The Ovi Magazine Blog

Vote Real Finns NOT True Finns

2011-04-17T09:33:00.002+03:00

The Finnish women were the first in the world with the right to elect and be elected and that over a century ago at 1906. Just think that the rest of the western world followed as late as 1950s and 1960s. Finland prides to hold the top position in the list of the less corrupted countries globally, to have one of the best education systems, one of the best welfare states and one of the

Arizona immigration bill

2010-04-15T16:16:00.001+03:00

US immigrant rights groups have sharply criticised a bill approved by Arizona's Congress that makes it an offence for a person to lack the proper paperwork. One group, the National Council of La Raza, said the bill would turn Latinos, regardless of their legal status, into suspects in their own communities. Supporters of the bill say it will help bring illegal immigration under control in Arizona

Lech Kaczynski legacy

2010-04-12T19:58:00.002+03:00

It is very sad when somebody dies and especially in this tragic way and of course the Polish people have every right to mourn their president but is a tragic death enough to transform somebody into a hero and wipe out his past? I mean, good old Lech Kaczynski and his brother weren’t exactly the most democratic figures in Poland. And their political rise was owned at first to Lech Walesa and then

Olli's interesting and tough challenges!

2009-11-28T22:54:00.005+02:00

The Chairman of Nokia and the Shell Corporation, Jorma Ollila says the EU’s newly nominated Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Olli Rehn faces interesting and tough challenges ahead.And please Mr. Ollila, will you explain what are these tough challenges? The slow motion Mustafa Olli will carry papers from Deutsche Bank to the Bank Nationale de Paris and sometimes some mails

Joe Jackson's father figure!

2009-07-10T15:13:00.003+03:00

Do I get it right or is something wrong with me? Isn’t it Joe Jackson the man who bullied his sons and barbarically tyrannized Michael Jackson and tortured him? Isn’t it the man who is the real problem and the excuse behind everything happened to the pop star and probably what followed until the end? The very same man who advertised his new copycat company that was going to based on his sons and

Ovi Cartoons today

2009-07-09T15:46:00.005+03:00

Jacksons 'plan private ceremony'

2009-07-07T10:56:00.001+03:00

Pop star Michael Jackson's family is to hold a "private function" at a Los Angeles cemetery, police confirmed the event would be taking place at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, but it has not been confirmed if the singer would be buried there. A memorial service for the singer is due to take place a few hours later.Private with …1.5million waiting outside to enter?

Angry Uighurs defy Chinese police

2009-07-07T10:50:00.001+03:00

New protests have flared in the western Chinese city of Urumqi, two days after more than 150 people died in clashes involving ethnic groups and police.About 200 ethnic Uighurs, who are a Muslim minority, faced off against police to protest over the arrest of 1,434 people over Sunday's unrest. Groups of ethnic Han Chinese have now armed themselves with batons and stones and have gathered in

Ovi today

2009-07-07T10:28:00.002+03:00

Nothin' Could Be Finah by Leah SellersMark Sanford, South Carolina-s red faced (red-handed) governor, admits that his Queen of Hearts in Argentina is his Soul Mate (even though he declares that he is going to try to fall back in love with his Wedded Wife), and that he is a Cheat.Join us in Neverland........ by Dimitra KarantzeniThe king of pop is dead. Breaking news spread all over the world

Violence in China

2009-07-06T13:47:00.002+03:00

Violence in China's restive western region of Xinjiang has left at least 140 people dead and more than 800 people injured, state media say.Several hundred people have also been arrested after the violence erupted in the city of Urumqi on Sunday.Xinhua news agency said police restored order after demonstrators attacked passers-by and set fire to vehicles.The protest was reportedly prompted by a

The Ovi magazine today!

2009-07-06T13:40:00.002+03:00

Zen Buddhism or "A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body" by Emanuel L. PaparellaWithin Buddhism there is a meditative, contemplative school known as Zen. It originally arose in China but the three philosophers who were mostly responsible in transforming the school into a tradition were from outside China...The Empty Chair by David SparenbergThe man in the empty chair had years since stopped playing

The Ovi magazine today!

2009-06-21T12:33:00.002+03:00

The Parthenon Sculptures and the Acropolis museum by Thanos KalamidasParthenon is a global monument and a symbol of western civilization. Parthenon stands in the middle of Athens, the city that took its name from the goodness protector of culture and education for 24 centuries. It will always be there, incised in the mindsDoes Race Have Anything To Do With IQ? by Dr. Habib SiddiquiRemember the

Child labour in ... Ovi Times

2009-06-12T12:31:00.004+03:00

Ovi today

2009-06-12T12:24:00.001+03:00

Stop Child Labour by Thanos KalamidasWe have created stereotypes and prejudices even when it comes to child labour, conveniently putting them working in far away Asian countries and questionable African states. We conveniently miss the child next door, yes in our wonderful world.Child Labour in ...pictures by Thanos KalamidasSometimes the picture is more dramatic than ...million of words. In the

Ovi today

2009-06-10T11:30:00.002+03:00

The Power of Apology by Leah SellersJust think, a Leader who Understands the importance of taking the Time and Effort to Explain himself - his Intentions - and the Direction he is attempting to move our Great Nation, the United States of America (and the rest of the World) toward.The abstinence vote by Thanos KalamidasSome thoughts for the abstinence vote and the reaction it caused from

He says ... Euro-elections

2009-06-07T11:01:00.001+03:00

The Ovi magazine today!

