Sunday, April 24, 2011

Book review: "Status Anxiety" - by Alain de Botton

"Status Anxiety", a very inspiring and provocative piece of documentary by Alain de Botton.

It explores the pressures of modern life and its impact on human's self esteem - in pursuit of wealth and happiness.
In expressing "self esteem" as directly proportional to "success" and inversely proportional to "expectations", implies that the more society puts pressure on people to succeed, the more their expectations increase. "Self esteem" therefore becomes elusive.

If those at the top merit their success, can one say that those at the bottom also merit their failure?

While searching for this interesting book, I stumbled upon the following video clips on Youtube. So enjoy!


"Status Anxiety" - part 1



"Status Anxiety" - part 2



"Status Anxiety" - part 3



"Status Anxiety" - part 4



"Status Anxiety" - part 5



"Status Anxiety" - part 6



"Status Anxiety" - part 7



"Status Anxiety" - part 8



"Status Anxiety" - part 9



"Status Anxiety" - part 10

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Cote d'Ivoire crisis: Beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning?

What is life like for people living in Cote d'Ivoire?

The battle for Abidjan continues amid continued bloodshed. The people of Cote d'Ivoire have suffered enough and they still continue to suffer in Abidjan and other parts of the country. When will it end?

I have an elder brother who lives in Abidjan with his wife, children and grandchildren - all trapped in this ongoing battle.


Our prayers are with family, colleagues and friends who are trapped without food and basic supplies, and our sympathy to those whose lost their loved ones.


Ivory Coast crisis: 'Gunfire all the time in Abidjan'

As French troops reportedly take over the aiport in Abidjan, the intense fighting in the Ivory Coast city continues, with no sign that it will abate any time soon.
Heavy artillery fire was heard as troops supporting the UN-recognised, president, Alassane Ouattara, closed in on those backing his rival, Laurent Gbagbo.
But what is life like for those living in the city, having to deal with gunfire all the time?

Read more here --> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12950629