Monday, January 19, 2009

Barack Obama's Inauguration Schedule



History in it's making


By Jem Aswad

It's an event that Washington, D.C., sees every four years — but it's never seen an inauguration like this one. The entire city is practically under lockdown in preparation for Barack Obama's historic inauguration on Tuesday. While exact figures are uncertain, CNN reports that 1 million to 2 million attendees are expected for the inauguration, and tens of thousands of police officers, federal agents and National Guardsmen are being deployed in an unprecedented effort to ensure that the inauguration of the 44th president runs safely and smoothly. Similarly, the cost of the event has been disputed — up to $150 million but generally estimated at around $50 million — but it is reported to be the most expensive in history. Cameras will be following the president-elect and his family every step of the way during the day — and you'll be able to watch it live streaming on MTV.com.

Here's a look at where they'll be for the ceremony, the parades — and of course the Youth Inaugural Ball and other balls throughout the evening.




» 8:25 a.m.: Obamas leave Blair House for prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church

» 8:35 a.m.: Prayer service

» 9:45 a.m.: Church service ends; Obamas depart for the White House

» 10:05 a.m.: Obamas arrive at White House for coffee with the Bushes

» 11 a.m.: Motorcade departs for the Capitol

» 11:30 a.m.: Bushes and Obamas proceed to platform on the West Front; California Senator Dianne Feinstein will issue the call to order and deliver brief welcoming remarks, followed by an invocation from Dr. Rick Warren and a performance from Aretha Franklin (who also sang at Bill Clinton's first inauguration)

» 11:50 a.m.: Joe Biden is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice John Stevens

» 12 p.m.: Barack Obama is sworn in as president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Obama, with his hand on Abraham Lincoln's inaugural Bible, will recite the same oath as his predecessors: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Musical performance from John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Gabriela Montero and Anthony McGill, followed by "Hail to the Chief" and a 21-gun salute

» 12:05 p.m.: Inaugural address, followed by a poem written and recited by Elizabeth Alexander and a benediction from Dr. Joseph Lowery. The national anthem will be performed by the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters

» 12:30 p.m.: Ceremony concludes

» 12:35 p.m.: Bush departs via helicopter; Cheney departs by limo

» 12:45 p.m.: Obama signs inauguration papers in the President's Room

» 1:00 p.m.: Obama attends congressional luncheon

» 2:15 p.m.: Obama and Biden review troops at Capitol

» 2:30 p.m.: President Obama leads the parade from the Capitol along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House

» 3:15 p.m.: Arrival at the White House

» 3:45 p.m.: Obamas and Bidens proceed to the reviewing stand; inaugural parade continues until 6 p.m.

» 7 p.m.: The official inaugural balls begin with the Neighborhood Ball at the Washington Convention Center, with performers scheduled to include Beyoncé. Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Stevie Wonder and others. Nick Cannon will DJ.

The event, expected to include
the president and first lady's first dance of the night, will be broadcast on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. From there, it's on to other celebrations, including MTV's Youth Ball.

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.


Labels:

Barack Obama's Inauguration Schedule



History in it's making


By Jem Aswad

It's an event that Washington, D.C., sees every four years — but it's never seen an inauguration like this one. The entire city is practically under lockdown in preparation for Barack Obama's historic inauguration on Tuesday. While exact figures are uncertain, CNN reports that 1 million to 2 million attendees are expected for the inauguration, and tens of thousands of police officers, federal agents and National Guardsmen are being deployed in an unprecedented effort to ensure that the inauguration of the 44th president runs safely and smoothly. Similarly, the cost of the event has been disputed — up to $150 million but generally estimated at around $50 million — but it is reported to be the most expensive in history. Cameras will be following the president-elect and his family every step of the way during the day — and you'll be able to watch it live streaming on MTV.com.

Here's a look at where they'll be for the ceremony, the parades — and of course the Youth Inaugural Ball and other balls throughout the evening.




» 8:25 a.m.: Obamas leave Blair House for prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church

» 8:35 a.m.: Prayer service

» 9:45 a.m.: Church service ends; Obamas depart for the White House

» 10:05 a.m.: Obamas arrive at White House for coffee with the Bushes

» 11 a.m.: Motorcade departs for the Capitol

» 11:30 a.m.: Bushes and Obamas proceed to platform on the West Front; California Senator Dianne Feinstein will issue the call to order and deliver brief welcoming remarks, followed by an invocation from Dr. Rick Warren and a performance from Aretha Franklin (who also sang at Bill Clinton's first inauguration)

» 11:50 a.m.: Joe Biden is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice John Stevens

» 12 p.m.: Barack Obama is sworn in as president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Obama, with his hand on Abraham Lincoln's inaugural Bible, will recite the same oath as his predecessors: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Musical performance from John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Gabriela Montero and Anthony McGill, followed by "Hail to the Chief" and a 21-gun salute

» 12:05 p.m.: Inaugural address, followed by a poem written and recited by Elizabeth Alexander and a benediction from Dr. Joseph Lowery. The national anthem will be performed by the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters

» 12:30 p.m.: Ceremony concludes

» 12:35 p.m.: Bush departs via helicopter; Cheney departs by limo

» 12:45 p.m.: Obama signs inauguration papers in the President's Room

» 1:00 p.m.: Obama attends congressional luncheon

» 2:15 p.m.: Obama and Biden review troops at Capitol

» 2:30 p.m.: President Obama leads the parade from the Capitol along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House

» 3:15 p.m.: Arrival at the White House

» 3:45 p.m.: Obamas and Bidens proceed to the reviewing stand; inaugural parade continues until 6 p.m.

