Mugabe was sworn in for his sixth term as Zimbabwe president today, after winning a one-candidate election. Mr. Tsvangirai (who survived three assination attempts) withdrew from the race after his supporters were targeted with the same political violence. His name still appeared on the ballot. And Mugabe, despite regional and international protest, continued with the election, declaring its legitimacy. 

Curious to find out more about the arms embargo that the US and UN are discussing, doubt China will be a big supporter.

“What is happening today is not an election. It is an exercise in mass intimidation with people all over the country being forced to vote.” -Morgan Tsvangirai

half done on a practice frankenstein, 36″ by 36″ actual piece in the works.

 

go go go go go sleep sleep go go go go sleep go go go go go go go go go go

June 17th could never be a bad day. There was much documentation, including videos produced with my renowned lack of skill, that now won’t play.

Sisterbestfriend. Sistermassagetherapistbestfriend. I’m lucky.

I’m going to make cupcakes for my beautiful, beautiful, amazing sister’s birthday tomorrow. I’ve recruited Eric’s help. We got ingredients at 3am, so I forgot some important ones, like the vegetable oil. Can I use olive oil instead? Clearly, I never bake…thank god for Minnie bringing me a cupcake pan when she gets off work.

Part of the father’s day family celebration conversation:

“You don’t eat meat?”

“No.”

“That’s why you’re so pale.”

 

Later, with Abby:

“Am I abnormally pale?”

“…Well… its just that you use to be naturally really tan, like you were Hawaiian or something. That was kind of weird too.”

 

 

 

 

 

anyone want to buy polaroid 600 film? i would like to sell some, so uh buy it.

 

 

monica canilao:

 

 

Mugabe has blocked aid (mostly food aid and water sanitation) to Zimbabwe from all NGO’s due to allegations that some have supported the opposition (Tsvangirai). The NGO’s in question have all denied the accusations, and no evidence has been put forth. Over four million Zimbabweans are believed to need aid.

“Mr Walker said Care had been accused of being involved in the distribution of brochures on behalf of Mr Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and threatening to withhold food from those not supporting the opposition.” (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7433069.stm)

ZANU-PF,  President Mugabe’s governing party, are themselves known to offer food as an incentive for party votes. By suspending aid from NGOs the governing party is leaving itself in charge of food distribution to millions of Zimbabweans in complete poverty. Under Mugabe’s leadership, the economy has fallen for the last seven years, culminating in a crisis of hyperinflation (over 1,000 percent since last April.) Zimbabwean political analysts have speculated that the government’s recent purchase of 600,000 tons of corn will be given out only to supporters. I cannot believe that in 2008 this level of corruption is still manageable.

“Eldred Masunungure, a political scientist at the University of Zimbabwe, noted that while the opposition defeated large numbers of ZANU-PF politicians in the March 29 election, the government has not allowed the newly elected local officials to take office until after the presidential runoff. It is through these local politicians, he said, that the party determines who is eligible for food aid and other assistance.”

Also, read this: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/07/world/africa/07zimbabwe.html?ref=africa

The run-off election is a total sham in the first place, and its insane that such transparent and unsophisticated displays of brute force and coercion are not easier to stop.

 

 

During amanda’s last visit we searched everywhere for a bookshelf I’d needed for awhile. I wanted one to match the one I already have and was very picky until I grew tired and impatient and I ended up buying one that you have to put together yourself. Of course, I still have not put it together, and I just have piles of books on the floor.

shit.

I’d like these truelovealways sheets:

The last one is by zara wood.

dating a fiction writer:

“I don’t know why I ever believed that, you’re always making stuff up.”

“Yep. for a living.”

Yesterday, i was tempted to buy this mao bank at Yike’s:

 

Also they had diablo morocos, and in the japanese section they had “party for two” packs.

“love party” set:

Before lunch we went to the asian import store. Eric bought tea and food, while the only items I purchased were candy, because its a stretch for me to ever act over five years old.

 

I’ve been sleeping through my alarm clock every day. ryan gave me a wake up call, in an effort to help, which I also slept through. I am now drinking coffee at two thirty in the afternoon. apparently all this summer lounging is too exhausting for me.

 

 

 

the new girl at work invited me to go see the Islands, which I want to do, but which not remembering her name might make awkward.

come! support!

 i’ll be working.      

http://www.theirc.org/news/latest/celebrate-world-refugee-day.html

Speaker Series:  The Cultures and Histories of Tucson’s Refugees

From Baghdad to Tucson

Monday, June 16, 6:30-7:30pm

Bentley’s (1730 E. Speedway)

Why and Who are Burundian Refugees?

Tuesday, June 17, 6:30-7:30pm

Antigone Books (411 N. 4th Ave.)

A Window into Bhutan

Wednesday, June 18, 6:30-7:30pm

Casbah Teahouse (624 N. 4th Ave.)