tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77414975123235870932024-02-20T17:06:50.893-08:00A WORLD ON THE MOVETRAVEL AND TOURISM
From a Nation Building PerspectiveANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-40188385781249004422013-03-05T07:12:00.002-08:002013-03-05T07:14:35.444-08:00CHANGE IN BLOG LOCATION<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please go to</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>http://anitamendiratta.com/blog/</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">to see ANITA MENDIRATTA's latest blog entries.</span><br />
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<br />ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-25615788911613180182013-02-17T11:37:00.001-08:002013-02-17T12:18:30.664-08:00CRY, ONCE MORE, THE BELOVED COUNTRY<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">It was supposed to be a day of love
and heart-smiles, not a day of loss and heartache.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">It was to be a day to pass by in a
blur of warm gestures and words, simple acts of loving kindness. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Yet for tens of millions of South
Africans across the southern tip of Africa, and across the globe, Valentine's
Day 2013 will forever be marked as a day when shock united one and all. Hearts
were broken as a hero fell, taking with him the pride of a nation, removing the
brilliant golden glow from the rainbow.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The tragic events of the morning of
February 14th put South Africa's gold-medal Olympian in the global spotlight
once more, just months since medal-winning Olympic glory gripped the nation,
yet this time leaving a nation feeling deeply bruised. Millions today are feeling
a sense of personal ache, a sense of mourning, a deep loss. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Suddenly, heroic efforts are having
to be made by millions to find light in the darkness of possibility, faith in
the face of fear of “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">could it be true?”,</i>
and in the case of one lovely South African voice tasked with speaking to the
international news world, finding poise, perspective and professionalism in the
presence of so deeply felt sadness.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The loss? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The loss is not just for a
beautiful woman now departed too soon, or a national hero and role model facing
devastating questions that could leave him facing a lifetime behind bars.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> Tears are falling across a nation
for these two losses, but also for millions more. The ’bladerunner’ has fallen, his
blades cutting through the cloth of the nation’s flag, his fans and followers once
proudly cheering his name and wearing their national colours united in a state
of disbelief, now patiently yet painfully waiting to hear the fate of their
patriot. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">And deep down, they know. Their beautiful
flag, the image of the country that so many have worked so hard, for so long,
to stand and fly proud for all the world to see, now falls in hurt. At this
moment, instead of striking a confident pose, the stance of South Africa has
changed. Whether true or not, there is a feeling that the world once again
stands in judgment of the nation, each and every one of its people, because of
the acts of one person. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The disappointment goes beyond the
one. It is the millions of consequences of that one moment in time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">As was the case when the life of a
young woman was ultimately taken from her after she boarded a bus in Delhi, leaving Indians feeling
shame and outrage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">As was the case when twenty tiny,
young lives were taken by the gun-charged hands of a young man in Sandy Hook,
leaving Americans horrified and demanding of new debate re. rights.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">As was the case when a group of
Spanish tourists had their holiday turned to horror in a beautiful Acapulco </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">beach house, leaving Mexicans once again exasperated as labels of violence once
again crept into coverage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">As was the case when a kidnapping
of a tourist in the Sinai, leaving hopeful onlookers of the Arab Spring
questioning if the nation can indeed move on. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">As was the case when the Swiss bank
account details were revealed for Grecian politicians, leaving the people of Greece trying
to regain national solvency and dignity feeling bewildered and betrayed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">As occurs across the world,
especially in (re)emerging nations trying to rebuild their strength of national </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">identity, image, reputation, and so importantly, strength of spirit.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">In our
world on the move, through all of the often super-human efforts to break from
the pack and move ahead of not just competition, but expectations and
stereotypes, it is so easy to forget how much it takes, at so many levels, to
remain hopeful, faithful, optimistic, idealistic. Especially when one person,
one action, can break millions of hearts.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Yet,
as much as in these times it can feel as though God too is crying, stuck in the
‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how could this happen’</i>, it is the
few, the few remarkably and fiercely determined, who find the strength to
stand up and say through their words and/or actions, ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this is <u>not</u> who we are’</i>, that inspire a tomorrow that offers
not only a Band-Aid, but a hope, to help us get past today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The
tears must fall, the ache must be felt, if we are to move forward with a
burning determination to be more than simply this.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">- This
month’s article is dedicated with immense respect to Robyn, Miller and Jerry. x</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2013 </span> </span></div>
ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-91370963664238848062013-01-29T12:35:00.001-08:002013-01-29T12:36:26.511-08:00FIRST IMPRESSIONS<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">As the last days of the first month of a new year draw near -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">WEF delegates now back home facing post-Davos diets, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">economic systems re-engineered in 2012 now starting to turn their wheels,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">revolutionary aircraft launched to great fanfare now facing groundings that have even competitors respectfully silenced,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">legal
systems and voiceless citizens now standing up to fight for the
protection of those put in harms way by simply being present,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">nations of the Arab Spring now facing lightning storms beyond expectation, comprehension and faith in how, oh how, there can be peaceful conclusion,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">- first impressions of the year ahead can easily leave one feeling deeply uncertain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dreadfully unsure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yet, not alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">For the challenges that are to be faced in 2013, once again, show how borderless our world has become.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">One cry out for help now draws the attention of millions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">One world now ties together 7 billion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">2012 was a year of re-building, and re-activating, global economies - global minds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">2013, from what first impressions reveal, will be a year of re-aligning, and re-inspiring, global hearts. Our ability to connect across borders, across systems, and across ideologies, will require a digging deep beyond anything
experienced before. Calculations will no longer be about what we can
gain - it will be about what we have to lose. And that goes so much farther than commerce, cliffs, commoddities, credit lines and currencies.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The test is clear. The time is now.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2013 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-72211702076557395512012-12-24T00:22:00.000-08:002012-12-24T00:23:04.636-08:00A YEAR PAST<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A year of love,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">a year of loss.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A year of unions,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">a year of partings.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A year of commitments,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">a year of convictions. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A year of giving,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">a year of blessing.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A year of discovery,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">a year of seeding future curiosity.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A year of milestones,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">a year of miracles.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most of all, a year never to be forgotten, for all of those moments, memories, people and places, that have embedded themselves into our hearts, into our identities.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As our world moves forward, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">may the steps that we take leave only footprints that truly being us closer together.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">God bless.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy 2013.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-20542115732243737252012-11-07T10:37:00.004-08:002012-11-11T12:57:33.066-08:00GLOBAL VOTE OF CONFIDENCE<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">November 07th, 2012. Depending on their locations, their times zones, and their levels of excitement, millions of people across the world chose to forfeit sleep the night before to be able to stay awake into the early hours of th<span style="font-size: small;">is</span> new day, whist ot<span style="font-size: small;">hers</span> were wak<span style="font-size: small;">ing</span> up early as the new<span style="font-size: small;"> dawn</span> broke. A new day, and a new time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why the lack of sleep? What could possibly draw such global attention?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As the 07th of November tick-tocked into its first minutes and hours across the eastern regions of the world map, polls were closing and ballots were being counted across the map of the USA. It was the morning after the US Presidential Election Day of 2012.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who would it be? Who would be the leader of people of the US for the next four years? Who, therefore,<span style="font-size: small;"> would be the</span> greatest individual sour<span style="font-size: small;">ce of </span>influence o<span style="font-size: small;">n</span> the rest of the world? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who would it be o<span style="font-size: small;">ccupying the White House</span>?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And what would be th<span style="font-size: small;">e global implications in home<span style="font-size: small;">s across the<span style="font-size: small;"> globe</span></span>?</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Throughout the presidential race, the world has watched, and watched<span style="font-size: small;">, and watched,</span> with unprecedented interest. Positions were learnt, personalities were analyse<span style="font-size: small;">d. </span>Why? Why all of the perso<span style="font-size: small;">nal investment in leadersh<span style="font-size: small;">ip <span style="font-size: small;">choices when the leader was not to be one's o<span style="font-size: small;">wn? </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One simple reason: borders and ballot boxes no<span style="font-size: small;"> longer separate people<span style="font-size: small;">. While an event of north American geography, the </span></span>far reaching implications of this one nation's political leadership race was clear. If the choice was red, a new path would be taken - dramatic policy positions would shift, relationships with global leaders be altered, and international markets would recalibrate. If the choice was blue, the four years ahead would be continued careful journey on a path of known direction, with the destination a continued source of hope and faith<span style="font-size: small;"> - f<span style="font-size: small;">or Americans and the rest of the world.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Aside from the remarkable, often shameful levels of attacking campaign commentary and rhetoric, and of course funds, what has been astounding to see has been the levels of global interest in how America casts its vote - global interest wide and deep enough that the watching world spent the day hiding yawns from sleep deficit. From well known world leaders to unknown nations from regions beyond America's borders, the final count brought a cheer of victory as though these foreign hands had themselves ticked the box for their preferred candidate. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">America has cast its vote, the people of the USA have chosen, the Empire State Building is illuminated in <span style="font-size: small;">blue, global headlines are expressing excited announcement of President Obama's four more years,</span> and the
