Fiestas de Quito
These days Quito is celebrating its foundation. There are several events that are happening in the city. My favorite one is called "Jesus del Gran Poder"; it's an annual bullfighting that lasts 9 days. 
July 2008
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Language Learning Center
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November 2006
November 30, 2006
These days Quito is celebrating its foundation. There are several events that are happening in the city. My favorite one is called "Jesus del Gran Poder"; it's an annual bullfighting that lasts 9 days. Sweden 'world's most democratic country'
I'm ending my participation here at World News with bragging a bit about Sweden. According to a new report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Sweden is the most democratic country in the world and is called a near-perfect democracy. The U.S. is only on ranked on place 17 and maybe has to consider its statement as the best democracy in the world. More proposed changes to the British education system
This article is about even more proposed changes to the British education system. If you're completely unfamiliar with recent debates about the english education system, namely that it is easier for students to pass exams nowadays and that we don't do as much work as previous generations. Continue reading "More proposed changes to the British education system"
Breaking News: The Special Relationship is one-sided
So it turns out Bush ignores Blair. Pretty shocking stuff.
Continue reading "Breaking News: The Special Relationship is one-sided"
Czech Rep. to increase number of its troops in Afghanistan by half
The Czech government, in its foreign endeavors, has been quite supportive of the US government's foreign policies. Although we have not provided Iraq with any troops, we have, and still are, contributing to the rows of international armed forces in Afghanistan.Continue reading "Czech Rep. to increase number of its troops in Afghanistan by half"
Saving St. Nicholas from Santa Claus – it is a different tradition!
On December 6th, we are celebrating “St. Nicholas' Day” in many parts of Europe. This day is very popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium, where especially the children are expecting this day, because St. Nicholas brings candy and small presents before Christmas! Continue reading "Saving St. Nicholas from Santa Claus – it is a different tradition!"
November 15, 2006
US Channel “Comedy Central“ in Germany – Will „the Krauts“ laugh?
The very popular US TV Channel “Comedy Central” is coming to good old Germany. SPIEGEL ONLINE’s “English Site” published this nice news on November, 17th.For a Comedy fan like me that’s “good news”! Many people abroad think that Germans don’t have a sense of humor. But that’s not true. I think my students can also confirm that when I am teaching sometimes my classes.
Continue reading "US Channel “Comedy Central“ in Germany – Will „the Krauts“ laugh?"
A woman in a position to win the presidency!
Last Thursday, French socialists chose their candidate to run for the presidential election in May 2007. Ségolène Royal won more than 60 percent of votes. Continue reading "A woman in a position to win the presidency!"
The 17th of November - The Freedom and Democracy Struggle Day
17th of November marks one of the most important national holidays in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It was on November 17, 1989, when the first students' march launched a series of vigorous and immense demonstrations of people seeking the defeat of communism -- people seeking freedom and democracy. Continue reading "The 17th of November - The Freedom and Democracy Struggle Day"
Duped Into Slavery
Facing difficult life prospects, some Kenyans have ventured to work overseas to try and better their livelihood. While there have been success stories, often instances of abuse and threats are reported. In the article on the link provided, is outlined the story of a few Kenyans who made it to the Middle East to work. In some extreme cases like this, which is not uncommon, the work situation ends up resembling slavery.
Finally a GOOD Change
November 9th was a good day for the whole of Kyrgyzstan. The president signed to adopt a new constitution. Finally, after extended protests, the president signed it. The new constitution will reduce the president's power, creating different branches of the government. The majority of people in Kyrgyzstan are happy with the new constitution. This is potentially a good change in the government, since prior to adopting the new constitution, the government was unstable and chaotic. Continue reading "Finally a GOOD Change"
Sweden challenges EU plan to simplify divorce
A new European Union proposal is aimed at changing divorce procedures so that a divorce can only take place in a country where the couple has "connecting factors". Sweden claims that this proposal is going to be valid both inside and outside the EU and that, for instance, Iranian divorce laws can be applied by a Swedish court.
Continue reading "Sweden challenges EU plan to simplify divorce"
Underage drinking in England
Ok. So you may think that underage drinking is nothing new. It happens in hundreds of countries all the time! So whats the big deal? Well there is a huge binge drinking problem amongst people who are legally allowed to drink which is bad enough but when children as young as 12 are being admitted into hospital for alcohol poisoning there is something seriously wrong. Why are these children turning to damaging their still growing bodies through alcohol abuse? November 05, 2006
Elections in Ecuador
There are some comments about the two candidates running for President of Ecuador. One of these is by Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela.
What the British think of Bush...
Although the US is Britain's closest ally it is clear that the vast majority of Britons are unhappy with the special relationship. Indeed Prime Minister Tony Blair has alienated a huge number of voters as a result of his support for President Bush, and in particular, his decision to commit British troops to Iraq.
"Serious" climate threat to Sweden
A new government report has shown that Sweden is threatened by the serious climate changes in the future. Major lakes are going to flood more frequently and with severe consequences. Threat of diseases from Somalia looms large
Recently, the internationally recognized government in Somalia found itself in serious conflict with a Muslim backed organization. Somalia's transition government, as it's widely called, lacks the economic and political might to restore order in the country. Consequently, it has been largely unable to stem the rising violence and instability threatening the country. Continue reading "Threat of diseases from Somalia looms large"
An unforgettable "Dia de los Muertos" in Oaxaca
After five months of protest in the city of Oaxaca, the Federal Goverment decided to send the federal police to bring back order and peace to the city. The protesters showed resistance and decided to face the police no matter what the consequences would had been.
Continue reading "An unforgettable "Dia de los Muertos" in Oaxaca"
Ukraine finally has a new government and the majority in the Parliament! It took us 4 months...
After four long months of negotiations, uncertainties and coups
de theatre, Ukraine has formed a new government and a majority
in the Parliament. What are the lessons to be learned from
these events? Bonfire Night
Hey everyone, I have chosen to give you the address to a fun website all about Guy Fawkes, the treason plot and bonfire night. Every year in England on the 5th November people set off fireworks, make bonfires, sometimes burn effigies of Guy Fawkes, eat toffee apples (kind of like caramel apples but better and more likely to break teeth), eat parkin (type of cake) and generally have a good time and act like children. Again violence in French suburbs
This moment marks the first anniversary of the riots that shook France last year. Violence started again in the Paris suburbs. In Marseille, a burnt bus left a woman passenger with life-threatening burns. It is important for French people to observe how Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy is dealing with this situation since he is one of the potential presidential candidates for May 2007.Senate Elections
The second round of the Senate elections took place last week in the Czech Republic. The following link provides you with the results. The Czech Republic has been going through a very intricate political situation since the parliamentary elections in June. Although the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) has won the elections, they have not been able to form a functioning government due to an exceptionally close win.