Imagine a group of people being stranded amidst deep amazon forests with nothing to eat except insects and lizards, with nothing to cover their heads, being tugged out into the wilderness of discomfort and agitation. After days of extensive and tireless operations, rescue officers ultimately landed with loads of food and all the amenities they can offer. But there was a tragic turnaround: rescue officers decided not to take the stranded people out of the claws of death; on the contrary, they agreed to continue their operations as long as they can.

This is what Greece is going through. Over the year of crisis, it has been observed that whatever the assistance mechanism (in terms of bailouts and loans) designed and amended so far contributed more towards fiscal chaos and debasement of the economy, affecting the lives of millions of people and its image as a whole.

Assistance extended so far allowed Greek government to spend,  since the engine of the economy has bottomed-out and domestic resources dried away.

Bailouts and loans just sway a nation back and forth in ravines of debt and despair. Bailouts may help a worn-out engine run, but it can’t help reduce deficits. It is very uncommon to witness that after years of crisis, authorities failed to restructure deficits, failed to frame rules concerning public expenditure, failed to eradicate to fiscal illness, and failed to bridge the fiscal gap and move on.

For example, how far have measures taken to stabilize Argentina debt crisis been successful? Ten years after the Argentinean sovereign debt default, the world seems to have ignored or fizzle out lessens learned in South America. Even today, after a decade of financial fall-out, litigation are continuing; debtors are still hopeful that one day they might get their money back.

On the other hand, austerity measures help curtail expenditure. They assist in lowering the possibility of the further accumulation of debt, but in no sense do austerity measures help reduce previously accumulated debt. This is where action by the International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank turns folly.

A system has to be put in place that brings public expenditure under an axis of regulation, under the barricades of the financial capability of a nation to spend, rather than printing stacks of money to purchase government bonds. Institutions aiding financially are just acting like a cushion, instigating or backing-up nations to carry on reckless spending patterns no what matter whether they can withstand the debt burden or not!

Institutions that promote spending cuts followed by hybrid doses of bailouts partly shift responsibility back to themselves from a debt-laden nation, and continue the legacy of fiscal fallacy.

Legal framework on a systematic platform has to be implemented at a global level, so that in the future we live in a debt free world, a world where fiscal discipline matters and budget surpluses are a reality for all. At least in the case of Europe, a fiscal institution has to overlook the fiscal affairs of all the member nations, capping public spending based on the country’s own financial health and current debt.

The situation where Greece is currently dwelling is very close to people stranded in Amazon forest. What is needed is effective fiscal management. International institutions can play a much bigger role with technical guidance on budget management and by discounting policies that hardly bring any substantial change.

The need of the hour is to lift people away from the woods, not to let them survive being the weakest!

Image Courtesy of   Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

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When many think of the continent of Africa, words such as famine, disease, poverty, short life spans and little to no healthcare and poor technological advancement come to mind. However, as of recently, Africa, and Uganda in particular has made great strides toward better living for its citizens as technology in Uganda is growing at a rapidly fast pace.

“Uganda has been ranked among the top three countries with advanced technological and innovation capabilities in Africa,” according to a study conducted by Martin Prosperity Institute of the U.S. And, as Uganda has been known for decades for its high infant and maternal mortality rates, an advanced ultrasound has finally made it’s way to the country in order to help pregnant women and their newborns survive in addition to a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.

An expanding project known as ‘Imagining the World’ (ITV), based at the Kamuli Mission Hospital, is helping to get ultrasound technology into the country’s health centers.

Andrew Green, a reporter for the ‘Voice of Africa,’ stated, “Until two years ago, health workers at Kamuli Mission Hospital could not even tell a woman if she was carrying twins because there were no ultrasound machines. As a result, women and their families would not know they needed to be near health facilities that can handle complicated pregnancies when it came time to give birth.”

The project is providing ultrasound equipment to the hospital at low costs, so even those who are below the poverty level can still receive basic image scans. “Then the images are compressed and distributed via text message or e-mail to district-level health workers, who examine the images and identify potential problems.