2009-06-07T10:54:00.003+03:00

New Reign of Terror by David SparenbergThe bullet from the terrorist gun, manufactured anywhere in the industrial world, has your name on it. Sometime during your life time, it may end your life. But ...seriously Europe by Thanos KalamidasA selection of ...European news due to the Euro-election day, collected together in only the way that Mr Kalamidas can achieve.He says ... by Thanos

The Chinese sex revolution

2009-05-17T10:36:00.001+03:00

China is building what is billed as its first sex theme park, aimed at improving both the sex education and the sex life of its visitors.Due to open in Chongqing in October, Love Land will include displays of giant genitalia, naked bodies and an exhibition on the history of sex. The park will also offer sex technique workshops and safe-sex methods. Among the attractions is a giant rotating

Kuwait votes for first female MPs

2009-05-17T10:25:00.002+03:00

Kuwait has elected its first female MPs following the oil-rich country's third general election in three years.US-educated Aseel al-Awadhi and Rola Dashti were among winners in the third district, official results declared. The 10 leading candidates from each of Kuwait's five electoral districts are elected to the 50-seat parliament. The emir dissolved the previous parliament in March because it

The Ovi magazine today

2009-05-17T10:16:00.003+03:00

Christian Extremists Within the U.S. Military - Myth or Reality? by Dr. Habib SiddiquiWhen President George W. Bush called his war on terrorism a "crusade", very few Muslims doubted his evil intention. In the face of strong condemnation at home and abroad, he quickly apologized.10 Helsinginkatu: Chapter 28 by Thanos KalamidasWhile at 'Baker's' I tried to write down some of my thoughts about the

Zuma the new SA leader

2009-05-09T10:38:00.001+03:00

South Africa is preparing to swear in Jacob Zuma, leader of the African National Congress, as president. Nearly 30 heads of state will join an expected crowd of 30,000 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria for the ceremony. Security is tight with streets around the Union Buildings - the president's office - closed to traffic. Analysts say Mr. Zuma, 67, brings a populist touch to the presidency,

Pope set for Jordan mosque visit

2009-05-09T10:33:00.001+03:00

Pope Benedict XVI is set to visit Jordan's largest mosque on the second day of his visit to the Middle East. The pontiff will pray inside the King Hussein Mosque in the capital, Amman, before addressing local Muslim leaders. He began the day with a visit to Mount Nebo, where the Bible says Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Analysts say the Pope is keen to mend relations with the Islamic

Aide resigns over NY plane scare

2009-05-09T10:27:00.002+03:00

A senior White House aide has quit over his role in a presidential plane's low-level fly-past that caused panic among New York office workers. The White House said President Barack Obama had accepted the resignation of military office director Louis Caldera. The photo opportunity fly-past prompted the evacuation of a number of offices. Correspondents say it revived memories of the September 2001

Ovi today

2009-05-09T09:58:00.002+03:00

A Europe in question by Thanos KalamidasOnly weeks before the European Elections, when European citizens elect their representatives into the common parliament, Europe celebrates Europe Day. This is a day that reminds all Europeans of the fundamental principles of the European Union...European elections: the no-debate by Newropeans-MagazineCitizens are called to join discussion forums, debates,

NATO to begin Georgia exercises

2009-05-06T08:30:00.001+03:00

NATO is to start a series of military exercises in Georgia, a day after the government thwarted an attempt by its own soldiers to stage a mutiny. Soldiers from 18 countries are taking part in the drills at a Georgian army base close to the capital, Tbilisi. But Russia has said the exercises amount to a provocation. They come just nine months after Russia's short war with Georgia and are taking

Ovi magazine, today

2009-05-06T08:15:00.003+03:00

"Boyfriend..." by Pamela Hunt"The poet sees things as they look. Is this having a faculty the less? or a sense the more?" - Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles HareWheels on the bike go round and round 3: Training by Mike JennettPeople who live in Florida have no idea what hills are. Tired and sweaty, after 43 miles of what locals amusingly call the Florida Alps, it became obvious just how

Ovi today

2009-05-05T08:45:00.002+03:00

The British Museum: Just do it by Asa ButcherIn the very first issue of Ovi magazine I wrote a letter to Thanos in our now-defunct 2Dear ..." column asking about the situation regarding the Parthenon Marbles, commonly referred to as the Elgin Marbles. Greece from abroad by Thanos KalamidasSome thoughts of a Greek living in Finland on the occasion of the Greek President, Karolos Papoulias', visit

Father opposes Madonna adoption

2009-05-03T11:55:00.002+03:00

The man believed to be the father of the Malawian child who pop star Madonna wants to adopt has said that he opposes the move.James Kambewa told a US TV station that he would be able to look after four year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James, even though he had never met her.He said that he wanted the little girl to be raised "as a Malawian".The trash musician, material girl finds the real world!!!