people of the world are now ready to walk with America into the next stage of shaping a collective, interdependent future.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With a sense of relief in the minds and hearts of millions across the world, it is safe to, for the moment, shut their eyes and get some sleep. Hope endures.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012 </span></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-59958331845138702252012-10-19T01:11:00.003-07:002012-10-19T01:18:11.568-07:00A PEACE PRIZE FOR WHAT WE SO OFTEN ASSUME<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As occurs every year, on the mid-October day of the announcement of the 2012 Nobel Prize for Peace, audible speculation occur<span style="font-size: small;">s</span> around the globe. Who will it be? Who would be called out as the exemplary manifestation of all that the concept of peace represents. Who, or what? And why?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How does one decide? How does one possibly identify a single individual or entity that can be praised for peace?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Since 1901, on an annual basis this question has been posed by the Norwegian Nobel Committee as they judge nominations from across the globe for those deemed to have "<i>done the most or the best work for the fraterni</i><i>ty between </i><i>nations.</i>" (Nobelprize.org)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize for Peace, announced on Oct<span style="font-size: small;">o</span>ber <span style="font-size: small;">12th,</span> was in the end more reason for pause and appreciation than actual celebration. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why? Because the winner - the European Union - acts as a powerful reminder of what so many across the globe have forgotten - that peace is a process of continuous commitment and effort, not an assumption.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As eloquently expressed by CNN's Jonathan Mann, who has covered the Nobel Peace Prize for 17 years, when asked in an interview minutes after the announcement by the Nobel Committee what the Nobel Committee was thinking when awarding the EU the prize for peace? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"<i>Peace</i>". </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">60 years of peace through tireless efforts for unification across European nations. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In these times of aggressive economic, social and political change, times that see:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">a young Pakistani girl fighting for her life as a result of a gunshot wound to punish her for her quest to allow girls to be educated;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">the endless horror as Syria's leaders seemingly defy all sense of civility against its own people, sending refugees fleeing to neighbouring nations facing their own challenges;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">two powerful Asian nations flexing their political muscles and verbal threats of war over one disputed island; </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">iconic sports heroes falling from well engineered and embedded pedestals; </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">presidential candidates in the US intellectually fighting it out in town hall debates <span style="font-size: small;">and investing an e<span style="font-size: small;">stimated US$ 2 billion </span></span>in <span style="font-size: small;">the</span> quest to secure the nomination for president of the United States of America in 2013,</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">the connections of our world today - Damascus a mere 9187 km away from Washington DC where global Ambassadors to the UN struggle to secure a lasting peace, Karachi a mere 8499 km from Birmingham where young Malala now fights for her life, Senkaku island and Diaoyu island the exact same coordinates - often reveal the sadness of how far apart we can be, despite being just a flight, boat trip, or thought away. Hot spots remain, fear remains. the risk of life being taken, unjustly, unfairly, and unexpectedly, remain.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And yet, through the noise, peace is able to prevail. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because of efforts - often intense efforts - to sustain prevent outbreak of war during times of potential clashes within or across borders, as a result of economic crisis, lack of natural resources, political clashes or other threats to stability of psyche and nations, billions are able to look on, safe and secure in their corners of the world, viewing conflict through the screen of a television, computer or mobile phone. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In many parts of the world peace, living within a peaceful society, has become an assumption. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Such is the case in the EU.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As expressed in the official announcement of winner of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2012 is to be awarded to the <b>European Union (EU)</b>.
The union and its forerunners have for over six decades contributed to
the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights
in Europe. </span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"The EU is currently undergoing grave economic difficulties and
considerable social unrest. The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to
focus on what it sees as the EU's most important result: the successful
struggle for peace and reconciliation and for democracy and human
rights. The stabilizing part played by the EU has helped to transform
most of Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace. </span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>The work of the EU represents "fraternity between nations", and
amounts to a form of the "peace congresses" to which Alfred Nobel refers
as criteria for the Peace Prize in his 1895 will."</i> http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2012/press.html</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Nobel Peace Prize has always been awarded on the basis of the bigger picture. Standing back, looking at the world map as it appears today, there are clear, constant conflict zones which continue to ache. And then there are those that, through a shared quest for peace, remain connected as communities. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> As was expressed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu during different times yet with enduring sentiment: "<i>When God looks at ---, he</i><i> shakes his head and cries. And then he looks at (the EU), and he smiles...</i>"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During these ever-changing times - times of crisis at natural, political, economic, environmental and social levels - '<i>peace</i>' should be seen and appreciated as a <u>verb</u>, not a noun. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And a blessing to be able to feel when we shut our eyes at bedtime.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-25299901437332401642012-09-19T15:30:00.002-07:002012-09-19T20:42:28.705-07:00THE CAUTIONS WITHIN “BECAUSE I CAN”<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">September 11<sup>th</sup>, 2012. Eleven years on, the world
pauses to remember, ritualistically, a day that changed the world we know. The
terrifying acts of a few changed the lives of all. Losses of lives stand as
legacies of conscience, and conviction. Borders remain erased as it is clear
that we are all united, regardless of passports and policies.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One day on, flags fly at half mast on US embassies and on
the lawn of the White House as, once again, remembrance of loss dominates
thought and ache of heart. The loss is not over a decade old, however. It is
just hours old. It occurred not on US soil, but in a US-supported nation half
way across the world. Libya, a nation recently liberated with the courage of
its revolutionaries, has lost one of its greatest allies – the Ambassador of
the USA to Libya. Though the rebel attacks that shook the US consulate and took
the life of its highest diplomat, three other Americans and numerous Libyans,
have ended, the ground is still shaking. The vibrations are felt in
Afghanistan, Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To defuse the shaking and limit the spread of the flames,
YouTube has begun to block access to a particular piece of content. The video?
A low-budget, independent film produced in the US, carrying a distinctly
anti-Islamic message, provoking anti-American sentiment.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As time passes and details emerge, the role of this poor
quality, poor taste film is deemed not to the primary spark that has ignited
flames of anti-American protests, and possibly even actual attacks. Still, the
movie is out there. It was produced. And its fire is spreading, widely and
wildly. From Tunisia to Yemen, American flags burn, alerts on foreign embassies
continue, fear of further spread of the fire grows. Lives lost. Foreign
relations inflamed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And now, one week on, a week filled with widespread, often
deadly protests regarding the anti-Islamic, indy film, a French magazine -
Charlie Hebdo - has taken a decision to take a bold step in publishing cartoons
depicting, in various provocative ways, the Prophet Mohammed. Its overtly
stated desire in publishing the cartoons? To be outrageous. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The response of French officials? Condemning the
publication, the French Foreign Ministry closing embassies and schools in as
many as twenty nations countries this Friday, the main Muslim day of prayer, as
a precautionary measure. The ground is starting to shake again…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Immediately, sharply, the thought emerges: why? Why provoke
further fury? Why invite further spread of the flames?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The argument of both the filmmaker and the cartoonist: ‘free
speech’. We live in democratic times – freedom of expression is a right. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/19/french-cartoonist-defends-mohammed-drawings/</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Indeed. Freedom of expression is a part of our society. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">does freedom give people the right to consciously offend
other people, cultures, communities, without consideration of impact,
implications? </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Does freedom make recreational journalistic culture-mocking an acceptable course of action? Does freedom allow us to think only of our pleasure, regardless of another's pain?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What ever happened to the principle of "<i>what good will come of this?</i>"</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What we must never, ever forget is that with freedom comes responsibility of
freedom. Responsibility for actions. And, in cases such as these, reactions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being part of the global community brings with it remarkable
strength, access and opportunity. The blessings are far too many to count.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In our uber-connected, fast moving, world - a
world with ever increasing understanding of differences and yet
inter-connectedness, global citizenry should, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">one would hope, increase our sensitivity towards the
wellbeing of others. We need to be able to count on one another.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Does “<i>because I can</i><span style="font-style: normal;">”
have the right to step on, and over, others?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is so much more to be gained through stepping up, and reaching
out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span> </span></span></div>
