Cover, DEC06

by JENNIFER CHANG, founding editor.

Previews, Letters, & Comments, DEC06

CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE
A Glimpse into the Ways Europeans Spread Yuletide Cheer
and Celebrate the Holidays - Old World Style
by ALEXIS MEILLAND, Paris Liason

DANCING IN THE MARGINS FESTIVAL
The second annual sublime dance festival
That explores the spaces between "ethnic" and "not ethnic enough"
by JENNIFER CHANG, founding editor

THE QUÉBEC WINTER CARNIVAL
A Festival of Heritage and Family Fun
by HABEEB SALLOUM, senior global correspondent

DISCOVERING THE CHINESE WAY
Observations on Teaching in China
By JULIE THOMPSON, special guest writer


A YEAR IN TOULOUSE REMEMBERED ON TWO WHEELS
by ANNIE NGUYEN, special guest writer


FRANCE - Large Head, en Français
semester@sea.wldy
by ALEX BUDAK, staff columnist


LETTERS FROM A REAL-LIFE ARCHAEOLOGIST
The Adventure of Latin America, Part III
by CALIFORNIA KAY, staff writer
Coming on December 11! Stay Tuned!

Blog-exclusive video clip, DEC06

Check out this link for an interesting film on the role the US media plays in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict: Click here.

Cover, NOV06

by JENNIFER CHANG, founding editor.

Cover, OCT 06

by AMY CHOU, cover artist.

Exclusives, OCT 06

THE KHAM AID FOUNDATION - October's Featured Charity
by ROXY VARZA, managing editor

The Worldly kicks off its new charitable focus. Visit our store: The Worldly Culture and Travel Store. All profits this month go to benefit Kham Aid.

The people of the Kham region, known as Khampas, are reputed for spreading mayhem throughout the Himalayas and for their warlike spirit. And yet despite their warlike image, the people of the Kham region are anything but. The region is undeveloped, as many of the inhabitants are malnourished and do not have access to modern education. While KAF has succeeded in implementing amazing disaster relief programs in the past – the organisation last gave over $5,000 to help rebuild the Manigango Primary School after a 2004 fire -- economic development, education, and health care are the programs currently in need of support.



SI, SE PUEDE - The Century Boulevard Protest
September 28, 2006
by AJ GANSER, guest writer

With a beautiful Los Angeles sunset as our backdrop, we chanted "Si, se puede!" as police officers rallied through the street. Glancing at the faces surrounding me, I saw young children atop of their parents' shoulders marching next to elderly activists. Mantras were shouted both in English and Spanish. Amongst the protesters were individuals of every age, ethnicity, religion and belief system, uniting together for the equality of their fellow man and woman. City councilmen, students from LMU, APU, and UCLA, state legislators, professors, and members of the clergy were arrested side-by-side with support from their family and friends.



SERENADING MARIACHIS - The Heart, the Soul, and the Song of Mexico
by HABEEB SALLOUM, senior global correspondent

Even more Mexican than the tequila (also born in Guadalajara), the two go hand-in-hand when there is folkloric entertainment. Mariachis often perform in city squares and plazas, which at times act as hiring halls for those seeking their services for baptisms, hotel entertainment, patriotic holidays, restaurants, weddings, and a particular type of Catholic mass. Playing the best-known Mexican music in the world, the Mariachis are part and parcel of almost every carnival, traditional fiesta, or festival in Mexico, and have become a trademark of the country and its culture.



TAIWAN DEMONSTRATES - A Protest, In Pictures
by JESSICA CHU, guest writer/photographer

Taken from the frontlines of the protests, these pictures present the truth about the peaceful demonstrations of concerned and politically-aware citizens in Taiwan. Their numbers have swelled to include hundreds of thousands.

With high tensions rising in Taiwan, two major groups have risen and dominated Taiwan’s political scene. The Democratic Progressive Party, also known as the Green Party, support President Chen Shui Bian -- despite allegations of monetary fraud and corruption from not only himself, but also his allies and administration. Although the media has continued to portray the demonstrations as violent and uncontrollable, with many clashes between the Red and Green parties, the majority of demonstrators camp out only to express their dissatisfaction with the president.

