In a post last summer we mentioned a competition aiming to provide official lyrics for Spain's national anthem. Now the results are in -- or are they?
As you recall, the goal of furnishing the anthem with lyrics was to give Spanish athletes and fans something to sing at international sporting competitions -- especially the 2008 Olympics. In the past, lyrics were used under the rules of King Alfonso and dictator Fransciso Franco, but neither set were made official.
According to a recent article on Expatica Spain, the jury made its selection after reviewing over 2000 entries. The new version seeks to stress unity so as to not offend regional nationalists such as the Basque or Catalan nationalists. The lyrics were supposed to be revealed in ceremony in Madrid on January 21, sung by tenor Placido Domingo.
However, the new lyrics have hit a snag: critics feel that they focus too much "the country's right-wing past and do not reflect Spain's cultural diversity", according to a recent article in the Mail and Guardian.
Because there is no official deadline for the project, no one knows when the new words will have their offical debut.
January 16, 2008
January 15, 2008
New Zealand plans a special honour for famed Everest adventurer Edmund Hillary
News of Sir Edmund Hillary’s death has prompted worldwide media attention and countless tributes – Even the Queen of England has sent a personal message to the family. Now the New Zealand government has a special plan to honour its famous adventurer: a State funeral.
According to a recent article on Radio New Zealand News, the details have not been officially set, the Hillary family has accepted the offer and the government plans to honour their wishes in the planning.
The funeral is set for January 22 at St Mary's. Hillary's body will lie in state at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Books of condolences are available for people to sign at the New Zealand Parliament.
Hillary is perhaps best known for his conquest of Mount Everest, but he was also an author and activist among his numerous achievements.For more information, read the news item from Radio New Zealand.
According to a recent article on Radio New Zealand News, the details have not been officially set, the Hillary family has accepted the offer and the government plans to honour their wishes in the planning.
The funeral is set for January 22 at St Mary's. Hillary's body will lie in state at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Books of condolences are available for people to sign at the New Zealand Parliament.
Hillary is perhaps best known for his conquest of Mount Everest, but he was also an author and activist among his numerous achievements.For more information, read the news item from Radio New Zealand.
January 14, 2008
February is first-ever Reggae Month
It’s official: Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced on January 11 that this February will be the first-ever “Reggae Month.” What’s behind the move? According to an article on Caribbean Net News, the goal is to “highlight the impact of the musical genre on the country’s social, cultural and economic development.”
How will they manage this goal? Activities are planned to suit all interests including concerts, music showcases, film screenings and academic conferences. The Bob Marley Birthday Dinner will kick-off events on February 6.
However, events are for more than just enjoyment: Through studying and examining the music and considering its social history, officials hope to provide a “framework for that will guide the future development of the music” to ensure its longevity. The negative effects of some of the music – such as undermining social values and degrading women – will also be addressed. Supporting new artists and promoting the genre will also be a focus.
This month's events will hopefully be a lead in for 2009 -- 50th anniversary of reggae music
How will they manage this goal? Activities are planned to suit all interests including concerts, music showcases, film screenings and academic conferences. The Bob Marley Birthday Dinner will kick-off events on February 6.
However, events are for more than just enjoyment: Through studying and examining the music and considering its social history, officials hope to provide a “framework for that will guide the future development of the music” to ensure its longevity. The negative effects of some of the music – such as undermining social values and degrading women – will also be addressed. Supporting new artists and promoting the genre will also be a focus.
This month's events will hopefully be a lead in for 2009 -- 50th anniversary of reggae music
January 8, 2008
Foreign hikers require new card in Nepal
With its cultural history and natural beauty, Nepal is a favourite destination for hikers. The Government of Nepal and related organizations are now taking steps to help locate and contact hikers in the event of the emergency. (Don't worry -- it's free).
Check out the latest update from the U.S. State Department travel advice:
“The Government of Nepal has authorized the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to implement a new system for foreign hikers called the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). Beginning January 1, 2008, foreign visitors on hiking trips in Nepal , including those not with organized hiking groups, need to have a valid TIMS card issued by TAAN, its member agencies, or NTB. In the case of an emergency, the new system will help authorities ascertain the whereabouts of trekkers. TIMS cards are available free of charge through authorized trekking companies, the TAAN office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the NT office.”
The moves comes as Nepal enjoys a new all-time high for tourist arrivals in 2007.For more information, news and advice please see our Nepal Travel Advisory page.
Check out the latest update from the U.S. State Department travel advice:
“The Government of Nepal has authorized the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to implement a new system for foreign hikers called the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). Beginning January 1, 2008, foreign visitors on hiking trips in Nepal , including those not with organized hiking groups, need to have a valid TIMS card issued by TAAN, its member agencies, or NTB. In the case of an emergency, the new system will help authorities ascertain the whereabouts of trekkers. TIMS cards are available free of charge through authorized trekking companies, the TAAN office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the NT office.”
