Argentina's Lady President Cristina Fernandez

First Lady Claims Victory in Argentina

(AP) Argentina's presidential candidate of the ruling Frente Para la Victoria party, Cristina Fernandez...Full Image

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - First lady Cristina Fernandez claimed victory in Argentina's presidential election Sunday, with early results and exit polls suggesting she had avoided a runoff and become the first woman elected to the post.

Fernandez's husband, President Nestor Kirchner, is credited with Argentina's rebound from a 2001 economic collapse, and much of her support is due to his popularity.

She has been compared to U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who like her is a lawyer and senator who soldiered alongside a husband as he rose from small-state governor to his nation's presidency.

"We have won amply," she proclaimed, Kirchner standing at her side. "But this, far from putting us in a position of privilege, puts us instead in a position of greater responsibilities and obligations."

Supporters jumped up and down and embraced one another.

"I'm so excited," screamed Maria Isabel Francia, a 50-year-old street merchant. "Cristina is going to pull us out of poverty!"

Her challengers were trying to force her into a Nov. 25 runoff. She needed 40 percent of the vote, with a lead of more than 10 percent over her nearest rival, to win outright.

With a third of the polling places reporting, Fernandez had 43 percent of the vote, compared with about 20 percent each for former lawmaker Elisa Carrio and former Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna. Eleven others split the rest.

Six independent television networks, a private radio station and an opposition newspaper reported their exit polling indicated Fernandez has easily won a first-round victory. Five of the news organizations released their numbers, giving Fernandez between 42 and 46 percent of the vote, with advantages of 19 to 23 percentage points over Carrio.

But no opposition candidates conceded defeat, and Carrio spokesman Matias Mendez said seven parties had filed a complaint alleging that ballots were missing or stolen in Buenos Aires province, the country's most populous.

Electoral officials denied any irregularities, but a judge extended voting by an hour in the capital after many of Argentina's 12,700 polling stations opened late. A representative of the ruling party was arrested on suspicion of trying to vote twice.

The next president, who begins a four-year term on Dec. 10, faces challenges including high inflation, an energy shortage and rampant crime. And the legacy of the economic crisis can still be seen in high unemployment and widespread poverty in a country that a century ago ranked among the world's 10 richest.

Fernandez, 54, refused to debate and spent much of the campaign abroad in photo-ops with world leaders. Her chic European dresses and designer bags drew comparisons with "Evita" Peron, another fashion-conscious and politically influential Argentine first lady.

Fernandez, who built her own independent career as her husband rose to power, has rejected comparisons to both Clinton and Evita.

She boasts that she won her first national election, as senator for Santa Cruz province, when Kirchner was a mere state official - the governor. She is now a senator for powerful Buenos Aires province.

The first couple voted early in Santa Cruz, before heading back to the capital to await the outcome. Fernandez told the crowd of reporters that voting was especially joyful for her because she grew up under the 1976-83 dictatorship.

"I'm part of a generation that grew up in a country in which nobody could say anything, so we value this in a very special way," she said.

Voters were also filling dozens of House and Senate seats and nine governorships. Exit polls indicated Vice President Daniel Scioli won the governorship of Buenos Aires province, the country's second most powerful post.

Argentina's 27.1 million registered voters are required by law to cast ballots, and one couple showed up early after a night of partying in a car festooned with "just married" signs. The bride wore a white wedding dress as she filled out her ballot.

This is a great story! Since I am one of the biggest feminist movement people around, I love it when a qualified woman attains a position of power, intellect, influence and integrity. Men have screwed it up long enough. Let the women spirits take the reins for awhile.

Congratulations President Cristina Fernandez! Much success to YOU.

Peace and goodwill to Argentina,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe reggae8@aol.com

Ugly, Fat & Losers Equals, Philadelphia

The Least Attractive People Are In ...

PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 2007) - Philadelphia is home to the least attractive people in the United States, a survey of visitors and residents showed on Friday.

