by JENNIFER CHANG, founding editor.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
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
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!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
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.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Sunday, October 01, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Friday, September 01, 2006
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.
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.
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