The moves comes as Nepal enjoys a new all-time high for tourist arrivals in 2007.For more information, news and advice please see our Nepal Travel Advisory page.
Foreign hikers require new TIMS card in Nepal
Planning a trek in Nepal? What you should know about the new TIMS card.
With its cultural history and natural beauty, Nepal is a favourite destination for hikers. The Government of Nepal and related organizations are now taking steps to help locate and contact hikers in the event of the emergency.
Check out the latest update from the U.S. State Department travel advice:
“The Government of Nepal has authorized the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to implement a new system for foreign hikers called the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). Beginning January 1, 2008, foreign visitors on hiking trips in Nepal , including those not with organized hiking groups, need to have a valid TIMS card issued by TAAN, its member agencies, or NTB. In the case of an emergency, the new system will help authorities ascertain the whereabouts of trekkers. TIMS cards are available free of charge through authorized trekking companies, the TAAN office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the NT office.”
For more information about Nepal, see our Nepal Travel Advisory page.
With its cultural history and natural beauty, Nepal is a favourite destination for hikers. The Government of Nepal and related organizations are now taking steps to help locate and contact hikers in the event of the emergency.
Check out the latest update from the U.S. State Department travel advice:
“The Government of Nepal has authorized the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to implement a new system for foreign hikers called the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). Beginning January 1, 2008, foreign visitors on hiking trips in Nepal , including those not with organized hiking groups, need to have a valid TIMS card issued by TAAN, its member agencies, or NTB. In the case of an emergency, the new system will help authorities ascertain the whereabouts of trekkers. TIMS cards are available free of charge through authorized trekking companies, the TAAN office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the NT office.”
For more information about Nepal, see our Nepal Travel Advisory page.
January 3, 2008
Canadians: Got a passport?
What does the January 31 deadline mean for your travel plans?
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is meant to improve security and simplify entry in to the U.S. As of the January 31 2008 deadline, Canadians now need a WHTI compliant document to enter the U.S. through Land and Sea entry points. Customs officials will stop asking for verbal declarations of citizenship and will start demanding proof. Most travellers will now need a government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and birth certificate.
A passport for land and sea travel may be required as soon as June 2008 but an official deadline has not been set by the U.S. government. Recent media reports indicate that this date has been pushed back to June 2009. There is also talk of enhanced driver’s licenses being accepted instead, but a passport is still the recommended document for international travel. Passports are still required for all air travel.
Questions? Check out our article on new entry requirements.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is meant to improve security and simplify entry in to the U.S. As of the January 31 2008 deadline, Canadians now need a WHTI compliant document to enter the U.S. through Land and Sea entry points. Customs officials will stop asking for verbal declarations of citizenship and will start demanding proof. Most travellers will now need a government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and birth certificate.
A passport for land and sea travel may be required as soon as June 2008 but an official deadline has not been set by the U.S. government. Recent media reports indicate that this date has been pushed back to June 2009. There is also talk of enhanced driver’s licenses being accepted instead, but a passport is still the recommended document for international travel. Passports are still required for all air travel.
Questions? Check out our article on new entry requirements.
January 1, 2008
New Year throughout the year
When do you celebrate the start of a new year? It may depend on your religion or what country you are in.
January 1 is celebrated around the globe as the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Australia and New Zealand -- who are among the closest countries to the International Date line -- kick off the celebrations each year.
February 18 celebrations mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year (Year of the Mouse), while Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is considered to be a holy time and is celebrated in September. Many other countries celebrate the New Year in February, March or April, depending on which calendar they use to calculate dates.
Sometimes New Year can even happen twice a year. For example, in 2008 many Muslims will observe Al-Hijra twice: on or about January 10 and on or about December 29 (depending on local tradition). The reason? The Islamic Calendar is based on the moon, and is therefore only 354 days.
Source: BBC Religion & Ethics Multi-faith Calendar
January 1 is celebrated around the globe as the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Australia and New Zealand -- who are among the closest countries to the International Date line -- kick off the celebrations each year.
February 18 celebrations mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year (Year of the Mouse), while Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is considered to be a holy time and is celebrated in September. Many other countries celebrate the New Year in February, March or April, depending on which calendar they use to calculate dates.
Sometimes New Year can even happen twice a year. For example, in 2008 many Muslims will observe Al-Hijra twice: on or about January 10 and on or about December 29 (depending on local tradition). The reason? The Islamic Calendar is based on the moon, and is therefore only 354 days.
Source: BBC Religion & Ethics Multi-faith Calendar
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