Specialists in the United States provide backup opinions. Health workers are informed early enough that a woman facing a difficult birth can be directed to a higher-level health facility,” according to Dr. Alphonsus Matovu, the medical director of the Kamuli hospital. But before the women can come to Kamuli to receive an ultrasound, they must be screened for a series of health tests, including, HIV, malaria, and anemia, which could affect the outcome of a woman’s pregnancy.

As of last week, ITV has set up new ultrasound equipment in eight more health care facilities, which is estimated to cost 10,000 dollars per facility. Prior to Uganda having access to ultrasound technology equipment, the United Nations Children’s Fund reported that, “for every 1,000 live births, at least 63 infants die before their first birthday in Uganda.

Many of those deaths come from complications that could have been predicted by ultrasound technology. The situation also contributes to the country’s high infant mortality rate, with 310 out of every 100,000 women dying in childbirth.” Because of the great success of this project, ITV is looking into providing prenatal care in other impoverished areas of the world including South America and Asia.

Image Courtesy of  uusc4all

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Each and every year conditions for journalists are getting more dangerous. So far this year, 44 journalists have been killed, making the year of 2012 potentially the deadliest year for journalists since the International Press Institute began tracking such deaths in 1997, according to the Neiman Journalism Lab. As of May 16^th there is one more journalist to be added to that list: Honduran Radio Journalist, Ángel Alfredo Villatoro.

Villatoro was found dead Tuesday night on a sidewalk in the city of Tegucigalpa. He had a red handkerchief covering his face and was dressed as a special operations police officer at the time he was discovered. He had been kidnapped from his car on May 9^th and had been shot in the head twice, according to police reports.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, also known as the CPJ, Honduran President Porfirio Lobo told journalists that the kidnappers had sent a “proof of life” video with images of Villatoro. However, it was later found out that the images were from Saturday, according to news reports. “News accounts said the journalist’s family had received a demand for ransom. Héctor Ivan Mejía, spokesman for the national police, told  journalists there were many possible theories but that nothing was confirmed and that police would continue to investigate.”

Police are suspecting that the murder of Villatoro was a result of a drug gang retaliation on the government from the recent crackdown on drug cartels. Security Minister Pompeyo made a statement to a local TV station saying, “(Drug gangs) are trying to frighten Honduran society.”

There is good reason for the government to be cracking down on local drug gangs  as Honduras is becoming increasingly used as a transit route to smuggle cocaine from South America into the United States. According to Gustavo Palencia, a reporter with the Huffington Post, “Honduras has the world’s highest murder rate – more than 80 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants last year.”

Police are continuing to investigate the murder of the beloved journalist, but have found no leads for a suspect thus far.

Villatoro was a prominent and well-know Director and radio personality for HRN radio, one of Honduras’s oldest and most listened to radio stations. As the investigation continues, those that loved him most, want to see justice served for the sake of Villatoro and his loved ones.

“We are saddened by the death of journalist Ángel Alfredo Villatoro and send our condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues,” said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. “Honduran authorities must fully investigate this crime and bring those responsible to justice. The deadly cycle of violence against journalists and impunity for these crimes is endangering freedom of expression in Honduras.”

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This year, the high profile South Korean boy band, Big Bang, will make their very first world tour titled ‘ALIVE TOUR 2012′ through Live Nation, performing in 25 cities throughout 16 countries including Asia, North America, South America, and Europe.

Big Bang was formed by YG Entertainment and debuted in 2006. The group consists of five members: G -Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Daesung, and Seungri. Unlike many other bands, they do not have an eye-catching appearance, but they do have enough talent to be famous and have changed audiences’ attitudes. Each member has impressed audiences with their talents, can sing and rap well, compose music, dance, and act.

Representing Asia-Pacific, Big Bang emerged to the bigger world audience as a nominee for Best Worldwide Act winner of 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) held in Belfast, Northern Ireland. There, apart from Queen, Big Bang was the only winner not from North America.