» 7 p.m.: The official inaugural balls begin with the Neighborhood Ball at the Washington Convention Center, with performers scheduled to include Beyoncé. Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Stevie Wonder and others. Nick Cannon will DJ.

The event, expected to include
the president and first lady's first dance of the night, will be broadcast on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. From there, it's on to other celebrations, including MTV's Youth Ball.

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.


Labels:

Barack Obama's Inauguration Schedule



History in it's making


By Jem Aswad

It's an event that Washington, D.C., sees every four years — but it's never seen an inauguration like this one. The entire city is practically under lockdown in preparation for Barack Obama's historic inauguration on Tuesday. While exact figures are uncertain, CNN reports that 1 million to 2 million attendees are expected for the inauguration, and tens of thousands of police officers, federal agents and National Guardsmen are being deployed in an unprecedented effort to ensure that the inauguration of the 44th president runs safely and smoothly. Similarly, the cost of the event has been disputed — up to $150 million but generally estimated at around $50 million — but it is reported to be the most expensive in history. Cameras will be following the president-elect and his family every step of the way during the day — and you'll be able to watch it live streaming on MTV.com.

Here's a look at where they'll be for the ceremony, the parades — and of course the Youth Inaugural Ball and other balls throughout the evening.




» 8:25 a.m.: Obamas leave Blair House for prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church

» 8:35 a.m.: Prayer service

» 9:45 a.m.: Church service ends; Obamas depart for the White House

» 10:05 a.m.: Obamas arrive at White House for coffee with the Bushes

» 11 a.m.: Motorcade departs for the Capitol

» 11:30 a.m.: Bushes and Obamas proceed to platform on the West Front; California Senator Dianne Feinstein will issue the call to order and deliver brief welcoming remarks, followed by an invocation from Dr. Rick Warren and a performance from Aretha Franklin (who also sang at Bill Clinton's first inauguration)

» 11:50 a.m.: Joe Biden is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice John Stevens

» 12 p.m.: Barack Obama is sworn in as president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Obama, with his hand on Abraham Lincoln's inaugural Bible, will recite the same oath as his predecessors: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Musical performance from John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Gabriela Montero and Anthony McGill, followed by "Hail to the Chief" and a 21-gun salute

» 12:05 p.m.: Inaugural address, followed by a poem written and recited by Elizabeth Alexander and a benediction from Dr. Joseph Lowery. The national anthem will be performed by the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters

» 12:30 p.m.: Ceremony concludes

» 12:35 p.m.: Bush departs via helicopter; Cheney departs by limo

» 12:45 p.m.: Obama signs inauguration papers in the President's Room

» 1:00 p.m.: Obama attends congressional luncheon

» 2:15 p.m.: Obama and Biden review troops at Capitol

» 2:30 p.m.: President Obama leads the parade from the Capitol along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House

» 3:15 p.m.: Arrival at the White House

» 3:45 p.m.: Obamas and Bidens proceed to the reviewing stand; inaugural parade continues until 6 p.m.

» 7 p.m.: The official inaugural balls begin with the Neighborhood Ball at the Washington Convention Center, with performers scheduled to include Beyoncé. Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Stevie Wonder and others. Nick Cannon will DJ.

The event, expected to include
the president and first lady's first dance of the night, will be broadcast on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. From there, it's on to other celebrations, including MTV's Youth Ball.

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.


Labels:

Bulolo/Wau's young and vibrant leader Honorable Sam Basil



Papua New Guinea's politicians or so called Members of Parliament (MPs) regard themselves as 'big man' once they're given the mandate by the people through the electoral process. They completely forget where they started from and how they ended up there.

That means they don't have time to have a conversation, or send an email every five minutes, or even have phone conversations with simple people like you and I.

But I see different colors shown in the approaches in a young leader of Mr. Sam Basil's calibre- the first time MP for Bulolo/Wau electorate in the Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea. I don't know this young MP very well; however, what fascinates me is the fact that he is very humble and can be approachable by every levels of people. I came to sense that he doesn't care who he talks to but he has a big heart for the grassroots people in Bulolo/Wau and PNG at large.