Farmer may have given swine flu to pigs

2009-05-03T11:50:00.001+03:00

The farmer "may have exposed swine on the farm to an influenza virus," said Dr. Brian Evans of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. "We have determined that the virus H1N1, found in these pigs, is the virus which is being tracked in the human population," he added.

The Ovi magazine today!

2009-05-03T11:28:00.002+03:00

Iran in a state department's deja vu by Thanos KalamidasWas what I read in the news a deja vu, or is it just me? According to a US State Department report, Iran remains the most active state sponsor of terrorism in the world.You Are History: Chapter 10 by Alexander MikhaylovPelagea and Cumulus were sitting in Mama Pro's drawing room. Both lovers kept gloomy silence. Cumulus felt that he must say

Iran's dictators execute dignity ones more

2009-05-02T22:39:00.001+03:00

Human rights groups have protested against the execution on Friday of a young Iranian woman for a murder committed when she was 17 years old. Amnesty International said it was outraged by Delara Darabi's hanging and that she did not get a fair trial. The head of Iran's judiciary had recently granted a two-month stay of execution but her lawyer says this was disregarded by the prison authorities.

China moves to curb swine virus spread

2009-05-02T11:18:00.002+03:00

China says it will quarantine all those who travelled on a flight from Mexico with a man suffering from swine flu, in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. The 25-year-old man flew to Hong Kong via Shanghai on Thursday, and was admitted to hospital. Beijing said it would put his fellow passengers under week-long observation. It also suspended flights from Mexico. The move came as South Korea

Ovi today

2009-05-02T11:10:00.002+03:00

Flu of misinformation and hypocrisy by Thanos KalamidasConspiracy theories are not my thing and I have to admit that I always laughed at most of them. After all, turning to conspiracy theories means that you are having problems accepting logic, ignoring how crazy any theory might sound. Back in the eighties...Caption This! May 2009 by The Ovi TeamIt is simple. Look at this photo of a piglet and

St. Petersburg days in Helsinki

2009-04-14T11:20:00.002+03:00

EU-MAN’s Permanent Gallery - St. Petersburg days in HelsinkiThe European Union Migrant Artists Network (EU-MAN) cordially invites you to attend the grand opening of the permanent EU-MAN Gallery in Helsinki’s Cable Factory on Tuesday April 14th. Since the launch of EU-MAN in January 1997 there have been countless exhibitions in many countries displaying a huge variety of artworks created by the

Zimbabwe cabinet nominee is freed

2009-03-12T14:14:00.002+02:00

Zimbabwe authorities have freed MDC official Roy Bennett from custody, a day after the country's Supreme Court ordered his release on bail. Mr. Bennett said Zimbabwe was a country "where the rule of law means nothing". A nominee to become deputy agriculture minister in the country's fledgling power-sharing government, he was arrested on 13 February. He was charged with plotting terrorism,

Protest in Pakistan

2009-03-12T12:16:00.002+02:00

Police in the Pakistani city of Karachi have used sticks to beat up protesters outside the high court, as lawyers began an anti-government protest march. Organisers intend the four-day march to culminate in a sit-in at the parliament in the capital, Islamabad, on Monday. The demonstrators want President Asif Ali Zardari to fulfil a pledge to reinstate all judges sacked under former President

The Ovi magazine today

2009-03-12T11:59:00.002+02:00

A German lullaby by Thanos KalamidasAnd it did happen again and this time in Germany, with more victims - fifteen, the news say, including the boy that held the gun. The question remains, who put this gun in his hand and who triggered it!The Chai Wallah Oscar by Asa ButcherThe Ovi readers that eagerly followed my live update on Oscar Night may wonder why it has taken me so long to present my

Tibet, hell on Earth!