Features, OCT 06

ME CHINESE - Beijing's Greatest Hits
by JENNIFER CHANG, founding editor

J. Chang left the North American continent for the first time in July and returned at the end of August, just a bit worldlier. These are excerpts from her journal documenting observations on the other side of the world.



The Forbidden City is so-called because it was off-limits to commoners for over 500 years. The complex was home to the Ming and the Qing Dynasties and stood as a symbol of imperial rule until it faced destruction by angry mobs who would have liked to have seen it razed to the ground during the Cultural Revolution. Premier Zhou Enlai had the good sense to demand that they not lay a finger on it. Today, the Forbidden City rakes in the tourist dollars and is accessible to anyone who can pay the 40 yuan admission fee, and you can even rent a cassette tape narrated by Roger Moore.



BELGIUM - Try Everything
semester@sea.wldly
by ALEX BUDAK, staff columnist

This summer Alex spent 10 weeks studying abroad through Semester at Sea, a floating university, where he took classes while aboard the ship, and made explorations around Europe when the ship docked. The journey took him to Iceland, Norway, Russia, Poland, Belgium, France, Ireland and Spain. Here is the fourth of a multi-part series where he shares his journey with us.



Waffles in Belgium, it should be noted, are not quite like their American cousins. Waffles in Antwerp more closely resemble fried cake. Also, you can forget asking for “a little syrup” on your waffles. Here, you choose a couple of toppings, which range from whipped cream and cherries (my personal favorite), to a chocolate coating, to ice-cream, whipped cream, or sprinkles and chocolate sauce, as one of the girls I was with had. Amazingly, it seems despite how many things you can think of throwing on top of a waffle, the price it seems never tops 3 Euros. It is, therefore, more of an artery and cavity-challenger than it is a wallet-stretcher.



SOUTH AMERICA - The Adventure of Peru, Part 2
Letters from a real-life archaeologist
by CALIFORNIA KAY, staff writer

Intrepid archaeologist California Kay trekked through into the heart of Latin America this summer. The following is the first of a three-part series documenting his adventures in the form of the letters he sent home to his dear ones.



I spent most of my time in the rural town and archaeological site of Pampa Grande, a spectacular desert region surrounded by mountains on one side and a glowing green river valley below. The area is recognizable by thousands of impressive ceramic sherds strewn about the ground, the best of which were taken by looters, evidenced by looters pits that dot the land. Two majestic huacas, or pyramids, which have somewhat endured the tests of 1,500 years, earthquakes, and El Niño events, sit boldly in the Peruvian sun, and a somewhat treacherous climb to the top of the largest of the two gives you a splendid view of the land and the people below. Only these remnants are evidence of the Moche empire that once existed one thousand years or more years before the Inca Empire.

Cover, SEP 06

by JENNIFER CHANG, creator

Exclusives, SEP 06

KASHMIR - From Waterfront to Gypsy Camp
Houseboating and mountain trekking in a land little-traveled
by GILAD CHUDLER, staff writer
Mountain trekking in Kashmir was one of the most difficult but at the same time one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My girlfriend and I were under the impression that we would take a pleasant stroll through the mountains with a trusty guide, but we were sadly mistaken. Mountain trekking in Kashmir is really mountain trekking. Our supplies included a transportable gas stove, pressure cooker, two bottles of oil, water, two tents, some basic food and vegetables, and two live chickens (that’s right two live chickens).



TOHU - "Happy Confusion" in a Town that a Circus Built
TOHU LA CITÉ DES ARTS DU CIRQUE
Humanity, environment, the arts... and the Circus that supports them
by HABEEB SALLOUM, senior global correspondent
As an ecological project with a social conscience, the transformation of this former dump is revitalizing the Saint-Michel district, which has since been the home for many poor immigrants. TOHU is currently transforming the area into a vibrant centre for the community, and for cultural and economic development. Today, TOHU, which is being built through a combination of public and private funding, hums with activity. The area now carries an aura of circus magic – as the former dumpsite is transformed into a gem.



