Stories about Arts & Culture from April, 2010
Bhutan: The Love For Titles And Designations
Dorji Wangchuk writes about the obsession of the Bhutanese people for titles and designations. “Whereas in the West people are known by their names, half of Bhutan knows the other half only by their titles,” the blogger opines.
Pakistan: Karachi Music Scene
“This is about a Karachi from a very different time. A Karachi that moved to a very different beat,” – comments Adil Najam at All Things Paksitan while discussing about the Karachi music scene from the 1960s into the 1970s.
Sri Lanka: Social Etiquette In Colombo
A Boy From Colombo introduces some formalities and etiquette to be followed during a social visit in the Sri Lankan capital.
India: Bizu 2010 celebrated by Chakmas in Delhi
Paritosh Chakma at Musings of a Chakma reports with photos that on the 13th April 2010, three social organizations organized “Bizu 2010” (Chakma new year) celebrations in New Delhi, India.
Venezuela: Community Theater Addresses Urban Realities
Nuevo Circo Artístico is a Venezuelan project that uses community theater to engage youth in Caracas to explore the realities of their urban surroundings.
China and Japan: AV star Aoi Sola writes to China fans
Alice from DANWEI translated adult video star Aoi Sola's blog post to her China fans.
Chile: Controversial Use of Popular Song in TV Commercial
In Chile, a television advertisement for Almacenes Paris, a large department store chain, that uses a song by the popular folk-rock band Los Jaivas without their authorization, is stirring up controversy about intellectual property rights and the extent to which cultural forms of expression are compatible with consumerism.
Thailand: Songkran 2010
Richard Barrow posts pictures of Songkran 2010 festivities in Thailand. Songkran is the start of the traditional Thai New Year.
Japan: People live longer, so do TV shows
Japan may be known for the longevity of its people, but the TV programs have a rich and long history as its population. There are some series that have been on air for more than half a century. What's interesting is its variety: everything from talk shows, news, and sports...
Lebanon: Combating Domestic Violence
“In the Middle East, many still believe it is ok for a man to beat his wife. KAFA is one organization that is working hard to erase this mentality of acceptance. Dinosaurs are extinct; it’s time for domestic violence to become extinct, too.” Developing Lebanon posted about an event held by...
Lebanon: Virginity and Hypocrisy
“I attended […] a discussion with [the] creator of Jasad Magazine about the language of the body, sexuality and relationships, and the last part was about how virginity and the lack of it are perceived in the Lebanese society. The hymen restoration was brought up, and yada yada…” writes Liliane...
South Africa: MTN South African Music Awards 2010
Swazibella writes about MTN South African Music Awards 2010: “Friday the 16th of April saw Sun City's Royal Ballroom play host to some of South Africa's most slick and glamorous artists, producers and record industry reps for the MTN Gala Awards.”
Lebanon: Hamra's graffiti and posters
“While walking in Hamra, the graffiti and what people post on the walls can’t but grab your attention! I took the photos below in a less than a 15 minutes walk there,” writes Rami alongside the photos he took.
Thailand: Bangkok taxi in museum
Dale uploads a photo of a cross-section of a Bangkok taxi which is on display in the Museum of Siam
Laos: Song contest in honor of Ho Chi Minh
A song contest was launched in Laos to honor the 120th birth anniversary of Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh
Best of Blog Awards 2010: And the Winners are…
The sixth annual Deutsche Welle Best of Blogs (BOBs) Awards have come to a close, and the Global Voices community is celebrating the winners.
Trinidad & Tobago: Under Warranty?
KnowTnT.com has some news for the Minister of Culture when it comes to the “design flaws” in the newly completed National Academy of the Performing Arts building: “If the builders have to make changes to the design…these are not covered by any warranty. They will have to be paid for...
India: First Bengali Cinema Available At iTunes
Muhammad at Cadet College Blog is excited to report that Suman Ghosh's Dwando (2009) created history by being the first Bengali Cinema available for rent at iTunes.
Bangladesh: Images Of Pahela Boishakh
Ershad Ahmed at Dhaka Photo blog shares some colorful pictures of Pahela Boishakh – Bengali new year (1417) festivities. Expat blogger Paagli Didi, the Fulbright Scholar has more pictures.
Japan: Toilet terror
Pink tectacle has a collection of pictures on legendary ghost Hanako-san, a spooky young girl that haunts school restrooms across Japan.
Pakistan: First Female Cartoonist
Faisal Kapadia at Deadpan Thoughts interviews Nigar, Pakistan's first female cartoonist.