Marxist party chief Somawansa Amarasinghe says a responsible government should not have anything to do with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), let alone cooperate or have an agreement with them.
PRESIDENT SEEN STALLING
Nearly 40,000 people were swept to their deaths and another 500,000 made homeless by the Dec. 26 tsunami -- Sri Lanka's worst natural disaster in memory.
The government and the LTTE were locked in two decades of conflict, in which more than 64,000 people were killed, until a 2002 ceasefire.
The rebels, who fought for a separate homeland, remain wary of a government they accuse of denying them a fair share of aid.
They insist the mechanism must be in place before they will consider any wider talks, stalled for two years, for a lasting solution to the conflict.
Although President Chandrika Kumaratunga has repeatedly stressed the mechanism was the first step to end the war and urged the rabidly anti-LTTE Marxists to relent, analysts and the rebels say she is stalling for time.
The president is more focused on a referendum for a constitutional change to abolish the executive presidency and take over as prime minister as she cannot become president again after her second term ends next year, they say.
But aid agencies and foreign governments are keen that the mechanism is put in place before the donor meeting is due, the western diplomat said.
"The president is very clear about why she sees the mechanism as necessary. But we'll have to wait and see if she can counter the increasing criticism," the diplomat said.
S.Lanka tsunami aid in place, but land a problem 21 Apr 2005 04:07:00 GMT Source: Reuters By Chamintha Thilakarathna
Sri Lankan seamstress Vetharniyam's home was rebuilt after the tsunami.
Photo by ANURUDDHA LOKUHAPUARACHCHICOLOMBO, April 21 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka has secured most of the $1.8 billion worth of aid it reckons it needs to rebuild towns and villages razed along its tsunami-ravaged coastline -- what it needs now is land to build them on.
The government has imposed a coastal buffer of at least 100 metres (330 feet) along its southern, eastern and northern shores -- where around 40,000 perished in December's tsunami -- and land for reconstruction beyond it is proving hard to come by.
"There are land acquisition problems," said Suren Batagoda, head of the state Urban Development Authority's tsunami housing unit tasked with finding and acquiring land to build on.
Some families are refusing to sell land the state would like to acquire, and in some cases geography is getting in the way. The east, which was hardest hit by the tsunami, is peppered with vast lagoons.
"Our policy is to give land closest to the original location where (those displaced) lived. But options are limited," Batagoda added. "In some areas...we don't have land to build houses because of the sea and lagoons. When we pass the lagoons, it is too far inland."
The Urban Development Authority has secured land to build around half of the 60,000 permanent houses the government's tsunami reconstruction plan initially envisages.
But with 500,000 people displaced by Sri Lanka's worst natural disaster in memory, it is a race against time. Around 100,000 survivors are living in wooden shacks, tents or temporary shelters, with the balance living with family and friends.
HAVE A LITTLE FAITH
Standing beside her field tent near the ruined remains of her seaside home near the historic southern town of Galle, Noeline Welandaratne and thousands of tsunami survivors like her have nowhere else to go and are hostage to the government's progress.
"My home is destroyed, finished," the 49-year-old said. "They have a big plan and have to build many houses, so we will have to wait. We have to believe they will, no?"
Donors say some plots the government has identified in the south are so far inland that fishermen would be cut off from the sea, and hoteliers are defying the buffer zone and rebuidling next to the beach as fast as they can.
Sri Lanka's biggest donor, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which has raised $400 million for Sri Lanka, has so far secured land for 9,000 of the 15,000 houses it has pledged.
"The Muslim areas (in the east) are very crowded...so it's very difficult to find land to build houses," said Marcal Izard, spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Sri Lanka.
"We're still in the phase of finding suitable land plots," he added, though officials said it was important that the government and donors take time to properly plan future settlements and ensure that title deeds and land ownership are clear.
In Tamil Tiger-controlled areas in the north and the east of the island, the rebels and the government -- who have still to reach a deal on sharing tsunami aid -- have yet to agree on where to rebuild hundreds of homes.
Some donors who asked not to be identified said they were set to start construction projects, but were still waiting for the government to give the final go-ahead.