Live Nation has conducted world tours for Madonna and U2, and Big Bang is the first Asian group with whom they have teamed up. Live Nation is currently a promotional agent for K-pop singers in one to two regions in America and Europe.

Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation’s president, said that he is very happy to work with YG Entertainment and Big Bang to show their work to worldwide K-pop fans. He hoped this world tour would be a good starting point for the Korea branch they established last December, and they expect it to contribute to the K-pop fever expansion.

To prepare for the tour,  Laurieann Gibson, who is a well-known director, choreographer, actress, and creative director, will be taking the lead position as director for ‘Alive Tour 2012′. She is known for directing Lady Gaga’s ‘The Monster Ball Tour’, in addition to choreographing “Poker Face”, “Judas”, and “Telephone”. She has also worked with top stars like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and Katy Perry.

Leroy Bennett will be the stage/lighting designer, and Ken Van Druten will be the sound director. Bennett has previously worked with Madonna, Paul McCartney, and the Eagles, while Druten has worked with Eminem, J-Jay, and Linkin Park.  The visual contents producing team, Possible Productions, will also prepare for Big Bang’s world tour.

YG Entertainment expressed in their press release, “We are in the process of preparing the world’s best concert with the best production team to equal the anticipation of the world fans who are waiting for the first concert they will get to meet Big Bang… With the newly released album and the starting of the world tour, you will be able to confirm Big Bang’s maturity and skill.”

Image Courtesy of    http://www.flickr.com/photos/koreanet/

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Madonna is having a huge party and everyone’s invited. The Madonna 2012 World Tour begins May 29th 2012 in Tel Aviv, Israel it was officially announced by Live Nation Entertainment, the tour’s international promoter.

The shows will include arenas, stadiums and special outdoor sights including the Plains of Abraham in Quebec and a return visit to South America as well as Australia where she has not performed in 20 years. The tour will stop in 26 European cities including London, Paris, Milan and Berlin.

The first of 26 North American shows is scheduled for August 28th in Philadelphia and includes a September 6th show in NY’s Yankee Stadium and an October 10th performance at LA’s Staples Center. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale beginning February 10th in Tel Aviv and the United Kingdom, with North American tickets going on sale beginning February 13th. Tickets for North America are available at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. A complete itinerary of Madonna 2012 follows this release.

Madonna’s previous tour, the phenomenally successful “Sticky & Sweet” Tour reaffirmed her status as one of the most successful touring artists of all time. The historic tour included such incredible touring feats as a 70,000 seat sell-out in Werchter, Belgium, an 85,000 sell-out in Helsinki (the largest show ever in the Nordic countries by a solo artist), a 40,000 ticket sell-out in Oslo, Norway, and 72,000 tickets sold out in one day in Tallinn Estonia.

Other record breaking ticket sales around the globe include 650,000 tickets sold in her series of South American dates, 72,000 tickets at Zurich’s Dubendorf Airfield – the largest audience ever assembled for a show in Switzerland, 75,000 tickets in London and four sell outs inNew York’s Madison Square Garden (60,364 tickets).

The announcement of Madonna’s 2012 World Tour follows an extraordinary week which included a monumental extravaganza of a performance at the Bridgestone Super Bowl Halftime which was seen in over 200 countries by over a billion people. Last week also saw the release of Madonna’s new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin” from her highly anticipated new album MDNA on Live Nation Entertainment/Interscope Records – scheduled to be released on March 26th.

Pre orders have already catapulted MDNA to No. 1 on iTunes in 51 countries including the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain,Canada, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands. The single’s  video directed by Megaforce which also stars Nicki Minaj and MIA previewed on American Idol. Additionally, the Madonna directed Golden Globe Award winning film “W.E.” opened in NY and LA with other markets to follow later in the month.

“Madonna’s track record as a world class entertainer and touring artist speaks for itself. Her artistry, talent and creative productions get bigger and better with each tour and Madonna 2012 will be no exception. We are thrilled to have her back on the road and know her fans feel the same,” commented Arthur Fogel, CEO Live Nation Entertainment Global Touring and Madonna tour promoter.