The city of more than 1.5 million people was also found to be among the least stylish, least active, least friendly and least worldly, according to the "America's Favorite Cities" survey by Travel & Leisure magazine and CNN Headline News.

About 60,000 people responded to the online survey -- at www.travelandleisure.com -- which ranked 25 cities in categories including shopping, food, culture, and cityscape, said Amy Farley, senior editor at the magazine.

For unattractiveness, Philadelphia just beat out Washington, D.C. and Dallas/Fort Worth for the bottom spot. Miami and San Diego are home to the most attractive people, the poll found.

But Farley pointed out the results don't mean people in Philadelphia are ugly or the city is a bad place to visit.

"We were asking people to vote on attractiveness, not unattractiveness. Travel & Leisure editors believe there are a lot of attractive people in Philadelphia," she said.

"The relative attractiveness of its residents is only a minuscule factor in evaluating a city's merit."

Philadelphians' self-esteem has been undermined by national surveys showing they are among the fattest people in the United States. The American Obesity Association ranked the city in the top 10 for overweight people every year between 2000 and 2005.

And sporting pride in a city known for the fierce loyalty of its fans has been hurt by not having had a national champion in any of its four main sports since the 76ers won the National Basketball Association title in 1983.

Look, YOU can cut this up anyway YOU want to. Fact is, their sports teams have not won a championship since the Sixers almost 30 years ago. Fat? Well duh! Hey, Philly is the home of the infamous "cheesesteak". Plus, TastyKake and Breyers Ice Cream. That stuff all adds up to fat. It also adds up to some "good eating"!

Oh, in case YOU missed it, Orlando came in 5th for least attractive. Hey, I don't live in Orlando. I live in Winter Park! All together different.

Butterscotch Krimpets Rule,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe reggae8@aol.com

Singapore, "NO GAY SEX"!

Singapore retains its gay sex ban

Singapore's parliament has voted against a proposal to decriminalise sex between men, despite receiving a petition signed by thousands of people.

The plan was part of a wider reform of sex laws, many dating from the British colonial era half a century ago.

The chamber passed a bill legalising oral and anal sex for the first time, but only between heterosexuals.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the government did not consider gays to be a minority with minority rights.

In a rare speech to parliament, he said Singapore was a conservative society, and he wanted to keep it so.

Tuesday's vote means Singapore's anti-gay law 377A remains, although prosecutions are rare.

Under the legislation, a man caught committing an act of "gross indecency" with another man could be jailed for up to two years.

Hey, whether YOU are pro or con on the "gay" issue, it doesn't matter. What matters is that, this country had the stones to stand on what it believes and did not try to do the "politically correct" copout crap that leaders with NO stones do. If YOU don't like the law, "don't go to Singapore"! It's that simple.

"Speak Your Mind"

Those that matter don't mind,

Those that mind, don't matter

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Animalz"

Lucky Dube, Rest In Peace

Memorial Service Held for Reggae Star
By CELEAN JACOBSON

(AP) Members of Lucky Dube's band perform during the memorial service for the slain reggae star in...Full Image

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) - Slain reggae star Lucky Dube was remembered at a memorial service by friends and family who railed against his senseless shooting death and his bandmates who entertained a dancing crowd outside by playing some of his songs.

Dube, 43, was gunned down in front of two of his children last week in an apparent carjacking attempt in suburban Johannesburg. Four men who were arrested in connection with the murder appeared briefly in court Tuesday.

"We have lost a legend, an icon," said Skipha Shabalala, lead guitarist with Dube's band, said Wednesday. "Why was this man killed in such a brutal and barbaric manner?"

Posters of the star with his trademark waist-length dreadlocks covered the walls of the packed Bassline, a popular downtown music venue. Seated on the floor, barefoot and dressed in white, were members of the Shembe, a Zulu Christian sect to which Dube belonged.

