NEWS
VIEWS LINK
SPRING
2005 no 50 Dear
Reader, Link's 50th issue takes on
a new and brighter format. Enjoy MusicLink. Getting the best out of life is
vital. Read Body, Mind, Spirit and begin to live! You may not be interested
in politics but they are important. They are a 'crying out for what is right.'
they must represent all views, inside we see how they can - essential
reading. Sit back, avoid the usual 'rushed scan', relax and learn to
read again!Enjoy this Spring season. The Editor
MUSIC - Corrine Bailey Ray BODY,MIND,SPIRIT ANOTHER ELECTION - POOR ROLE MODELS, INDISCIPLINE NOTICEBOARD KENYA IN SPOTLIGHT WALK FOR KIMALEWA
Talent - Corrine Bailey Rae
Ann Marie reports As I write, Corinne Bailey Rae guest vocalist with the Stix and co writer of their current track Young and Foolish has entered M.T Vs Base chart at number 8. Not bad for a local Leeds girl! For those on the underground scene she is well known for her live performances at Leeds Hi Fi Club, collaborations with the New Mastersounds (Your Love is Mine) and Homecut Directive's hip hop track (Come the Revolution)Corinne's lazy soul and blues inspired voice is often compared to that of Amy Winehouse yet is accentuated by a smoother and softer sound which is a plus for all lovers of rare groove. Her lyrics depict love, life and experience in a refreshingly honest way and her belief in the use of real instruments, as opposed to their digitally enhanced counterparts, sets her apart from the majority. It is clear that Corinne is not a commercial outfit and stands independently from the electro/teenage hip hop sound that dominates contemporary Black British Music. After securing a publishing deal in 2003 her focus has been to write tracks towards a solo album collaborating with the likes of Al Stone and Paul Herman who have worked with Jamiroquai, Daniel Bedingfield and Dido. Also, the word on the street is that she is soon -if not by the time you read this - to be signed to a Major.Unfortunately for lovers of good soul music, such an untouched clean and pure sound undistinguishable from the mainstream will either act as a bonus or a hindrance to Corinne's career. Her market must be targeted specifically for 'real' success in the 'mainstream' sense of the word. However, Corinne is undoubtedly a quality artist comfortable in the studio or performing live, able to write her own songs or as part of a collaborating team. She is definitely a talent to look out for so for further information or to hear more of her music log on to corinnebaileyrae.com BACK
BODY,MIND,SPIRIT So we bump and battle through ---- We can do it alone, or work together in this struggle to establish ourselves. This series exists for those who want to share experiences and make the trip as tolerable as possible. First we need a common idea to work from, one that sums up how we. So we picture ourselves as body, mind, and spirit, and we hope this seems sensible and acceptable. It follows that there must be harmony between these parts to be feel truly together, 'holistically whole.' On one side we need a sound Body, good exercise and diet, etcetera. On the other side we need happy relationships, hope, meditation and prayer to awaken a sound Spirit. These experiences and many more are processed in our Minds. So, with the right balance, we begin to feel together and whole. To begin, we look at Exercise for the Body and Healing and Hope for the Spirit. As the series moves on we will sum up and share what we have discovered. Of course- you are very welcome to say what you may have found helpful and share ideas of your own. john broadhead
Please send your comments by fax or email info@newsviewslink.co.uk
EXERCISE It is interesting to look at which muscles most exercise routines cover and ask ‘is anything missing’ The problem is most exercise routines are aesthetically driven; simply they go for appearance, to improve the 'six pack' muscles, the chest and biceps - but what of the core or foundation muscles. Without these internal muscles in good order we may look fine but won't feel fine!
Our core muscles are internal; they stabilise our bodies and make essential functions such as walking, twisting, bending, pulling, pushing and squatting possible. Why do these 'default' muscles need extra attention? Over recent history man's routine has changed. Once we had to squat over a hole when at the toilet, now we sit in comfort. We no longer pull and twist and lift to climb trees, or run to save our lives. We no longer make these movements to earn our livings. It's very interesting that all the exercise necessary for these muscles can be obtained without the expense or inconvenience of visiting the gym. All that is needed can be found around the home or outside. Make a start by walking or gently running up and down stairs. If at first you manage 10 minutes a day, that will do lots of good. Also walking outside for ten or twenty minutes is very valuable. If it’s not too near roads, you'll get valuable fresh air too. More exercises to follow in our next issue. Try to take regular exercise - overall, it reduces the blood pressure and helps to keep weight down. Exercise should not to be too strenuous and should be built up slowly. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
HEALING
there are four essentials in being healed said an old Indian medicine man.
First of all you must want to be healed and you must have a reason to get
well. Secondly you must have faith that you can be made well. Thirdly you
must ask forgiveness of anyone in your life who you have injured. And finally
you must change your way of life and no longer follow just the material way.
HOPE By Evans Gallo The word hope has many different meanings to different people. Indeed the meaning it takes could easily depend on one's particular circumstances. "We live in hope", for instance, is a phrase that is often used by those not very sure of what tomorrow holds. But what exactly is hope? Expectation and desire combined; feelings of trust; are perhaps some of the most common interpretations of the word hope. Most of us expect and desire to be materially and emotionally comfortable and happy. We also have trust in one thing or the other to help us realise this. At Link, our holistic approach to life gives the second definition special significance. We believe that we all trust in something. Some of us firmly believe in the reliability, honesty and strength of the wealth we have worked hard for to offer us happiness. High academic qualifications to secure us well paying jobs and prestige are another source of hope for others. Escaping into the "happy" world of drink and drugs offers others hope for a life of bliss. Yet to others it is the belief in their Creator that offers them hope. Irrespective of whatever we have trust in, we can cannot run away from the fact that the hope of realising a good life can only be achieved by having a healthy body, mind and spirit. The three aspects of the human body must be nourished if one hopes to be genuinely happy. To achieve this is the focus of these articles. See more in our next issue BACK
NOTICEBOARD Link's 50th issue takes on a new and brighter format. LINK works to balance and brighten the media, shining light on hard to solve problems. Particularly in NEWS VIEWS we cover education, the work situation and many topical features.