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ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-17848391208343184202012-08-17T18:25:00.000-07:002012-08-18T18:25:06.246-07:00IT'S ALL ABOUT THE AFTERGLOW<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It seems impossible to imagine - the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are gone. Quite remarkable. Especially considering how impossible the idea of a success Games was for so many, for so long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The questioning started with the initial speculation of viability of the bid itself: "<i>Will London get it?</i>"..."<i><u>Should</u> London Get It??</i>" Once host city status was secured, then it moved onto the more practical questioning: <i>"Will London Be Ready?"</i> From security to east London regeneration sensibility, and let's not forget the matter of legacy, the list of questions was as long as, if not longer, that the IOC's local project team's to-do list. With initial teething worked through in pre-Games major events (a royal wedding also acting as a mega-event dry run fit for a queen), and the poorly times and poorly articulated comments of a presidential candidate providing an 11th hour spark to the spirit of the Games, the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games were underway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">With each passing day, each successful event, and each astonishing gold by Team GB, the awe became more audible. "<i>Oh my goodness, we've done it!" </i>Soon, very soon, the awe turned to attitude. <i>"Is this not the greatest Games ever?!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Unique?<i> </i>Not at all. Ask anyone in South Africa pre-, during and post the 2010 FIFA World Cup. And other mega-events in cities around the globe that were under the international, and local, microscope of speculation, scrutiny and doubt. The questions of <i>"Will it be worth it?"</i> that burdened event execution efforts lifted as, and with, the spirits of host city residents. Pride replaced pessimism. Participation replaced passivity. Sport became secondary to citizen activation. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And then the closing ceremony came, and went. Returning to the scene of 2012 Olympics celebrations, walking the once-decorated streets and travelling the once-packed transport lines, feels like walking back into the room the morning after Christmas. Excitedly removed gift wrap litters the floor. The good stuff is all gone - all that is left is the packaging. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And the memories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And the looming question of <i>"Now what do we do?"</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This is one of the greatest misunderstandings, and miscalculations, of mega-events. The 2012 Olympics were always about so much more than sport for London and the UK. The 2012 FWC was always about so much more than football for South Africa. The end goal is always about so much more than the competition. The business case behind taking on a mega-event is always about an R.O.I. stretches far beyond the final day of the event itself. The bottom line: the event is actually the start of its impact. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">While many across London and the UK complain of the Olympics <i>hangover</i>, those who took their vitamin C before the Games, VisitBritain for example, now stand strong and fit, ready to work to achieve the real metrics that matter. The 2012 Olympics are about:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">step-change tourism growth in 2013, 2014, and 2015;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">refreshed destination brand equity;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">increased destination competitiveness;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">maximum leverage of 2012 destination promotion and profile;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">investment into tourism sector alignment, inclusivity, dispersion of benefits and upliftment of offerings;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">etc. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Will there be immediate declines in post-Games hotel occupancy, summer season retail revenues, and earnings from attractions? Yes, that is a given. As was the case in other major events host cities and nations, be they hosts of the Olympics, Expo, the World Cup or other mega-events.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There are thousands of questions that can be asked, that can challenge the logic of mega-event execution.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">But there is one that is the real litmus test: "<i>What if we hadn't?" </i> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What if, in the case of the 2012 Olympics, London had not bid as host city? What would the airports look like? What would the city centre look like? What would east London look like? What would the spirit of the people, the faces of Brits, look like?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What if they hadn't??</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The 2012 Olympic Games was a massive stimulus package for London and the UK. It provided the host nation with reason to come together to work, to focus, to be productive, to be proud, and to be positive about the future. </span><span style="font-size: small;">It
is now up to the people of London and the UK - its industries, its
communities, its investors, its leaders and its believers - to determine
the strength of the R.O.I. of the Games. The spirit of the wider team
GB - the people of London and the UK - was what caused the Olympic
spirit to burn so brightly in 2012. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Looking back two years to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the same is true.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Mega-events ignite the bright lights and big ambitions of a destination. Mega-events are a fuel - they spark a shared sense of purpose, pride and enduring promise. The massive investment made into mega-events must reap a return. The question, the opportunity, lies in the WHEN.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">When will the benefits be realised? Immediately? 6 months on? 1 year on? 5 years on? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In actual fact, there should never be an end-point.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For London, and the UK, now that the 2012 Games have concluded, it is the people of the host nation who are the torch's enduring flame. Unity, productivity, pride, purpose, inspiration for a new generation - it is all in place.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There is absolutely no reason that the flame should ever be extinguished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-4362284866312609742012-07-27T14:25:00.002-07:002012-07-27T14:27:25.634-07:00THE POWER OF WEARING ONE'S FLAG<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In a matter of hours, 13 hours, 07 and 26 seconds minutes to be precise - the 2012 OLYMPIC Games will commence in London. The moment has almost arrived - let the games begin! In true British style, the record-breaking sunshine of previous days - Mother Nature's spotlight on the Olympic torch as it made its way through the streets of London in its final approach - has been swallowed up by cloud. Enter stage right! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As excitement mounts across the UK and world, excitement that continues to take people by surprise, the power of pride once again takes centre stage. Years and years and years of questions, debate, critique and complaint are set aside as the spirit of the moment eclipses the metrics... </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It is a natural phenomena. As is always the case with major events, debates unfold around the value of the games - the earnings vs the costs, the projects vs other priorities, the pomp vs the purpose. Why here? Why now? Years of economic impact studies unfold in parallel to development designs. The business case of the games becomes a shield, protecting the team tasked with making the event happen from the attacks.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And then something happens, something completely invisible to the naked eye yet concrete in feeling. It causes even the most hardened of critics to fight the formation of tears when hearing the Olympics anthem fill the air as the torch criss-crosses the streets, waterways, and winding country roads of the host nation. It turns the drabbest of dressers into a bright, bold expression of patriotic colours. It brings complete strangers together in spontaneous embraces when one of their makes their flag, their nation, their people, proud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">National spirit is most powerfully felt, and best celebrated, at major events. The sight of a sea of colour, faces bonded by shared pride and identity, cannot but cause a smile to break on the face of admirerers...and concern on the faces of competitors. The sentiment may, for some, seem simplistic, short-term. Its value, however, goes far beyond the short term spike in retail sales, media coverage, goodwill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As demonstrated in the city of London over
the past 15 months, major events, be they sport, culture, religious, traditions or other, have the
ability to unite the hearts and minds of nationals, and nations, beyond all
borders, calculations and expectations. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It's all about pride - the passionate heart of the flame. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Pride is to nations what confidence is to investors: it takes turns '<i>maybe, just maybe</i>' into '<i>just watch us!</i>' </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">At a time when the world's spirit feels bruised from relentless acts of violence and economic ache, the sense of alone-ness growing with little sign of relief, the sight of athletes standing tall in national colours can spark feelings of connection, confidence and compassion. Olympic heroes were not just those taking home medals - they are those able to make the journey as reflections of the heroic quests of their home countries, as showcased by CNN in "Athletes of the Arab Spring" http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/18/sport/olympics-2012-arab-spring-aiming-gold/index.html</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">At the same time, national pride turns moments of individual wrongdoing into far-reaching shame. Olympians being sent home for drug test failures or racist social media messaging. The colours have been stained. History has already judged these athletes once honoured with wearing the colours of their flags as now undeserving of representing their people's hopes and dreams.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">As simple as the concept of national pride may be, it is a flame which, when allowed to burn brightly with direction, determination and inclusivity, can ignite remarkable achievement.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As the Olympic Games unfold, may the threads of the flags of all nations join together to weave a stronger, more striking canvas of the colour, connection and conscience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-4038100080135730932012-06-24T06:40:00.002-07:002012-06-24T07:55:30.642-07:00A BUTTERFLY WAITS TO FLAP HIS WINGS<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">One month on, any second now, the winner of the Egyptian presidential run-off elections will be announced. History is, once again, being made in Egypt. The world watches...a butterfly is waiting to flap his wings.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Why does this matter? Why indeed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Egypt, a remarkable nation that for centuries has been a place of people of courage to shape the future, last year inspired the world as Egypt's 90 million people stood together to take back their country, and once again, their future. Today, as the winds of change of the 21st Century whirl around the globe. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As a result, as Egypt has become an unofficial symbol of possibility of revolution. What happens in Egypt matters at so many levels. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As the world watches, waiting for the official announcement of the winner of the elections (now a few minutes past the 3pm time that the Electoral Commission had stated for reveal), commentators are asking the questions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For Egypt,:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What will happen if it is Morsi, putting the once banned Muslim Brotherhood in the seat of the presidency? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What if it is military-backed Shafik, a man a part of the previous regime, whose decades-long leader, former President Hosni Mubarak, lies in a prison hospital holding on to life? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What will the thousands of people in Tahrir Square, anxious for the name to be called, do?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What will the army do? Will power be able to exit from power?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What will the revolutionaries do? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What will it mean for women, for tourism, for investment, for individual freedoms? </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The answers to the questions have intense implications on the people, and future, of Egypt. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">But the implications do not stop there. Beyond Egypt's borders questions are being asked with as much intensity: </span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What will it mean to national and regional stability?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What will it mean for the global political and economic community?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">What will it mean for the USA and its foreign policy?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What about Israel? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What will it mean for Libya's imminent elections?</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The butterfly effect. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Egypt, </span><span style="font-size: small;">seen as the most important nation of the region both culturally and politically has, </span><span style="font-size: small;">since the first days of the revolution of 2011, has provided the world with an unprecedented, step-by-step, look into the journey of the steps towards democracy. Today's 24/7/365 communications world has made it possible for the world to watch change unfolding in Egypt, and the region. As important, social media has made it possible to see, hear and feel the voices, one by one, in their millions. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The butterfly remains sitting still, waiting with the world for the name to be called. The Electoral Commission has stated it will be any moment now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Insh'Allah, which ever name is called as the future President, may this vote for the enduring spirit of democracy</span><span style="font-size: small;"> that first came to life in the region during last year's Arab Spring, be a trusted win for the people, and the future, of Egypt.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">May the flapping of the butterfly be gentle.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-30175898398875069332012-05-22T15:59:00.002-07:002012-05-23T15:30:17.862-07:00WAKING TO A NEW DAWN<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In just one
more sleep, Egyptians will be waking to the dawning of a new day. A new chapter
in the story of one of the world’s most ancient lands is about to be written.