2009-03-10T12:48:00.001+02:00

The Dalai Lama has launched a fierce attack on Chinese rule in his Tibetan homeland, describing its people's lives as "hell on Earth". Five decades of Chinese rule had caused "untold suffering", Tibet's exiled spiritual leader said, accusing Beijing of creating a climate of fear. He also repeated his demand for Tibet's "legitimate and meaningful autonomy".The same time a Chinese high official

The Ovi magazine today

2009-03-10T12:33:00.002+02:00

The Link between Prostitution and Sex Trafficking by Marko KananenTrafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation is one of the most outrageous human rights violations of today. It is the third most lucrative activity of organized crime, following trafficking of arms and drugs. The Art of Guanxi, Part III: Relationships in So Many Words by Valerie SartorGuanxi vocabulary contains both

Pirate Bay and a charge change

2009-02-17T19:26:00.002+02:00

Half of the charges leveled at the founders of the Pirate Bay file-sharing site have been dropped. Swedish prosecutors dropped charges relating to "assisting copyright infringement" leaving the lesser charges of "assisting making available copyright material" on trial day two. Pirate Bay co-founder Frederik Neik said it showed prosecutors had misunderstood the technology. The music industry

Explosives missing in Gaza

2009-02-17T19:19:00.001+02:00

A large stockpile of unexploded weapons has disappeared in Gaza, before United Nations experts were able to dispose of it safely. The explosives, including aircraft bombs and white phosphorus shells, were fired by the Israeli military during its recent offensive in the Gaza Strip. UN officials said they were urgently trying to establish where the arms had gone and have called for their return.

The Ovi magazine today!

2009-02-17T18:54:00.003+02:00

Pillorying dignity by Thanos KalamidasA boy who still spends most of his time going to school and a girl still playing with dolls were sexually active; so active so the girl was taking the pill and because she forgot to take it a few days she became pregnant. Cimino's career peak by Asa ButcherIf a film starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep was released today expectations

US to include Afghans in review

2009-02-15T13:28:00.001+02:00

Afghanistan will send a team to the US to take part in a major policy review of the region, Afghan President Hamid Karzai has announced. In a joint news conference with the new US envoy in the region, Richard Holbrooke, Mr. Karzai said he was "very thankful" to be involved in the talks.In recent weeks US officials have been critical of Mr. Karzai's leadership. US President Barack Obama, who

The Ovi magazine today!

2009-02-15T13:08:00.001+02:00

Ms Tantalus by Gush ShalomTantalus is punished by the Gods for reasons that are not entirely clear. He is hungry and thirsty, but the water in which he stands recedes when he bends down to drink from it and the fruit above his head continually evades his hand. The Eye of the Storm by Leah SellersThough you find yourSelf assaulted by the powerful gales of the Storm. A Storm energized by people's

13-year-old dad sparks outrage

2009-02-14T14:40:00.002+02:00

Alfie Patten, who was only 12 when the baby was conceived with his girlfriend Chantelle Steadman, 15, was pictured on the front of Friday's tabloid Sun newspaper with his daughter, Maisie Roxanne, after her birth Monday. He told the newspaper that he thought "it would be good to have a baby." "I didn't think about how we would afford it. I don't really get pocket money. My dad sometimes gives me

Euro Parliament robber

2009-02-14T14:21:00.002+02:00

Belgian police are hunting for a man who stole about 60,000 Euros (£54,000) from a bank in the European Parliament, after brandishing a pistol at staff.It was not yet known if the pistol was real or fake, parliament spokesman Jaume Duch Guillot said. The man demanded money at an ING bank branch on Thursday after evading checks by the parliament's security personnel. The robbery lasted only a few

The Ovi magazine today

2009-02-14T13:36:00.003+02:00

The Article Nobody Wants To Read by Alexandra PereiraI know that I can be crucified for this article. But I don't really care. It is my opinion, I have been thinking like that (and about that) for a long time.10 Helsinginkatu: Chapter 9 by Thanos KalamidasAs I said, I very rarely hear my mobile and it was pure luck that I heard the sound and I felt the vibration this time, modern mobiles, along

Zimbabwe's oath ceremony

2009-02-13T21:43:00.005+02:00

The title should be ‘how Africa’s caricature Hitler parodies democracy! The swearing-in of Zimbabwe's new power-sharing cabinet has been marred by the arrest of one minister and a dispute over several others.Roy Bennett, the MDC's choice to become deputy agriculture minister, was reportedly seized near a Harare airport just before the ceremony. Several extra Zanu-PF ministers of state then turned

The Ovi magazine today

2009-02-13T17:52:00.002+02:00

When Tsvangirai was hired as an alibi by Thanos KalamidasI suppose many were waiting for the celebrations following the hiring of Morgan Tsvangirai as the new prime minister of Zimbabwe...Harry Potter & Six Pack Joe by Alexander MikhaylovHere's a free (unabridged) version of the Harry Potter movie (Philosopher's Stone), as described by 'Six Pack Joe' to his neighbour."Those Eyes" by Hunter