MINE AND SEEK - Hidden Killers
For children in Afghanistan and Cambodia, land mines bring death long after the war is over
by NOOSHIN SHABANI, staff writer
Landmines are the hidden killers that linger in fields, roads, and schoolyards. They sit silently without preference as to who is the victim. They come in different disguises, depending on their power. The placement of leftover landmines is a problem which is not greatly exposed too the public. We see war on the news nearly every day but what is missing is the coverage of the continuous war that the local people are forced to face.



AFRICA - Breast Ironing in Cameroon
Women in Africa bear a painful tradition
by ROXY VARZA, assistant editor

Breast ironing, a practice that involves pressing heated objects – most commonly spatulas (24%) and stones (20%) – onto a girl’s developing breasts, is believed to be an efficient means of delaying pregnancy; by “removing” signs of puberty, these girls are thought to no longer appear sexually attractive to men.

The practice, which was initially thought to improve a mother’s breast-milk, is now inflicted upon 24% of all Cameroonian women as young as the age of nine. While the practice is commonly performed by family members, 58% of the time by the mother, these young and naïve girls buy into its reasoning and often continue inflicting the practice upon their own bodies.

Features, SEP 06

SOUTH AMERICA - The Adventure of Peru, Part I
Letters from a real-life archaeologist
by CALIFORNIA KAY, staff writer

Intrepid archaeologist California Kay trekked through into the heart of Latin America this summer. The following is the first of a three-part series documenting his adventures in the form of the letters he sent home to his dear ones.

The Cathedral of San Francisco and its catacombs was perhaps the greatest experience I’ve had in a while. The church itself is just humongously impressive by itself, as it seemed like everything from the giant altar, the four hundred year old library, to its collection of paintings, down to its door hinges were made by artists not from this world. Who knew the brotherhood of a church lived in such decadence?




ME CHINESE - "Chinese Idol"
by JENNIFER CHANG, creator

J. Chang left the North American continent for the first time in July and returned at the end of August, just a bit worldlier. These are excerpts from her journal documenting observations on the other side of the world.

I was stunned. Each of the contestants that took to the stage was phenomenally talented, and also well-trained, which cannot be said of most “American Idol” contestants that make it to the final rounds. After each performance, the singers are required to give a one-minute speech on a topic from a list of three. Not only did these people have to be skilled singers, but they also had to be orators. “Star quality” is set at a much higher standard in China, apparently.

Cover, AUG 06

by JENNIFER CHANG, creator.

Exclusives, AUG 06

MEXICO - Democracy At The Crossroads
by GILAD CHUDLER, staff writer
& FELIPE DOMINGUEZ, guest writer

The writers of this article had the opportunity to be in the historical city of Guanajuato in central Mexico, a city were the Felipe Calderon of the PAN took almost 60% of the vote. On Election Day, or D06 (short for “Decision 2006”) as the media dubbed it, we attended Guanajuato’s main Bus Station, which housed a special electoral booth for out-of-towners. It took three hours in line for any citizen who wanted to cast their vote. By midday, one of the IFE representatives announced --to a crowd of 300-plus voters-- that they only 100 ballots were available.

MEXICO - Savoring Guadalajara
In the heart of Mexico, one finds flavor
by HABEEB SALLOUM, senior global correspondent

Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco, and one of the country’s great colonial cities, is considered to embody the soul of Mexico. It is renowned, even in the outside world, for its beautiful settings, green flower-decked parks, cultural and historic sites, rousing folklore, beautiful women, authentic handicrafts, and above all, its gourmet cooking.

Due to its innumerable attributes, travellers and writers, and even its own inhabitants have given it such labels such as: ‘City of Roses,’ ‘City of Fountains,’ ‘the Western Mexican Pearl,’ and ‘the Royal City. See full article for exclusive recipes!