The ink is ready. Election day is but hours away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Tomorrow
the sun will shine stronger, brighter. Election day will have finally arrived.
And in the 48 hours that will follow, Egypt will make history once more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">For the
first time in the lives of many Egyptians, this election day will be one that
they actually trust to reflect their votes. Many elders will mark a ballot for
the first time, making a real choice, not questioning if it really matters.
Egypt’s youth, feeling a particular pride because of their specific role in
reaching this day, will mark their ballots purposefully and This time is
different. These times are so very different.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Lines will
form, thousands of lines formed by millions of citizens, each and every one
ready to place their vote, make their mark, play their part. Weaving, weaving,
weaving through the streets of the nation, stretching from Lower to Upper
Egypt, voter lines will come together in a remarkable re-weaving of the spirit
of the flag, their flag. Different people of different views, different
backgrounds, different ideologies, different visions of a new Egypt, as
different as red, black and white, all coming together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Egypt’s
election is not simply a political process in a country. This event is a symbol
of the process of growth that has occurred since the start of the Arab Spring,
a worldwide symbol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Since
25.01.2011, the world has been watching, with hope and prayer. From Tahrir
Square to today, the nation’s journey has been one with smooth patches, but
also with its times of stones blocking the way and slowing pace, as well as
stones being thrown. Looking back, thinking back, events deemed inevitable
still inspire awe at their having actually occurred. The courage that it took
for Egyptians to stand as one to change the course of their history, their
lives, must never, ever be forgotten. Similarly, the courage it continues to
take to sustain the journey of national rebuilding with patience, purpose and
participation.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Election
day is not only a day to look ahead with excitement, it is a day to pause, to
be still, to absorb the profound meaning of the <i>here & now</i></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. So much will continue to change.
Unknowns remain. Choices will be made that many will agree with, many will not.
As shared by one of Egypt’s young professionals: <i>“It is exciting nonetheless
as for the first time in Egypt’s 7000 year history Egyptians do not know who
will be their next leader.”</i></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Insh’Allah,
the power of the people will be, and remain, peacefully and purposefully united
with the people in power.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">With Spring
comes new life. The Arab Spring is no different.</span></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span></div>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-37399700680581417052012-04-30T02:12:00.002-07:002012-04-30T02:12:52.942-07:00SOUNDBYTES INSPIRED BY STRANGERS<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For all of the souvenirs that can be purchased across the
world, few things stir up as much emotion as the soundbytes that we take home,
packed deeply in our memories, from places visited, people met and moments
felt. It is these soundbytes that turn into shared, and reshared, and reshared,
stories not only on return to home/office base, but in these times of ever-connected
technology. </span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">These moments, these soundbytes, occur during travels of
business and pleasure. And often, the most poignant of them are created by
complete stranger…people who happen to cross our path and simply open the door,
open their knowledge, or open their heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A stranger, unlocking a massive wooden
door of a centuries old Arabian palace to reveal the secret of the most
awe-inspiring view of the Great Pyramids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A stranger, gently folding back the
petals of a lily to teach how to turn a flower into a temple offering. A
stranger, standing firm in traffic to make crossing a frenetic city street safe
passage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A stranger, now the source of a precious story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Random acts of kindness are the moments that turn seconds
into soundbytes, soundbytes into stories. They are the stuff that travel
blessings are made of…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-40061832300158098752012-03-24T15:10:00.002-07:002012-03-24T15:11:13.813-07:00NEVER LOSE THE AWE<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In today's world of perpetual motion, where borders are erased by flight plans, meeting plans and holiday plans, the distance between desire and destination is getting shorter and shorter. From the perspective of the advancement of civilisations, even though enhancements in health, wealth, security and stability have evolved the human condition to allow for a greater sense of permanence and connection, nomadic life is becoming more a way of life. Especially for people in the global Travel and Tourism (T&T) industry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Waking in the morning with a moment of hesitation to allow re-orientation has, for millions of professional travellers, become part of the routine that awaits each new day. Hotel rooms become referenced as 'home'. Business lounges in airports and hotels have transformed into mobile offices. And the ability to move around the world with only carry-on in tow becomes a necessity if peace of mind is to be maintained. Baggage halls are no place to take one's chances. A one day luggage delay is not an option.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Millions, literally millions, now form this nomadic community that travels around the world. Looking confident and creaseless, these nomads take pride in their ability to go anywhere on a moment's notice, a lock & go / kiss & go lifestyle perfectly in place, some place known as home. Days, weeks, years easily become a blur, especially when entire days are jumped over with changes in time zones and crossings of date lines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yet for all of the globe-crossing busyness that takes over the Blackberry-managed lives of the global T&T community, there are those moments that have the ability to hit the 'pause' button. Especially when landing into a city, looking out the window with fresh eyes, and feeling an immediate, unexpected, deeply personal and almost child-like sense of "<i>Oh my goodness, I'm in _____!</i>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It is these moments of awe that we nomads must never never let pass. These moments of awe are what keeps our sense of place, our sense of wonder, and our sense of blessing intact. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Never, ever should we allow our busyness and feeling of professional purpose eclipse the fact that our profession enables us to travel, often in a day, to places that people wait, plan and save for months to be able to experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It is our duty, and honour, to keep the awe carefully tucked in our hearts as a travel essential. The day we lose the awe is the day we must hand in our passports. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-78012564850233602942012-02-12T07:35:00.000-08:002012-02-12T07:41:50.630-08:00WHAT MAKES THE WORLD CARE?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Across the globe, news flashed with chart-topping speed that, sadly and suddenly, music diva Whitney Houston had passed on. A mere 48 years of age, a woman who grew up alongside a generation of now fourty-somethings, would sing no more. She had won her race against abuse of substances and abuse in relationships, but she could not win the race against time that clearly her life's story was working to. News bulletins, across all forms of electronic and other e-based wires, lit up to express shock, sadness, dismay. They continue with little sign of letting up, with little chance of the world not hearing, caring, responding with news. The news is turning into a musical tribute. And people want to know more - what caused this, why such a loss, </span><span style="font-size: small;">why now... </span><span style="font-size: small;">'<i>how could this be?</i>'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">At the same time, news wires are carrying the story of untold, ongoing brutalities taking place in Syria </span><span style="font-size: small;">under the relentless leadership of President Assad's</span><span style="font-size: small;">. Just days ago China and Russia voted against UN sanctions. Every hour, of every day, across Syria, hearts stop beating, lives stop hoping, time has run out. Shock, sadness and dismay can be heard in debates and political dialogues across the globe. While the UN, GCC, Arab League, EU, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and governments of various leading global nations stand together in their condemnation of events in Syria. </span><span style="font-size: small;">The numbers killed
by a government lead response to protests inspired by the Arab Spring
has reached, according to UN sources, over 7000. This past week alone,
Homs has seen fatalities in the double-and triple digits each day. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Yet, at a global citizenry level, unless one is seeking out the latest on events in Syria, creating a blind spot to the tragedy unfolding, is very possible.