Needless to say, I am not even from Morobe or Bulolo/Wau for that matter but this guy amazes me with sending emails every 2-3 minutes. In my life time, I've never conversed with an MP and this is indeed my first time to have a conversation with the Bulolo/Wau MP. Below is the conversation Mr. Basil and I had since he arrived in Washington, DC. What he told me might surprise some of you folks out there.


(Bulolo/Wau MP, Hon. Sam Basil and US Ambassador to PNG Mrs. Leslie Rowe)

David Ketepa: It is fascinating to read your blog. I am from Mt. Hagen, WHP but currently live in Michigan, USA. It's a first of it's kind to have a PNG MP having a blog. This is always a great sign. The elite of Bulolo/Wau will appreciate your efforts in creating a blog to inform them. I know you'll be busy but if you do have sometime or need any information to get around here; just holla at me.

Hon Sam Basil, MP: Nice to hear from you. Is there anyway we can catch I am currently in Washington DC and by Wednesday we will be in Columbus,Ohio and then finish our trip into North Carolina.
Pls contact me on (contact details held for various reasons) and sorry for the blogs I just started the blog and there is not enough info. as yet because time factor is what I don't quite have at the moment. I'd be glad to catch with you but if we can't then bro. good luck, I met with Brian may be you should know him see my blog at Brisbane airport his pic. was posted there. Anyway are you close by ? (Sorry I may be too lazy to look at the maps)


David Ketepa: Thanks so much for replying to my email; though I know that you're busy. This shows that you're truly a leader for the grassroots. I am excited to meet you; hopefully in Columbus, Ohio because it is just four hours away from where I live. If I had known where your location/staying would be in Ohio; that would even be closer. But I wonder when you will get to Ohio and if you did on a working day, I might not get there because I would have to work. However, I would let other PNGeans in Ohio (a bunch of them living there) to know your coming so that they can have an opportunity to meet you. It doesn't hurt to keep our communication lines open and I would love to read the latest developments on your trip and back home in PNG on your blog. I added your blog on my blog list.

Hon Sam Basil, MP: Thank you David,
We will be into Columbus, Ohio by Thursday (22.01.09) and will be there for two or three days I would be glad to meet some wantoks in Ohio. If you can't make it then pls ask some countrymen to catch up as it is also becoming a little lonely and I also would like to compare/interact with them regarding the American culture and government. (Its good to get such info. from our own).


David Ketepa: will surely let them know. Do you know which hotel you're staying? It would be best if you give your hotel details so they can meet you there or contact you. I will be working till Saturday so will not make it but I'd love to give you a call if I had known your # in the hotel you're staying.

Hon Sam Basil; MP: OK got confirmation now as follows;
Dep. Washington DC Thursday 22.01.09 arrv. Columbus, Ohio 14:45hrs hotel Columbus Renaissance Hotel, 50 North Third Street, Ohio 43215. Tel (614) 228 5050
Thanks again and hope to meet up with them.


David Ketepa: That was quick. I put up a toksave on PNG message boards here in the US. I won't put all your contact details, location, etc....instead I put my name and email address so if anyone wants to meet you they should contact me first so that I can give them the details as you've just forwarded. I will probably give you a call during one of those days if you weren't busy. Is it for real, I am really talking to an MP? Wow!! that's amazing and I am so proud of you. It's fascinating for me to see you as young and vibrant leader rising so fast to keep in touch with the elite no matter where they come from in PNG. I admire your approaches.

Hon Sam Basil; MP: Thanks and hear from you soon bro. hope we meet someday and I understand we all share the same view about PNG. Malum Nalu just email me few moments ago and ask me of how exciting about tomorrow and I returned mail to him saying I am actually not happy. Because what I saw here in Americas politics especially upholding of the constitution and the respect to the rule of law with strong democracy has brought America to where it is today. In PNG we are still struggling, health services are not penetrating into the rural areas, law & order is still a problem and corruption is miles high on the agenda.
I told him that the old guards still have the upper hand in PNG's politics while the young politicians who were voted in recently build their extra ordinary lifestyle in Pom and the very influential leaders in Govt. are feeding their daily extra expenses which has suppressed the new leaders to stand together and say enough is enough but I hope it will change one day.


David Ketepa: I share the same sentiments with you and I hope and pray that leaders like you and a few others stand up so firmly to bring our country back from all these political corruption and chaos. I've written up a blog (www.pngemmiyet.blogspot.com) to go against on such issues as mismanagement, corruption, bribery, wantokism, nepotism, etc.....It's fascinating to see a leader who has same visions as I do. I can't wait here and see my country going to the dogs and seeing my folks in the village struggle to acquire basic services.It's terrible back in PNG but I see some potential in you. I will keep these communication lines open because I see that you've alot to offer to your electorate (Bulolo/Wau), Morobe and the country at large. I wish there could be more Sam Basils in PNG. God bless your leadership and I will constantly follow your developmental plans and developments in your electorate and decisions you make regarding PNG. You motivate me and you just hit the nail right into the coffin on issues I raise through my blog and letters to the editor via our national papers.

