Friday, July 30, 2010

Excellent e-waste video

can be sen on vimeo here

http://newamericamedia.org/2010/07/indias-poor-seek-wealth-in-e-waste.php

Thursday, July 29, 2010

WELCOME

This is the first blog at my new site. Many, many thanks to the gifted artist who has designed the destination--Mila Sterling.

I had a manicure this week from the salon at the end of my street.

The woman who 'did' my nails complained of sore eyes from the chemicals used there; she explained that for recently-arrived VietNamese migrants such as her self, this was a good job, however. Unlike undertaking further education, it had a quick financial return.

She asked me whether I played guitar. I took this to be a comment on my nails being too long. No, she said, it's about your hair and earrings. 'You are a musician, in a band.'

The woman next to me was paying for her pedicure. She insisted on using a credit card for the bill and tipping with cash, to ensure the workers received their share. I applauded her for this. She turned to me and confided 'They live seven or eight to a room. They don't pay taxes but they use all our services. i know. I used to teach. They've got to learn about taxes. They're illegal.' With that, she was gone, leaving me stunned by this blend of workerism and bigotry.