Embrace Diversity

14 years Dominik Szymanski driven to suicide by bullies

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 12:18:00 +0000

14 years old Dominik Szymanski (from Poland) hung himself after experiencing severe bullying at school. In his farewell letter to his mother, he apologised for the action he was about to take and also named the bullies. According to the letter, classmates were calling him ‘Faggot’ and throwing stones at him. Constant hatred from peers became unbearable and consequently, mother found his body hung on the shoelaces..

Unfortunately Dominik is not an exception.. Inability of educational system to tackle homophobia at schools often results in these terrible cases. Similarly, Polish Minister of Education, who in fact showed up at the protest today, did not even express her sorrow and started outlining irrelevant statistics how efficient the Ministry of Education is in Poland.

Campaign Against Homophobia - KPH has organised a protest in front of the Ministry today:

Anti Putin Protest in Vienna

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 16:40:00 +0000

ღარიბაშვილის ოქროს შუალედი: ანუ სომხეთის გზა

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 13:07:00 +0000

ირაკლი ღარიბაშვილის BBC-თვის მიცემული ინტერვიუ სავსებით ლოგიკურად ბოლო დღეების მთავარი განსახილველი თემა გახდა. ბევრი მოსაზრება იქნა გამოთქმული თუ რა საფრთხეებს შეიცავდა მისი ზედმეტად მოზომილი და ‘რუსეთს არ ვაწყენინოთ’ ტიპის ინტერვიუ. ამიტომ ამას აღარ შევეხები. თუმცა მის ინტერვიუში ერთი ფრაზა იყო ჩემთვის განსაკუთრებით საინტერესო, რომელიც რუსეთთან ურთიერთობის ე.წ. ოქროს შუალედს შეეხებოდა. საქართველოს პრემიერ მინისტრის განცხადებით საქართველოს მთავრობამ შეძლო და მიაგნო იმ ჯერ არნახულ/არგაგონილ ოქროს შუალედს, რომლის არსიც ევროატლანტიკური სტრუქტურებისკენ სწრაფვასა და პარალელურად რუსეთთან კონსტრუქციული ურთიიერთობის შენარჩუნებაში მდგომარეობს.

არ ვიცი რა კონკრეტული საფუძველი აქვს პრემიერის განცხადებას, მაგრამ ღარიბაშვილის სიტყვებმა თავის დროზე ბიძინა ივანიშვილის მიერ სომხეთზე გაკეთებული განცხადება გამახსენა. ივანიშვილმა სომხეთში ვიზიტისას ჩვენი მეზობელი სახელმწიფო სამაგალითოდ გამოაცხადა რუსეთთან და დასავლეთთანაც წარმატებული ბალანსის პოლიტიკის გამო. „ჩვენ ბევრჯერ გვითქვამს ჩვენი პრიორიტეტების შესახებ – ეს არის ევროპა, ევრო–ატლანტიკული ალიანსი. ჩვენ განუხრელად ვივლით ამ მიმართულებით, მაგრამ პარალელურად წარმოიშვება კითხვა – შესაძლოა თუ არა შევათავსოთ ურთიერთობების აღდგენა და მეგობრული ურთიერთობების დამყარება რუსეთთან და ამასთან ერთად კარგი ურთიერთობა გვქონდეს ნატოსთან, ვისწრაფვოდეთ ნატოსკენ და კარგი ურთიერთობები გვქონდეს ამერიკასთან და ნატოს წევრ ქვეყნებთან? მე ვფიქრობ, რომ სომხეთი კარგი მაგალითია და სომხეთი კარგ მაგალითს წარმოადგენს ქართველებისთვის, რაც მხოლოდ თეთრი შურით გვშურს“ - განაცხადა ბიძინა ივანიშვილმა 2013 წლის იანვარში სომხეთში ვიზიტის დროს. მოკლედ, ის რისიც ბიძინა ივანიშვილს თავისი პრემიერობის პირველ თვეებში ასე შეშურდა, წარმატებით განავრცო ირაკლი ღარიბაშვილმა. თუმცა, 2013 წლის იანვრის შემდეგ ბევრი რამ შეიცვალა და დღეს არსებული მოცემულობით სომხეთი სამაგალითოდ ვეღარ გამოდგება.