The number of people carrying the torch, questioning '<i>how could this
be?</i>', seems to diminish as each new day passes. The news is turning into white noise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">How does the world, as a collective conscience, determine what matters? Every day events occur. How can it be that some issues experience enduring, global response, and others go unnoticed. The life of one artist ends, sadly, and millions mourn. Thousands of lives end, and few, if any, care to know names. How could this be? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As the world moves forward, it would be so valuable to understand what it is that moves the world. What it is that makes an issue become a global outcry? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What, or who, does it take to make the world care? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> To solve this mystery would be to take a massive step forward in leveraging the power and promise of the global community for the genuine good of its 7 billion people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-81637978764598553292012-01-24T16:28:00.000-08:002012-01-24T16:34:15.589-08:00ONE YEAR ON - YOU ARE HERE<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">January 25<sup>th</sup>. This day, one year ago, this date
became a global symbol of a wave of change that reached out across from Arab
nations, to the Eurozone, the Americas, Asia and places across the globe where
once silent voices learnt to roar. January 25<sup>th</sup>, the day Egyptians
took to the streets, the day Tahrir Square became a physical and psychological
home for millions seeking a future in their homeland, and the day the world’s
cameras put the zoom lens on the seeds of global revolution. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">One year on, and the power of the people is redefining the
people in power, in political, economic and religious centres across the world,
redefining where nations are going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Defining ‘next’, however, begs the question: <i>where are we
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<span style="font-size: small;">Changes are underway in nations that had their foundations
shaken and shattered in 2011. Once again, Egypt provides a global window
through which to view progress and potential of the region. As happened
smoothly in Tunisia at the end of 2011, slowly, step by step, the political
processes are unfolding, with Egyptians now standing up and stepping forward to
make their mark on the new blueprint of the nation. Temperatures have risen,
tempers have flared and tests to stability of the process have occurred. Still,
slowly, slowly, the process moves forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If 2011 taught us anything, it is this: <i>democracy demands
participation, revolution demands patience, leadership demands faith, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and</span><i> revolution demands taking
responsibility. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">These truisms cannot be
left behind as part of last year’s learnings. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Why? Because the revolutions that occurred in 2011 were not
the end, they were only the beginning. And, importantly, there is no guarantee
of their outcomes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The millions who took to the streets in Egypt year ago,
swiftly and successfully overthrowing their well-entrenched ruler of over 30
years, now look to the future questioning what will become of their country
should the democracy that they fought for vote in leaders that they did not put
their ‘X’ beside. What will happen to freedoms of expression, participation,
recreation and identity? What if moving forward ends up taking us back?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The same questions can be posed when looking across the
globe at other locations of protest. What if the 1% step back and let the 99%
take the reins? Are the 99% prepared to deal with the ‘<i>what next?’ </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Are the Greeks prepared to start paying taxes? Are
the Americans prepared to stop living off of credit card based wealth. Are
watchful eyes observing illogical financial activity prepared to give their
grey hair and gut feelings a voice? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Clearly, protesting is one thing. Participating is quite
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<span style="font-size: small;">Across the map, through 2012 , the path to reform, recovery
and real stability is just starting to show its first footprints. With each
step, careful consideration of consequences is critical. A new rhythm will be
found, one that feels right. Especially if we all stand up and face the music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>
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</span></div>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-8755640725984420902011-12-25T08:38:00.000-08:002011-12-25T20:24:42.767-08:00'TIS THE SEASON REFIND FAITH<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:0 2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">2011 has been a hard year.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Hard politically, economically, socially, environmentally.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">This past year has tested our limits in addressing challenges, finding unique solutions to problems beyond fiction.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Most importantly, this past year has tested faith – faith in systems, structures and sensibilities.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">And yet through it all, the world has continued to move forward, sparking confidence and belief in possibility even when rationalizing lack of probability.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Step by step, second by second, the world moves forward.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Because it has to.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Regardless of our ages, our ideologies, our beliefs, our battles past, and our war wounds, We need to believe in the possibility of moving forward.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It is like a child’s belief in Santa… </span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">With big big eyes, an open heart and a look of that shows just how much faith is held within that child’s little body, a child approaches Santa knowing he is the one person who can be trusted, whispered to in strictest confidence, to listen to their greatest wishes, and make things right.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As beautifully captured by Jack Sanderson in the recently released documentary “<i>Becoming Santa”, </i>it’s all about the remarkable force of faith.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It is this force that turned 2011 into a year of making history through possibility, and will continue to keep us forward focused in 2012.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">To believe is hard, but it is essential. And it is an immense blessing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Besides, who says there’s no such thing as Santa Claus?</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Happy 2012.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2011</span><br /></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-1496959947803198152011-11-15T01:34:00.000-08:002011-11-15T12:29:51.971-08:00GLOBAL BONDING THROUGH REGIONAL CRISIS<span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br />As 2011 counts down to its final weeks, the spirit and momentum of events of the first days of the new year continue to hold the Arab world, and world at large, in its grip. '<span style="font-style: italic;">Arab Spring</span>', a flowing stream of revolution and reform that has been spreading across North Africa and the Middle East throughout 2011, has proven to have profound ripple effects across the globe.<br /><br />2011 has been a year of global reawakening, reshaping and reconnecting. No longer are events in one part of the world simply short-term news headlines, pushed aside with short-term memory. Now, with each new story, a new question of "<span style="font-style: italic;">what does this mean here, for me</span>?" emerges.<br /><br />Interestingly, with the region's social, political and economic structures breaking apart, a bonding has been occurring. Collective conscience has transcended borders, cultures, religions and political ideologies. One by one, as nationals have courageously stood forward to create essential change in their countries, they have found the people of the world standing beside them.<br /><br />Just days ago at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WTM</span> 2011, one of the world's largest coming together to global tourism leaders, policy makers, captains of industry, media and members of government, a special <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UNWTO</span> seminar was held to put a spotlight on "The Future of Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa". The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MENA</span> region, heavily dependent on the tourism industry for employment, earnings, investment, trade and unity, felt the heaviest rain showers of the Arab Spring. With global travellers uncertain of the safety and stability of regional tourism destinations experiencing political overthrow, visitation to </span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >leading regional destinations Egypt and Tunisia </span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >plummeted (offering, interestingly, destinations such as Greece, Turkey and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">GCC</span> states a surprise injection of travellers re-routing their plans). As the Arab Spring moved through the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MENA</span> region's summer and autumn seasons, tourist confidence strengthened, strengthening visitor arrivals. Still, as winter approaches, the year's stats will show a deep chill, with leading regional destinations Egypt and Tunisia expecting year on year declines of 25% - 30%.<br /><br />Acutely aware of the need to rebuild regional tourism, urgently and collectively, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">UNWTO</span> brought together a panel of regional champions of tourism</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" > from both the public and private sector,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" > including HE Mr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mounir</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fakhry</span> Abdel-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nour</span>, Minister of Tourism of EGYPT and </span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >HE Mr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mehdi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Houas</span>, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Minister of Tourism of TUNISIA, JORDAN</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, HE Nayef Al Fayez</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >,</span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"> and senior leadership of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Jumeirah</span> Group Dubai, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Etihad</span> Airways and Thomas Cook.<br /><br />While each voice conveyed a different story of the effects of regional uprisings, one thing was clear: together they are united in a shared commitment to see the region's tourism sector emerge stronger, safer, and more competitive on the global travel stage than ever before.<br /><br />Traditional rival destinations have become bonded by crisis. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Learnings</span> are being shared, partnerships are being forged, issues are being collectively lobbied, and opportunities are being unlocked. Together, spirit is being restored, confidence rebuilt and possibility turned to probability. Recovery is underway.<br /><br />To see, and feel, this firmness of spirit is not just inspiring, it is empowering. And it is a reminder of the gift that crisis can offer.<br /><br />As shared by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Taleb</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Rifai</span>, Secretary General of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">UNWTO</span>, emerging from crisis "is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning how to dance in the rain."<br /><br />How remarkable it is to pause while dancing to see who is dancing alongside, sharing their umbrella.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2011</span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-26566029119481107092011-10-05T22:34:00.000-07:002011-10-08T04:20:02.750-07:00iLOSS<span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br />At one single moment on October 05th, 2011, the overwhelming power of connectivity our lives today came to life.<br />Why?<br />Because someone’s life had come to an end. Steve Jobs.<br /><br />Without any boundaries – time zones, languages, media – word spread. And for some, tears were shed.<br />Our world had lost one of its greatest minds, a man who, as aptly stated by President Barack Obama: “was brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.”<br /><br />For the first time in decades, the stopping of one heart caused heartache across a global community billions strong. Regardless of age, culture, location, qualification, corporation or socialisation, voices were expressing sadness at the passing of a man being described as an icon, a visionary, a modern day Edison, Bell, da Vinci.<br /><br />He was a man who was able to do absolutely anything he put his mind and energies to. But he was not able to stay alive.<br /><br />As the days and hours have slowly passed since his passing, one of the remarkable truisms that Steve Jobs has revealed, yet again, just what the people of the world need. He was a master at this, and even in his absence, he continues to do so. <br /><br />With all of the technology we have in our loves – the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">iPods</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iPads</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">iPhones</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">iTunes</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">iChat</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">iLife</span> and of course the world of Mac – all of the things that keep us tech-connected to one another, what people the world over have needed at this time of sorrow has been pure, unwired, unedited and unashamed, un-grown up connection of emotion.<br /><br />Through his work, be it Apple, Pixar or any of the other ventures that shaped his passion and profession, Steve Jobs did what few other great creators have been able to do. Technical expertise he had, in abundance, as have other great inventors. But within Apple’s clever codes and creative genius was the ability to not only unlock the mind of the user...but the heart, allowing the inner child to play, freely, openly, and proudly.<br /><br />Only one other globally celebrated, grown-up creators has ever been able to do that: Walt Disney.<br /><br />And like the late master of animation, Steve Jobs remained focused on one ever-important truth:<i style="font-style: italic;"> "I only hope that we</i><span style="font-style: italic;"> don't lose sight of one thing - that it was </span><i style="font-style: italic;">all started</i><span style="font-style: italic;"> by a </span><i style="font-style: italic;">mouse</i><span style="font-style: italic;">."</span><br /><br />The awe-inspiring technology will continue to be created, the legacy of Apple's founder and father will live on. But the inner child in Apple users - young and old, big and small, tech-savvy and simply appreciative of the basics, will, sadly, remain hurting. <br /><br />The place, and face, of inspiration has gone to the clouds.<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="st" ><span dir="ltr"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2011</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="st" ><span dir="ltr"><br /><br /></span></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-73429569663100886442011-09-04T04:23:00.000-07:002011-09-04T09:00:24.031-07:00GETTING THROUGH
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<br />For anyone who has ever suffered the loss of a loved one, the days building up to the day of remembrance are days building up to a crescendo of heartache. Breathing becomes heavier, thoughts slower, memories sharper. September 11th, 2011, ten years after those frozen moments in time that reshaped the world forever, is just a few days away. One never 'gets over it' - at best one hopes to get through it, dragging one's heart close behind, looking forward at the future with new eyes.
