by AMY CHOU, cover artist.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Exclusives, JUL 06
UGANDA - African Fashion Show
The Spirit of the Modern African Woman
by NOOSHIN SHABANI, staff writer
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Exclusives, JUN 06
PETRA - Lost City of Stone
Petra Comes to the Canadian Museum of Civilization
by HABEEB SALLOUM, senior global correspondent
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
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.
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.
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.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Exclusives, MAY 06
CHILD SLAVERY - African Cocoa Farms
by NOOSHIN SHABANI, guest writer
McCLELLAN - Giving up a Tough Job
The United States Press Secretary Resigns
by SIMONE KUSSATZ, senior global correspondent
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
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.
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