To vote or not to vote... That's the REAL question.

I have rarely been in such agony of indecision... Today is potentially the most important election Zimbabwe has ever had- and I don't know whether to vote or not.

Morgan Tsvangirayi's pull-out (on Sunday) has left confusion in the ranks of Zimbabwe's moderate voters (and I am one of them); does it make sense to protest against the unfairness of the way the campaigning was done, and the uneven playing field by not voting- or does it make more sense to go and register my discontent by voting? Almost everyone I have spoken to in the last two days is not going to "bother" to vote- "because 'he' has won anyway, because what's the point, because if we all go and vote, we are saying the election is right".

MDC has sent pamphlets around asking people not to vote- which is in line with what Morgan did on Sunday. But what will it say if a substantial number of voters go to the polls, and Mugabe still wins? The only way the boycott will make any sense is if NO ONE in opposition to the situation goes to vote, and the turn-out is disgustingly low- but will that happen?? The MDC have also asked those who are forced to vote to spoil their ballots(someone said she would draw a smiley face)....

What to do? :(

Anaconda in Azerbaijan?

$1 million to be invested in road safety

To combat the country’s rate of road fatalities, the General Comptroller (the organization that distributes governmental funds) has approved a ¢500 million ($1 million) grant for road security construction projects.

The newly approved upcoming road projects will invest money into streets in the capital of San José, and those that connect them with Puriscal, San Carlos, Turrialba, Golfito, Pérez Zeledón, Esparza, Los Chiles, Guatuso, Nicoya, Bagaces and Santa Cruz, in addition to smaller, more rural areas, as well.

The construction projects will begin by fortifying roads already in place, adding sidewalks for pedestrian safety, road barriers to improve mountain safety, and pedestrian crosswalks and bridges.

The construction will also include bicycle paths exclusive for budding cyclists, promoting recreational bicycling, as well as a cheaper and more environmentally friendly commute.

Four Haitian Rappers die in a car accident

Thousands of people marched on June 18th in memory of four members of a rap group called "Barikad Crew". The musicians died Saturday, June 14th, in a car accident. Other music groups have made, in memory of the deceased rappers, songs which were played by the local radio stations through out the week. Government officials have also payed tribute to the rappers and promised aid to their families.

The accident killed not only the musicians but also one of their friend who was driving the car. The names of the victims are Jn Walker Sénatus (K-Tafalk), Jhonny Junior Emmanuel (Dade), Junior Badio (Déjà-Voo), Wileterson (Djo) and Guichard Labranche. The fiancé of Jn Walker Sénatus (K-Tafalk) , Nathalia Léonidas Bertrand committed suicided 24 hours after the accident. After the suicide the government officials said they would provide psychological assistant the the victims' families.

All six funerals were celebrated simultaneously at the "Champs de Mars", at the "Kiosque Occide Jeanty" to be precise on Saturday, June 21th. Thousands of fans, friends, parents were present at the funerals. Wyclef Jean took part in the ceremony.

Police broke event of Che Guevara fans

Today (14.06.08) at about 1.00 p.m. fans of Che Guevara club celebrated his 80th jubilee in Alaturka cafe. Cuban Ambassador to Azerbaijan has addressed dozens of participants and described Che Guevara’s personality and his services to Cuban revolution.
About 30 people in civilian clothes suddenly entered the cafe and demanded stoppage of the event and detained all the participants, including journalists. Cuban diplomat has left the session.
Turan’s correspondent reported that policemen twice stroke Emin Huseynov, head of Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety, who videoed the event together with two his employees.
About 20 detainees were taken to Nasimi region police station No 22. Several policemen in civilian clothes participated in the operation. Seven police cars were parked near the cafe and they drove the detainees to police station.
Nasimi region police station refused to comment on the operation. But sources from law enforcement agencies said that employees of Baku Main Police Department are involved in the operation.

RELATED LINKS:
Chief and deputy chief of Nasimi region police station no 22 must be brought to criminal responsibility
COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS CONDEMNS BEATING OF EMIN HUSEYNOV
NORWEGIAN HUMAN RIGHTS JRGANISATIONS DEMANDS TO PUNISH DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE STATION
Ali Hasanov: Movement Of Che Guevara’s Supporters Is A Missioner Organization
Foreign Diplomats And Representatives Of Publicity Visit The Journalist Emin Huseynov At The Hospital

For a better school governance in Haiti

On Thursday, June 19th, Turbo System, a Haitian firm specialized in Engineering and Information System Integration fields, launched a new software package (and hardware) called "Turbo School". The big launch took place at the Hotel Montana in Petion-Ville, near the capital. Many school directors and educators took part in the ceremony which received large press coverage. Already other economical actors want to partner with Turbo System in a movement to improve the education system in the country.

School girls on their way home, in Port-au-Prince

The product was developed to allow a better governance within Haitian schools. It's the first time such a product is launched on the Haitian market by a Haitian firm. School directors who have been using the software package before the launch have praised its virtues. According to the engineers of Turbo System, the software package should allow school administrations to perform academic management, school fees management and payroll management. The company's ultimate goal in launching this software package is to participate in raising the level of school education in Haiti.

More Colombians Seek Refuge in Costa Rica

The number of Colombians who seek refuge in Costa Rica is constantly increasing and according to some reports of the High Commission of the United Nations (ACNUR in Spanish), 90% of the refugees admitted here come from that country. There are a total of 11,600 refugees in this country, 10,440 are Colombians, and this number is always growing with an average of about 90 new applications per month.

Strong earthquake Japan,too

A strong earthquake occurred last Saturday in north area of Japan.
10 people were dead,and 12 people are still missing.
More than 300 times aftershocks have occurred since last Saturday.
Compared to the big earthquake in China that magnitude was 7.8, that of this earthquake was 7.0.

TRADITIONAL LOCAL FOODS FAIR

There is a local food fair in Istanbul. It has started on last Thursday and will be ended up today. It is called " Anadolu Sofrası" It means "Anatolian Dinner Table". You can find some meals of the some region of Turkey. You can taste dishes, sweets and also buy them. On the picture you see some dishes of Gaziantep, the city in the south east of Turkey.

Azerbaijani Capital Lost Chances to Host Olympic Games - 2016

Baku, Azerbaijan has lost the chances to host the Olympic Games- 2016. This was known after the meeting held with participation of delegation countries, which pretend to host the Olympic Games, in Athens, Greece.

The meeting was attended by the representatives from the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Azerbaijan, headed by Azad Rahimov- Minister of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan. It was known in the meeting that only Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro can continue their struggle to host the game.

Seven cities – Baku (Azerbaijan, Chicago (US), Doha (Qatar), Madrid (Spain), Prague (Czechia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Tokyo (Japan), expressed their will to host the Olympic Games -2016. Chicaco has highest chances from the beginning itself.

Azerbaijan has submitted a plan to build a sport city in the Bibi Eybat oil field, within the framework of its program to host the Olympic Games-2016.

The summer Olympic Games -2008 will be held in Beijing, China, and Olympic Games- 2012 in London, UK.

El Salvador, Central America

San Salvador view at night (click to enlarge)

El Salvador (República de El Salvador) is a country in Central America. The area was originally called by the Pipiles (its first inhabitants) "Cuzhcatl", in spanish "Cuzcatlan", which in nahuatl (their language) means "The Land Of Precious Things".

After the Spanish conquest, the land was baptized by Spanish conquerors as "Provincia De Nuestro Señor Jesucristo El Salvador Del Mundo" ("Province of Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Savior Of The World") now abbreviated as "República de El Salvador".

The country borders the Pacific Ocean between Guatemala and Honduras. With a population of approximately more than 6 million people, it is the most densely populated nation in Central America and is undergoing rapid industrialization.

I could be here trying to explain why my country it's such a great touristic destination (indeed it is) but I'm gonna leave that for my next entry, today I'm gonna talk about one campaign that eventhough ends until the summer of 2010 it's been on since 07.07.2007

The New 7 Wonders of Nature is sure to give a much needed boost to the struggle to preserve these unique sites for posterity. The whole process will be as follows:

You may wonder, and this is related to El Salvador... how?!?! well, it happens that there is one natural wonder that it is located in this beautiful country and currently sits at 17th place, you can check it by yourself here. Let me use this grandstand to ask to visit the website and get to know more about the contest.

Coatepeque Lake is a large crater lake in the east part of the Coatepeque Caldera. At 26 sq. km, it is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador, and has hot springs near its shores. In the lake is the island of Teopan, which was a Mayan site of some importance.

Coatepeque Lake.

Another partial view of Coatepeque Lake.

There's even a Facebook group trying to get some support and try to put Coatepeque Lake between the new 7 Wonders of Nature, you can visit the group and join in clicking here (in spanish). Again to vote for Coatepeque Lake click here.

Czech Republic Vs Portugal Goal 3

Do you?

"Death shall come on swift wings to him who disturbs the peace of the King"

This terrifying warning was presumably related to Tut Ank Amon's tomb..to warn all those on Carter's excavation to dig into the sacred tomb..! Mystery evolves round this tale..especially with more deaths to come..

In 1922, Howard Carter has set foot into the tomb, with mortified workers of the curse that may haunt them… Later, deaths take place, mostly suicide, or strange accidents, or mysterious ailments, all leading to death, starting after 24 hours from the opening of the tomb..extending to families.and running to years after.. Weird coincidences like the famous Cairo blackout, when the lights of the city went off..even Carter's own bird died by a Cobra sting… like the one placed at the top of Tut Ank Amon's crown…!!! (22 are said to have died related to the excavation and the opening of the tomb, including the one responsible of the funding of the excavation)

But what's interesting about all of this.. Howard Carter led a healthy life for many years to come, for he always disregarded the curse and disbelieved it…!

The question remains: does the curse exist? Or they're just fungus due to the closed tombs..and that the curse only exists in the mind of its believer?

What's more important..Do you believe in Pharoah's Curse??

Portugal vs. Turkey Euro 2008

Our latest high-denomination notes

The ZD5 billion "special agro-cheque"- initially for farmers, now for anyone who goes to the bank to make a withdrawal. You also get a ZD25 billion version, and a ZD50 billion version.

