Archive for 2008

Top world music albums of 2008

Listening to music from around the world is a great way to get a feel for other cultures. Different rhythms, tones and instruments make music from different places very distinctive. And music is closely linked with other aspects of cultures such as language and traditional dress.

A good place to start your round-the-world musical journey is at Soundroots world music blog where Scott Stevens has compiled a list of Top global albums of 2008.

The list contains music from Senegal, Argentina & Uruguay, Zimbabwe, Chad, the Middle East, Central America and even the USA (although of course this is music from the global melting pot side of the USA)

And that’s just the top 10! There are 25 albums in total so you’re sure to find something new and interesting.

Tajiks latest victims of financial crisis

The Central Asian country of Tajikistan is less rich in natural resources than its neighbours. When Tajikistan was part of the USSR it was dependent on imports from the Soviet Union. The economy of the country has been affected badly by independence, and there are not many job possibilities for its citizens.

As a result many Tajik men travel to Russia or Kazakhstan to find work. Some estimates say that one in four Tajik families has a family member working abroad. Their families depend on the money they send home.

This photo diary from BBC News shows a glimpse of the life of those left behind in Tajikistan (photo above is from the article).

Now Russia is cutting back on guest workers because of economic problems. That probably means more hardship for Tajik families in the future.

Seasons Greetings from Greece

There’s a Christmas theme going on at EllasDevil – it all looks very festive. Recent content is less festive – the events of the last few weeks seem to be putting a bit of a dampener on Christmas in Greece this year. Let’s hope things get back to normal soon.

Festive header from EllasDevil

Read further and you will find lots more about life in Greece, including the revelation that EllasDevil’s favourite place to eat is his parents’ dinner table. What better place to enjoy delicious Greek food?

French bank embraces diversity

The French bank Société Générale has launched an advertising campaign which presumably aims to counter the current perception of bankers.

The campaign shows bankers from Socgen’s offices around the world talking about what gives them satisfaction in their jobs. Each talks in his or her native language with subtitles available in Chinese, Italian, Spanish, German, English and French.

One example is Pierre Diagne, who talks about providing services to African migrants who need to send money home, build savings and invest in property. His greatest satisfaction, he says, is helping his clients to realise their dreams.

The French business environment has been criticised in the past for hostility towards globalisation as well as lack of diversity. Some claim that employment discrimination is to blame for the violent riots seen in France over the last years.

So it’s refreshing to see a campaign which seems to be celebrating the diverse backgrounds of the bank’s employees as well as its customers.

Spaniards wear multicultural genes

A genetic study of the Spanish people conducted by Leicester University (UK) and Pompeu Fabra University (Spain) has found that more than 30% have either Jewish or Muslim ancestors. The study was published in the American journal of human genetics.

After the Spanish reconquista at the end of the 15th century many Jews and Muslims were forced to leave Spain, as the previously multi-faith society was transformed into the strongly Catholic one of today. Others converted to Christianity but until now it was not certain how widespread these conversions were.

Visitors to Andalucia and many other places in Spain can see Spain’s cosmopolitan past reflected in the architecture. It seems this past is also reflected in its people.

Read more:
Iraqi food for Jewish new year
Introduction to Arabic music
Spanish blogs on Blogs of the World

Manila with photos

Hilda works from Monday to Saturday but still finds time to post on My Manila every day. There’s a photo in each post, but this is not just a photo blog. The descriptions are perfect for learning more about Filipino culture and life in Manila.

Water delivery vehicle from My Manila – this sidecar carries the drinking water which is delivered to Manila residents

It seems that life is not always work, work, work though – have a look at the scenic outdoor dining at Manila Bay. This is definitely dinner with a view!