Our SPECIAL APPROACH, looking out for our others, encourages new warmth and presence in life. This THEME runs through all our work and includes our appeal for Kimalewa, a village in western Kenya, to provide food and skills training.
Through MUSIC LINK we follow the local and wider music scene. We have organised events such as Disco Competitions and Spring and Bonfire Barbecues. At these we include an 'open stage' where people share their views or music, and we include competitions for the children.
BODY, MIND, SPIRIT is a recent feature where 'holistics' demonstrates the need for health in all areas to function at our best.
CONTACT US. Can you write, organise events, help with distribution? We need your input! Phone/Fax 0113 2268904, 07802 741346, 07818 445678 OR e-mail info@newsviewslink.co.uk
Editor John Broadhead, Music Ann Marie, Publicity & Print Chris Nriapia, Features Dorrette B, Evans Gallo, PLEASE NOTE The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editorial team . Printed by Chapel Allerton Guide, 109a Roundhay Road, LS8 5AJ
LINK is published spring, summer, autumn and winter. Free copies are distributed around Shops and Bars in the City centre, from Trades Peoples Counters' in north and central Leeds and through Leeds Libraries across the City. Also available via our Website. www.newsviewslink.co.uk BACK
another
general election draws near - Link is politically neutral,
but, the following questions need answers. What is the value of the election
in its present form? As about 70% of the votes cast will be ignored because
of our non-proportional system of vote counting, sadly of limited value. Our
present government was elected by only 30% of the electorate, what can be
done so everyone is represented?
We can adopt a system of Proportional Representation. Germany, France, Holland, Belgium, Finland and Austria use this system along with about half of the countries in the world. Where PR is used 70% to 95% vote, all the votes cast are counted and determine the size of the representation. So more vote and everyone gets represented. Here only 59% voted in our last election and this time 50% is the forecast. Remember our 'first past the post' system inspires confrontation and coercion, and peoples valuable opinions are lost.
Diseases, Poor role models, Indiscipline in school Freely available alcohol is to blame for increasing numbers of young people treated for sexual transmitted diseases. These have doubled in the last ten years. A police constable, working with teenagers, put it like this 'they get drunk, they are set poor role models by the supposed 'celebrities' - and they dare each other to see how far they will go.' It seems good sense to restrict the supplies of alcohol, to censor the lewd material often shown on the television and improve the indiscipline in many schools. Then youngsters could be properly taught the dangers they put themselves in through lax behaviour. Just imagine a focussed government process that allowed constructive debate without bias and fear. Evidence could then be drawn from those with real experience eg. police constables, teachers and youth workers. From this sensible working approaches to many of the problems could be found: and with flexibility built into them for any necessary adjustments, we would soon see big improvements taking place. BACK
Kenya
in the Spotlight Once again Kenya
has been receiving a lot of attention from the British press. One may wonder
why. First, there are a lot of British owned businesses in the country. There
are also many white Kenyans of British ancestry in the country of whom the
British government feels has a responsibility. Another unlikely reason is
that Nairobi, Kenya's capital, hosts many international news correspondents
who cover most of East and Central Africa. In 2002, Kenyans voted in a new
government on a platform of zero tolerance to corruption, a vice that had
plagued Kenya for many years, especially under Mr Moi. The once thriving economy
was literally brought to its knees with the same corrupt officials resorting
to begging to keep the country running. Under Kibaki, however, things have
not changed much. The ugly head of corruption has once again reared its head
with government ministers literally looting the treasury forcing the British
High Commissioner throw diplomatic etiquette out of the window and mount a
scathing attack on the administration through the press. Only recently, the
man tasked to tackle corruption resigned and is in hiding in Britain for exposing
high level corruption. Kibaki has the Kenyan electorate and the British government
and media which openly applauded his election. As long as things are going
wrong, Kenya will be in the British press' spotlight. As long as democracy,
the lack of which saw Britain openly siding Moi, does not seem have brought
any tangible results to the country, the British government cannot be at ease.
It cannot have enough leverage to tackle some of the other dictators in Africa
and the world as a whole. Evans Gallo
Sponsored
walk for Kimalewa
By Dorrette B. I woke at 8.30 am and from my bedroom window saw it was snowing. I prayed the day might brighten up, packed a picnic and was off to collect walkers. My daughter Ann and grandaughter Bailey were ready; Bailey's friend Natalie was still in her night attire! ' ready in 5 minutes' said she, we talked with her parents, and she did not dissappoint us. So four arrived at Roundhay Park and propped our event board against the car. Now the sun shone brightly. Then, I saw a familiar face 'its Jimmy Saville, there!' Don't be daft!' somone put in. Ann shouted 'Jimmy, Jimmy,' beckoning him. ' Take our pictures' I said pushing the camera towards him. He did the honours asking 'Whats it about' , before I answered he was cracking his jokes! So we started our walk. Stephany and Tom caught up, that made ten of us. Glorious sunshine came now and many people were about, although it was muddy. After one circuit of the lake, refreshments. On our second lap we met Sue's parents who had already completed their walk. That made 10 completing the walk - Bailey and Natalie,10 years old, did very well. We finished, the sun dimmed and snow began - in ten minutes it was falling heavilly. We were pleased with our walk and it seemed my prayer for good weather had been answered. Thanks to all walkers & sponsors. We have sent £200 to Kimalewa. Here, March to May is the rainy season, maize supplies run out and people go hungry. BACK