Far-right Dutch MP refused entry to UK

2009-02-12T18:45:00.001+02:00

Immigration officials prevent Geert Wilders leaving Heathrow airport to attend showing of his film about 'fascist' Qur'an at House of Lords. Geert Wilders, the rightwing Dutch politician accused of Islamophobia, was today refused entry to the UK after arriving at Heathrow airport in London.Wilders was due to show his 17-minute film Fitna, which criticizes the Qur'an as a "fascist book", at the

Ovi magazine, on this day in history

2009-02-12T18:29:00.001+02:00

The Great Northern War (1700-1721) was a war in which the so-called Northern Alliance composed of Russia, Denmark-Norway, Poland-Lithuania and Saxony engaged Sweden to challenge them for the supremacy in the Baltic Sea.The war ended with a defeat for Sweden in 1721, leaving Russia as the new major power in the Baltic Sea and a new important player in European politics.The war began as a

Satellites collide

2009-02-12T17:34:00.001+02:00

US and Russian communications satellites have collided in space in what is thought to be the biggest incident of its kind to date. The US commercial Iridium spacecraft hit a defunct Russian satellite at an altitude of about 800km (500 miles) over Siberia on Tuesday, NASA said. The risk to the International Space Station and a shuttle launch planned for later this month is said to be low. The

Pakistan admits terror attack link

2009-02-12T17:27:00.001+02:00

A senior Pakistani official has admitted for the first time that last year's attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai were partly planned in Pakistan.Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik said that a number of suspects from the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group had been held and may be prosecuted. India's foreign ministry described it as a "positive development". Tensions were high after Delhi

The Ovi magazine today!

2009-02-12T17:00:00.003+02:00

Darwinian Lincolnism by Leah SellersOn February 12, 1809, American Abraham Lincoln and Englishman Charles Darwin took their first Breaths of Life. Who could have guessed that those two wriggling, bare bottomed babies would eventually have such impact upon the World? Red Hand Day by Thanos KalamidasOnce more it is up to me to write about Red Hand Day and remind you about the invisible kids behind

The Ovi magazine today!

2009-02-11T23:17:00.003+02:00

Coping in the Cape by Fiona ZerbstRozena Maart, winner of the Journey Prize for emerging authors, offers five intriguing short stories in her debut collection Rosa's District 6.BDM: Towards a Democratic Burma Without Rohingyas? by Rohingya Human RightsThe issue of the Burmese citizenship of Rohingyas and their ethnic status in their ancestral land Arakan has come up as one of the most talked

Ovi magazine, on this day in history

2009-02-10T12:42:00.002+02:00

The St Scholastica Day riot of February 10, 1355, is one of the most notorious events in the history of Oxford.Following a dispute about beer in the Swindlestock Tavern (now the site of the Abbey Bank on Carfax) between townspeople and two students of the University of Oxford, the insults that were exchanged grew into armed clashes between locals and students over the next two days which left 63

Israel in general election

2009-02-10T12:32:00.002+02:00

Voting is taking place in Israel in an early election called by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who is stepping down. The favourite to become prime minister is Binyamin Netanyahu, leader of the right-wing opposition party, Likud.But his opinion-poll lead has been reduced in recent weeks by Tzipi Livni, who heads the centrist Kadima, the largest party in the government. Mr Olmert announced months ago

Iran feels ready for dialogue with US

2009-02-10T12:04:00.001+02:00

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said he would welcome talks with the US as long as they were based on "mutual respect". Speaking on the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Iran, he said Iran would welcome change from the US as long as it was "fundamental".He said: "The Iranian nation is ready to hold talks... in a fair atmosphere." The two nations cut ties in 1979 after the

The fire-hit Australia

2009-02-10T11:51:00.001+02:00

Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has vowed his country would rally after the worst bushfires in its history. Mr Rudd told MPs that areas devastated by bushfires would be rebuilt "brick by brick" and "school by school". The death toll so far is 173, but it is expected to rise significantly as the operation to recover bodies continues.Knowing or better suspecting that arsonists are behind this

The Ovi magazine today

2009-02-10T11:31:00.004+02:00

Mass murder in Australia by Thanos KalamidasThe pictures of dead nature, humans and life from Australia that are circulating around the world this moment are horrifying and there are no words to describe the catastrophe on so many levels.Almost like Backstreet Boys Live by Edna NelsonThe best thing about Helsinki City Theater's "Spring Awakening" was the first song done by the male cast. Most

Israel warns escalation

2009-01-10T18:43:00.003+02:00

Israel has dropped leaflets on the Gaza Strip warning residents that it is to escalate its military action.There is speculation the leaflets may mean Israel will adopt new tactics in its battle with Palestinian militants. So how much worst things can be? How many more kids need to die before they understand that what they are doing is provoke more bloodsed in the Middle East and now the game has