UNITED STATES - Living On The Streets, Part I
The homeless youth form their own culture in Los Angeles
by SIMONE KUSSATZ, senior global correspondent

Daniel Rotman is a 25-year old former UC Berkeley student, with a BA in politics and legal studies. He had an idea when he founded the Los Angeles Homeless Services Coalition on June 2, 2005. The coalition, a union between Demoracy for Change and the Los Angeles Youth Network, is an outreach campaign whose primary purpose is to help women and children off of the streets of Los Angeles.

UNITED STATES - Living On The Streets, Part II
The LAYN’s mission
by SIMONE KUSSATZ, senior global correspondent

With the money received from grants, private benefactors, or fundraised by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Coalition, along with the exciting “Celebrity Poker Party” benefit (with Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Brooke Burke, Mira Sorvino, Britney Spears, … ) on September 9, 2006 at the Crystal Casino, this dream will hopefully come true.

“If we succeed in our attempt to build a fourth shelter next spring we will want the children who are employed to pay partial rent, which will go to a savings account,” Director of Administration Katherine McMahon explained.

OREGON - Seeking Refuge
The Immigrant Refugee Community Organization
By REBECCA ROSS, guest writer

The employment demographic at IRCO generally consists of employees who came to the U.S. as refugees and as immigrants themselves. Together they represent 46 diverse ethnic groups speaking more than 30 languages. This impressive aspect is the key to their helping refugees and immigrants; employees use first hand knowledge and the use their abilities to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.

Features, AUG 06

ME CHINESE - Beijing Bipolarity
by JENNIFER CHANG, creator

J. Chang left the North American continent for the first time in July and returned at the end of August, just a bit worldlier. There are excerpts from her journal documenting observations on the other side of the world.

We had lunch, naturally, in the large Chinese restaurant, with the waitress standing beside our table the entire time, topping off our tea the instant it was drained from our cups. I made a connection between her, the driver, and the uniformed guards that I saw standing dutifully at the entrance to all the apartments and offices I had visited that day.

Chinese people seem to perform duties with a noticeable greater level of pride and dignity than Americans generally do, or perhaps it just looks that way to the untrained eye. In the days to come – I made a mental note – I’d look for signs that people here hated their crappy jobs as much as the folks back home did.

Cover, JUL 06

by AMY CHOU, cover artist.

Exclusives, JUL 06

UGANDA - African Fashion Show
The Spirit of the Modern African Woman
by NOOSHIN SHABANI, staff writer

The village women in Uganda start work when the moon is still present, and their day is done with only hours before they next arise. The role of a woman is multiple in African society. She acts as the mother, provider, teacher, and wife, and to have strength is priority. Despite the poverty and nineteen years of political conflict, the women in Uganda spend this evening celebrating the true beauty of just being a woman.



ANDALUSIA - Handicrafts in Spain
An Arab Legacy that Still Lives
by HABEEB SALLOUM, senior global correspondent

As I travelled through southern Spain, I could see that the handiwork of the Arabs saturated every facet of life. All these trades, which make Andalusia unique in Europe, almost without exception, are an Arab legacy. Some have been evolved to fit into the modern age, but most are as they were when the Arabs were a part of Spanish history.

Despite the many religious wars in the past, the Spaniards have, to a great extent, preserved their Arab heritage, especially in the field of handicrafts. The Alhambra in Granada, the Mesquita of Cordóba, the Alcázar in Seville, and above all, Andalusia’s artisan products, testify to the rich artisan legacy that the Arabs had bequeathed to Spain.

THE FOODS OF ETERNAL DAMASCUS
A recipe for splendour
by HABEEB SALLOUM, senior global correspondent

Through the centuries, such have been the epithets with which men have described Damascus – which is the oldest continuously inhabited urban centre on earth. Aramaeans, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and, above all, the Umayyad Arabs of the 7th century, left a rich legacy in all areas of the city's daily life - particularly in its food.

Added to this, Damascus and its sister city of Aleppo were at the western end of the wealth-producing Silk Road, which for some 4000 years, was the pathway of trade that connected the Far East and Europe. The Frankincense Route, which was no less important in the creation of both cities’ affluent lifestyle, was the route over which the perfumes and spices brought by Arab dhows to southern Arabia were transported overland to these cities.