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<br />9-11. So much must never be forgotten.
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<br />ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-56746297169503328432011-08-25T02:51:00.000-07:002011-08-26T02:04:55.350-07:00SEEING, AND FEELING, OUR CHANGING WORLD<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">
<br />Over the past week, the world has been gripped by events in Libya. Following months of battle and determination, on both the parts of the defiant </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">regime of </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Colonel Gadhafi</span> and the rebels, the battle reached a dramatic climax: Tripoli began to fall to the rebels. The night's sky, previously lit for months by gunfire from armed and ambitious battle, turned to a showering of gunfire sparks in celebration of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rebel's</span> breakthrough into </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Colonel</span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gadhafi's</span> compound, itself a symbol of the leader's fortress of control over the people of Libya. While total take-over continues, the cracks are widening, weakening the foundations once embedded by Moammar Gadhafi.
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<br />During the moments of initial triumph, the images were remarkable, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">soundbytes</span> intense, and the coverage clear in the sense of euphoria easily digestible by the minds of the millions watching on-line and on-air all over the world. Though the former leader of this oil-rich, liberty-poor nation remains in hiding, the US$ 1.4million bounty put forward by a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Libyan</span> businessman is hoped to fuel the search and capture of Libya's falling leader. Time will tell.
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<br />As the story unfolded, it was impossible for global audiences not to feel a sense of '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">vu</span>'. Once again, audiences were given a front seat in the making of history. The Arab Spring, now stretching wider and deeper into the North Africa and Middle East region, brought the story of our changing world to us wherever in the world we were. The expectation is of similar stories and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">soundbytes</span> occurring elsewhere in the region as the spirit and determination of revolution spreads. Our minds are ready - we see it, we understand it, we move onto the next story.
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<br />Sadly, as familiarity increases, feeling decreases.
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<br />And then something happens that reawakens our senses, squeezing our hearts and minds in with a clench of panic and concern. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">RIXOS</span> Hotel.
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<br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">While Tripoli was falling to the rebels, and the people of Libya were taking to the streets to celebrate the toppling of their heavy-handed, decades-long leader, 30 international news journalists were taking cover inside the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Rixos</span> Hotel. Being held against their will and under constant fear for their safety, news gatherers suddenly became the news story. For five horrific days,</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Gadhafi</span> loyalist gunmen aggressively prevented news teams from leaving the hotel, leaving those being held in a constant state of fear.
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<br />Watching the story unfold, even for audiences, images turned into feelings of intense fear and concern - this was reality TV in a whole, new, frightening new light. The characters were not strangers. These captives were people who millions of people welcome into their homes, offices and social spaces every day, easily recognisable and immediately feared for. These people, these familiar news faces, were now </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">'insiders' in the line of fire. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">These moments of crisis were real.
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<br />Adding a remarkable realness to the unfolding situation, was social media. Twitter in particular - became a source of not only communication of events within the hotel, but also a monitor of the strained nerves and hearts of those being held captive. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">CNN's</span> Matthew Chance @<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">mchancecnn</span>, a seasoned international journalist who has represented CNN across the globe, held onto a thread of connection with the outside world through his periodic tweets. Information updates rapidly turned to emotional expression of the nightmare unfolding. Reading his short messages, a rawness of danger seeped through his words, turning learning what was happening into feeling what was inescapable. And it felt horrific. Here is Matthew's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">BACKSTORY</span> of those days of dread: http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/08/24/bs.chance.freed.roxis.cnn?hpt=hp_c2
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<br />Thankfully, the journalists and their crews were released on August 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">th</span>. While they have been freed, the darkness of those days will always hold a part of their minds captive.
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<br />To the outside world, these brave individuals unlocked not just the inside story, but a part of all of our <span style="font-style: italic;">watching the world</span> minds and hearts, ensuring that news is never simply watched. It must also be felt.
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<br />As our world changes, so too is how we watch the world. When making sense of it all, our eyes and ears serve us most when acting as a channel to not just our minds, but our hearts. Our ability to understand the world starts with seeing. It is exponentially magnified, and appreciated, with feeling.
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;" ><span style="">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2011</span></span></span>
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<br /></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-90520182190326229392011-07-10T02:46:00.000-07:002011-07-10T06:18:04.664-07:00THE MATTER OF OPINION<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">newswires</span> of the world have been electric over the past week as <span style="font-style: italic;">News of the World </span>readies to publish its last paper on July 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>/2011, ending the life of one of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">UK's</span> best known tabloids that took its first breath in 1843. Over 200 staff members, all who will be unemployed on Monday morning, are hard at work in the newsroom clicking out stories and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">soundbytes</span> for the last time, tears running down the faces of some of the staff members as they soak up all that has happened to their newspaper - why they have become the news...and why their story is coming to such a tragic end.<br /><br />The events leading up to this media headline have raised a number of critical issues. The spark was set within the newspaper environment. How could a tabloid cross such a line in search of a scoop? Yes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NotW</span> had built a reputation for dirty tricks to get the dirt. But this?<br /><br />Soon the fire spread to 'the media' at large. Public opinion turned to openly damning 'the media'. Opinion increased in aggression and accusation.<br /><br />What has been interesting to see is how open public opinion about private information became. Sweeping statements about 'the media' put all journalists across all media types and all media brands into the same dustbin. What happened at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NotW</span> has been deemed a just action for 'the media' acting so irresponsibly.<br /><br />This matter is not about newspapers. It is not about 'the media'. It is about ethics - the ethics held by each and every individual with a story to tell or an opinion to express. It is about each and every one of us. Within the professional media world are there people willing to cross the line? Absolutely. But there are others who also stand firmly in respect for the line, proud of their ability to know where the line is...and that they refuse to put a foot wrong. It is individual. It always is.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">In today's day and age, where for some citizen journalism has gained as must weight as official news gathering, <span style="font-style: italic;">we have become 'the media'.</span> The information, suspicions, opinions, hunches and stories we have are able to be spread across the world in a matter of seconds. All it takes is the click of a SEND key. Suddenly, instantly, widely and often with fire and fury, the story is out there. True or false. Just or unjust. Private or public.<br /><br />As a result, the old adage <span style="font-style: italic;">where there's smoke there's fire</span> no longer holds true. Now where there's smoke there may just be smoke. But the impact can start a fire. The fire, spreading through opinion, can cause significant damage to reputations, relationships, lives and legacies. Without enough information, or invitation, public opinion fuels the fire.<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><br />Is the </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">case against </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">DSK</span> credible? Will it last?<br />Is the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene for love? </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">Will it last?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">Is Southern Sudan going to make it as an independent nation? </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">Will it last?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">We are so busy commenting outwards, creating community of commentary and criticism, that we lose sight of our individual responsibility of having an opinion in the first place. To create opinions is natural - we take in, process and restructure information based on our world view and our inner code. It is natural. What is unnatural is how our e-connected world inspires us to share that opinion to the world - our 'friends', 'followers' and other members of our e-audiences.<br /><br />But does that mean we should be expressing our opinion? Is the subject at hand really any of our business? What good can come from it, aside from the elevation of ego for expressing an opinion about everything sexy and sensationalist? And if the people at the heart of the story were present, would we be so quick to hit the SEND button?<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">The issue sparked by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">NotW</span> was not a debate about the right to information vs. the right to privacy. It was about right and wrong. Simple.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Hopefully, hopefully, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NotW</span> will stand as not just an example, but as a mirror, reminding us all to stop and look closely at the consequences of our opinions. Our connected world was created to bring us closer together. How we use it defines whether we achieve that idealistic goal, or we actually end up pushing each other apart.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Whether 'the media' or the individual, </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">now is the opportunity to pause, and before hitting the SEND button, hitting REFRESH.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><br />But that is just my opinion.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;" ><span style="">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2011</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><br /></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-4041354685812733742011-06-28T11:16:00.000-07:002011-06-30T06:01:23.033-07:00CHANGING TIMES<span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > <br />One of the most valuable currencies in today's day and age is CONFIDENCE.<br /><br />The ability to generate within oneself a firm sense of belief, fueled by absolute clarity and conviction, creates a powerful force of nature. Confidence. With confidence leaders of nations and businesses have been able to transform the fates of their people, be they nationals, employees, shareholders, investors, whatever the case may be. Particularly in these times of immense economic, social and ideological challenge.<br /><br />Confidence is not found within all people, or within all situations. For alchemy to occur, the generation of confidence demands courage, it demands a clear view of the future, it demands unwavering effort.<br /><br />For onlookers, it is both intriguing and inspiring. And it can provoke a silent smile of '<span style="font-style: italic;">bravo!'</span>. That is, when such confident, sometimes incomprehensible acts, are fully understood.<br /><br />On a recent episode of Fareed Zakaria's GPS, one of CNN's finest programmes exploring our </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >geo-politically </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >changing times, Fareed put the spotlight on a nation that is making a dramatic move in literally changing the times. The issue: SAMOA, a tiny island nation in the South Pacific, has taken the brave decision to change its position on the International Date Line, moving from being GMT-11 to GMT+11. One single step, one day lost (December 30th, 2011 to facilitate the shift), a massive gain for the nation.<br /><br />http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2011/06/26/gps.samoa.shorter.2011.cnn.html<br /> <br />When news first broke of Samoa's desire to change its timezone, the idea spread around the world as an amusing '<span style="font-style: italic;">because I can' </span>move. Little thought or credit was given to exactly why such a change, like the nation's switch earlier in 2009 from driving on the right of the road to driving on the left, was occurring.<br /><br />To look beyond the WHAT and deeper into the WHY reveals some remarkable, and remarkably confident, insight. It is all about the future - making a confident move to move the nation confidently forward in the future. From this perspective it all makes perfect sense, especially economically. A shift in time zone enables the tiny nation to make a big step forward in terms of leverage of regional commerce. Especially trade into and out of Samoa.<br /><br />What is fascinating about the story of Samoa and its change in time zone, beyond the economic rationale, is the lovely example it gives of the level playing field that exists for a world on the move.<br /><br />Regardless of size, stature and securities, a nation with a confident view of the future can dramatically change its position as an economy and society by taking even small steps in shaping its way of working with the world. One of the great things about the case of Samoa is how under-the-radar the nation, and region, has moved forward.<br /><br />Confidence need not be noisy. Quiet, focused confidence can be far more impactful, and competitively potent, than high profile self-promotion.<br /><br />Indeed, these are changing times. Small is gaining strength, quiet is making noise, subtle changes are having immense impact. Amusing is in fact astute. Confidence is as powerful as cash. And time is proving priceless.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2011</span><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-19463278594594752222011-05-30T09:30:00.000-07:002011-05-31T02:35:58.696-07:00TAKING A STAND: MOBILISING CONVICTION<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvFCN5CuwUo/TeS2TIERprI/AAAAAAAAAOs/-FXOAN4PTQw/s1600/IMAGE_480.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvFCN5CuwUo/TeS2TIERprI/AAAAAAAAAOs/-FXOAN4PTQw/s200/IMAGE_480.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612811475309668018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3W8HO17MJmo/TePIK72OlCI/AAAAAAAAAOk/ygxbIpwTeY4/s1600/IMAGE_478.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 119px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3W8HO17MJmo/TePIK72OlCI/AAAAAAAAAOk/ygxbIpwTeY4/s200/IMAGE_478.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612549650823156770" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cairo. On a day in the last days of May, along the banks of the Nile as it winds peacefully through New Egypt, blossoms of Arab Spring are scattered in clear sight. Billboards, roadside signs, flags, all stand tall declaring this a nation of, for, and with its people. A distinct feeling of Spring is in the air. While millions of weaving cars sputter out gusts of gray exhaust in one of the world's most populated and polluted cities, still one can sense a freshness.<br /><br />The presence of Spring blossoms has occurred, however, as a result of the rains. Storms and showers have made the blossoms come to life. Evidence of the uprising - burnt out buildings, broken sidewalks, spray-painted messages on shop exteriors, central squares and locations still feeling haunted by dramatic events leading up to 25.01.11 - appear like bolts of lightning on the otherwise visually calm landscape.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today they are symbols of possibility, of responsibility, of unity and of youth-lead democracy. One man. One thought. And soon it was one million. A desire to own the future, a better future, gave birth to a movement that soon created an uprising beyond expectation and imagination. And beyond reversal.<br /><br />Today, scattered about the streets of Cairo, their presence, while painful in ways, inspires. Because these are the proof of the power of conviction. These are the symbols of what it means to <span style="font-style: italic;">take a stand</span>.<br /><br />The concept of ‘<i>taking a stand’</i> is not new. The presence of its sentiment being turned into world-shaping action, however, seems to have taken on a new life. With increasing frequency, issues are increasing in voice, mobilizing millions to have an impact. The power of an individual to take a stand as been unleashed to unprecedented levels as a result of our now e-connected world. Soon, communities (be they connected through social networks, coffee tables or otherwise) have become movements. These movements have become uprisings. In many cases, as recently seen in Egypt, these uprisings have become forces which have had the power to change the shape of the world around us, philosophically, politically, and otherwise.</span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Still, for all of its momentum, the greatest power of taking a stand comes from one individual seeking to break a silence of a perceived ‘wrong’. The fire of conviction, the courage to say something, creates attention which not only builds awareness – it gives others the courage to stand up alongside, creating increased awareness and infectious inspiration, to the point that it simply undeniable, unavoidable, and unstoppable.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Why courage? Because more often than not the issues which inspire people to take a stand are those that make others uncomfortable. They are risky. Standing up may risk one’s safety, image, acceptability or position. And this may be at individual or collective level.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">One recent example of a corporation displaying courage in <i>taking a stand</i> is CNN. Launched in early 2011, the CNN Freedom Project <a href="http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/17/more-about-the-cnn-freedom-project/">http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/17/more-about-the-cnn-freedom-project/</a> By building awareness around the breadth and depth of the issue of modern-day slavery, worldwide, CNN seeks to inspire courage in audiences around the world to take a stand against an issue which has, for years, been growing undetected or denied, as a tumor in societies across the world.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">To do this, for a corporation to take a stand at such a massive scale, is a reflection of the strength of conviction of the network. That, in its own way, is inspirational. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And as seen through the number of corporations, politicians, celebrities, and viewers CNN has been able to encourage to come forward and openly, visibly and proudly participate in the campaign, where there is conviction and courage, there is unstoppable movement.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Still, it comes down to the power of one. As recently emphasized by Richard Quest in an interview with Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carlson Companies around how her group of global travel companies is doing its part to ensure that the tourism industry does not tolerate child labour and child prostitution, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">it is not just up to travel companies - </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> it is also up to the traveler to take a stand and alert the authorities of any such offenses observed. That is how we ensure that the tourism sector is truly ‘equitable’.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Will such overt examination of such a taboo issue create discomfort? Yes. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Does it require courage? Yes. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But by doing so, by taking a stand, CNN, and others in the global travel industry and other spheres of economic, social and political activity, are now taking a step forward in shaping a world we can feel proud of being apart of, and excited about exploring further.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Back in the here and now, as the deep, soothing sound of the calling to mosque blankets over the sound of Cairo traffic, its unifying tones transcend Egyptian networks and telecoms, creating a connection between where Egypt has come from…and where it is going, across all neighbourhoods, all generations, all aspirations. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">One sound, one thought, reaching out and moving millions.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span> </p> <span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2011</span></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-86178267699735758282011-04-23T12:52:00.000-07:002011-04-27T23:29:13.153-07:00A WORLD IN LOVE<span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br />In just a matter of days (hours, minutes and seconds, for those counting down), the occasion defined as "<span style="font-style: italic;">the wedding of the century</span>" will be taking place in Westminster Abbey in London. With an estimated million spectators expected to be lining the streets in London, and billions watching on television screens across the world, the long anticipated Royal Wedding of Britain's future King and his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bucklebury</span> princess will be underway.<br /><br />Global excitement and media coverage is reaching unprecedented levels. Quite unbelievable really, considering the rather exclusive nature of the occasion. Still, the hype is inescapable, the countdown globally audible, the expression of emotion uncontrollable, the falling unstoppable...<br /><br />As the big day nears, it is interesting to look back at the process of the world falling in love.<br /><br />First, there was the introduction. The world outside of the Commonwealth was introduced to a prince and a future princess through the announcement of an imminent royal wedding. Suddenly images of the beautiful Brits started appearing on grocery aisle magazine racks from the U.S. to the U.A.E. Her beauty, his throne and their fairytale romance swept the world. Royal watchers or not, it was hard not to take a little look at the couple causing all of the excitement.<br /><br />Then came the courtship. As the months ticked by and details around the royal wedding were carefully shared with the world, slowly slowly slowly the royal couple started to make their way into the hearts of hundreds of millions of people across the globe. </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >The butterflies were busy stirring up pre-wedding ideas, images and insights.</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" > Without warning they caught our eye, captured our interest, won our hearts. It was not love at first sight - it took time. But, ultimately, it did happen. The world fell in love.<br /><br />It was love at first hope. For the first time in a long, challenging time, there was something happening which made our hearts feel hopeful, feel happiness, feel warmth...even if it is for someone else.<br /><br />Now, it is an all-out love affair. The world is intoxicated by the emotion of the moment. The royal wedding has become a global event, an Olympic size celebration of love, romance and promise...and a magnificent Olympics 2012 warm-up for the city of London.<br /><br />Interestingly, with the growth in momentum of excitement, there also seems to be a growing momentum in justification of why, exactly why, we care.<br /><br />Why has the marriage of a young couple within a single monarchy, a world away in lifestyle and geography for most, taken hold of our attention, our hearts, and our plans for April 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> in such a remarkable way? Why, by latest account, are over 600,000 people now believed to be travelling to London on wedding day, many sleeping on the wedding route to be able to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds on their way to Buckingham Palace following their vows in the magnificent Abbey? Why will over 2.5 billion be watching the wedding through global media feeds of over 7000 credited journalists and 40 global networks all camped out in the global media village? Why are fashion designers across the globe waiting to see the future queen's wedding dress, knowing that the much-anticipated creation will define the next decade of design for women across the globe? How did wedding take on literally epic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">proportions</span>?<br /><br />Rationale is being articulated in a myriad of creative ways. For some it is a romantic heart. For some, lineage. For some it is a life-long affection in the idea of royalty. For others it is simply an appreciation for history in our modern times. And for many, it is a curiosity in what all the fuss is about.<br /><br />Ultimately, why we are interested, why we will be watching, does not matter.<br /><br />What does is that for once the world is being united by the concept of love, the reigniting of hope, the belief in happily ever after.<br /><br />Media and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mementos</span> aside, even the most cynical of royal subjects across the UK and the globe, those still shunning the value of the Royal Family, will be raising a glass in their local pubs on the forthcoming public holiday, proposing a toast to the newlyweds.<br /><br />Some things need no rationale. The fact that we feel joy is reason enough. Especially joy for others - wherever they may be geographically, socially, royally.<br /><br />To William and Kate. Long live the power of romance.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2011<br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741497512323587093.post-76340526345455275962011-03-17T16:00:00.001-07:002011-03-18T14:38:47.546-07:00DETERMINATION: A FORCE OF HUMAN NATURE<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />The first quarter of 2011 has been nothing short of gripping. From political uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East, to earth and life shattering natural disasters in Japan, the new year has provided a series of events which have given a whole new meaning to the word "resilience". How much can a human being endure? How much can be taken before one calls out "enough!"? At what point does the level of the water, be it political or pure H2O, rise too high?</span><br /><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">Remarkably, as the challenges have grown in frequency and severity, the people of our world have learned to swim stronger, fight harder, stand taller, and dig deeper, all as the world watches more closely in awe. And often, in inspiration.<br /><br />When pushed into a corner, be it physically or emotionally, the human response can often be beyond expectation and even comprehension. Some struggle to survive, reaching their limit, ultimately feeling no alternative but to let go - to let go of the struggle, let go of the cause, let go of the life raft. They let go of the fight for life.<br /><br />But then there are those who simply will not give up. Despite all odds, all logic, all reason, they will not, absolutely will not, give up. This is when the human spirit becomes a force far greater that the physical size may reveal.<br /><br />January 2011. The year began with scenes of escalating turnout and tension in the centre of Cairo began to define the growing spirit of the region. As emails and alerts heated up the screens and frustrations of protesters across Egypt, the region and the world, the force demanding change grew. Its strength elevated to such a level that, with the earth shaking, a societal and political tsunami occurred. The image of Wael Ghomin speaking to a foreign with tears quietly rolling from his tired eyes, expressing the fierce determination of the people of Egypt to take their country back even at the cost of their lives, will forever be etched into Egypt's modern history. The force was alive. It was unstoppable. And ultimately it was successful.<br /><br />And now another tsunami occurs, literally, caused by a beyond-fiction earthquake in Japan. Lives of millions of its people have been dispersed across the broken and battered landscape. Once again the world watches, this time broken hearted, as a nation fights to survive. Through the devastating loss of loved ones and location, across the country the Japanese people patiently and politely start to take burdened steps forward to make sense of the 'what now'. At the same time, united by a force fueled by a distinctly Japanese show of resilience, teams of technicians put themselves directly in harms way for the sake of national (and international) safety and security, knowing full well that their efforts to contain a nuclear crisis could cost them their own lives. Risk is irrelevant. The force is at work. The result is super-human.<br /><br />To see the human spirit jump out, and above, adversity with a sense of conviction and determination is remarkably inspiring. And it is infectious. At these moments, there may be onlookers nearby, they may be completely alone. Neither matters, because the entire space is taken up by the almost visible strength of spirit.<br /><br />Such a moment occurred recently in Berlin at the UNWTO's press conference at the 2011 ITB global travel and tourism trade show. The stage was as seen before: a convention centre meeting room set up theatre style, all 200+ seats and eyes facing forward towards a length of tables and row of name cards revealed a panel of leading tourism figures. At the helm, Dr Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO.<br /><br />The backdrop for the stage was, however, entirely new. While the global tourism community was reuniting to discuss the long-awaited rebound of the sector, a handful of tourism destinations reliant on the industry for national growth, development and stability were in a state of upheaval. Most notably, Egypt and Tunisia.<br /><br />And so, with tourism leaders, professionals and media looking on, in an act of unprecedented tourism community solidarity, and statement of personal conviction, the Secretary General invited Minister Mounir Abdul Nour and Minister Mehdi Houas, the newly appointed Ministers of Tourism of Egypt and Tunisia respectively, to join him on the panel. Respect for their positions and political circumstances left the room silent, waiting to hear something, anything, to fill the void around the 'what next'.<br /><br />Expressions of effort and destination promotion were expected from the Ministers of Tourism. What was not expected, and what had those present listening in absolute silence and with intensity of focus, were the remarkable expressions of faith, determination, resolve and vision spoken by both Ministers. Their warm smiles, personal tones and simple words initially disguised a fact that became clear very very soon: within them, within their homelands, the force was growing. And that force was going to create the future that all of their people had always dreamed of. Starting right now.<br /><br />As expressed by the Minister of Tourism of Egypt, “<i>Let me tell you that since the events started on January 25, Egyptians have regained their freedom, their pride, and their confidence in themselves, their confidence in their ability and capability to regain a democratic, secular, and unequivocal system.</i>” As for the tourism industry, the nation's lifeblood economically, socially and competitively, the message was clear - his homeland is: <i>“determined to do whatever it takes to regain the confidence of the travelers. We will advertise, communicate, visit, give incentives, we will preserve and defend to keep [Egypt] a golden destination for tourists.”</i><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span><br />With similar passion and conviction, the Minister of Tourism of Tunisia made his personal commitment clear to all, later revealing that as soon as the government was overthrown he was give two minutes to decide if he wanted to be Minister of Tourism. He took thirty seconds.<br /><br />The dramatic force of determination shown by both Ministers of Tourism not only powered their invitation to all to be a part of creating the future of two exceptional tourism destinations - it put tears of inspiration into the eyes and hearts of all present, enabling faith and solidarity to transcend doubt and the demand for supporting documentation. Greater meaning was given to the sector beyond arrivals, receipts, REVPAR and RPK.<br /><br />Importantly, it reignited the feeling of the pure wonder, joy and need for people to come together, tightly joining arms, around something they fundamentally believe in. This feeling, this flame of determination, must never be extinguished.<br /><br />These are the moments that turn the mere act of living into a fiery, infectious feeling of being alive. They can happen anywhere - in a press conference, in a peace march, on a public website, at a private dinner table. They are powerful. They are purposeful. And they are unforgettable.<br /><br />They are a force of human nature.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2011<br /><br /><br /></p>ANITA MENDIRATTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416979381167031064noreply@blogger.com0