In the course of her phenomenal career, Madonna has a record breaking 37 Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Chart along with a record breaking 40 Number 1′s on Billboard’s Dance/Club Play Song Charts. No other act has more Top 10′s on the Hot 100 or Number 1′s on the Club Chart.

Madonna has sold over 300 million albums and holds the record for the most successful tour by a solo artist in history. She is a seven time Grammy winning singer, songwriter, producer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Her last CD “Hard Candy,” debuted at Number 1 in 37 countries including US, UK, Canada, France and Australia. Madonna 2012 World Tour is the Material Girl’s 9th Tour. Her first tour was the 1985 Virgin Tour.

Madonna’s recent Golden Globe winning song “Masterpiece” from The Weinstein Company film  “W.E.” as well as “W.E. Music From The Soundtrack “W.E.” film have both been released digitally on Interscope Records. A physical release will be in stores in the UK on February 6th and on February 14th in the US.

US residents ordering tickets online to a US performance will receive their choice of a digital or physical copy of Madonna’s new MDNA album with every ticket purchased.

Citi is the official credit card of the US leg of Madonna’s upcoming world tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday, Feb. 8th at 10am through Citi’s Private Pass Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

Icon is Madonna’s official fan club. Lifetime Legacy members of Icon will receive first access to tickets and VIP Packages starting February 7, 2012. Registered free Icon members will have the opportunity to purchase an “Icon Live Pass,” which gives them access not only to ticket & VIP Package pre-sales, but also to a tour devoted forum and an exclusive tour gift. Fans can sign up for a free Icon membership at Madonna.com today.

VIP Packages will are available through VIP Nation, including premium seats, exclusive merchandise and more. For more information please visit: www.VIPNation.com viagogo, Europe’s leading secondary ticketing company (www.viagogo.co.uk), has been named as the Official Premium and Secondary Ticketing Partner for Madonna’s 2012 summer tour dates across Europe.

Viagogo will handle premium tickets for select shows this summer, offering fans the chance to see one of the most anticipated concert tours of the year. Fans that can no longer use their tickets will be able to resell them to other fans through viagogo’s secure online platform, and, as always, all tickets are guaranteed.

photoproject.eu / Shutterstock.com

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It is an irony that Machu Picchu should cast a shadow over nearly all else in Peru; yet the ruins, situated at nearly 8,000 feet above sea-level, fall shy of Cuzco, looking down from over 11,000. The ancient Inca capital, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuzco, still thrives today, and provides a dynamic base from which tourists can visit Machu Picchu and other sites.

The name ‘Cuzco’ comes from the Inca language, Quechua; it means ‘navel.’ The Incas saw their capital as the centre of their empire, as the navel is at the centre of the body. This language survives today, and is spoken by many Peruvian highlanders. Most Peruvians have spoken Spanish since the conquest of the Incas in the 16th century.

There are three ways of reaching Cuzco (or Cusco). It has its own airport, attainable from neighbouring countries; there are also bus and train services. Transport in Peru is an adventure in itself, sometimes misadventure: flying can be a dangerous proposition, as the quick ascent can lead to health problems.

The region’s altitude can cause severe illness, known locally as “soroche,” which, on rare occasions, can be fatal. Even the slower approach by land does not guarantee an easy time. It is strongly recommended that visitors take a couple of days to acclimatise. Relaxed meandering through the town is a good way to explore the many sites, and to plan excursions.

There are various ways of fighting altitude sickness, the most interesting of which is the use of coca leaves. Coca tea is legal and widely available. The leaves can be chewed or steeped, and are often recommended for energy lost due to altitude fatigue, as well as for many other problems.

Lest one become afraid of “soroche” or of becoming a coca-junkie, the former is rarely more than a feeling of growing pains, the latter is only an acquired taste for the tea – few enjoy chewing. The slight risk is well worth the visit: the city offers a range of attractions for most everyone.