Mr Basil was just elected into office and from his blog and among my email friends, I would say that he has done remarkably well and I congratulate all the people in Wau/Bulolo for making a right choice in electing him. Even though; he is young, he is already fired up and ready to change Bulolo/Wau and ultimately, PNG.


Note: Those in Columbus, Ohio, refer to the MPs schedule (above) and meet him there for some maus wara (jokes) in a true PNG style. I can't wait to call him when he gets to Ohio.

Labels:

Bulolo/Wau's young and vibrant leader Honorable Sam Basil



Papua New Guinea's politicians or so called Members of Parliament (MPs) regard themselves as 'big man' once they're given the mandate by the people through the electoral process. They completely forget where they started from and how they ended up there.

That means they don't have time to have a conversation, or send an email every five minutes, or even have phone conversations with simple people like you and I.

But I see different colors shown in the approaches in a young leader of Mr. Sam Basil's calibre- the first time MP for Bulolo/Wau electorate in the Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea. I don't know this young MP very well; however, what fascinates me is the fact that he is very humble and can be approachable by every levels of people. I came to sense that he doesn't care who he talks to but he has a big heart for the grassroots people in Bulolo/Wau and PNG at large.

Needless to say, I am not even from Morobe or Bulolo/Wau for that matter but this guy amazes me with sending emails every 2-3 minutes. In my life time, I've never conversed with an MP and this is indeed my first time to have a conversation with the Bulolo/Wau MP. Below is the conversation Mr. Basil and I had since he arrived in Washington, DC. What he told me might surprise some of you folks out there.


(Bulolo/Wau MP, Hon. Sam Basil and US Ambassador to PNG Mrs. Leslie Rowe)

David Ketepa: It is fascinating to read your blog. I am from Mt. Hagen, WHP but currently live in Michigan, USA. It's a first of it's kind to have a PNG MP having a blog. This is always a great sign. The elite of Bulolo/Wau will appreciate your efforts in creating a blog to inform them. I know you'll be busy but if you do have sometime or need any information to get around here; just holla at me.

Hon Sam Basil, MP: Nice to hear from you. Is there anyway we can catch I am currently in Washington DC and by Wednesday we will be in Columbus,Ohio and then finish our trip into North Carolina.
Pls contact me on (contact details held for various reasons) and sorry for the blogs I just started the blog and there is not enough info. as yet because time factor is what I don't quite have at the moment. I'd be glad to catch with you but if we can't then bro. good luck, I met with Brian may be you should know him see my blog at Brisbane airport his pic. was posted there. Anyway are you close by ? (Sorry I may be too lazy to look at the maps)


David Ketepa: Thanks so much for replying to my email; though I know that you're busy. This shows that you're truly a leader for the grassroots. I am excited to meet you; hopefully in Columbus, Ohio because it is just four hours away from where I live. If I had known where your location/staying would be in Ohio; that would even be closer. But I wonder when you will get to Ohio and if you did on a working day, I might not get there because I would have to work. However, I would let other PNGeans in Ohio (a bunch of them living there) to know your coming so that they can have an opportunity to meet you. It doesn't hurt to keep our communication lines open and I would love to read the latest developments on your trip and back home in PNG on your blog. I added your blog on my blog list.

Hon Sam Basil, MP: Thank you David,
We will be into Columbus, Ohio by Thursday (22.01.09) and will be there for two or three days I would be glad to meet some wantoks in Ohio. If you can't make it then pls ask some countrymen to catch up as it is also becoming a little lonely and I also would like to compare/interact with them regarding the American culture and government. (Its good to get such info. from our own).


David Ketepa: will surely let them know. Do you know which hotel you're staying? It would be best if you give your hotel details so they can meet you there or contact you. I will be working till Saturday so will not make it but I'd love to give you a call if I had known your # in the hotel you're staying.

Hon Sam Basil; MP: OK got confirmation now as follows;
Dep. Washington DC Thursday 22.01.09 arrv. Columbus, Ohio 14:45hrs hotel Columbus Renaissance Hotel, 50 North Third Street, Ohio 43215. Tel (614) 228 5050
Thanks again and hope to meet up with them.


David Ketepa: That was quick. I put up a toksave on PNG message boards here in the US. I won't put all your contact details, location, etc....instead I put my name and email address so if anyone wants to meet you they should contact me first so that I can give them the details as you've just forwarded. I will probably give you a call during one of those days if you weren't busy. Is it for real, I am really talking to an MP? Wow!! that's amazing and I am so proud of you. It's fascinating for me to see you as young and vibrant leader rising so fast to keep in touch with the elite no matter where they come from in PNG. I admire your approaches.