AFRICA - INSIDE MOROCCO
Reflections on a journey home
by REBECCA ROSS, guest writer

At the Djemaa el Fna Square, you will experience the majority of what Morocco has to offer, and everything from intricate henna patterns on your hands and feet that are made from a natural dye. There were the energetic Gnawa Dancers that charged money for the taking of their photographs. There were the souk’s--shopping areas--set up along the center square, where bargained for the items we wanted.

We even watched some perform acrobatic stunts and then charge us and a few others as well. And interestingly enough, I was even persuaded by snake charmers to put a tamed black water snake around my neck for good luck. But this is hardly painting a full picture as to everything I saw in these cities. It’s like an ongoing circus, so much to see and do, but so little time and money.



PHILIPPINES - The Worth of a Book
Education in the Philippines
by NOOSHIN SHABANI, staff writer

The levels of poverty in the Philippines are extreme. Many of the Filipinos who are fortunate enough to get an education, go on to seek work abroad, as the opportunities are greater overseas. The Philippines has a ballooning amount of debt to repay, and education is not on the priority list. According to the Philippine Education Sector study (World Bank & Asian Development Bank) 1998-2008 will be a period of limited or zero growth in the public budgetary allocation to education as a whole.

Reviews, JUL 06

A SOUR NOTE IN FRANCE - la Fête de la Musique
The disappointing truth about one of France's biggest musical events
by ROXY VARZA, assistant editor

Every year, on June 21st, the entire country of France celebrates music. After it was discovered that 5 million French citizens play a musical instrument, Maurice Fleuret, the Director of Music and Dance in 1982, started this national musical gala in order to allow amateur musicians to publicly demonstrate their musical talent. However, what started out as an amazingly artistic and cultural affaire actually turns out to be riddled with problems.

Cover, JUN 06

by KATHERINE PARADERO, editor-in-chief.

Exclusives, JUN 06

PETRA - Lost City of Stone
Petra Comes to the Canadian Museum of Civilization
by HABEEB SALLOUM, senior global correspondent

The most comprehensive exhibition ever presented, reflecting the ancient Jordanian city of Petra, and its creators, the Nabataeans, has arrived at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which is Canada's largest and most popular cultural institution.

Featuring over 200 exceptional objects, many on display for the first time in North America, the exhibition, ‘Petra: Lost City of Stone,’ will conclude its North American tour in Canada’s capital. This exhibition is the most complete portrait ever mounted of the amazing and mysterious city of Petra in Jordan.

KENYA - From the Safari to the Slum
Choose Volunteering
by NOOSHIN SHABANI, guest writer

One of my most shocking moments was when I visited my fellow volunteer at Kibera slums, the levels of poverty were overwhelming. About 5 minutes after I walked out the slums we came across a huge western supermarket which has everything you would typically find in a market. Kibera was shocking but the contrast between the slums and the supermarket was unbelievable, it spoke a lot about how drastically wealth is polarized in Kenya.



FOREIGN AMERICA - A Cultural Commentary
The Peculiarities of Our Culture
by STEPHEN DUCLOS, guest writer

After recently living out of the country for five years, in addition to an earlier three-year experience out, I have returned to encounter a foreign culture – that is, foreign to a “foreign American.” The thing is; wherever we live and learn, we naturally tend to absorb and take our newly acquired knowledge and culture with us – especially when it makes perfect sense and betters our lives. We are products of our environments, no matter where they may be.

JERASH - Rome in Jordan
Ancient Rome Comes Alive in Jerash
by HABEEB SALLOUM, senior global correspondent

No sooner had we sat down in the semi-reconstructed Hippodrome at Jerash, Jordan’s Roman city, a massive arena that once seated 15,000 spectators, then, in the distance, that I witnessed the appearance of a part of a Roman Legion. In a few minutes a re-enactment of the golden days of Rome came alive before us. Roman soldiers drilling, gladiators fighting each other, and chariot races -- all depicting the days of Roman splendour -- suddenly came to life.