If you want to see what that looks like in figures: ZD 50,000,000,000.

Images: the ZD5b cheque, and the cheque against the equivalent in ZD10 million notes.

ps. will update on the goings-on closer to the time of the election re-run... or maybe after.. so much is happening!

HOLIDAY EAGEAN PART OF TURKEY

I took this picture from the hotel balcony in Cunda Island in Ayvalık. There are several boutique hotels around here. We stayed in Panorama hotel. It has really perfect view. There are many things to do. For example, eating fresh sea food, go for walking along sea cost, visiting for near areas etc.

This is the picture taken from hotel window in Cunda ( Alibey) Island in Ayvalık. Time was about 6 or 6.30 a.m. There is a wonderful environment here. You can find fresh sea foods here. There is fish called papalina. You can find only in this place in August and later. We could not eat when we were there due to out of season. Ayvalık sandwich is also another local food.

Azerbaijan to Become Culture Capital of Islamic Countries

In 2009, Azerbaijan will become the culture capital of the Islamic countries. Azerbaijan after uniting the different cultures will host the several international events, Abulfas Garayev, the Azerbaijan Minister for Culture and Tourism, stated at the presentation ceremony of the website on the Information Observatory on the culture policy of the GUAM countries, on 19 December.

The minister said that, in 2009 Azerbaijan will host huge event like the First international forum of culture specialists, the International theater festival, the Festival of the tourist films, as well as the opening of the biggest Carpet Museum.

“We would like Europeans to visit Azerbaijan, which will become an Islamic capital by that period,” Garayev said.

Guatemala's Flag on Everest Summit

For the second time in history a Flag from Guatemala is taken to the summit of Mt. Everest 8,850 meters above sea level. Francisco Arredondo was in charge of this awesome acomplishment for our country. This is the same person that has participated for four consecutive times in the rally Dakar, finishing twice.

We're proud of this adveturer taking our flag everywere he goes. At this moment he's going to St. Petersburg to participate in a rally all the way to Beijing. All along is a 10,000 Km rally for about 15 days in a motorcycle.

For the moment we just want to congratulate Francisco for reaching the top of the world!!!

Kidnapping in Haiti

About two weeks ago, a sixteen year old boy's body was found, disfigured, on the streets of the a Port-au-Prince neighborhood. The body was brought to the State University Hospital's morgue where the boy was identified by his bracelet that has his name written on it, and by his school uniform. The body showed signs of torture.

The boy's name was Kareem Xavier Gaspard. He was a student(pupil) at the College Catts Pressoir. He had been kidnapped, right after getting out of school on his way home. His family paid a ransom for his liberation and waited all night hoping they would finally have him back. But the criminals who took him had other plans. They killed the young man and abandoned his body. One more life was taken.


Those lit candles that I added to this post are in memory of all the people who died in the hands of kidnappers in Haiti and around the world and for all those who've been victims of kidnappings. We should not forget all those who, today, are still being held captive against their will and their families.

HOLIDAY EAGEAN PART OF TURKEY

We were on holiday with my wife on Eagean part of Turkey. I will publish some pictures on the near future with the short stories. Hope you will enjoy all.

This plase is called ASOS. It is located in the city of Çanakkale. There are many historical places, monuments here. People also come here for diving. Sea water increadibly clean. There are several boutique hotels here. Hotel price is about usd 60-70 per night ( one person in double room) including breakfast. During this time sea water is about 19-20 degree celcius. It is quite cold for me. When we were there there was a strong wind.

Here is an Adatepe Olive oil museum and Adatepe Olive oil production factory. This place is located in Ayvacık area. It is called KÜÇÜKKUYU. We saw museum but we could not see Olive production due to out of season. Adatepe is the trade name of the virgin olive oil. I personally like olive oil very much. We also bought some olive oil. Oil production is made as traditional here. Therefore prices are higher compare to other olive oils. My favourite is Virgin oil. Virgin olive oil prices here about usd 10-12 per litre.

Tropical storm Alma causes damages and losses for up to $40 million

Although Alma, the first tropical storm of the season, never made it to hurricane status, she left a trail of disaster behind her, including at least $40 million in damages and losses.

Over 19,000 people found themselves affected directly by the storm, over 100 bridges were damaged and 117 roads are impassable. Perez Zeledon and Parrita were the two communities that suffered the most and they are still on red alert today according to Daniel Gallardo, president of the National Emergency Commission.

A reported total of 35 bridges have collapsed meaning that isolation is now a severe and serious problem. Rescue teams bringing food, water and medicine have to do so by air.

Water and electricity are still not back. About 20,000 people were indirectly affected in Perez Zeledon, while 5,000 were directly affected. Almost 50 communities are still isolated, due to broken bridges and landslides,

Deep Sky won the Japan Derby

Today,one of the biggest horse race "Japan Derby" was held.
The number of racehorses born in 2005 was 8,150.
Deep Sky is the No.1 among them.
The jockey of Deep Sky says that he can aim the world race.
You may see him in the future.