Hon Sam Basil; MP: Thanks and hear from you soon bro. hope we meet someday and I understand we all share the same view about PNG. Malum Nalu just email me few moments ago and ask me of how exciting about tomorrow and I returned mail to him saying I am actually not happy. Because what I saw here in Americas politics especially upholding of the constitution and the respect to the rule of law with strong democracy has brought America to where it is today. In PNG we are still struggling, health services are not penetrating into the rural areas, law & order is still a problem and corruption is miles high on the agenda.
I told him that the old guards still have the upper hand in PNG's politics while the young politicians who were voted in recently build their extra ordinary lifestyle in Pom and the very influential leaders in Govt. are feeding their daily extra expenses which has suppressed the new leaders to stand together and say enough is enough but I hope it will change one day.


David Ketepa: I share the same sentiments with you and I hope and pray that leaders like you and a few others stand up so firmly to bring our country back from all these political corruption and chaos. I've written up a blog (www.pngemmiyet.blogspot.com) to go against on such issues as mismanagement, corruption, bribery, wantokism, nepotism, etc.....It's fascinating to see a leader who has same visions as I do. I can't wait here and see my country going to the dogs and seeing my folks in the village struggle to acquire basic services.It's terrible back in PNG but I see some potential in you. I will keep these communication lines open because I see that you've alot to offer to your electorate (Bulolo/Wau), Morobe and the country at large. I wish there could be more Sam Basils in PNG. God bless your leadership and I will constantly follow your developmental plans and developments in your electorate and decisions you make regarding PNG. You motivate me and you just hit the nail right into the coffin on issues I raise through my blog and letters to the editor via our national papers.

Mr Basil was just elected into office and from his blog and among my email friends, I would say that he has done remarkably well and I congratulate all the people in Wau/Bulolo for making a right choice in electing him. Even though; he is young, he is already fired up and ready to change Bulolo/Wau and ultimately, PNG.


Note: Those in Columbus, Ohio, refer to the MPs schedule (above) and meet him there for some maus wara (jokes) in a true PNG style. I can't wait to call him when he gets to Ohio.

Labels:

Bulolo/Wau's young and vibrant leader Honorable Sam Basil



Papua New Guinea's politicians or so called Members of Parliament (MPs) regard themselves as 'big man' once they're given the mandate by the people through the electoral process. They completely forget where they started from and how they ended up there.

That means they don't have time to have a conversation, or send an email every five minutes, or even have phone conversations with simple people like you and I.

But I see different colors shown in the approaches in a young leader of Mr. Sam Basil's calibre- the first time MP for Bulolo/Wau electorate in the Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea. I don't know this young MP very well; however, what fascinates me is the fact that he is very humble and can be approachable by every levels of people. I came to sense that he doesn't care who he talks to but he has a big heart for the grassroots people in Bulolo/Wau and PNG at large.

Needless to say, I am not even from Morobe or Bulolo/Wau for that matter but this guy amazes me with sending emails every 2-3 minutes. In my life time, I've never conversed with an MP and this is indeed my first time to have a conversation with the Bulolo/Wau MP. Below is the conversation Mr. Basil and I had since he arrived in Washington, DC. What he told me might surprise some of you folks out there.


(Bulolo/Wau MP, Hon. Sam Basil and US Ambassador to PNG Mrs. Leslie Rowe)

David Ketepa: It is fascinating to read your blog. I am from Mt. Hagen, WHP but currently live in Michigan, USA. It's a first of it's kind to have a PNG MP having a blog. This is always a great sign. The elite of Bulolo/Wau will appreciate your efforts in creating a blog to inform them. I know you'll be busy but if you do have sometime or need any information to get around here; just holla at me.

Hon Sam Basil, MP: Nice to hear from you. Is there anyway we can catch I am currently in Washington DC and by Wednesday we will be in Columbus,Ohio and then finish our trip into North Carolina.
Pls contact me on (contact details held for various reasons) and sorry for the blogs I just started the blog and there is not enough info. as yet because time factor is what I don't quite have at the moment. I'd be glad to catch with you but if we can't then bro. good luck, I met with Brian may be you should know him see my blog at Brisbane airport his pic. was posted there. Anyway are you close by ? (Sorry I may be too lazy to look at the maps)


David Ketepa: Thanks so much for replying to my email; though I know that you're busy. This shows that you're truly a leader for the grassroots. I am excited to meet you; hopefully in Columbus, Ohio because it is just four hours away from where I live. If I had known where your location/staying would be in Ohio; that would even be closer. But I wonder when you will get to Ohio and if you did on a working day, I might not get there because I would have to work. However, I would let other PNGeans in Ohio (a bunch of them living there) to know your coming so that they can have an opportunity to meet you. It doesn't hurt to keep our communication lines open and I would love to read the latest developments on your trip and back home in PNG on your blog. I added your blog on my blog list.

Hon Sam Basil, MP: Thank you David,
We will be into Columbus, Ohio by Thursday (22.01.09) and will be there for two or three days I would be glad to meet some wantoks in Ohio. If you can't make it then pls ask some countrymen to catch up as it is also becoming a little lonely and I also would like to compare/interact with them regarding the American culture and government. (Its good to get such info. from our own).


