Stories from 21 March 2009
Israel: New Book Celebrates Tel Aviv's 100th Anniversary
Tel Aviv Short Stories is a new book featuring the writings of Anglos-Israelis, Lisa Goldman reports. The publication celebrates Tel Aviv's 100th anniversary. You can see a promotional video of authors sharing excerpts from their stories here.
Israel: Youth Obsessed with American Culture
Read OneJerusalem's four-part series on Israeli youth's obsession with American culture to “find out what exactly it is about all of that junk from the States that makes young Israelis trade in their Arik Einstein for Hootie and the Blowfish.”
Israel: Learning to Drive
Brian of This Normal Life writes about the cultural differences between Israelis and Americans on the road and his son's new driving license. “But 17…that’s the year you transcend being a mere passenger to taking command of a 3,000 pound metal death machine and hurtling it through – and against...
Israel: Preparing for the Passover Holiday
In Israel and around the Jewish world, families are preparing for the holiday of Passover. Baroness Tapuzina offers some tasty recipe suggestions.
Israel: Venture Capitals Deal With Tough Questions
Daniel Cohen reflects on tough dilemmas facing Israeli venture capitals, including whether the CEO should be based in Israel or the United States. Check out his post to view a chart of the pros and cons of each location.
India: Gujarat Diamond Workers Suicide in the Face of Crisis
On the following videos we can see and hear about the situation the Gujarat diamond polishers in India are facing. As the world recession and economic crisis affects their industry, thousands are laid off. Unable to feed their families, pay bills or send their children to school, they have to adjust to living hand to mouth, many are turning to suicide as their last resort.
Armenia: Ruben Mangasaryan R.I.P.
Mark Grigorian [RU] announces the death of his long-time colleague and friend, veteran local photojournalist Ruben Mangasarian. The journalist-blogger says Mangasarian was more than just a friend and remembers some of the stories the two worked on together.
Japan: Italian news commentary in Japanese
Italian comedian and opinion-leader Beppe Grillo's blog [ja] is the only blog that is translated into Japanese (and English), presenting Italy from an unusual perspective. In his blog, he also hosts the translated version of journalist Marco Travaglio‘s weekly talks on the misdeeds of the current Italian government [it].
Azerbaijan: Novruz
Prohibited but celebrated discreetly during its years as a Soviet republic, Novruz is now one of the most anticipated holidays to be openly marked in Azerbaijan. Local and expat bloggers comment on the festival.
Hong Kong: Political Future
Suzanne Pepper wrote a review on Hong Kong's political development since 1997 in China Elections and Governance.
Taiwan: Diplomatic Officer's Blogposts Ignite Ethnic Controversy
Bloggers and netizens in Taiwan found that Kuo Kuan-ying, an information officer in the Taiwan diplomatic service in Toronto, who blogs under his pen name Fan Lan-chin, publishes insulting posts which has provoked more controversy and debate of Taiwan's long unsolved ethnic hatred.
India: On Electoral Process
Kartik Reddy at Read my thoughts ponders whether a change in the electoral process is required for India.
Russia: Attacks on Journalists
Sean's Russia Blog writes on two most recent attacks on journalists in Russia.