Features, JUN 06

RUSSIA - Midnight Train to Moscow
semester@sea.wldy
by ALEX BUDAK, staff columnist

Though tired from the lack of sleep, and my mouth a bit sore from trying to eat the bread, I left the train with a smile on my face, knowing that no matter what hardships I would face later on in life, I had managed to pee accurately in a rickety, dirty, Russian train – and no one can ever take that away from me.

Cover, MAY 06

by AMY CHOU, cover artist.

Exclusives, MAY 06

CHILD SLAVERY - African Cocoa Farms
by NOOSHIN SHABANI, guest writer

Over 240,000 children have been sold as slaves in West Africa to work on coffee, cocoa, and cotton plantations. 15,000 of these children are aged between 9-12. While our children get an education, the children that we have forgotten about can only dream of such opportunities. They don’t get the luxury of education. Instead, they get a tortured life of abuse and daily beatings. This is their payment so that you can have your Mars bar.

COACHELLA - The Spirit of Woodstock Lives
by GILAD CHUDLER, staff writer


It’s difficult to describe what a day at Coachella is like, and pictures hardly do it justice. Electricity, aura, energy, vibe; whatever you want to call it -- there is something special in the air at Coachella. When you pull into the parking lot you can already hear the first bands of the day starting their sets. Anticipation is painted on everybody’s face as they eagerly make their way across the field in the beating sun towards the entrance.

McCLELLAN - Giving up a Tough Job
The United States Press Secretary Resigns
by SIMONE KUSSATZ, senior global correspondent

One of McClellan’s huge tasks as press secretary has been to apply diplomacy. Another issue that was discussed during that Monday afternoon on April 17, 2006 was the presence of homosexual couples with their adoptive children during the White House Easter Egg Roll. For this reason, McClellan was asked if the White House would welcome all sexual orientations to participate in the Easter Egg Roll next year.

Features, MAY 06

NORWAY - Do You Know the Way to Norway?
semester@sea.wldy
by ALEX BUDAK, staff columnist

I was constantly amused by the Norwegian fascination with American culture, the pinnacle of which occurred when I wandered into a shop that must be Norway’s version of Abercrombie. In the store – which was blasting Maroon 5 and Ludacris – were t-shirts with American sayings that I couldn’t help but wonder about.

Probably my favorite was a ¾-length shirt that boldly said “SOUTH COUNTY RHODE ISLAND” on it. What Rhode Islander would have enough state pride (or county pride, for that matter) to wear a shirt proudly displaying that they are from the smallest state in the union? Fear not, Rhode Islanders, there are Norwegian teens reppin’ for your state (and if you’re lucky enough to be from southern Rhode Island, your county as well).

AMERICA - This
Columbia, New York
by RYAN JOE, staff columnist

I've just enrolled at the ol' MFA program at Columbia and I'm getting pretty cynical.

Mike, back in New Orleans, pointed out to me that these MFA programs really are a bit of a scam. Consider that medical school costs an arm, leg and left nut because, in the end, the school must fund chemicals and all those shiny stainless steel implements used for dissecting cadavers (which also cost money).

What do MFA programs need? A photocopier. So in charging a lot of money to attend these programs, a university takes little risk but reaps big dividends.

Cover, APR 06

by AMY CHOU, cover artist.

Exclusives, APR 06

FASHION WEEK - The Culture of Beauty
In the world of high fashion, has ethnicity become an accessory?
by JENNIFER CHANG, creator

A specific culture surrounds the realm of high-end fashion, and it is one that, by necessity, must appear light years ahead of what exists in the present.

Fashion designers seeking to push the envelope must be able to identify beauty that is not readily observable, and not universally understood.

Designers who have created clothes out of things like trash bags, or deflated Mylar balloons will tell you that they can’t afford to be bound or blinded by societal standards of what is beautiful and what must be dismissed as ugly. The fashion world has long-since shucked off the lines of color and gender.


OLYMPICS - TORINO 2006
Looking Back: The Political Side of the Olympics
by ROXY VARZA, assistant editor


Sports have a political system all their own. Athletes live in a world where they become candidates aiming for election. They abide by sport laws and function under sport government officials. An athlete’s life is extremely political. But add a global element, where athletes no longer represent themselves or their teams, but rather their nations and their governments -- a whole new political element comes into play.

In this light, one can see how the twentieth Olympic Games, which took place in Torino, Italy, were anything but fair play.


POETRY - word & violin
Memories, Myths, and Migrations
by KATHERINE PARADERO, editor-in-chief

With the stage at the level of the floor, and with painted-over windows behind them, the performance that evening had its focus on themes of migration and on the myths that surround it.

The story of Lot’s wife, who becomes a pillar of salt when she turns back to witness the burning of Sodom and Gomorra in the Old Testament, is the inspiration for the parallel that Sundaralingam draws to the refugees who are the witnesses of their own burning cities.

For refugee women like herself, who have had to leave their countries and their homes to burn, there is a part of them that remains, like Lot's wife, forever frozen there. It is to these women that the poem, “Lot’s Wives” is dedicated.

Reviews, APR 06

CD REVIEW - "Bridge Across The Blue"
Connecting historical parallels among the very personal

and the ethno-cultural
by KATHERINE PARADERO, editor-in-chief

“Bridge Across The Blue” lifts the lid of the American ‘melting-pot’ and presents to you a selection of narratives – often delivered in the very same voices by which they were composed.

Only this time, producers Colm O’Riain and Pireeni Sundaralingam have done the courageous thing and stirred it up a bit before giving you a taste.

Voted by the editors of About.com as among the seven best spoken word / poetry anthologies to add to your collection, “Bridge Across the Blue” explores ideas of migration, and musical parallels, by drawing together many unexpected links across history, ethnicities, and personal journeys.

Features, APR 06

ISRAEL - Finding Self
Finding Self, Family, and Identity in the Middle East
by GILAD CHUDLER, staff writer

That day in Petach Tikvah represented everything I hold to be true and beautiful about Israel. It is a land where people from all different backgrounds can come together and celebrate each other’s faiths and cultures, and grow from it. It is a tragedy that the political conflicts receive the most attention.

Although war is an unfortunate reality in the Middle East, it is far from a constant war-zone. Israel remains a safe country to travel to, and still stands as one of the most incredible and unique countries to visit in the world. Regardless of what’s in store for its future, Israel will forever be remembered as country where East and West lived side by side for centuries, and a country that continues to inspire people of all backgrounds even today.


ICELAND - There's Always A Way
semester@sea.wldly
by ALEX BUDAK, staff columnist

Tevye, of “Fiddler on the Roof,” measured his life in sunrises and sunsets. It’s a good thing he didn’t live in Iceland, or his internal clock would have been way off. While in Iceland I saw both the most spectacular sunrise, and the most spectacular sunset of my life – all within a matter of 30 minutes.


Since Iceland is so far north -- right outside of the Arctic Circle – and we were visiting right at the summer solstice, the sun dipped below the horizon for just a fleeting second, only to reappear seconds later, now performing a midnight sunrise. Luckily for me, the 24 hours of sunlight gave me the time I needed to explore all that Iceland had to offer.


FRANCE - Villepin, Si Tu Savais
The CPE and Me
by ROXY VARZA, assistant editor

When the first big protest in Bordeaux took place on February 7th, I had no idea it would grow to be so big. The CPE gave employers the right to fire employees under the age of 26 without being obliged to communicate a motive.

Bordeaux was ranked consistently the third or fourth city in France with the most abundant turnout at protests, numbers generally between 20,000 and 40,000. Large protests took place in the center of town, without fail, every Tuesday at 11:30 am, coordinated with the rest of the nation through various different forms of organizational networking.


AMERICA - Free Kittens!
New Orleans, Louisiana
by RYAN JOE, staff columnist


First: Does anyone need a kitten? We found five kittens on our property that are about the size of guinea pigs. They are all simply adorable and they currently subsist off a liquid diet, fed through a bottle, just like old fogies in a nursing home.

If you would like a kitten and live reasonably close to me, then let me know as we cannot keep all five. Otherwise, we will have to put them in a little baggy weighted with rocks and toss them into the pool.