The American borrow-and-spend system - I

We have seen many global crises in our times, ranging from SARS to 9/11 and the subsequent global war on terror. In each case, a global response was called for, and it was delivered, with varying degree of success. Yet, many of these challenges were limited in their scope, sometimes by geography (SARS), and sometimes by the already existing power balance (war on terror). The current financial crisis is different. It involves much more of the world and touches people directly. Not only is this our most serious global crisis ever, it is in fact our first crisis of globalisation.

Almost a decade after Thomas Friedman wrote The Lexus and the Olive Tree and presented his idea of the new, globalised world pushing all nations to be in the same “golden strait-jacket”, billions who benefited from that process now face the consequences of its most serious downside. The same “global herd” of investors and finance professionals that Friedman said were driving this global boom are now villains, inspiring so many nasty internet and SMS jokes.

But also see the stunning globalised response to this crisis. True, a very large majority of nations cooperated on the war against terror. But ideology, national interest and domestic public opinion were always thereabouts, influencing their actions. Europe, even members of NATO, had grave doubts over the invasion of Iraq. Even on the anti-Taliban operations in Afghanistan, there were varying opinions, with most Europeans contributing no more than a token military unit. Most of Asia and Africa stayed out of it altogether, and even America’s Arab client states kept quiet. But on the financial crisis, there wasn’t a different voice except, most predictably, Hugo Chavez’s.

For decades now, it’s been fashionable as well as convenient for governments around the world to blame America for their problems. And today, America is, indeed, responsible for this global turmoil that threatens banks and credit markets in more than a hundred countries, endangering the investments of the rich, savings and pensions of the middle classes and the social support for the poor.

And yet there has been no name-calling. No world leader, not even Chinese or French, has said that his country, or the rest of mankind, has been delivered such a mortal blow by the madness of the American borrow-and-spend system. They are, on the other hand, getting together to find a solution. Governments as far apart as the US, Europe,...

...to be concluded.

S.G - Indian

Manfa’s New Offering for Bab Peter’s Fans.

-by Daniel F. de Souza

With the release of ‘Bab Peter’s All Time Favorites - Vol 2’ an audio album with 13 Konkani tracks, Manfa Music Margao has once again served an ace for all the diehard fans of the late singer of the Konkani stage. There is no doubt whatsoever that the fans of Bab Peter must have rejoiced at this development.

This audio album has 13 selected tracks comprising of solos, duets, trios and a quartet too. The producer has taken good care in selecting the songs which are surely going to have a mass appeal. The audio album begins with Bab Peter’s passionate solo ‘Namdeo Phadte’ a solo that will find favour with all sports loving Goans. Ophelia, Bab Peter and Babli then combine to render a lively trio ‘Dish Antenna’. ‘Tarvotti Combo’ is the next duet with vintage value, in the voice of the delectable Mohana and Bab Peter. This single duet on the audio album with some beautiful lyrics and good music is the pick of the lot. It is very rarely one gets to hear the voice of versatile singer and beautiful stage artist the late Mohana.

‘Noxib Futtko’ a touching romantic solo by Bab Peter is a beautiful rendition, followed by a hilarious trio ‘Soda Lau’ by Bab Peter, Ophelia and Emilian. ‘B.P.M.P. zalo’ is once again another good track on the album sung by Babli, Ophelia and Bab Peter. ‘Veguim Kazar Kor’ a duet by Babli and Peter, as well as ‘Khuddar’ a trio by Bab Peter, Titta and Ophelia bear the true stamp of Bab Peter’s composing and singing skills. Meaningful lyrics by Bab Peter for all the tracks are well complimented by equally good musical scores by three different music directors.
Babli renders a thought provoking solo ‘Tourist Centre’ on the overall tourism situation and influx of non-Goans in Goa. Ophelia and Bab Peter both combine in a duet ‘G’.O.A.N.’. ‘Katkutleo zatat’ a duet by bab Peter Ophelia, P.W.D. a scathing solo on the height of corruption in the Government department by Bab Peter, and ‘Shortage’ a quartet by Bab Peter, Ophelia, Emilian, & Capucina complete the beautiful album.

The music for the original tracks have been scored by renowned musicians Babush, Josinho, and Alfred Rose. And the CD album has been re-mastered using digital technology at the Magic Touch Studios, Margao.

It is pertinent to note that the compilation of some of the top hits of this versatile singer into a single audio CD album is a real bonus to Konkani music lovers and undoubtedly a collector’s item. The audio album is nominally priced at Rs. 150/- and is available at all the leading music stores in Goa and Mumbai. Bab Peter’s fans should not miss this golden opportunity of adding this wonderful album to their music collection which in all probability could be the favourite of the entire family.
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‘Mhaka Sangat’ a qualitative telefilm

‘Mhaka Sangat’ a video tele-film produced and marketed by Manfa Video is creating waves among Konkani film lovers together with the many Konkani taitrs that are being staged this monsoon season. The tele-film is written and directed by Samuel Carvalho and the screen play is by Fabian G. da Costa. Incidentally this is the video version of the hit tiatr staged some time ago by the same playwright, but it has been filmed and picturised outdoors at appropriate locations.

The specialty of the film is the quality of its production in the video segment like all the other earlier productions of Manfa such as ‘Nikita, Daddy, Ghat Apleak Sontos Peleak etc. Another noteworthy aspect of this film is that the actors have given natural performances in their respective roles. Some outstanding performances comes from Mathew Araujo as the Inspector, Sharon Mazarello as the Sub Inspector, Meena Leitao as the mother, Samuel Carvalho as the Salesman, Pascoal Rodrigues as the betrayed husband, Roma as the daughter and Avon as the ill fated daughter in law. Professional mujsician and drummer, Xavier de Moira popularly known as ‘Paklo’ doing a guest appearance in this film steals your heart with his excellent role of a senior citizen speaking Konkani with his infallible Bardex accent. The comedy by comedians Agostinho as a small time thief and Selvy as the constable is enjoyable and evokes good laughter. Selvy is outstanding as the constable and his inherent talents at creating natural comedy are fully on display in this film. The other actors are Wilson Mazarello, Joaquim Cabral, Avon, Joaquim who too have played their roles well.

The telefilm besides the kantos has 4 special songs sung by Mathew Araujo, Joaquim Cabral, Roma and one comedy solo by T. Briton. The major part of the film is picturised in a posh bungalow besides some other appealing outdoor locations and the final sequence taking the film to its climax is shot in a courtroom. There are several parts of the film including the comedy is picturised at outdoor locations. They are well picturised and locations are picturesque. However, a fair amount of the story unfolds at the police station and it is here that the director should have given a little more attention in selecting the appropriate location to give the film a better impact. The set up of the police station does not at all look like one giving the viewer the impression that is it is shot indoors in some flat. A little more attention here could have certainly given further impact to the film.

The photography by Yogesh Mandrekar is professional and the fact that a lot of attention is given to the technical aspects and usage of technical gadgetry is evident as you view the film. Even the lighting used for enhancing the scenes at different locations including the time factor, is very professional and the same gives a fillip to the overall quality of the telefilm.

The story of the film is based on a middle class family and empahises on love, trust and betrayal and has a deep suspense which is reveled only in the final sequence. The music and background music by Norman Cardozo is soothing and fairly good. Pick an original copy of the VCD/DVD bearing the hologram of Manfa Music and discourage the scourge of piracy in this film segment.