Outside, up to 1,500 fans - many wearing the Rastafarian colors of green, gold and red - gathered to watch the service on a large screen.

"Today we are here to mourn, but also to celebrate the life of someone who made us very proud as South Africans," musician Sipho Mabuse said.

Dube, who launched his career in the 1980s with criticism of the apartheid regime, went on to become a huge international star recording more than 20 albums and sharing stages with the likes of Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Ziggy Marley and Sting.

Ivor Haarburger, chief executive of Gallo Records, described Dube as an "enormous talent" who was a quiet and reserved man, but whose stage performances were "amazing."

"We as a nation are shocked and saddened at the news. With this senseless and disturbing act a great spirit has been taken from us. It is a loss felt by millions throughout the world," he said.

Members of Lucky Dube's band perform during the memorial service for the slain reggae star in...Full ImageSouth Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world, recording an average of 50 murders each day. U.N. crime statistics say one in three Johannesburg residents has been robbed. Rapes and assaults also are common.

Dube expressed his concerns about crime in his lyrics, most notably his 1999 song "Crime and Corruption," in which he wrote: "Do you ever worry about leaving home and coming back in a coffin, with a bullet through your head?"

Messages of condolences were read out during the service, including statements from Peter Gabriel and the presidents of the Gambia and Senegal.

Interspersed throughout the service were performances by some of Dube's fellow musicians, as well as the artist's band. "I am sad. Even if the people who did this are arrested, they will still live," said musician Bhekumuzi Luthuli, barely able to sing for the tears choking him.

In another heartbreaking moment, two of Dube's seven children took to the stage at the end of the service to read out a statement from the family.

"We are going to miss you forever," said a sobbing Laura, holding on to her elder sister Bongi.

Then as Dube's band broke into song, the crowd outside paid tribute to their hero the only way they knew how - by taking to their feet and dancing.

"Love those who gimme war," they cheered as the band played the title song from Dube's latest album "Respect."

"I love those who hate me. I bless even those who curse me. Gimme, gimme respect," they sang.

You know, this is so sad. It breaks my heart. And, "it really pisses me off". This is so senseless and, "you see this crap every day". When is humanity ever going to learn? When are blacks ever going to stop with the black on black crime? Based on what some folks say, "NEVER". Can't prove anything one way or the other, however, based on my time on this Earth, my experiences, my associations, makes me think that maybe some races of people are "mentally inferior". And dont give me that "not politically correct" bs. People, quit the tap dance and see things how they really are!

Rest in peace Lucky.

"The more YOU know, the more YOU grow,

The more YOU grow, the further YOU go'

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Indigo Spiritz"

"Star Wars" TV Series Coming

George Lucas Plans `Star Wars' TV Series

(AP) In a file photo University of Southern California alumnus George Lucas is shown with an artist's...Full Image

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Force may soon be coming to a television near you.

George Lucas is planning a live-action television series spinoff of the "Star Wars" film franchise.

Lucas told The Los Angeles Times he has "just begun work" on the series, which will not include the films' major characters Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader.

"The Skywalkers aren't in it, and it's about minor characters," Lucas told the Times on Tuesday.
Lucas wouldn't reveal details, but joked that the series would be about "the life of robots."

Lucas, 63, already has another television series in the works. Lucasfilm Animation has been working for months on the computer-animated "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."

Star Wars Lives On,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Orlando Sentinel - Community Winter Park Blog -

Bobby Sharpe Rant & Thoughts

With all the sabre rattling going on in the world today, it makes YOU stop and wonder, "did I miss something, or, are all these political leaders and heads of state freaking crazy"? Here are a couple examples in case YOU missed some of this.

1) Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin in Iran talking trash about anybody attacking Iran and, especially from a Caspian Sea country base. A Russian leader has not been in Iran in 6 decades but, all of sudden they are buds talking crap. Hey Putin, go home and fix your countries broke economics and other problems.

2) Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, what else can YOU say, "this guy is sitting around selling "wolf tickets" that, sooner or later somebody is going to buy one and cash it in on his wannabe "nuclear ass".

3) Turkey has their blood pressure in a tizzy because the U.S. wants to say they comitted atrocities against Armenians 100 years ago. In a way, I can see where they are coming from. It was 100 years ago and the people that are their now, had nothing to do with that. However, 40 plus other countries have already signed off on the condemnation of these acts. So, what's the big deal? YOU have other stuff YOU need to be tending to that is more pressing. Get over it!

4) One of the most exciting things going on in the world today is the immergence of China as a big time player on the world stage. Me and a couple of my buds are even planning on learning Mandarin Chinese. However, China has to stop acting like a petulent spoiled child that is all that. Here, this major empire is having a hissy fit because the United States wants to recognize a nobel peace prize winner and the greatest person on this planet, for all of his great deeds. It's not like the Dalai Lama is trying to take over your country. If his being and presence is that much of a threat to your narrow minded thought processes, then your whole existence is "standing on shaky ground"! Get a grip! The Dalai Lama is bigger and better than you will ever know. Deal with it.

Well, there YOU have it. As I always say, "speak what is on your mind, those that matter dont mind, those that mind, don't matter". The Dalai Lama is the best person on this Earth, in this dimension, and now!

"The more YOU know, the more YOU grow,
The more YOU grow, the further YOU go"

Bobby Sharpe reggae8@aol.com Bobby Sharpe's "Indigo Spiritz"

Imagine Peace Tower, Reykjavik, Iceland

Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrison

Yoko Ono unveils imagine peace tower

Mon Jul 09 2007

On October 9th, which would have been John Lennon''s 67th birthday, Yoko Ono will unveil IMAGINE PEACE TOWER, dedicated to her late husband, in Reykjavik, Iceland.

In 1967, John Lennon predicted that the conceptual light tower, envisioned by Yoko Ono, would one day become a reality. On October 9th of this year, exactly 40 years later, IMAGINE PEACE TOWER, a permanent landmark for peace will be unveiled in Reykjavik, Iceland.

IMAGINE PEACE TOWER is surrounded by a Wishing Well Wall on which the words "IMAGINE PEACE" are engraved in 24 languages.

IMAGINE PEACE TOWER gives light and power to the realization of World Peace, which was John Lennon''s lifetime wish, and what he had worked for. For this day, October 9th, 2007, like minded friends from all over the world have been invited to Reykjavik, Iceland to join Yoko Ono for the special ceremony, lending their spiritual power to the tower, and their affirmation of unity for it''s unveiling.

Joining those present will be over 100,000 written wishes collected from all over the world through Yoko''s Wish Trees presented in different countries. They are put in a series of capsules and will be placed on the Island of Viðey, surrounding IMAGINE PEACE TOWER.

More wishes are being sent every day for IMAGINE PEACE TOWER to the P.O. Box set up specially for it in Iceland (IMAGINE PEACE TOWER, P.O. Box 1009, 121 Reykjavik, Iceland.) You, of course, are more than welcome to send your wish as well.

Yoko Ono said today; "I have chosen Iceland for IMAGINE PEACE TOWER because it is a very unique eco-friendly country. 80% of Iceland''s energy is provided by water, not oil. Because of this, the air, water and earth are surprisingly pure and clean. The energy for the Tower is also provided by water.

I hope IMAGINE PEACE TOWER will give light to the strong wishes of World Peace from all corners of the planet and give encouragement, inspiration and a sense of solidarity in a world now filled with fear and confusion. Let us come together to realize a peaceful world. I consider myself very fortunate to see the dream my husband and I dreamt together become reality."

What a great honor for the great people of Iceland to have had Yoko Ono choose Reykjavik as the spot for the Imagine Peace Tower. Iceland deserves it. Hopefully, one day soon, I will get to see it first hand.

