Gay Rights Movement Around the World
Erin
02 May, 2013 10:18
In mid-April, France passed legislation to become the 14th country to legalize gay marriage. This is another sure sign that the movement is gaining momentum, but the march of progress is frustratingly slow. For every country that has recognized important rights for same-sex couples, there are areas of the world that do not acknowledge these rights with conditions that are outright dangerous.
France's Bill 344 was introduced to the National Assembly on November 17th, 2012, it was passed on February 12th, 2013 in a 329-229 vote, and on April 23rd, 2013 the law was approved by the National Assembly in a 331-225 vote. At this time, the Constitutional Council has one month to rule on whether the law conforms to the Constitution. The same-sex marriage bill that also permits gay couples to adopt children must be signed by President Francois Hollande and published in the Official Journal before the new legislation is instated.
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Expat Fear: the Situation in Korea
Erin
17 April, 2013 15:53
Since mid-February, the rumblings of danger from Democratic People's
Republic of Korea have grown from the usual wariness to all-out panic by
some media sources.
The panic is not all that surprising considering North Korea's own statements and ultimatum. Via the state media service Korean Central News Agency,
"The world is in a festive mood on the auspicious Day of
the Sun. It is only the south Korean puppet forces who hurled a group
of anti-communist gangsters into a rally against the DPRK in the heart
of Seoul in broad daylight at which they set fire to the portraits, the
symbols of its supreme dignity."
Not exactly comforting words for it's southern neighbor and public
enemy. No "final peaceful settlement" has ever been fully achieved
between the two sides and these kind of statements paired with the
ramping up of their missile systems are right to raise alarm. However,
it is still thoroughly unclear what exactly should be done about the
latest threats.
(More)
International Women's Day & Women's Rights
Erin
06 March, 2013 16:50
International Women's Day is a celebration and recognition of women's
economic, political and social achievements. Falling on March 8th, the
day actually began as a Socialist political event in the United States of America
on February 28th, 1909. In August 1910, an International Women's
Conference preceding the general meeting of the Socialist Second
International in Copenhagen expanded interest in "International Woman's
Day" (IWD). The next year, on March 18th, 1911 IWD was celebrated by
over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
In 1975, the United Nations began to sponsor International Women's Day.
The date was eventually finalized as March 8th to remember the 1857
strike by garment workers in New York which led to the formation of the
first women's union in the United States.
(More)
The Traveling Expat - Top Countries for Travel in 2013
Erin
13 November, 2012 14:28
As 2012 winds down, some people look forward to holiday cheer, while
other people are simply on the hunt for where to go next. The fall
season is actually a great time to plan your travel for 2013. Lonely
Planet's list of Best in Travel 2013 offers travel tips for the coming year. Read up, get excited, and let's travel. (More)
Expat Impact on the United States Presidential Election
Erin
05 November, 2012 11:51
The fate of the 2012 United States Presidency will be decided on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. It will be the 57th quadrennial presidential election and its effects will be felt by its citizens, citizens abroad, and the world at large. It is believed that incumbent president Barrack Obama is ahead in the polls, but nothing is certain until after the election when one of the candidates admits defeat. (More)
Recovery after Hurricane Sandy
Erin
01 November, 2012 10:41
Hurricane Sandy provided scenes of devastation and awe all along the east coast of North America. The massive storm, also referred to as Superstorm Sandy and Frankenstorm, is the largest Atlantic hurricane on record with winds spanning 1,100 miles (1,800 km). Power outages now stand at more than 5.6 million homes and businesses (down from a peak of 8.5 million). Early calculations put the damages at a minimum of $20 to $25 billion. This would place it as one of the top five most destructive hurricanes on record. The storm killed at least 74 people in the United States. (More)
The Strange New Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
Erin
13 October, 2012 16:41
The Nobel Peace Prize is an illustrious achievement, awarded annually to those who have "done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses". It is one of the five Nobel Prizes (Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or Medicine, and Literature) bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel. Per Alfred Nobel's will, the recipient is selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a 5-member committee appointed by the Parliament of Norway. Due to its political nature, the Nobel Peace Prize is often controversial.
Such is the case with this years winner: The European Union. The choice seems to be a universal surprise, much like US President Obama's 2009 unexpected win. (More)
2012 Summer Olympics Recap
Erin
13 August, 2012 16:07
After all the glamour, pageantry, and competition of the 2012 London Olympic Games have come to a close. We've covered
but what are the final results? (More)
Who to Watch in the 2012 Olympics
Erin
26 July, 2012 09:29
Doesn't it feel like the Olympics have been approaching forever? You can stop waiting - they are finally here! The Opening Ceremonies kick off the competition event on July 27th. Over 200 countries have qualified at least one athlete and pride is running high for each nation.
This can be an odd situation for an expat. If you root for the home team, which place is home? Where you're from, or where you live? For serial expats, this may be an even more complex challenge. Or should you cheer on the best, the longshot, or the big personality? So...Who should you watch? Here are a few unique athletes to watch for in the Games. (More)
Emiratis v. Foreigners in UAE Malls
Erin
06 July, 2012 18:30
The United Arab Emirates is home to many foreign workers. It is to the point that only about ten percent of the 8 million people who live there Emirati citizens. Western expats, Asian, African and Middle Eastern guest workers all reside, work, and live in the country. While this has helped to make it one of the world's wealthiest nations, there are culture clashes. The latest culprit in the rising summer heat has been skimpy clothing.
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