David Ketepa: will surely let them know. Do you know which hotel you're staying? It would be best if you give your hotel details so they can meet you there or contact you. I will be working till Saturday so will not make it but I'd love to give you a call if I had known your # in the hotel you're staying.

Hon Sam Basil; MP: OK got confirmation now as follows;
Dep. Washington DC Thursday 22.01.09 arrv. Columbus, Ohio 14:45hrs hotel Columbus Renaissance Hotel, 50 North Third Street, Ohio 43215. Tel (614) 228 5050
Thanks again and hope to meet up with them.


David Ketepa: That was quick. I put up a toksave on PNG message boards here in the US. I won't put all your contact details, location, etc....instead I put my name and email address so if anyone wants to meet you they should contact me first so that I can give them the details as you've just forwarded. I will probably give you a call during one of those days if you weren't busy. Is it for real, I am really talking to an MP? Wow!! that's amazing and I am so proud of you. It's fascinating for me to see you as young and vibrant leader rising so fast to keep in touch with the elite no matter where they come from in PNG. I admire your approaches.

Hon Sam Basil; MP: Thanks and hear from you soon bro. hope we meet someday and I understand we all share the same view about PNG. Malum Nalu just email me few moments ago and ask me of how exciting about tomorrow and I returned mail to him saying I am actually not happy. Because what I saw here in Americas politics especially upholding of the constitution and the respect to the rule of law with strong democracy has brought America to where it is today. In PNG we are still struggling, health services are not penetrating into the rural areas, law & order is still a problem and corruption is miles high on the agenda.
I told him that the old guards still have the upper hand in PNG's politics while the young politicians who were voted in recently build their extra ordinary lifestyle in Pom and the very influential leaders in Govt. are feeding their daily extra expenses which has suppressed the new leaders to stand together and say enough is enough but I hope it will change one day.


David Ketepa: I share the same sentiments with you and I hope and pray that leaders like you and a few others stand up so firmly to bring our country back from all these political corruption and chaos. I've written up a blog (www.pngemmiyet.blogspot.com) to go against on such issues as mismanagement, corruption, bribery, wantokism, nepotism, etc.....It's fascinating to see a leader who has same visions as I do. I can't wait here and see my country going to the dogs and seeing my folks in the village struggle to acquire basic services.It's terrible back in PNG but I see some potential in you. I will keep these communication lines open because I see that you've alot to offer to your electorate (Bulolo/Wau), Morobe and the country at large. I wish there could be more Sam Basils in PNG. God bless your leadership and I will constantly follow your developmental plans and developments in your electorate and decisions you make regarding PNG. You motivate me and you just hit the nail right into the coffin on issues I raise through my blog and letters to the editor via our national papers.

Mr Basil was just elected into office and from his blog and among my email friends, I would say that he has done remarkably well and I congratulate all the people in Wau/Bulolo for making a right choice in electing him. Even though; he is young, he is already fired up and ready to change Bulolo/Wau and ultimately, PNG.


Note: Those in Columbus, Ohio, refer to the MPs schedule (above) and meet him there for some maus wara (jokes) in a true PNG style. I can't wait to call him when he gets to Ohio.

Labels:

A message for young women in Papua New Guinea (PNG)



Today in Papua New Guinea (PNG), a lot of women are not careful in choosing their life-time companions. Women don't consider the pros and cons of establishing a relationship. Having a boyfriend is totally different from marrying someone. I would basically focus on marrying someone you love to spend the entire life with him/her. This article stresses the importance of PNG women making careful decisions in any situation leading to "marriage' in one way or the other.

However; it is prevalent in many societies in PNG that, women does not care about whom they are getting married to and try to distinguish the consequences lay ahead of them. In this modern age and time; PNG women would try to marry the elite, the cream of the crop, and obviously the guy who has lots of money (businessman), or someone who holds higher paying job/position. A lot of women make such bad choices along that line without really loving the men for who they are. True love is one thing and material wealth is another. In modern PNG, most women fall in the latter or the status of the men in the community, town, city, or the country at large - an MP; for example.

If there is no LOVE involved then; it is not a true marriage. Ladies, take note that; if you're getting married to a man who has more material wealth or the elite than you most probably will have some confrontations with other women along your journey (marriage life) or you would be the first wife after three or four wives down the line whom your husband would want to have for fun. He will treat you as a piece of thrash because he assumes that your identity, character; and personality had depreciated once you've a kid or two. (A common men's mentality synonymous with PNG's elite). Our society has excepted this as a norm and we can't get away with it. But I challenge you womenfolk out there to stand up and put an end to this kind of trend played by PNG men and stand firm on your common goals, beliefs, and establish a strong faith in God.