ერევანი, საქართველოს და მოლდოვას მსგავსად სამი წლის განმავლობაში მუშაობდა ასოცირების ხელშეკრულებაზე, თუმცა მას შემდეგ რაც კრემლმა აღმოსავლეთ პარტნიორობა გეოპოლიტიკური ბრძოლის საგნად აქცია, ზუსტად ერთი (!) დღე დასჭირდა რუსეთს, რომ სომხეთის ‘მისაბაძი’ საგარეო პოლიტიკა თავისი სურვილისამებრ განესაზღვრა. ასე და ამგვარად, სომხეთი ასოცირების ხელშეკრულების ხელმომწერთა სიას პირველი გამოეთიშა და საგარეო პოლიტიკური ბალანსიც ჩრდილოეთისკენ გადაიხარა. არაფერს ვამბობ ნატო-ზე, სადაც სომხეთს არასოდეს ჰქონია განსაკუთრებული ამბიციები.

მოკლედ, სომხეთის ეს უკვე მოძველებული ისტორია იმიტომ გავიხსენე, რომ შეგახსენოთ პატონო პრემიერო თუ რა პერსპექტივა აქვს ბალანსის პოლიტიკას რუსეთთან. საუბარი არ არის იმაზე, რომ პუტინი ‘ლილიპუტინად’ მოიხსენიოთ საერთაშორისო ასპარეზზე, მაგრამ წარსული გამოცდილებიდან და ქვეყნის სამომავლო ინტერესებიდან გამომდინარე სასიცოცხლოდ მნიშვნელოვანია ყველა ტრიბუნის გამოყენება, რომ მოსალოდნელი საფრთხის შემთხვევაში მარტო არ დავრჩეთ.

სერიალი, რომელიც ყველამ უნდა ნახოს

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 20:54:00 +0000

ვერ წარმოვიდგენდი, თუ ოდესმე ფილმზე ან სატელევიზიო შოუზე მომინდებოდა რამის დაწერა. მეგობრებთან საუბარი როგორც წესი საკმარისია ამ საკითხზე აზრების გასაცვლელად. თუმცა, იმის გათვალისწინებით, რომ საქართველოში ერთი ადამიანიც არ ვიცი ჩემს ირგვლივ ვისთანაც ამ კონკრეტულ სატელევიზიო შოუზე ვისაუბრებდი, გადავწყვიტე მივიწყებული ბლოგი გამოვიყენო.

‘Borgen’-ის ყურება ერთი თვეა დავიწყე. მახსოვს ამ სერიალს შარშან ყველა ჩემი სკანდინავიელი (და არა მარტო) მეგობარი უყურებდა. რიგი მიზეზების გამო აქამდე ვერ მოვაბი თავი, რომ მეც დამეწყო. მოკლედ ბევრი რომ არ გავაგრძელო, ბევრი წვალების და შესაბამისი ბმულების ძებნის შემდეგ როგორც იტყვიან ‘ჩავუჯექი’.

დანიური სატელევიზიო შოუ, რომელმაც ქვეყნის პოლიტიკურ ცხოვრებაზე გავლენა მოახდინა იმ პროდუქციის კატეგორიას მიეკუთვნება, რომელიც სასურველია რაც შეიძლება ფართო აუდიტორიამ იხილოს. პოლიტიკური დრამა, რომელიც დანიის პირველი ქალი პრემიერ მინისტრის ცხოვრებასა და მოღვაწეობას აღწერს, შეიძლება ითქვას რომ ყველაფერზეა ერთდროულად. როგორი უნდა იყოს პოლიტიკოსი და ამ კონკრეტულ შემთხვევაში ქალი პოლიტიკოსი. როგორ უნდა მუშაობდეს მედია და როგორია პოლიტიკოსის პირადი ცხოვრება მინისტრის პორტფელის მიღმა. მოკლედ ყველაფერთან ერთად ‘ჟიზნენი’ სერიალიცაა, რომელმაც, როგორც ჩემი მეგობრები ამბობენ დანიური საზოგადოება ქალი პოლიტიკური ლიდერისთვის შეამზადა. შეგახსენებთ, რომ დანიას დღეს პირველი ქალი პრემიერ მინისტრი ჰყავს. ჰელე ტორნინგ-შმიდტი სოციალ-დემოკრატების ლიდერია და 2011 წლიდან უდგას სათავეში დანიის სამეფოს მინისტრთა კაბინეტს. სხვათაშორის ჰელე სწორედ ის ქალია, ვინც რამდენიმე დღის წინ ობამასთან გადაღებული ‘selfie’-თ უფრო დაიმახსოვრა მსოფლიომ J.

