Stories about Arts & Culture from June, 2010
Sierra Leone: Social clubs in Freetown
Sweet Sierra Leone writes about social clubs in Freetown, Sierra Leone: “We took Mountain Cot and there was killer traffic; but it soon turned into a worthwhile experience when i noticed that every couple blocks had a colorful, wall sign promoting one of the social clubs in the area. Of...
Japan: The première of “The Cove” will be online
The Japanese video sharing website Niko Niko Doga [en] announced that, on June 18 at 8 p.m. (Japan time), it will show online the documentary “The Cove” [ja] to the first 2000 users who access the website. The users will also be able to live-comment on the film. At present,...
São Tomé & Principe: Continents United Through Art
René Tavares, an artist from São Tomé & Principe, describes the nature of his work as creoule in a video interview [pt] for Sao Tome Blog, claiming that art can represent a marriage between Africa and Europe.
South Korea: Tensions Went Under World Cup Anesthestia
The sharp tension between two Koreas which had been escalating ever since the sinking of a South Korean warship by a supposed North Korean torpedo attack have momentarily numbed by high emotion that only World Cup can bring. South Korean blogs are now inundating with heartful comments on North Korea's...
Belarus: Photos from Minsk, Gomel, Bobruisk, etc.
A great collection of photos from Belarus – new and old buildings, stencil graffiti, Minsk, Gomel, Bobruisk, etc. – by LJ user darriuss (RUS, BEL).
Brazil: Stefhany, Authentic Pop Star Rises from the Web
Stefhany is known as “Beyonce from Piauí”. Her first video “Eu sou Stefhany” [I am Stefhany], uploaded to Youtube by a friend and fan, has had almost 2 million views so far. She is a great example of Web 2.0's power to create new pop stars.
Guatemala: Beauty Pageant Includes “Foot Bool” Float
San Pedro de Las Huertas, Guatemala is recovering from storm Agatha; they recently celebrated their annual beauty pageant with a float dedicated to football. AntiaguaDailyPhoto includes photos of the event and writes: “Foot Bool with the African spelling is how the people of San Pedro Las Huertas want to let everyone know that...
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Viva the Vuvuzela
Abeni remembers when the ICC Cricket World Cup came to the Caribbean: “The conch shells, bugles, horns, drums etc which were integral to the Caribbean cricketing experience [were no longer] allowed” – which is why she declares, “Viva the vuvuzela!”
Trinidad & Tobago: R.I.P. “Bookmann”
Artzpub acknowledges the passing of artist, bookbinder and blogger Richard Bolai, who “had written on and photographed…aspects of Trinidad and Tobago's art culture.”
Jamaica: Art & Ammo
Art has a place in the search for ‘Dudus”; Annie Paul explains.
Trinidad & Tobago: In Through the Out Door
Outlish is a new online magazine targeted at young adult Trinbagonians. It showcases people who are going after their dreams and features fresh perspectives on issues that readers obviously relate to, because its popularity is soaring. We find out what makes Outlish the newest "in" thing by talking with its founder and Editor-in-Chief, Karel Mc Intosh...
India: EcoFestival 2010
Alexandra at India Climate Solutions writes about the EcoFestival 2010 which took place in New Delhi recently. The festival is aimed at “creating greater awareness, interest and actions to mitigate climate change”, informs Kriti, the organizer team.
Jamaica, Guyana: Passing on the Classics
“Any list of Caribbean classics ultimately has to be the responsibility of Caribbean people wherever we are. And we’re not only responsible for creating a canon, but also for passing it on…”: Guyanese diaspora Charmaine Valere weighs in on Geoffrey Philp's question as to what constitutes a Caribbean literary classic.
Brazil: Soccer Dream Team Murals for the World Cup
During the first day of the World Cup, a group of 12 urban artists painted a wall of 240 m2 in the city of Rio de Janeiro featuring what they believe to be the Brazilian soccer dream team. The result may be seen at the event's blog “Grafite Futebol Arte”...
Bangladesh: Sweet And Savory Snacks
Bangladesh Unlocked posts a review of some sweet and savory snacks from across Bangladesh.
Philippines: Best and worst library schools
Here is a list of the best and worst library schools in the Philippines, based on the blog post of blogger Filipino librarian
Israel: Politics and Protest with Humor
I see your protest and I raise you one. Jameel of the Muqata gives us politics with a much needed sense of humor. Last Saturday, a left-wing demonstration protesting 43 years of Israeli occupation in the West Bank was infiltrated by counter protesters holding signs such as, “We believe in...
Bangladesh: That Facebook Girl
Aminul Islam Sajib was supposed to meet a girl he befriended at Facebook on his birthday. But the Bangladesh government slapped a Facebook ban. Read what happened next.
Brazil: The “CALA BOCA GALVAO” Phenomenon
Millions of twitter users told Galvão Bueno, a famous Brazilian narrator and broadcaster, to shut up: a phenomenon that soon became a worldwide joke.
France : Poetry Slam World Cup
Bobigny, in the Paris suburbs, is hosting a different kind of world cup, namely the 4th Poetry Slam World Cup (the quarter finals), on June 12th and 13th. Bondy Blog interviews [Fr] two finalists: Le Wise, from Gabon, and Philipp Sharri, from Germany.
Egypt: Scheherazade must Die
Freedom of Expression is taking a beating in Egypt. In a series of lawsuits against writers, Scheherazade of 1001 Nights is now being accused of immorality and some lawyers want her dead - in their call for banning the book!