"Marriage" is not an experiment and those who wish to get married must be careful or not to do so to avoid all these frustrations marriage couples do confront everyday. If you choose the former; there got to be LOVE involved because you're going to love that person and spend the entire life with him and vise versa. Let me kindly assure you that, marriage life is kind of like 'a rollo coaster' ride no matter who you're marrying. Therefore; there got to be LOVE involved to bind your marriage together. Without LOVE in your marriage; there is disaster! 'Marriage' is 'for life' and it's a 'life time' thing. Not like you get married today and tomorrow; you're single again.

I want to inform those who are planning or thinking about marriage to be mindful of your choices because I had experienced this first hand in my own family when my sister (Esther Ulg Ketepa, pictured) was brutally murdered by a woman who accused her of having an affair with her husband.


(Late Esther Ulg Ketepa, middle row (right) with an umbrella with family and friends. Family pic-2006)

Esther was murdered when she was on Lihir Island with her friends while I was still in the United States. I didn't have the chance to say good bye or let alone saw her body. Needless to say; late Esther was only 24 years old when she was murdered in cold blood in September of 2007. In that hot summer of 2007; I received an email from my fellow tribesman; Mr. Tiri Kuimbakul about Esther's tragic death. It was devastating for me and for my family to go through this ordeal. Even though, it's been two years of her untimely death; we still ponder and ask; why Esther died in this barbaric manner?

Late Esther was a role model for my family and her peers and a very generous person to everyone she confronted. We miss her so much and to me, not seeing her body and had a chance to talk to her a little over three years still hurts me inside. I hope it will heal as times pass. Late Esther left three kids; Lilian (5), Lovelyn (3), and Mawa (2) under my parents' care after her husband (Paul Koim - a policeman based in Mt. Hagen, WHP) refuse to look after these kids. A scholarship is planned in the near future in honor of Esther Ulg Ketepa for her kids and that of others who are under these kind of situations to pursue studies in Education from elementary to sixth grade.

Ultimately; I want to share my story with all you womenfolk out there in PNG. Be careful with your life and marry a decent man to spend the entire life with him. Marriage is a blessing and for those who wait to take that oath or I dos; good things do happen.

Hey! I am not a psychologist or someone of that standing but I think I did my best in explaining the nature of marriage where I think PNG women can relate to. I welcome any comments or thoughts.


Labels:

A message for young women in Papua New Guinea (PNG)



Today in Papua New Guinea (PNG), a lot of women are not careful in choosing their life-time companions. Women don't consider the pros and cons of establishing a relationship. Having a boyfriend is totally different from marrying someone. I would basically focus on marrying someone you love to spend the entire life with him/her. This article stresses the importance of PNG women making careful decisions in any situation leading to "marriage' in one way or the other.

However; it is prevalent in many societies in PNG that, women does not care about whom they are getting married to and try to distinguish the consequences lay ahead of them. In this modern age and time; PNG women would try to marry the elite, the cream of the crop, and obviously the guy who has lots of money (businessman), or someone who holds higher paying job/position. A lot of women make such bad choices along that line without really loving the men for who they are. True love is one thing and material wealth is another. In modern PNG, most women fall in the latter or the status of the men in the community, town, city, or the country at large - an MP; for example.

If there is no LOVE involved then; it is not a true marriage. Ladies, take note that; if you're getting married to a man who has more material wealth or the elite than you most probably will have some confrontations with other women along your journey (marriage life) or you would be the first wife after three or four wives down the line whom your husband would want to have for fun. He will treat you as a piece of thrash because he assumes that your identity, character; and personality had depreciated once you've a kid or two. (A common men's mentality synonymous with PNG's elite). Our society has excepted this as a norm and we can't get away with it. But I challenge you womenfolk out there to stand up and put an end to this kind of trend played by PNG men and stand firm on your common goals, beliefs, and establish a strong faith in God.

"Marriage" is not an experiment and those who wish to get married must be careful or not to do so to avoid all these frustrations marriage couples do confront everyday. If you choose the former; there got to be LOVE involved because you're going to love that person and spend the entire life with him and vise versa. Let me kindly assure you that, marriage life is kind of like 'a rollo coaster' ride no matter who you're marrying. Therefore; there got to be LOVE involved to bind your marriage together. Without LOVE in your marriage; there is disaster! 'Marriage' is 'for life' and it's a 'life time' thing. Not like you get married today and tomorrow; you're single again.

I want to inform those who are planning or thinking about marriage to be mindful of your choices because I had experienced this first hand in my own family when my sister (Esther Ulg Ketepa, pictured) was brutally murdered by a woman who accused her of having an affair with her husband.


(Late Esther Ulg Ketepa, middle row (right) with an umbrella with family and friends. Family pic-2006)

Esther was murdered when she was on Lihir Island with her friends while I was still in the United States. I didn't have the chance to say good bye or let alone saw her body. Needless to say; late Esther was only 24 years old when she was murdered in cold blood in September of 2007. In that hot summer of 2007; I received an email from my fellow tribesman; Mr. Tiri Kuimbakul about Esther's tragic death. It was devastating for me and for my family to go through this ordeal. Even though, it's been two years of her untimely death; we still ponder and ask; why Esther died in this barbaric manner?