Cuzco has museums and architecture promoting the rich history. The culinary scene is as high in quality as the city’s elevation: Peruvian cuisine is award-winning, world-class and exotic (Guinea-pig is beyond the fortitude of most, but unlikely as the origin of the term ‘living high on the hog’). Horse trails provide beautiful scenery; the night-life keeps many dancing, eating, shopping and wandering quite late.

The city is also surrounded by other sites of interest. Higher still than Cuzco, the ruins of Sacsayhuaman (tour-guides resign themselves to the inevitability of its pronunciation as “sexy woman”) are mostly walls of colossal stone. Artisanal shopping is abundant in nearby towns, such as Pisac –again, travel can be an adventure when the steering-wheel comes off on the lazy bus-ride. Rafting is also popular, in the Urubamba and Apurimac rivers. The train ride to Lake Titicaca is breathtaking as well.

Of course, Machu Picchu is the most famous site, and always leaves an impression. Tourists can reach it easily by train or, less easily, by hiking on the Inca Trail over several days. One might meet pleasant tourists, see parrots flying in flocks, and have the reward of seeing Peru’s most famous (of eleven) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, especially rewarding if up early to see the sun rise over it.

Cuzco is one of the most interesting and dynamic cities in this culturally rich country.

Bons voyages!

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Tango Buenos Aires started on August 16 and continued until August 30. The event showcases the distinct style of tango dancing.

The signature dance style of South America’s Argentina is undeniably the passionate tango. Professional dancers and lovers of tango head to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the annual Tango Festival and Dance World Cup.

With strong cultural importance and a rich history, tango has been a staple in the Argentine heritage and is close to the hearts of locals. Guided by passionate music and close body movements, tango is often synonymous with the country’s culture. The August festival brings tango enthusiasts through a journey of showcases, classes, documentary films, concerts, conferences and parties, all in celebration of the beloved dance.

Spectators and participants can enjoy a full schedule of activities during Tango Buenos Aires. A popular event spanning the duration of the festival is the interactive dance tango classes. Classes are available in different levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advance. Beginner classes are given for free, while all the courses available are taught by highly respected tango masters.

Coming from a host of different dance schools, these instructors bring with them expert knowledge and a genuine desire to spread the love of dance.

With venues throughout the city of Buenos Aires, performances happen nightly. Many performances are free and open to the public, giving people easy access to the cultural festivities. Famous dancers and choreographers, including special guests Ana Maria Stekelman and Maria Nieves, perform in pieces that illustrate the intense emotions and dance steps associated with tango.

Performances range from showcasing individuals to larger company performances, providing audiences with a wide variety of tango dances to enjoy. International dancers perform in the annual Dance Festival and World Cup, participating in activities that are present during the Tango Buenos Aires Festival. Competitions are held in the categories of Salon Tango and Stage Tango.

Participants are judged by professionals to determine the champions. Competitions are also held in the milonga scene as well. Milongas are essentially dance clubs in the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires where tango is danced on a regular basis. Locals often gather in milongas to express themselves through the language of dance.

Located in the Centro Municipal de Exposiciones, milongas and parties are held throughout the Tango Buenos Aires festival. Live music from orchestras and DJs are played while anyone from the beginning to advanced levels of dance are welcome to step onto the dance floor. Over 400 couples dancing in the World Cup of Dance lit up the dance floor during a welcome ball, kicking off the Tango Buenos Aires festivities.

Documentary films are also a part of Tango Buenos Aires. This years films aim to analyze the way in which tango has changed over recent years. Because tango is often considered to be an important component of Argentine culture, these documentary films showcase how the style of dance has continued to reinvent itself throughout the years, while still remaining true to its roots.

Like many of the performances and concerts, the films shown at Tango Buenos Aires are free of charge. The abundance of tango activities occurring through Tango Buenos Aires is a great chance for visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the passionate dance style.

The celebration of tango as a natural treasure makes the two week festival an exciting way to dance into Argentine culture.

Anibal Trejo / Shutterstock.com

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