მოკლედ ისევ სერიალს რომ დავუბრუნდე, უნდა აღვნიშნო, რომ სპეც-ეფექტებით და განსაკუთრებული ხარისხით ვერ გაგაკვირვებთ. ამ ჟანრის მოყვარულთათვის House of Cards შესაძლოა ბევრად უფრო მარტივი საყურებელი იყოს. ბოლო-ბოლო HoC ინგლისურ ენაზეა და დანიურის მოსმენა და სუბტიტრებზე თვალების ‘დათხრა’ არ დაგჭირდებათ. მაგრამ მეორე სეზონის დასრულების შემდეგ თამამათ შემიძლია ვთქვა, რომ ამადაც ღირს.

Borgen-ი არის ყველაზე საინტერესო და ‘educative’ სატელევიზიო შოუ, რაც ოდესმე მინახავს. ეს არის ქრესტომათიული სერიალი პოლიტიკოსების, ქალი საჯარო მოხელეების, ფემინისტების და უბრალოდ პოლიტიკით დაინტერესებულთათვის. ვინც უყურებს House of Cards და Newsroom-ს, ბორგენი აღნიშნული სერიალების ერთგვარი ნაზავია და წესით უნდა დაგაინტერესოთ.

თუ ზემოთქმული საკმარისად დამაჯერებლად მოგეჩვენათ მიყევით ბმულს და ისიამოვნეთ :) http://watchseries.lt/serie/borgen

პ.ს.

სამწუხაროა რომ ქართულ ტელესივრცეში მსგავსი პროდუქციით თითქმის არ ინტერესდებიან. სამაგიეროდ ‘ტელევიზიონშიკები’ წარმატებით ახერხებენ ლათინო-ამერიკული და ახლა უკვე თურქული მდარე პროდუქციით ჯეო მოსახლეობის ცნობიერების ‘ამაღლებას’.

Beat Homophobia!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 17:30:00 +0000

Jonatas Baptista

You think two boys can freely hold hands in the centre of Brussels, the capital of the second country in the world that made same-sex marriage legal? You are WRONG.

It is in the main square of Brussels that you get insulted for holding each others’ hands by two straight men walking freely, holding their girlfriends' hands, and get beaten by them until your face is bleeding. It is not even midnight yet, plenty of people are walking around.

It is in this very same square that the police, 20 meters away from you, doesn't notice anything that is happening and when you run for their help in despair, they tell you that they would punch you in the face too unless you calm down. They do not offer any help, even if they see the blood dripping from your face onto your clothes, the broken glasses… Instead of offering to take you to the hospital, or try and look for the aggressors that ran away barely a minute ago, they just tell you that you should hold your nerves and go get a certificate from the hospital by yourself, because that is “the procedure”. You are made to feel as if you were a criminal yourself, not a victim of a hideous crime. The policemen refuse to show any identification and hide their names when kindly asked to do so.

It is in this very same Brussels, that you get shouted insults at in Arabic, while walking in the streets with your bleeding face. And when you dare answer to these insults, you get called a “yahudi”, a Jew.

The conclusion? Even in the most advanced and liberal countries, you will find people who still live in the Middle Ages and for whom “gay" and “Jew" are the worst insults. And even in the most democratic states, supposedly amongst the most respectful of human rights, you can expect the police to behave as it would in these very same countries where “gay" and “jew" are insults. Call it irony.

Jonatas Baptista

EP Resolution on Eastern Partnership Countries & Russia

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 09:26:00 +0000

Kremlin's attempt to 'convince' Eastern Partnership countries about joining the Eurasian Union project has played a catalyst role for the EU to become more active with the EaP countries. Decision of Armenian government to join the Eurasian and Customs Unions, statement of Georgian Prime Minister that he is "observing" the development of Eurasian Union also echoed the negative development in the region. In addition to that, Russia has already used its traditional punitive methods and put embargo on Moldovan wine. All these chain of events, have increased geopolitical rivalry between the EU and Russia.