Late Esther was a role model for my family and her peers and a very generous person to everyone she confronted. We miss her so much and to me, not seeing her body and had a chance to talk to her a little over three years still hurts me inside. I hope it will heal as times pass. Late Esther left three kids; Lilian (5), Lovelyn (3), and Mawa (2) under my parents' care after her husband (Paul Koim - a policeman based in Mt. Hagen, WHP) refuse to look after these kids. A scholarship is planned in the near future in honor of Esther Ulg Ketepa for her kids and that of others who are under these kind of situations to pursue studies in Education from elementary to sixth grade.

Ultimately; I want to share my story with all you womenfolk out there in PNG. Be careful with your life and marry a decent man to spend the entire life with him. Marriage is a blessing and for those who wait to take that oath or I dos; good things do happen.

Hey! I am not a psychologist or someone of that standing but I think I did my best in explaining the nature of marriage where I think PNG women can relate to. I welcome any comments or thoughts.


Labels:

A message for young women in Papua New Guinea (PNG)



Today in Papua New Guinea (PNG), a lot of women are not careful in choosing their life-time companions. Women don't consider the pros and cons of establishing a relationship. Having a boyfriend is totally different from marrying someone. I would basically focus on marrying someone you love to spend the entire life with him/her. This article stresses the importance of PNG women making careful decisions in any situation leading to "marriage' in one way or the other.

However; it is prevalent in many societies in PNG that, women does not care about whom they are getting married to and try to distinguish the consequences lay ahead of them. In this modern age and time; PNG women would try to marry the elite, the cream of the crop, and obviously the guy who has lots of money (businessman), or someone who holds higher paying job/position. A lot of women make such bad choices along that line without really loving the men for who they are. True love is one thing and material wealth is another. In modern PNG, most women fall in the latter or the status of the men in the community, town, city, or the country at large - an MP; for example.

If there is no LOVE involved then; it is not a true marriage. Ladies, take note that; if you're getting married to a man who has more material wealth or the elite than you most probably will have some confrontations with other women along your journey (marriage life) or you would be the first wife after three or four wives down the line whom your husband would want to have for fun. He will treat you as a piece of thrash because he assumes that your identity, character; and personality had depreciated once you've a kid or two. (A common men's mentality synonymous with PNG's elite). Our society has excepted this as a norm and we can't get away with it. But I challenge you womenfolk out there to stand up and put an end to this kind of trend played by PNG men and stand firm on your common goals, beliefs, and establish a strong faith in God.

"Marriage" is not an experiment and those who wish to get married must be careful or not to do so to avoid all these frustrations marriage couples do confront everyday. If you choose the former; there got to be LOVE involved because you're going to love that person and spend the entire life with him and vise versa. Let me kindly assure you that, marriage life is kind of like 'a rollo coaster' ride no matter who you're marrying. Therefore; there got to be LOVE involved to bind your marriage together. Without LOVE in your marriage; there is disaster! 'Marriage' is 'for life' and it's a 'life time' thing. Not like you get married today and tomorrow; you're single again.

I want to inform those who are planning or thinking about marriage to be mindful of your choices because I had experienced this first hand in my own family when my sister (Esther Ulg Ketepa, pictured) was brutally murdered by a woman who accused her of having an affair with her husband.


(Late Esther Ulg Ketepa, middle row (right) with an umbrella with family and friends. Family pic-2006)

Esther was murdered when she was on Lihir Island with her friends while I was still in the United States. I didn't have the chance to say good bye or let alone saw her body. Needless to say; late Esther was only 24 years old when she was murdered in cold blood in September of 2007. In that hot summer of 2007; I received an email from my fellow tribesman; Mr. Tiri Kuimbakul about Esther's tragic death. It was devastating for me and for my family to go through this ordeal. Even though, it's been two years of her untimely death; we still ponder and ask; why Esther died in this barbaric manner?

Late Esther was a role model for my family and her peers and a very generous person to everyone she confronted. We miss her so much and to me, not seeing her body and had a chance to talk to her a little over three years still hurts me inside. I hope it will heal as times pass. Late Esther left three kids; Lilian (5), Lovelyn (3), and Mawa (2) under my parents' care after her husband (Paul Koim - a policeman based in Mt. Hagen, WHP) refuse to look after these kids. A scholarship is planned in the near future in honor of Esther Ulg Ketepa for her kids and that of others who are under these kind of situations to pursue studies in Education from elementary to sixth grade.

Ultimately; I want to share my story with all you womenfolk out there in PNG. Be careful with your life and marry a decent man to spend the entire life with him. Marriage is a blessing and for those who wait to take that oath or I dos; good things do happen.

Hey! I am not a psychologist or someone of that standing but I think I did my best in explaining the nature of marriage where I think PNG women can relate to. I welcome any comments or thoughts.


Labels: