Sports in Israel

As some of you may have heard, some major league baseball players are getting together to organize Israel's first professional baseball teams. Israel currently has two professional sports: basketball and soccer (called football here, in the European tradition; what American's call football is called "American football").

Israel's history with sports is rather up and down.

Historically, Jews and sports didn't mix well, stemming from their refusal to take part in the ancient Greek sports games that required participation in the nude, and generally represented a heathen pastime and hero-worship. In the twentieth century, Jews managed to overcome that old association, and I'm sure many of you can list famous Jewish sports players in almost all disciplines, from Sandy Koufax to Al Singer to Mark Spitz.

Despite Israel's fascination with American culture, it follows European culture more closely. As such, it competes in the annual Eurovision song competition, and is also consumed with soccer fanaticism.

Israeli's soccer and basketball teams compete at a very high level, both within Israel and around Europe.

The fact that many soccer teams in Israel take their name from the Maccabees, the zealous Jews who fought against the Greek sports culture, is rather ironic.

Israel also has a long history of triumphs and disasters at the Olympics, the high being a silver medal in Judo by Yael Arad in 1992, and the low being the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes in the 1972 Munich Olympics. Israel hosts the Jewish equivalent of the Olympics, the Maccabiah, every four years, which has had its own share of triumphs and disasters.

English speaking immigrants have brought their own sports to Israel, but up until now only in a minor way, such as the American Touch Football League in Israel, which is played by teams sponsored by American-sympathetic local businesses. Equivalents exist for softball, cricket, rugby, Frisbee, and so on.

For more detailed information, please see this excellent overview.

Suman sa Ibus

This snack is called suman sa ibus. If you remember I featured another suman before called sumang magkayakap.




Suman is a popular Filipino snack made of sticky rice wrapped usually in banana or coconut leaves. There are different varieties of suman unique in several Philippine regions.


Suman sa ibus is wrapped with the leaves of the buri palm then cooked in coconut milk. This particular suman was bought at Antipolo, Philippines. Suman sa ibus is popular in Antipolo during its May-time tradition when people flock to Antipolo church to hear mass. After the mass, people often buy suman before going home.

It could be served with white sugar but I personally enjoy it better when served with fresh ripe mangoes.

Different Way of FUN...

The person on picture is preparing balloons on rope. Why is he doing this ? Because he is going to earn money. The children and teenagers will come in soon to shoot balloons with rifle. This is just fun for them. There is no gift when you hit balloon. This picture was taken at the seaside of my city, Bakırköy. I never interested in when I was young....

Ujanailmu - The online bookshop for Malay literature

This is an online bookshop that focuses on Malay literature works. Anyone or your friends that has interest in Malay literature could purchase books from this company. They can cater all orders from around the world. They can receive payment via credit card. Their website is www.ujanailmu.com.my.

FYI, I am one of the satisfied customer. I do not have any interest in this company.

Morgestriach 2007

My home town is in the throws of Fasnacht these days, which is the local variety of what is known as carnival in other parts. This sequence has been recorded at 0400h this morning when the whole city goes dark.

Gastronomy in Lisbon

For such a small country, Portugal has a surprisingly large variety of gastronomic delights. Regions like Alentejo, the North of the country, the South and the Centre boast quite marked differences in their typical dishes.Having been a predominately seafaring nation, it is not usual to find a large amount of fresh tasty fish dishes and all sorts of shellfish.In Lisbon, a city of mixed cultures, tastes and spices, you will find everything from international, to regional and prize-winning cuisines. But the charm of Lisbon's cuisine lives in its traditions. Grilled sardine is the queen during the summer and on the Popular Saints celebrations... You just can't avoid smelling it in the small quarters of Alfama, Bairro Alto and many other locals around Lisbon in June, when the Popular Saints celebrations crowd into the streets of the city, bringing along tiny coloured flags, balloons, and popular marches. Restaurants and "tascas" (small taverns) offer an exquisite variety of snacks and appetizers, like boiled snails or deep fried green beans.Also famous for its wines, Portuguese choose national wine as the ubiquitous table beverage.

Although Portugal's waters abound with fresh fish, the dried, salted codfish known as 'bacalhau', often imported, is considered the national dish. In some countries, at Christmas time, people eat turkey. In Portugal people eat boiled 'bacalhau', with olive oil, potatoes, grain and cabbages.

The Lisboetas are tireless drinkers of coffee served in small cups, locally known as bica, available all day long and in all types of cafés.

Looking for sweets?... Make sure you don't miss the world famous "Pastéis de Belém" custard tarts in the beautiful Belém area. Just grab a half-a-dozen box, with cinnamon and sugar powder, and give yourself a sweet moment while you stroll along the many monuments this area has to offer.

LES MAROLLES - The heart of Brussels

The Flea market




The heart of Brussels is called "Les Marolles" it is the only quarter where Brussels has almost kept it's origins and where people still speak the real "Brusseler". This language consists of a mixture between dutch, french, and spanish words, put together into special words which only a real Brusseler can understand. Some words are so juicy and special, you just can't translate it into other languages. They have their own meaning. If you try to translate one word, you would have to use at least 3 or more in another language to get the same meaning.


In this quarter also is the famous "Flea market" This market was already mentioned in early 16th century and in 1873 merchants settled officially in there. The market takes place every day since 1919. I don't know if it is true but it seems to be the world's only antiques and flea market open every day.


You can find everything there, antiques (it has happened that a long time disappeared painting of great value has been found on this market) furniture, matresses, household stuff, glasses, even used false teeth !


The market is always very colorful and surrounded by little cafés and restaurants which are very old and typical. In there you can find all social groups from the poorest to the richest and the plates are typical brussel's kitchen. In winter they serve amongst other belgian food a delicious onion soup.


Since the 60th a lot of Belgian citizen moved out of the city and immigrants moved in. Today a lot of nationalities are represented in the Marolles. Citizens from the European Union, such as Spanishs, Frenchs, Italians, and Portuguese, the others are mostly Morrocans, and people from the Congo (ancient Colony of Belgium). These calaidoscope of nationalities gives a very special athmosphere in this quarter.


If ever you are looking for some special spices for your cooking or want to eat something special in the restaurant, just go to the Marolles, there you find whatever you want to.


In one of the very old cafés, in the last two centuries, homeless people slept on cords, sitting on a chair, head in the arms. In the morning the owner cut the cord and put them out.

The season of Kafunsho

It is said that more than 20% of Japanese are troubled by "Kafunsho",heyfever in English.
"Kafunsho" is an allergic reaction to the pollen of certain plants such as cedar and Japanese cypress.

Weather forecast in this season reports everyday how much ceder pollen flies.

For my friend who has Kafunsho, this forecast is more important than it's fine or rainy.

Attached image is the latest pollen forecast for Kanto area where I live in.

Ricky Martin in Costa Rica

Puerto Rican rock star Ricky Martin performs during a concert on his 'Black and White Tour' at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica Monday, Feb. 19, 2007. The following day Martin and Costa Rican president Oscar Arias launched a campaign to stop human traficking. (AP Photo/Kent Gilbert)

Dangers & Nuisances

Lisbon is not really a dangerous city and the worst that is likely to happen to you is sunburn or a hangover. The most common crime in Lisbon is theft from hire cars. Should you leave your car overnight in the street, there is every chance that your car will be broken into. Do not leave anything of value in your car (even locked in the boot) or in your hotel room. Use the safe that is on offer to you by your hotel.

Pickpockets and bag snatchers are also a problem and they have got their act together. Beware of people that brush up close to you or jostle you and don't leave bags and camera equipment unattended for even a moment.

Avoid dingy, empty city alleys and back streets or anywhere else for that matter that doesn't feel right at night.

If you are the victim of theft, you must report it to the police and get a report copy, if you want to make an insurance claim. If your Passport is taken or gets lost, you must contact the consulate to get a replacement issued. Violence against tourists is very unusual. Common sense at all times should spare you any grief.

A new dollar..or 39

Most Americans have a folder with a set of the 50 states quarters, (40 so far) which we have enjoyed collecting since 1999. This program has been a great success for the US Mint, making approximately $4.6 billion in seigniorage, and also teaching the public a lot about the different states.
Now the US Mint is releasing the new US President Dollar coin, 4 designs a year until all deceased Presidents (39 at this time) have been depicted. Not only will this give the general public a review of all the presidents and make more seignoirage for the government, it will give a boost to the $1 coin. While we have a dollar coin now- the Sacagawea, it has not gained much public acceptance. It will continue to be produced along with, and after, the president coins. By that time, perhaps the American public will be comfortable with the more durable coin and let the mint cut back on producing the familiar, but short lived (21 months), paper dollar.

A Lost Summer: Postcards from Lebanon

"During this summer war, many people wrote their thoughts and feelings and sent them to friends and family via emails, blogs, and text messages. After several months of work, a group of individuals (mainly members of a London-based organization named Lebanon United) have been able to compile a collection of quotations from these writings with the aim of capturing the essence of that time. The writings come from Lebanese and non-Lebanese, and were paired (in the form of postcards) with personal photographs that individuals had taken, making this book one for the people by the people.

A sample of this book, which has been called "A Lost Summer: Postcards from Lebanon", can be viewed with this link. For those interested in buying a copy, or if you would like more information, please contact me at lettersapart@gmail.com, and your message will be forwarded to the proper contacts.

Because of a wonderful sponsor that covered the printing costs, every dollar (or pound or lira) you spend on this will be donated in support of Lebanon."

- From Lazarus at Lebanese Blogger Forum

Bulawayo

[Adding to my travel brochure :)]
(I apologize in advance, I could not choose “one” picture).

Alt 1356m above sea level, average 8+ hours sunshine per day, nickname “Skies” or “City of Kings”.

This is Zimbabwe’s second city (and my home), a beautiful town with wide, tree-lined streets and old colonial-style architecture. Bulawayo is 113 years old this year, and became a town on June 1, 1894. It is also the capital of the province of Matabeleland, in the south and west part of the country, which stretches from the border with South Africa in the south (and the Limpopo River), to Victoria Falls and the border with Zambia, in the west.

Bulawayo was originally the capital of Lobengula, last of the Matabele (Ndebele) kings, who occupied it from the time he became king, until white settlers won it from him in 1893. (The Ndebele migrated from South Africa, fleeing Shaka Zulu). “Bulawayo” actually means the Place of Killing. Those who know the history of southern Africa will know how appropriate that is: Zulu and Ndebele were warriors, and there was much bloodshed in this region.

Bulawayo’s planning is the envy of other cities, with a perfect grid system (you can never get lost here), and the wide streets were so that ox-wagons could turn around, in the old days.

Population is about one million people, although I think this figure has dropped due to migration. Bulawayo however has the feel of a small town, and those who grew up here know how everyone else seems to know your business, somehow. Nothing is hurried here; the pace is very leisurely, much to the disgust of people from Harare, the capital city.

We have a university here, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), established in 1991. Domestic and regional airlines have regular flights into the airport, named the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport, after one of the great heroes of our liberation struggle. One of the most prominent buildings is the City Hall (1940), in the centre of the city, which has a clock tower and colonnaded front (a lot like White House, lol), and along one side of City Hall there are curio sellers and artists. The Post Office (1914) and Art Gallery are also beautiful buildings worth seeing. The city council has done a great job of making sure old buildings are preserved, and this gives the city much character.

For more, see here or here.



(pics: top-clockwise: Clock tower at City Hall, Tower Block (Municipal departmental offices), City Hall façade. Bottom, L to R: Post Office, view down Main Street, Barclays Bank).

Homosexuality in Jamaica

(Taken from My thoughts on...when the gays came out to play.)

Disclaimer: Homosexuality is frowned upon in Jamaica. Not because were "homophobic" (surely we can't be afraid of them), but because it is unlawful, as our law is based upon the Bible. Don't post angry comments or fill my inbox with hate mail!

Good. Needed to do that as my posts concerning that controversial subject have been met with harsh criticism, mainly from Americans. Jamaica is in the midst of an anti-homosexual firestorm, ignited by four separate incidents that happened within a week. On Valentines Day, three alleged gay men were attacked by an angry mob of 2,000 people at Tropical Plaza in Half-Way-Tree. It was so bad that the police had to get involved, using teargas no less. In parliament, there was a debate about the definition of rape. It was proposed to be gender neutral, but the female (victim) and male (offender) definition remained as it was thought it would decriminalize buggery. Days later, a gay man was interviewed on Impact about his lifestyle as a gay man, face hidden of course. But that wasn't enough. Members of his community recognized and threatened to kill him. He now wants to commit suicide. Nearly a week after the Valentine's fiasco, three boys less than 11 years old were said to have been seen having sex in an abandoned house. You can pretty much guess the reaction of the residents. Lucky for them, they escaped a serious beating.

Many Jamaicans are shocked by these incidents, and fear that they can no longer keep a lid on homosexuality. I'm not surprised. It has been slowly building under the quiet. They frequent New Kingston and Montego Bay, where their money can shield them. I've heard many stories of young men being hit on by them. And knowing the opposition they face, they normally walk with backup. Lesbians are the boldest of all. Most men ignore the lesbians as according to them, "they can't really have sex," but have zero tolerance for the gay men, many believing that homosexuality is an affront to masculinity itself. Now it has erupted like a dormant volcano, and people simply don't know what to do. It's hard to stamp out a lifestyle, especially with the support from overseas. Good thing no one was hurt, as you'd read all over the BBC and other international newspapers that we're a savage and backward people, reinforced by the belief that we all smoke weed and have advanced little since colonial times. One thing's for sure. Homosexuality is here, and despite our greatest efforts, it won't go away. So we'll have to deal with it...somehow.

We have a new government crew

Today we have a new government.

You could read earlier posts in this blog on our national elections, which took place last november.

Today, after 3 months of negotiations, we finally have a new team of 'Minsters' and 'Secretaries of state'. Every time we get a new government, the new crew is visiting the queen and since 1971, there will be made a 'bordes foto', a picture of the whole crew, together with the queen. Today the weather was ok so the picture was taken outside.

The team is built from people from three political parties: the CDA, the PVDA and the CU. The opposition had already a lot of comments on the 'regeeraccoord' that was written by these three parties the last weeks. This 'regeeraccoord' is a document that outlines the new strategy for the coming years.

Interesting is that the total crew consists of 27 people (16 Ministers and 11 Secretaries). One additional person will be added to the team. This is a temporary job and this person gets only one assignement: streamline our government drastically and make sure that the total governmental workforce is reduced with about 15.000 people.

There are talks for years about bringing down the numbers of Minsters and Secretaries also. This would be completely in line with the approach of streamlining our government. However, the three parties CDA, PVDA and CU did not take this opportunity to also reduce the number of minsters and secretaries. We can only guess for the reasons why they did not do this.

Let's see how they are doing the next four years.

Jos
Closing the gap...from the Netherlands
http://www.josjaspers.nl

The best schools are in Finland, part II

PICTURE: Every year the organization of finnish classteachers choose The classteacher of the Year. In 2004 The Classteacher of the Year was Ms. Sirpa Wass, who is a teacher of my school. This year she is working in the modelschool of Helsinki University.


LAST WEEK I wrote, that Finland has come already three times out top in the OECD's PISA studies of learning skills among 15-year-olds, with high performances in reading assessment, mathematics and science. And I promised to tell the secret of success. Here it comes: 10 reasons for the success..

We finnish have surely been most surprised about the excellent PISA-results. We dont believe in tests. We dont use standardized tests in basic school. We teach and hope that children learn. We have other important values than just results. We want to educate not just teach children. So we were really surprised about the results. But proudly. Now we have had a few years´ time to understand the reasons for the succes. I have now collected to this letter, how we finnish ourselves see the secret of success.

SO, the reason for the success IS NOT money. The reason for the success is not the time used schools. Finnish children start school at the age of seven years. The school lasts 9 years, 190 schooldays in every year and we give about 4-6 lessons (45 minutes an hour) a day. We think, that following 10 things are the real reasons.

1. All children (even handicapped) go to the same school near by. So the weaker learners can learn from the better ones. We have strong support systems for weak learners. No child is left behing- really.

The elementary schools co-operate together. We dont have competition among the schools. Parents cant choose the school.
We want all schools to be good. Schools are all free ( books, extra lessons, clubs). Every day the children get free and healthy lunch (since 1943).

We have only very few private schools. Studying is free also on private schools. Private schools have the same curriculum as stateschools.

2. Our subject teachers are trained almost the same way as everywhere in the world: in the university. Our specaility lies in the training of classteachers. In finnish schools the classteachers teach at the grades 1-6. They are trained in university, and the training takes 4-5 years. They graduate as masters of education. They can continue their studies to become doctors of education, and many do it.

The ideal teacher is a teacher, that studies his/her own work and learns that way. He or she knows what to do in the class, and he is critical for the receipts he gets. We believe strongly in the meaning of pedagogical thinking. Finnish teacher is a professional ( although his salaries are not in the same level)

The quality of our classteachertraining is high. The training is academic, it is based on the scientific ground. The main scinece behind the training is Education (pedagogy). The quality of finnish pedagogy is high. Every student makes his/her own emprical study about teaching-studying-learning-process and gets guidance of the professors of education.

Our classteachertraining system is also practical. Students have possibilities to practise teaching on the field schools. The finnish speciality is that we have model schools owned by the state, in which one part of the practise muts be done. These modelschools have excellent teachers that have qualification also for guiding students. Teachers of modelschools mut be doctors of education. The system gives the students safe surroundings to learn to teach.

3. The profession of classteacher is very valued, and the best girls want to become teachers. It is their first choice. Why? Maybe, because teachers are treated as professionals. They have freedom to choose their methods. In finnish schools the headmasters want to hear the opinion of teachers before they make decisions. Also politicians and memebers of administration of education trust on teachers. The working days of teachers are a little short and the summerbreak lasts 2,5 months. Maybe also these things are important when young women choose their profession.

4. Finnish teachers and schools have pedagogical authonomy. They can influence to the curriculum. They have possibilities tu use their resourses in the best way. We dont have standardized tests. We dont publish the list of the best or worst schools.

5. The finnish administration of education is not corrupted. Many civil servants have the background of a teacher. All the headmasters are teachers.

6. The parents value education.The state values education. Even she studies in the university are free. Most of the schoolbuildings are fine surroundings for learners.

7. Our curriculum in modern. It is based on the idea of constructivism. The atmposphere in the schools is child-centered. We have good schoolbooks made by teachers.

8. We have a good voluntary pre-schoolsystem fot 6 years old children.

9. Our students are culturally quite homogenious. Most of them are white christians. They speak finnish or swedish. They like to read, and the finnish language is easy to read.

10. Our teachers are very involved in teaching, and they like their work.

IN MY next letter I will tell you about the problems of finnish schools. We surely have them too.




Martti Hellström

Flu Season And Canadian Identity

Sometimes I go through cycles of being healthy and busy then sick and overworked. I find this blog tough to work on sometimes because I want to give a personal view of Victoria and Canada. When I get busy online I don't feel very Canadian. I become a citizen of the world.

Sickness is the great equalizer. The rich and the poor; the old and the young: all get sick and sometimes become helpless. The workaholics stay with their families and the hermits find comfort in talking with strangers when they have to go out. Nobody wishes to be alone when they are sick.

Some professionals seem to get every flu bug going around. Teachers have a hard time because illness moves fast among the children and the bug never goes away. Sometimes a class can through a whole school year without having all the students present.

I have had a few 'sick days' but thought flu season was over. Then in the last week I have been tired and sore. I am not alone.

In British Columbia, the influenza season tends to peak in December and January, but this year there were few cases in those months, said Dr. Murray Fyfe, a medical health officer with the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

"We thought we might have dodged the influenza bullet for the year, but in the past week or two, we've started to see cases now emerging," Fyfe said. (via CBC)

Here in rainy Victoria we like to tease our fellow Canadians around this time with jokes about their snow and our gardens. (Gardeners are already putting out compost and/or cedar shavings.) The wind and cold rain reminds us that winter isn't over yet. Flu season reminds us that we are like everyone else in this country. We get ill and look outward. In conversations with relatives in other provinces we find common ground in our pain.

Patriotism takes an odd turn during Flu Season. When O Canada plays at hockey games or other events we don't wave flags. We wave our tissues or hankies.

Cheers.

Costa Rica wins UNCAF Cup

Jose Francisco Porras, Costa Rican national soccer team captain and goalkeeper, holds the trophy, celebrating with his teammates, the 2007 UNCAF Nations Cup tournament at the Cuscatlan stadium in San Salvador, 18 February 2007. Costa Rica defeated Panama 4-1 in penalty kicks after the game ended in a 1-1 tie to win the championship. (Photo: YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

This victory represents Costa Rica's sixth Central American title and the third straight since 2003. To win this trophy Costa Rica played four games: in the first one it defeated Honduras 3-1, then lost to Panama 1-0 and then defeated El Salvador 2-0 before a rematch in the cup final with Panama. The UNCAF Nations Cup is a Central American soccer tournament played every two years. This was Panama's first final in the history of the tournament.

Quoting without permission

Today, I'll be quoting a full blog post from Expatter, a blog operated by Gretchen & Kirk, a US couple who live in Switzerland as expatriates. Since they'll be going back home soon, Gretchen has put together a list of things they'll be missing about Switzerland when they're back in the US of A. I thought that's an excellent change of perspective for once:

Friends. So I said this was in no particular order, but this one has to come first. After living somewhere for three years you end up with some really great friends. I'm very sad to have to say goodbye to them. :(

Chocolate. Enough said.

Bread. Seriously, I plan to eat more than my share of bread and chocolate over the next six weeks.

Good bakeries. I already mentioned bread, but beyond that... you can find a good bakery everywhere you look. Even the chains (eg. Sutter) have really good bread, sandwiches, and pastries. I'm a big fan of Zigerkrapfen and Silserli Käse from Sutter.

Strawberries and cherries. I absolutely love the summer when you can get both fresh strawberries and cherries. I've never tasted any better than the ones that grow right here in and around Basel.

Door-to-door farmers. I love the guys (and gals) that ring our bell to sell us apples, pears, onions, potatoes, raspberries, and even mistletoe.

The honor system. I can't tell you many often I've seen an unmanned roadside stand with fresh-picked fruit for sale with a money box sitting next to it. The same concept is used at the local self-pick flower garden.

Kids in reflective vests. As a Hausfrau, I'm often home during the day, which means I get to see the little kids walking to school. It's almost too good to be true.

The Alps. Could you ever get tired of seeing them?

Wanderweg. I love walking. And I love the little yellow signs all over Switzerland marking the walking trails.

Dogs. As is often the case in most European countries, dogs are allowed almost everywhere here. Often you won't even know that there's a giant golden retriver in a restaurant until the owners stand up to leave and the dog comes out from under the table. There are also some really cool breeds here, like Bernese and Swiss Mountain Dogs.

Poop bags. As long as I'm on the subject of dogs, how about those dog poop bags? Why can't they start this in the US?

Public transportation. We do have a car here, and we do use it sometimes, but you could easily live here without a car. I've really grown to appreciate being able to take public transportation (and walk) everywhere. I can't quite imagine what it will be like to start hauling Baby in and out of the car to run all my errands like a true American.

Travel. We love to travel. Travel within Europe is so easy and convenient. We've seen places (outside of Europe) that I never could have imagined while we've been living here. I'm sad to say goodbye to this chapter of life.

The pool. I've realized over the past few years that I need to have regular access to a swimming pool. Especially in the summer. Being members of a private sports club with a beautiful outdoor pool has been a huge perk of Kirk's work situation.

Trains. What a civilized way to travel. Swiss trains are the best, especially now that they're all non-smoking.

Yogurt. Since moving to Basel I eat yogurt almost every day. It's thick and rich and full of fat and so delicious. Nothing like the no-sugar-no-calories-no-flavor yogurt back at home.

Mumpf. I can't say enough good things about Grady's second home. I doubt we'll ever find another kennel like it.

Guy. Since meeting Guy, getting a haircut has become an event. Will we ever find anyone in DC to replace him?

France and Germany. The other day I sent an email to a friend that went something like this: "I'm thinking of doing some shopping tomorrow morning in Germany. Want to go with me?" I will never get over how cool it is to be able to drive from our home to France or Germany in a matter of minutes.

Church bells. They ring all the time around Basel, and it's a beautiful sound to me. Actually, it's the sound of Europe to me.

Heavy, Swiss food. The sausages, the schnitzel, the spätzle, the rösti, the älplermacaron...

Street sweepers. I'm not talking about the trucks that drive down the street to clean them, but rather the men who literally sweep our sidewalks. Switzerland really is that clean!

The storks. I used to think the only cool thing about storks was that they brought new babies. Now I realize that they actually are beautiful birds, and I love that they live in this region (and hang out in our neighborhood field). It would be so cool if they returned for the summer before we leave Basel at the end of March!

The zoo. The Basel zoo is a good one. It may be small, but it's in a beautiful park, and they always have lots of baby animals.

Skiing. A couple years ago, as I was sorting through a bunch of my childhood stuff in my parents' house, I found something I wrote in 7th grade. If I were to be granted three wishes (as a 12 year old), I wrote that I would want to ski in the Swiss Alps. How many people can say that one of their childhood dreams has actually come true?

Cheese. Having grown up in Wisconsin, I've always loved cheese. But never before has it been such a regular part of my diet. Remember this one: "Oh, you like the cheese..."

Fondue and Raclette. Speaking of cheese...

It's safe here! The other day I was reading a story in the Washington Post about a 17-year old boy who accidently shot his aunt (with whom he lived) while playing with his gun as they discussed plans for his 18th birthday. Crime is just not an issue here in Switzerland. I don't care what anyone says, it's just not.

Süssmost. What a great idea. It's fizzy apple juice! I became a huge fan of this while pregnant and I will miss it.

Neighborhood farms. Technically, we live in the "city" of Basel. But even here in the city we can walk to some farms! I love being able to see cows, sheep, goats, etc on a walk or bike ride. You can escape to the country within a matter of minutes.

Check out the comments to that post and their follow up also!

International Mother Language Day

February 21 is one of the most illustrious day in Bangladesh History. This is the day, we fought to establish our language, the only nation in the world which shed blood to speak in the beloved mother tongue. This day is now recognized as the International Mother's Language Day. For the Bangladeshi, we call this event "Ekushay February" in Bangla language, which just means "21st February".

21st of February is the International Mother Language Day, an annual event in UNESCO member states to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. This is mostly the international recognition of Language Movement Day called 'Ekushey February', which is commemorated in Bangladesh since 1952, when a number of Bangla-speaking people were massacred by the Pakistani police and Army in Dhaka.

A bit of history: In August 1947, dividing India, a new state called Pakistan, comprising two far-flung wings (1600 kms distance) in the west and east separated by India, emerged on the world map. The ideological basis of that strange phenomenon was the absurd and pernicious two nation theory of Mohammad Ali Jinnah that ignored such basic elements as language and culture and considered religion as a bond strong and sufficient enough to transform a people into a nation. The language of the people of eastern wing of Pakistan, and they were the majority, was Bangla. It had a rich tradition of literature of over a thousand years. The Bengalis also had a highly developed culture that had little in common with the culture of the people of western wing of Pakistan. When in 1952 the neo-colonial, power-hungry, arrogant rulers of Pakistan declared that 'Urdu and Urdu alone would be the state language of Pakistan, the people of East Pakistan underwent an uprising known later as the Language Movement. (Source 1, 2 )

People gathered at Shaheed Miner to pay their tribute to the martyrs of language

The Preisdent(Left) and the Chief Adviser of Caretaker Government(right)
were the first to pay their homage at midnight of 21st February

To commemorate this movement and the fallen ones, Shaheed Minar, a solemn and symbolic sculpture, was erected in the place of the massacre. The monument is the symbol of Bangladesh Nationalism. Each year on 21st February, starting from early morning, hundreds and thousands of people walks in bare feet to pay their respect to the martyrs singing remembrance songs with garlands in hand at the Shaheed Minar. The men and women wear only black and white cloths.

The theme of International Mother Language Day in 2007 is the linkages between mother tongue and multilingualism.

Source: The 3rd World View

Seasons of the Soul: Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day

To-day, in the Christian tradition of the West, is Shrove Tuesday: more commonly known as Pancake Tuesday.

Pikelets count for Pancake Day and the recipe is here.

For a George Herbert meditation for Shrove Tuesday, go here.

During Lent, Miss Eagle will be posting at To the Desert on topics related to this great Season of the Soul.

Eye On Malaysia, attraction for Visit Malaysia Year 2007

Ronald Bussink Professional Rides is known throughout the world for its Giant Wheels and its innovative new giant rides, like the Evolution, Top of the world, and the thrilling Minediv. Just to name a few. Ronald Bussink Professional Rides is a registered trademark of Ronald Bussink Aktiengesellschaft, located in Appenzell, Switzerland. (www.giantrides.com)

One of the latest project done by Ronald Bussink is the Giant Wheels known as "Eye on Malaysia", the national icon for Visit Malaysia Year 2007. A magnificient view of Kuala Lumpur skyline for the wheel riders is guaranteed. The ticket cost MYR 15.00 (MYR-Malaysian Ringgit) for adult. Please refer to (www.eyeonmalaysia.com.my) for further details.

From what I've heard, the 'Eye on Malaysia' will only be here in Malaysia for the whole year of 2007 only. So please come here before the year 2007 ends.

Vale, Elizabeth Jolley.

A giant of Australian literature has left us: the gifted, fey, observant, and compassionate Elizabeth Jolley. Miss Eagle sheds a tear. She remembers the pleasure, the smiles, the laughter her work has wrought in her life. Love goes out to her as she continues her journey in another place and to the family and friends she has left behind.

For many Australians, she will be best known for The Newspaper of Claremont Street. For many of us, it was our introduction to Elizabeth's work when it was a featured bookreading on the ABC.

For more about Elizabeth and a bibliography, go here. For a wonderful piece by Australian writer, Helen Garner, go here.

Sunset flight

Migratory ducks take flight during sunset at the Palo Verde National Park in Bagaces, Guanacaste, about 322 km (200 miles) northwest of San Jose, February 13, 2007. The 20,000-hectare park, bordered by rivers and a ridge of limestone hills, is home to some 250,000 migratory birds, such as teal, geese and ducks that arrive from North America to winter in the park, making up one of Central America's largest concentrations of waterfowl and wading birds, both native and migratory. Picture taken February 13. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate (COSTA RICA)

Peru IV

The same day and city, but different corners.

Hello World!

First off, thank you Shinji for inviting me to be a part of this blog!
Thank you also to Elspeth for passing the torch :)
My name is Kris and i'm a designer/illustrator here in Trinidad and Tobago.
I look forward to writing about our 'two dots on the map' and everything interesting and usually hilarious that goes on here.
We have quite colourful folks on this bit o' floating land along with very interesting words and slang that i'm going to have a great time telling you about.
This week we celebrate carnival - it is the largest festival celebrated here with many people from all over the world coming here to partake in the festivities.
Look out next week, i'll get you some photos and describe this event in more detail.
Till then, thank you for letting me be a part of this!

THE CARNIVAL OF BINCHE

Belgium's city Binche is very famous for their carnival traditions. The whole city celebrates carnival together with many tourists from the country itself but also from others worldwide.

In 2003, the Carnaval of Binche was proclaimed one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

In 1395 the carnival of Binche was mentioned in history for the first time. Really famous it became from 1549 on. The traditions haven't changed very much.

The main person of the Binche Carnival is called "Gilles". Their outfit consists of a heavy uniform (see above) a very heavy hat (10 kg, 22 lbs) decorated with long ostrich feathers, a wax mask and clogs.

On Shrove Tuesday the big event takes place, the main procession with the Gilles. The whole way long through the city, they danse in a special way to the beat of drums which sounds like thunder rolling and is quite monotone. The dancing is hard to describe, because it's more like beating the ground with the feet.

They also throw oranges in the crowd carried in little baskets, which is very appreciated by the people and everybody tries to catch one. All shops have protected their windows with wooden pannels, along the streets where the procession goes through. Sometimes it happens that somebody gets a blue eye or glasses are broken. When you are unfortunate you easily can get an orange at your head.

Before starting the procession they have to get up very early, because it takes a long time to get dressed. When the leader is ready he starts to go from house to house gathering the others to form the procession and of course from house to house they also have a drink (or more). So when the procession starts, you can imagine that they are in a very good mood ! Sometimes it happens that a friend has to help a Gilles and take him out of the procession.

The procession is watched by a huge crowd all along the streets, most of them wearing carnival costumes, laughing, screeming, singing and dancing (like the Gilles). Usually the crown prince and his wife are attending the event on the balcony of the city hall, safely protected by a grid from the flying oranges.

It's a big honor for a Binche family to have one or more Gilles in the family and usually the tradition is transmitted from father to son since generations.

Lebanon: Follow the Women

“Follow the Women” are expected to come to Beirut from Lattkia, Syria, on April 10. Once in Beirut they will cycle in through parts of Beirut, receive an official welcome at the UNESCO, then, in the days that follow, cycle from Beirut to Sidon in southern Lebanon, from Sidon to Sour then visit Qana and Bint Jbeil.

But what is “Follow the Women”?

It is an “international movement comprised of approximately 300 ordinary women, from as many as 30 different countries, who support peace and an end to violence in the Middle East.”

They do that by raising awareness to the plight of women and children, funding counseling center in Ramallah, increasing support network among women of the world and organizing cycle rides across the countries of the region among other things.

Will peace follow the women?

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Many Filipinos love celebrating the Chinese New Year including us. We welcomed the Year of the Fire Pig by sharing a simple meal. My husband cooked two kinds of spaghetti (symbols of longevity) - pesto and sun dried tomatoes. We had tikoy which is a round sticky cake (symbol of unity), sweets like fruit salad, leche flan, chocolates (symbols of sweet relationship) and different kinds of fruits (symbols of prosperity). All the fruits on the table were in pairs because according to Chinese belief, good luck will come in double. Fresh flowers symbolize a fresh and new beginning.

From my family to yours, we want to wish you
good health, happiness, success, prosperity and longevity.

VASCO DA GAMA BRIDGE - LISBON

This newest bridge in Lisbon, Ponte Vasco da Gama, enables north-south traffic to bypass the Portuguese capital and was built as an alternative route to the 25 de Abril Bridge, frequently congested with traffic jams especially during the rush-hour periods.

This seemingly never-ending bridge is a Cable-stayed bridge. The builders took special steps to protect a local bird sanctuary and rehoused 300 families, who were living in slums, to much better accommodation Vasco da Gama is the largest bridge in Europe with a length of 17.2 km (10 miles), 10 km of which are over the Tagus river.

It was inaugurated on the 29th of March 1998. Located right next to the Nations Park (former site of the Expo 98) it got its name on the same year of the 5th centenary of the arrival of Vasco da Gama to India.

The bridge was designed to withstand an earthquake four times greater than the 1755 earthquake that devastated Lisbon.

http://www.lusoponte.pt/pvg_projecto_imagens.htm

http://www.strawberryworld-lisbon.com/lisboa/places/ponte-vasco.html

http://www.parquedasnacoes.pt/touristguide/

.http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vasco_da_Gama

http://www.olhares.com/ponte_vasco_da_gama/foto145599.html

Alibeyköy Cemetery

This is definitely not good subject for the weekend, I know it. But I have to say something about graves in İstanbul and Turkey. When you look at the picture, what is your expression first ? My answer is mass of stones without green. This is the my point. Unfortunately our cemeteries have lack of trees and grass. I feel bad about this. I do not want to be buried in such a places!!! Alibeyköy is located at the outskirts of İstanbul. People live here have low income. We can say majority of people either workers or jobless.

Zimbabwean sport

Zimbabwe has had mixed fortunes in sport, especially in recent times. The biggest sport by far is- as it is for 90 % of the world- soccer. Our best national team was the one we had in the early nineties- nicknamed the “dream Team”, led by Reinhard Fabisch (a German, of course!), one of the best coaches ever, with Bruce Grobelaar as goalkeeper, and Ephraim Chawanda as captain (he happens to be my uncle- but no bias here!). This team beat Nigeria, which was the best team on the continent at the time, at African Nations’ Cup level. We have not had anything quite as good as that since that time, and have never made it to the world stage. We have mixed fortunes at continental level, both on the club and national front, with Highlanders and Dynamos being our best clubs.

The next most watched sport is cricket (another favorite of mine, thus the ticket at the top- see image). We are currently a Test Nation, but under some kind of restriction, and to be honest, the way we play right now does not encourage anyone to restore us to full status. There has been much bickering in cricket, and it has been used to apply political pressure on our government, so the game has suffered.

We also have other famous athletes, for example the Black siblings, Cara and Byron, top notch tennis players who have won many prestigious events; and Byron’s erstwhile partner, Kevin Ullyet. Cara Black won the Australian Open doubles title recently, with her partner. Two or our runners, Elias Mujaji, and Julia Sakala, have won honours at international competitions. Kirsty Coventry famously won us a gold and a silver medal at the last Summer Olympics. (Every Zimbabwean heart swelled with pride!). Nick Price is a golfer who was once world number one, and yes, he, too, is Zimbabwean. We generally have a strong sporting tradition, and there are many other Zimbabweans who have done very well at continental and international level.

Ps. I seem to have excluded rugby, which has a really big following- but I’m afraid my prejudice against it gives me a mental block!

Moonbows

Technically speaking:

MOONBOW {moon bo} n. 1. Rainbow at night caused by the light of the Moon. It is formed by refraction, reflection and dispersion of the Moon's rays in falling rain or mist. Moonbows form in an area opposite from the Moon in the sky.* The arch contains the colors of the spectrum in consecutive bands. At night the moonbow is faint, due to the low amount of sunlight reflecting off of the Moon. It's appearance varies from grayish white, pale colors or just plain white. Also, Moon Bow, Moon Rainbow, Lunar Rainbow, Night Rainbow

While rare, moonbows can form anywhere that the conditions are right. They have been photographed in Hawaii and Oregon, but they are regularly seen in only two places: Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Cumberland Falls in Kentucky, USA. The conditions in the Kentucky park are met so well that they can post a schedule for the year. Of course, it does depend on the weather :)

Rimo.tv

One Japanese company launched a unique site.

Rimo.tv provide an auto view of popular movies from Youtube.
Its UI is TV like.
Let's try and see Rimo.tv !
Manual is here.

Japanese Internet companies tend to make their service only for domestic market.
So we are surprised and admiring them that they launched English version at the same time with Japanese version.

Another remarkable point is that Rimo.tv is optimized for Wii.

Today I finally got a Wii. I'm enjoying Rimo.tv now.
If you have Wii,I'll recommend you to see by Wii not only by PC.

Fast match -

the new world trend....

I liked the obvious extremes between this post and the previous one -from Slow Food to Fast Match -or Speed Dating

Something that is becoming popular in the capital of Argentina- according to the news in the paper today when referring to yesterday "Love Event" (Saint Valentine)

More description on video

Links:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/britain/speed_dating.shtml
http://www.cupid.com/worlds-largest-speed-dating-event.aspx

Slow food

You may be aware of what is called Swiss Cheese all over the world - yellowish stuff with the famous holes in it. But don't let the name mislead you to think that this is the only kind of cheese made in Switzerland, or the best, for that matter. Here, it's known under the name of the region where it comes from, so it's Emmentaler.

Tonight, I was reminded of a delicious cheese that is hand made in the Italian speaking, southern part of Switzerland: Zincarlin. Fabulous stuff! The cheese and its way of production is also reminiscent of the not too distant past when Switzerland was still a predominantly agrarian society, which may be very easily forgotten nowadays.

An Eye Opener

Reading this editorial in Gulf news today should act as an eye-opener for most of us who blindly follow everything Western while at the same time considering everything related to their own culture as inferior. Not a day goes by when someone from the West gives us, the "poor & uncultured" people of the Third World Countries, valuable advice about how we should lead our lives. If the lifestyle preached by Hollywood is so appealing & a magical solution for all our problems, then why this report prepared by Unicef portrays a negative picture?

Out of 21 industrialised nations surveyed, United Kingdom was ranked at the bottom while United States was one place behind. Below is an excerpt from the Gulf News editorial.

While comparisons are odious, the Unicef report on child poverty in rich countries should bring alarm to many governments, not least that of Britain.

The report is the first study ever undertaken of childhood across the world's industrialised nations, and it throws up some alarming figures, not least an indication that "family life" as it was known, is disintegrating in many countries, for one reason or another.

Contrast this with the sense of shared family values that is more frequently seen in eastern societies, where family is all-important, and marriages, for example, mean an extension of the family, not a separation as bride and groom go their own way in life.

It is a small point, but one that is particularly noticeable as a difference between the two societies. Of course, in the East there are many other issues involving children that need to be addressed, and it would be foolish to suggest that any one society is better than the other.

But, regrettably, the trumpeting of family values can usually be heard much more loudly in the West, and it now seems that it is these nations that should be getting their own houses in order first.

I hope that in this rat race towards economic development & growth, we don't neglect our values & our culture. Otherwise, maybe in 10-20 years time similar reports about our region will also appear in the world media.

Voting closing for Irish Blog Awards 2007

Just over a year and a half ago Irish blogger Damien posted on his site asking if anyone would be interested in having an Irish Blog Awards. He got a great response, people were and before we knew it, the Irish Blog Awards were born.



The first awards were held in March last year and for many of us Irish bloggers it was the first time we met, and for me it was certainly the first time I really got the social networking side of blogging. We made some friends and had a ball. You can check out some of the pictures from the evening at this link on Flickr.

Last year Twenty ran away with practically every award and everyone had lots of fun, except Twenty who sent an envoy to collect his prizes. You can see all last year's short listed blogs here and the winners here.

The process behind the awards is that bloggers are nominated, and anyone and everyone can be nominated. Then the voting round begins. After that, the top five are then judged by a secret panel.

The voting process for the 2007 awards finishes tomorrow and I would be delighted to get your vote in any of the categories I have been nominated in. These are Best Blog, Best Personal Blog, Best Photoblog and Most Humorous Post. You can vote at this link, and you need to include your name and email.

And if you have five or 10 minutes surfing time, browse (this link takes you to a nifty brower where you can browse all the nominees) all the other nominees, you will find something to entertain, educate or maybe just plain annoy. We have them all in the Irish blogosphere :)

Red Mum

Happy Spring and Happy Valentine's Day

It was a double fun for the lovebirds in Bangladesh, as the valentine's day came and go. Firstly the fun started with the beginning of spring which is on the 13th. On the first day of Falgun (first month of spring in the Bengali calendar), the 'King of seasons' received a warm, rather informal, subtle welcome. Shades of saffron, yellow, orange and red were predominant. City trees may not have adorned themselves with flora but young women certainly did.

The occasion received huge crowd of youth, who are in love, or who are looking or love, as valentine's day followed (14th). Valentine's day is getting more and more response from the young generation every year. This year Three big concerts were arranged in the capital city Dhaka. And all received enormous crowd. Couples came one after another, as I was helping out in selling tickets for one of the concerts :) . After that we went in to the concert and rocked with best bands of Bangladesh.

So after all the fun and excitement I am here to spread love all over the world. Wishing All of You a Happy Valentine's Day.

Lobster Season Closes Tommorow!

Hey ya'll! So sorry I have not posted for a while. Been very busy! But I am back with bad news for all. :-) The lobster season in Belize is closing tommorow, which means no more fishing for lobsters and prices of lobster goes up! At least here is Belize.

I do not have a pic to show you of this, but I will be back tommorow with one for you along with some more information on lobsters and Belize.

Lovapalooza 2

“A million kisses, a million heartbeats, and probably a million

people falling in love for the second time around.”

Close-up, Unilever Philippines

Last February 2004, the Philippines set a Guiness record for the most couples kissing in one event by gathering 5,239 couples at Baywalk. The event was called Lavapalooza. In 2005, Hungary broke the record in a kissing festival attended by 5,700 couples.

Last Saturday, February 10, 2007, thousands of Filipinos locked lips during the kissing event dubbed as Lavapalooza 2. Organizers were happy to report that the number of kissing couples exceeded the 5,700 record produced by Hungary last year. Organizers are just waiting for the official statement of Guiness to announce the new kissing record.
photo source

Happy Hearts Day!

Just wanted to greet everyone a Happy Hearts Day!

Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

1 cup flour½
tsp baking soda
¾ tsp salt
½ cup butter
½ cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips

Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla until fluffy. Stir in dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips. Spread batter out onto a 12", lightly greased pizza pan or similar sized heart-shaped cake or cookie pan. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes.For icing, combine ¼ cup icing sugar with 1 tsp of lemon juice. Stir in a couple drops of your favorite food coloring. Spoon icing into a plastic sandwich or freezer bag. Cut the tip of the bag off and pipe the icing out. source

Brave Ex-Police Chief Murdered by Robbers

Former Penang police chief Datuk Albert Mah fought the five armed men because he believed that the intruders were going to attack his wife and niece.He did not die immediately after being knocked out at the back of his head. Instead he walked by himself to the ambulance and only succumbed to his injury hours later. The 82-year-old attacked the five robbers armed with just a walking stick.

"He was hit by one of the robbers, fell and hit his head on the floor, but even after that, he got up and walked himself to the ambulance," the family member said.

While he was walking to the ambulance, he complained of severe pain in his neck and head.

"As soon as he entered the ambulance, he lost consciousness. We never got to speak to him again."

This article is adapted from New Straits Times Malaysia (NST). The New Straits Times was established in July 15, 1845, making it the oldest English-language newspaper in the region. Originally known as The Straits Times, its name was derived from the Straits of Malacca, a busy shipping lane in the last century.

Every ending is a new beginning

Dear All,

This post I am writing is to say goodbye to all of you! Ideally, we are to update our posts at least once a week, but I must admit I've been somewhat 'delinquent' where that is concerned. I have not updated in a while and, due to being quite busy, did not think I might be updating with any regularity in the future. I therefore felt it would be best to pass on the honours of writing about Trinidad & Tobago to someone else who will update more frequently.

So ... soon you will meet my friend Kristen Alcantara, a young designer/illustrator based in Trinidad. From now on, she will be showing you T & T through her eyes. I'm sure you will enjoy her unique perspective on these two multifaceted dots on the map.

Thanks to Shinji for inviting me to be a part of this blog in the first place. I think it is a great idea and I will check in every now and then to see what's happening where.

To all of you who are now a part of this global online community ... may you continue to enjoy these little journeys ... and may life always steer you along the right path to your happiness and success.

Bye!

Elspeth

Black History Month

February is designated Black History month in the USA (also in Canada (Feb) and the UK (Oct)) .
It started as Negro History Week in 1926, developed by Carter G. Woodson, (1875-1950) and was expanded in 1976. Almost all schools and libraries will have special programs and displays, television will have special programs, and many communities will have special events and programs.
Many Americans will shrug this off, saying that we don't have slaves anymore, we don't have Jim Crow laws anymore, isn't it discrimination to have a separate month for Black History?
An excellent answer comes from blackhistory.com:

So, why do we need to set aside a month for Black history (or Asian, Native American, Hispanic, etc)? Because we, as a society, have obviously not come as far as we should or need to. If we are still engaging in racist behavior, we need to re-examine our pasts--we haven't learned enough. No, we aren't technically enslaving other people, but isn't it still slavery when you deny them basic human freedom--freedom from fear, freedom from hatred, freedom from violent crimes against them? Isn't it enslavement to take away their dignity and to silence their voices? We are part of them and they are part of us. Combined, we are America!

While the American Declaration of Independence states that "all men are created equal", we are far from realizing that ideal and must continue to work together to educate ourselves and to learn from the past.

PBS has the excellent Frontline program about a lesson in discrimination available online. It is 46 minutes long, but well worth watching.

The worlds best Schools are in Finland

PICTURE: Visitors from Japan in Aurora Elementary School (Espoo, Finland)

Finland has come already three times out top in the OECD's PISA studies of learning skills among 15-year-olds, with high performances in reading assessment, mathematics and science. More than 250,000 students in 41 countries have taken part in PISA tests. The survey involves pencil and paper tests lasting two hours, taken in the students' schools.

Overall, wealthier countries tend to do better in educational terms than poor nations, but there are exceptions: Korea's national income, for example, is 30 per cent below the OECD average but its students are among the best performers in OECD countries. Nor is high expenditure necessarily a key to success: a number of countries do well in terms of "value for money" in their education systems, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Japan, Korea and the Netherlands, while some of the "big spenders" perform below the OECD average.

So, perhaps thousands of delegations of visitors have travelled to Finland trying to find the secret of succes. For those,who cannot come to Finland, I promise to tell the secret in my next letter from Finland

Martti Hellström

Dark Anime in Malaysian TV

There are about six free TV network in Malaysia. Four of them (TV3, NTV7, 8TV, TV9) are owned by one single company called MediaPrima. The other two (RTM1, RTM2) belong to the Malaysian government.

The new progress in Malaysia are the number of anime shown in TV. Most of them are directly for children. However, sometimes they show serious and dark anime - blood driven and violence. One anime that's currently showing with this criteria is Blood Trinity. It is shown in three consecutive days in late midnight, to prevent any children from watching (shown over NTV7).

With all the tight competition to gain viewers, I will not be surprised if the government TV network will also start showing this type of dark anime.

Costa Rica defeats Honduras in soccer

Costa Rica's Rolando Fonseca (in red) kicks the ball before scoring against Honduras during a UNCAF Nations Cup soccer match in San Salvador, Friday, Feb. 9, 2007. Costa Rica won the match 3-1 with two goals from Fonseca. (AP Photo/Edgard Garrido)

It's encouraging to see our national soccer team winning again after their pathetic performance at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. At least this allows us to have hope for the qualifying process to South Africa 2010. The UNCAF Nations Cup is a Central American soccer tournament.

Umeboshi

I introduce today Japanese traditional food "Umeboshi".

This is the quote from wikipedia..
Umeboshi (literally "pickled ume") are a type of traditional Japanese pickle, known as tsukemono, and are very popular in Japan.
They are usually round, and vary from unwrinkled to very wrinkled. They taste salty, and are extremely sour due to high citric acid content.
Umeboshi are often cited in Japan as being extremely healthy, despite the high salt content.

You can see more details from here

When you ask Japanese if they like Umeboshi,
they may answer "they love" or "they hate" that is no so-so..
The tastes of Umeboshi is very unique.

Umeboshi is so sour that just seeing it stimulates saliva.
This is the Japanese version of Pavlov's dogs.

I love Umeboshi the best that my grandmother(she is now 93) makes.

We have one slang using Umeboshi.
Old lady who has wizened face is called "Umeboshi baba"(baba is a contemptuous word for old ladies),because Umeboshi has many wrinkles on the surface.

You should try Umeboshi when you come to Japan!