Rather than centralising aid, the Sri Lankan government is effectively outsourcing the bulk of its reconstruction projects to relief agencies, leaving the lion's share of the $1.5 billion worth of firmly committed aid in donor hands. [/color]
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Post by bigbootygirl on May 8, 2005 6:39:48 GMT 10
HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE,
Last night on the ABC show "Get Up! Stand Up!" Harry Belafonte told of a conversation that he had with Paul Robeson (Mr. Robeson was an pre-eminent Singer, Actor, and Political Activist in African-American history. A very blessed and strong man.). During the conversation, Mr. Robeson stated, “The one thing that I know now is that we are all responsible for our own generation.”.
WE ARE RESPONSIBLE. It is why Project Starfish is such an important undertaking. “Hand in hand, heart to heart, soul to soul” (words by Leebella).
I leave these lyrics for you all in honor of the struggle, in honor of the children and in honor of OUR RESPONSIBILITY.
LEST WE NEVER FORGET. LEST WE NEVER WAVER. LEST WE NEVER STOP LOVING THE CHILDREN.
Many, many blessings to you all.
Peace,
Reg STAND, by Sly Stone
Stand In the end you'll still be you One that's done all the things you set out to do Stand There's a cross for you to bear Things to go through if you're going anywhere Stand For the things you know are right It s the truth that the truth makes them so uptight Stand All the things you want are real You have you to complete and there is no deal Stand. stand, stand Stand. stand, stand Stand You've been sitting much too long There's a permanent crease in your right and wrong Stand There's a midget standing tall And the giant beside him about to fall Stand. stand, stand Stand. stand, stand Stand They will try to make you crawl And they know what you're saying makes sense and all Stand Don't you know that you are free Well at least in your mind if you want to be
Everybody Stand, stand, stand
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WHAT’S GOING ON, by Marvin Gaye
Mother, mother There's too many of you crying Oh, brother, brother, brother There's far too many of you dying That's Right
You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today
Oh my father, father We don't need to escalate You see war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today Barricades, can't block our way. Don't punish me with brutality Talk to me So you can see
Oh what's going on What's going on
What's going on in a world filled with pain Where's the love for which we pray What's going on When our children can't play Homeless can't eat There's got to be a better way What's going on When we politically blind Can't see the signs of endangered times What's going on
Ah tell me What's going on in the world today I'd rather be dead Than turn my head away We gotta first world vision too comfy to lift our Hands in the air and cry for a switch
Father, father Everybody thinks we're wrong Oh, but who are they to judge us Together we can all be strong United we stand, United we fall
Oh you know we've got to find a way To bring some understanding here today Barricades can't block our way Don't punish me with brutality
Baby talk to me So you can see
Yeah, what's going on Hey, what's going on Somebody tell me what's going on I'll tell you what's goin' on -uh
What's going on 'cross seas Every minute a child dies by this disease In record numbers indeed Got momma's crying out please My baby hold on My child ain't done nothing wrong Still I want to hollar Ask them why they don't bother Oh no, oh no Make me turn to my father And ask him why they all got a trapped soul
Somebody tell me what's going on We got human beings using humans for bombs But everyone wanna live Don't nobody really want to die You feeling me right I can't be watching people die And watching people cry Let me break it down for a minute If there's enough room here for you and me There's plenty of room for some humanity
Somebody tell me what's going on
*******************************************
PEOPLE GET READY by Curtis Mayfield
People get ready There's a train a commin' U don't need no baggage U just get on board All U need is faith To hear the diesels hummin' U don't need no ticket U just thank the lord
So people get ready There'a a train to jordan Picking up passengers Coast to coast Faith is the key Open the doors and board them There's hope for all Among those loved the most
There ain't no room For the hopeless sinner Whom would hurt all mankind Just to save his own Have pitty on those whose Chances grow thinner For there is no hiding place Against the kingdom's throne
People get ready There's a train a commin' U don't need no baggage U just get on board All U need is faith To hear the diesels hummin' U don't need no ticket U just thank the lord
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Post by SoCrazyInLoveWithGUY on May 9, 2005 12:29:48 GMT 10
I saw that amazing show on Staturday night. Thanks for posting the lyrics, Reggie. I love all three of those songs!
In the light of recent discussions about rights I feel it's appropriate to post the lyics of "Get Up, Stand Up" too...
Get Up Stand Up Bob Marley
Get up, stand up! Stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up! Stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up! Stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up! Don’t give up the fight!
Preacherman, don’t tell me Heaven is under the earth I know you don’t know What life is really worth It’s not all that glitters is gold Half the story has never been told So now you see the light Stand up for your rights
Come on! Get up, stand up! Stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up! Don’t give up the fight! Get up, stand up! Stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up! Don’t give up the fight!
Most people think Great God will come from the skies Take away everything And make everybody feel high But if you know what life is worth You will look for yours on earth And now you see the light You stand up for your rights
Get up, stand up! Stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up! Don’t give up the fight! (your life is your right!) Get up, stand up! Stand up for your rights! (Lord, Lord!) Get up, stand up! (keep on struggling on!) Don’t give up the fight!
We sick and tired of-a your ism-skism game Dying and going to heaven in Jesus’ name We know when we understand Almighty God is a living man You can fool some people sometimes But you can’t fool all the people all the time So now we see the light (what you gonna do? ) We gonna stand up for our rights! (yeah, yeah, yeah!)
So you better Get up, stand up! (in the morning! git it up!) Stand up for your rights! (stand up for our rights!) Get up, stand up! Don’t give up the fight! (don’t give it up, don’t give it up!) Get up, stand up! (get up, stand up!) Stand up for your rights! (get up, stand up!) Get up, stand up! Don’t give up the fight!
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Post by UNKNOWN VISITOR on May 18, 2005 20:09:23 GMT 10
REGGIE, IS IT? I THINK ITS A GREAT THING THIS'PROJECT STARFISH'...BUT IS IT A LITTLE DECEVING, IT KIND OF LOOKS LIKE GUY IS IN SUPPORT OF THIS CHARITY, IS HE?
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Post by huh on May 18, 2005 21:46:07 GMT 10
You should read the subject line clearly - GUY FANS IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT STARFISH There are at least 4-5 Guy fan clubs joining the project, what so deceiving about that? I know Guy would be so proud of his fans if he knew about this project. Anyway, I think Guy knew about this project.....
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Post by to unknown visitor on May 19, 2005 5:32:46 GMT 10
REGGIE, IS IT? I THINK ITS A GREAT THING THIS'PROJECT STARFISH'...BUT IS IT A LITTLE DECEVING, IT KIND OF LOOKS LIKE GUY IS IN SUPPORT OF THIS CHARITY, IS HE? Greetings, The answer to your question is that, no Guy has not officially endorsed Project Starfish. I believe that is what you are asking. Please correct me if I am wrong. He is aware of Project Starfish (when we began it was actually announced and introduced at one of his concerts in Melbourne.). Additionally, The Project is a partnership organization of his FAN BASE. Thus the "GUY FANS IN SUPPORT OF....." I am not sure why you find this to be deceiving. You will find that there is NOTHING that states that GUY SEBASTIAN has officially endorsed this project....just the five FAN organizations. However, I am interested in your feedback as I would not like for anyone to feel that we are trying to be deceptive. This is not the case. Please, if you have any ideas as to how this can be stated in a clearer and more concise manner....I would be interested in your views. Thank you. Peace, Reg
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Post by to unknown visitor on May 19, 2005 5:35:22 GMT 10
Hello (again),
Also, would you like for me to send you an information package on the Project? Also, we need more help (always). If, after, looking at the information you would like to assist in anyway, please let me know.
Thanx again.
Peace,
Reg
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Post by unknown visitor on May 22, 2005 11:47:13 GMT 10
hi reggie,
thank you for answering my question, i do apolygise if i have upset u or any other guy fans with question i aksed, i was not my intention i assure u. i do beleive it to be a great deed of faith in action, when we are so far away and can not physically be there to help these children. I am i sponsor parent via compassion, i do understand the needs of children, not jsut physical but a spiritual need, which can only be found in Jesus Christ. i guess as i stumbled across the web sight the first thng that caught my attention was guy sebastian fanatics, i gues if one does not read it all properly there is room for misunderstanding. As much as i would love to be of assisant in the project, my Lord has me serving the needs of the people around, which i love, so at this stage i'll have to delcline, but i do wish you all the best in your efforts.
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