G8 and the financial reform

2008-10-15T21:58:00.002+03:00

The leaders of the G8 major industrialised nations have agreed to hold a summit with other states to discuss global financial reform. They have also agreed to reopen world trade negotiations that collapsed earlier this year. The move follows a call by UK PM Gordon Brown, ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, to rebuild the IMF to help regulate the world's financial systems. Meanwhile shares fell

7 Years Since 9/11

2008-09-11T17:53:00.013+03:00

It was 7 years ago that we watched live the apocalypse toppling over NYC. Of course, the images that struck and shocked one the most were the ones of anonymous bodies publicly jumping from a burning hell made of steel, concrete and horrifying flames into death, from the 80th, 90th or 105th floors of the Twin Towers.But 2001 marked also the start of the Bush Jr. Era early that year, with the

Blaming USA

2008-08-28T20:46:00.001+03:00

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has

Ovi today

2008-08-28T20:30:00.002+03:00

American National Security in the Age of

Madonna kicks off world tour

2008-08-24T13:21:00.001+03:00

Madonna has begun her latest world tour in Cardiff, unveiling a stage show that involved 250 crew, £1m of jewellery, 16 dancers and eight costume changes.And now my question does it include any …music? I doubt!!!

More money because of …Georgia!!!

2008-08-24T13:13:00.001+03:00

The Finnish Defense Minister Jyri Häkämies called for more military spending as a response to the Georgian crisis. He said the Defense Forces budget should be raised by 50 million Euros a year. Former opposition leader Eero Heinäluoma of the SDP said increasing material expenditures is no solution to the Georgian crisis. He said the money would be better spent on health and eldercare. Why? Is he

Beijing Olympic finale

2008-08-24T12:58:00.001+03:00

The Beijing Games draw to a close on Sunday after what many have described as one of the best Olympics ever held. China, having beaten the United States to top the medals table, will hand the Olympic flag to the 2012 hosts London at a closing ceremony from 1300 BST. Kenya's Sammy Wanjiru won the men's marathon on the final day. Let’s see how long it will take till we find out what really

Ovi today

2008-08-24T12:39:00.001+03:00

Filling the gap by Thanos KalamidasAnd his name is... Joe Biden and it was like hell for all of us who don't live in the States, not very familiar with the name and the background to find out who Biden, Mr. Joe Biden is. Just Four Years to Go by Clint WayneAs the immensely encapsulating Beijing Olympics draw to a close there is a real sense of anticipation and feelgood factor presently sweeping

Zimbabwe inflation rockets to 11,250,000%

2008-08-19T17:16:00.001+03:00

The rate of inflation in Zimbabwe jumped to just over 11,250,000% in June, official figures show. "It gained 9,035,045.5 percentage points from the May rate of 2,233,713.4%," said state media quoting the Central Statistical Office (CSO). However, experts believe the actual rate of inflation may be much higher. Zimbabwe is in the midst of a dire economic crisis with unemployment at almost 80%,

How to turn the cold war into …the cool war!!!

2008-08-19T17:04:00.001+03:00

NATO foreign ministers have said there will be "no business as usual" with Russia, as they urged Moscow to pull its troops out of Georgia immediately. The declaration followed emergency talks in Brussels about the conflict with Georgia over its breakaway region of South Ossetia. Some Russian troops have been seen leaving the Georgian town of Gori. But Georgia's interior ministry dismissed the

Ovi today

2008-08-19T16:27:00.001+03:00

Musharraf's end game by Thanos KalamidasThe first one has gone and it was about time. Pakistan's dictator Pervez Musharraf resigned under the pressure of facing charges. Obviously he proved to have a bit of brain and just like Pinochet a few years ago he chose to leave power graciously. The Anger, the Longing, the Hope by Gush ShalomOne of the wisest pronouncements I have heard in my life was

Ovi today

2008-08-05T20:14:00.002+03:00

Tanzanian hopes, human sacrifices by Thanos KalamidasMagic has found its way again in Tanzania. Despite the state’s laws people are killing albinos once again. The Train They Call the City Of New Orleans by Christopher WilkinsonNew Orleans is sinking. I’m thinking about my country — America — its people and its pride. I do believe in the principles my country stands for. 2nd Opinion #56 by Thanos

Mugabe’s …democracy

2008-07-01T19:34:00.002+03:00

“One of them grabbed my arm and flung me to the ground... They dragged me by my hair to where my husband was lying and they trussed us up with ropes lying on the gravel." That’s how Mugabe’s supporters understand democracy!!!