Peace and Love to Iceland,

Bobby SharpeBobby Sharpe's "Indigo Spiritz" www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

World's Thinnest TV'S: Need A Xmas Present

First they got flat, then they got big, and now, with nowhere else to go, TVs are getting thin, thin, thin! At least that's the trend we're extracting from all of the ultra-slim TVs on display at CEATEC, the annual Japanese consumer electronics show we're currently checking out in Tokyo. Take a look at the above-pictured Hitachi super-flat 32-inch LCD-TV prototype, which, at just .72-inches thick, makes the average flat-panel TV look like huge slab of thickly-cut meat (or something like that). After all, .72-inches thick is more like a cell phone than a TV, in terms of thickness.

But Hitachi, which unveiled its super-thin prototype to the public today for the first time, isn't alone in the ultra-flat-panel game. Thin LCD TVs are also on display from Sharp (52-inch TV that's .78-inches thick), JVC (42-inch TV that's only 1.4-inches thick, pictured, right), and even Fujitsu, which can only mean one thing: That even flatter panels are on their way to your local Best-Buy-Circuit-City-Fry's within the next five years.

You can even throw Sony's groundbreaking 22-inch Organic Panel, a 1.1-inch thin portable display that uses OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode Technology). Though shown in prototype form at places like CES, the Organic Panel in its more-or-less ready-to-ship version is being shown here in Tokyo for the first time. And it's actually coming out, in Japan, anyway: The set will be in stores on December 1st for around $2500, which is a lot for a 22-inch TV. That said, we are blown away by the rich colors and crisp, 1,000,000-to-1 contrast ratio that the OLED screen brings to this widescreen wonder. The Little flexible arm that lets you adjust the screen's position is a nice detail, too, in that nifty, Sony-gadget way.

We took a bunch of pictures, but since we wanted to show you some other TVs in this post, check out Engadget's gallery on the Sony Organic Panel.

Now, does the new you-can-never-be-too-thin TV trend mean you should wait before you buy that flat-panel? Not at all -- all the TVs we mentioned are prototypes, so we don't know when they'll actually come out for real. (Regardless, when they come out, they will be pricey). Only the Sony Organic Panel is actually coming out in Japan-only, and it's expensive.

It's likely some of these TVs will be the star of the CES Show come January, but the earliest any of these models (other than the Sony) come out would be late next year, so we're betting it'll be a good half-decade before these are even remotely affordable for the rest of us.

In the meantime, we're gonna keep dreamin' about 'em!

Yeah, I'm licking my chops, but, "wont be getting one of these bad boys any time soon". My day will come though.

Technology Rules,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Orlando Sentinel - Community Winter Park Blog -

Candace Poblador, Artist & Web Designer

You know, a bunch of the people that know me, think alot of weird stuff about me. I'm arrogant, pushy, conceited, a jerk, an idiot, a mister know it all and on and on. Well, guess what, "they are right". If YOU don't believe in yourself and what YOU bring to the table, how are YOU going to get anyone else to believe? And as hard as I believe in myself, that is how hard I believe in my niece, Candace.

Ever since I first met Candace, when she was 15 years old, I knew she was someone special. She has proven over the years that she is. Not only is she one of the nicest caring people YOU will ever meet, she is also an "awesomely talented" soul. That is why I have asked her to design the dragons and book cover for the novel I am in the process of completing. Her art work, creativity and imagination are unique and stand alone.

If YOU need some art work or a web page design, Candace Poblador is no further away than an email. If YOU would like to check out some of her work, go to myauntberenice This is her website which is being updated and refreshed on a regular basis. Here, YOU can get a feel for her work and energy. You can also contact her through the site. Hey, check it out before she gets totally swamped. I will have some stuff up also of some of her dragon sketches in the near future.

If for nothing else, stop by her site and say hello to a really cool human being.

Peace & Love,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Indigo Spiritz"