Go hang

2008-07-01T16:20:00.001+03:00

A spokesman for Zimbabwean dictator and caricature Hitler, Robert Mugabe has rejected Western criticism of the country's disputed presidential run-off election. At an African Union summit in Egypt, George Charamba said the West had no basis to speak about the situation - and can "go hang a thousand times". Zanu-PF's Robert Mugabe said he had won the vote, boycotted by the opposition. Little

Ovi today

2008-07-01T16:15:00.001+03:00

George Russell: The Song of the Greater Life by Rene WadlowGeorge Russell (1867-1935) helped create agricultural cooperatives in Ireland after Independence as part of a larger aim of spiritual awakening to a greater life. And that was June 2008... by The Ovi TeamWhat have we learnt during the month of June? Well, Spain is the best European football team, Robert Mugabe is crazier than ever, Obama

Robert Mugabe subdued in victory

2008-06-30T09:38:00.001+03:00

Ovi today

2008-06-30T09:13:00.001+03:00

The Politics of Philosophy within Neo-Conservatism in the US by Emanuel L. PaparellaTo understand the mind-set of neo-conservatism in America, one needs to examine the origins of the classical, rationalistic, esoteric philosophy of the school of Leo Strauss at Chicago University. Mugabe: Africa's serial killer by Thanos KalamidasSupporters of Robert Mugabe show their power by beating people in

Pakistan Taleban execute spies

2008-06-27T20:32:00.001+03:00

Militants in Pakistan have carried out what officials have called a "public execution" of two Afghans before thousands of cheering supporters. The pair was alleged to have helped an American missile strike that killed 14 people in a border village last month. Correspondents say that the brazen nature of the killings - one man was decapitated and another shot - show the Taliban’s growing power.

Clinton and Obama rally in Unity

2008-06-27T20:27:00.002+03:00

Hillary Clinton is to join Barack Obama at a rally - their first public event since she pulled out of the race to be the Democratic presidential candidate. The rally in Unity, New Hampshire, is seen as an opportunity for party supporters to come together after the divisive primary battle. The event follows a joint dinner in Washington where Mr. Obama offered help to clear Mrs. Clinton's campaign

Mugabe votes …Mugabe

2008-06-27T10:26:00.002+03:00

Voting is reported to have got off to a slow start in Zimbabwe's run-off presidential election in which Robert Mugabe is the only candidate. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the contest because of violence against his supporters. He told them that if they had to vote to protect themselves from attacks to do so, but described the day as "a shameful humiliation" for the country.

Ovi today

2008-06-27T10:12:00.001+03:00

Voices and legality by Thanos KalamidasThe Iranian government condemned the new EU sanctions against Teheran over the uranium enrichment program as illegal and this raises the question what is legal and what illegal. Nice Beavers! by Clint WayneAs a self-confessed 'Wildlife Freak', it was with great interest that I watched this week's BBC News report detailing the formation of a Beaver dam and

Enjoying Life in Another Way

2008-06-26T10:47:00.003+03:00

Life can be very busy if you let it be so, but once you make yourself relax, and sit down at a small round wooden table in a cosy coffee shop located in the city centre where you can still find your own inner peace, watching the steam rising up from the cup, enjoying the strong coffee smell mixed with chocolate and sweets, while the air is so clean and warm inside that you can feel the notes

Mandela, Mugabe is a failure

2008-06-26T10:25:00.001+03:00

Former South African leader Nelson Mandela has added his voice to the growing international condemnation of the political violence in Zimbabwe. In his first public comments about the crisis, he noted "the tragic failure of leadership" of President Robert Mugabe. Southern African leaders earlier called for Friday's run-off presidential vote to be postponed because conditions did not permit a

Ovi today

2008-06-26T10:13:00.001+03:00

Torturing Aristotle by Thanos KalamidasToday is International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Thanos asks whether there is any way to identify the meaning of the word 'torture'. Impasse by Luis AlvesOs últimos eventos políticos vêm confirmar que o processo de regionalização português não deve estar excessivamente dependente do sistema político-partidário, sob o risco de ser eternamente

Mugabe’s real face

2008-06-25T20:24:00.001+03:00

A Harare journalist says he has seen militiamen loyal to President Robert Mugabe chopping off people's hands and breaking their fingers to prevent them from voting in Friday's runoff. His story speaks to a larger violence that has wracked the African nation since April. The 23-year-old woman in Harare, Zimbabwe, said she could talk, but only briefly. It was 3:30 p.m. there and she had to be home

Burma blocks emergency telecoms

2008-06-25T20:17:00.001+03:00

Two teams of foreign aid workers dedicated to delivering emergency telecoms in disaster areas have been forced to leave cyclone-hit Burma. The members of Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) left the country after attempts to reach affected areas were blocked. The charity, which described the situation as "unprecedented", said it had no other choice but to leave. TSF finally reached Burma on 1 June

Obama helps Clinton with debt

2008-06-25T12:02:00.001+03:00

Sen. Barack Obama has asked top contributors to help his former rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton, retire her debt, an Obama campaign source said Tuesday. Obama did not direct members of his National Finance Committee to contribute to Clinton's campaign, the source said, but asked them to do so if they were so inclined. Clinton suspended her campaign and

Berlusconi bill

2008-06-25T11:33:00.001+03:00

Italy's Senate has passed legislation which opponents of PM Silvio Berlusconi say is designed to help him in his legal battles with the nation's courts. The bill would freeze some long-running trials for a year, including one involving Mr. Berlusconi in Milan. And the government is set to introduce another bill that will give top public figures immunity from prosecution. Mr. Berlusconi has

Toxic fears for Senegal recyclers

2008-06-25T11:26:00.003+03:00

Senegal urgently needs to decontaminate areas in and by the capital, Dakar, where hundreds of people have been exposed to lead poisoning, the UN says. The warning followed a World Health Organization investigation into the deaths of a number of children in an area where lead batteries are recycled. It found very high concentrations of the toxic metal both outside and inside homes in Thiaroye

US to ignore Zimbabwe poll result

2008-06-25T11:20:00.001+03:00

The US will not recognize the outcome of Friday's presidential election run-off in Zimbabwe, a senior state department official has said. Robert Mugabe could not claim a legitimate victory amid the current campaign of violence against the opposition. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has withdrawn from the poll, but Mugabe says the vote will go ahead. Southern African leaders are to meet to

Ovi today

2008-06-25T11:15:00.001+03:00

American Politics, Terrorism and Islam: Part 5 by Dr. Habib SiddiquiSoon after capturing power in 1917 the Bolshevik party started behaving as a mafia-like organization where, according to Russian historian Yuri Felshtinsky, "almost no one died by a natural cause." Scandals and Media ...in Greek by Dimitra KarantzeniDimitra's thoughts on the latest events and scandals and how the Greek media

Taliban’s drug holy business

2008-06-24T14:06:00.002+03:00

The Taliban made an estimated $100m in 2007 from Afghan farmers growing poppy for the opium trade, the United Nations says. Antonio Maria Costa, head of the UN's Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said the money was raised by a 10% tax on farmers in Taleban-controlled areas. The UN estimates last year's poppy harvest was worth $1bn. Mr. Costa said the Taleban made even more money from other

Ovi today

2008-06-24T13:44:00.002+03:00

Mugabe must go by Thanos KalamidasZimbabwe's opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai announced that his party is pulling out from the elections stating that this election will not be fair and free, yet he automatically hands victory to Mugabe! Dhaka, Bangladesh: Don't sit here or you could be beaten by Linda LaneI stopped a fight between 15 men at 3am in Dhaka Airport, over one man wanting to sit

Tsvangirai Seeks Refuge in Dutch Embassy

2008-06-23T20:21:00.006+03:00

Zimbabwe's opposition presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai was taking refuge at the Dutch Embassy in Harare this Monday. Tsvangirai had affirmed on Sunday that a "free and fair election was impossible". Dutch authorities in the Netherlands announced that Tsvangirai had been asked by members of his own party, the MDC, if the Dutch Embassy could provide him with protection and security for now.

Bishops in gay parade

2008-06-23T09:17:00.001+03:00

Conservative Anglican leaders have opened talks in Jerusalem on the future of the Church with criticism of its leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishops of Nigeria and Uganda attacked his failure to discipline the US Episcopal Church for consecrating an openly gay bishop in 2003. The 300 bishops are meeting to discuss the future of the worldwide Anglican Communion, amid fears of a

Criticism mounts on Zimbabwe

2008-06-23T09:13:00.000+03:00

International criticism is mounting on Zimbabwe after opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of a presidential run-off because of pre-poll violence. Zambia's leader Levy Mwanawasa, who heads a regional bloc, said a vote held in current conditions would be an "embarrassment" to the region. The US urged UN action over President Robert Mugabe's "illegitimate" regime. Zimbabwe's ruling

Ovi today!

2008-06-23T09:08:00.002+03:00

Tony Judt on the West's Misremembering of its History by Emanuel L. PaparellaTony Judt, as the consummate engaged historian that he is, has recently written another book on the lessons of history. It is a collection of brilliant essays meant as a reprimand to the liberals who "acquiesced in President Bush's catastrophic foreign iBite by Thanos KalamidasiBite is a snappy selection of news from

Ferry hit by typhoon

2008-06-22T12:14:00.001+03:00

Fears are growing for more than 700 people on board a ferry which has capsized in the central Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. The ship has been out of radio contact for more than 24 hours and gale force winds are hampering rescue efforts. Officials on a nearby island have reported three survivors. They also said four bodies had been recovered. The Red Cross estimates some 155

FYROM’s murderer

2008-06-22T12:08:00.001+03:00

Police in FYROM have arrested a journalist on suspicion that he is behind three murders he reported on. The journalist, Vlado Taneski, is accused of raping, torturing and killing three elderly women in the south-western town of Kicevo. FYROM police began to suspect him after he included details in his reports that they had not made public. Other men have reportedly already been convicted of