A first clear signal from the EU, that Eastern Partnership is an important project for Brussels came from unofficial Vilnius ministerial and Riga Security conference, wherein Polish MFA Radek Sikorski reiterated support to EaP countries and implied on the chances to accelerate the process of signing Association Agreement and DCFTA before the next college of Commissioners take over their offices.

Yesterday, on 12th of September 2013, European Parliament has also voted in favour for the Resolution on the pressure exerted by Russia on Eastern Partnership countries.

The provisional resolution reads the following:

P7_TA-PROV (2013) 0383

Pressure exerted by Russia on Eastern Partnership countries (in the context of the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Vilnius in November 2013,

– having regard to the fact that Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia and Moldova have the prospect of signing or initialling, as the case may be, Association Agreements with the European Union; having regard in particular to the new, enriched character of association that is at stake, offering a broad and deep relationship with European partners, and therefore going well beyond merely economic benefits towards strong political and societal relations,

– recalling that the 1994 Budapest Memorandum concerning Ukrainian nuclear disarmament gives Ukraine guarantees against the use or threat of force and provides for support being given to the country should an attempt be made to place pressure on it by economic coercion,

– having regard to Rule 110(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas continuous engagement within the Eastern Partnership framework has offered partner countries a comprehensive agenda for pursuing reforms that benefit their citizens, while the Association Agreements and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements (DCFTAs) between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries are a commitment by the willing and able to strengthen and successfully pursue cooperation between the parties in many areas;

B. whereas the Russian pressure most recently faced by Eastern Partnership countries progressing on the road to Association Agreements, including targeted sanctions against Ukraine’s exports, an export ban on the Moldovan wine industry, additional obstacles impeding progress towards resolution of the Transnistrian conflict, and security-related threats with respect to Armenia, which are aimed at forcing the Eastern Partnership countries not to sign or initial the Association Agreements or DCFTAs but instead to join the Russian-led Customs Union, which Russia intends to transform into a Eurasian Union, has put them in a precarious position as a result of geopolitical constraints to which they should not be subject;

C. whereas the type of pressure exerted on Eastern Partnership countries, ranging from current economic and political aspects to the announcement of future economic restrictions, signals Russia’s intention to continue to consider the Eastern Partnership region as its sphere of exclusive influence and oppose the prospect of these countries’ closer integration with the EU via the Association Agreements, an approach which goes against the principles of national sovereignty, mutual trust and good neighbourly relations;

D. whereas Eastern Partnership countries have the full sovereign right and freedom to build relations, as equal partners, with partners of their choice, in line with the Helsinki Accords;

E. whereas, now more than ever, attention needs to be drawn to the alarming pressures in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood and on the Eastern Partnership project itself, which is being contested and questioned by Russia;

F. whereas an Association Agreement with the EU entails political and legal reforms conducive to strengthening the rule of law, reducing corruption and securing greater respect for human rights; whereas joining the Customs Union, on the contrary, does not involve any values‑based benchmarks or conditionalities, and therefore cannot be considered as an incentive to domestic reform;

G. whereas frozen conflicts are repeatedly being used to weaken or undermine the full sovereignty of Eastern Partnership countries in accordance with Russia’s geopolitical and economic interests;

1. Recalls that the principles of equality and respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty, non‑intervention in internal affairs, good cooperation among states and the fulfilment in good faith of obligations under international law, as agreed in the framework of the Helsinki Accords, are fundamentals governing international relations among independent states and, as such, should in no way be infringed upon;

2. Deplores the fact that as the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit approaches, different types of pressure are mounting on Eastern Partnership countries reaching the final phase of negotiating the signing or initialling of their Association Agreements; regards this pressure as unacceptable; believes, furthermore, that the progressive integration of partner countries with the EU is consistent with their pursuit of good neighbourly relations with Russia, and calls on Russia to refrain from taking any action which is in clear contradiction to the above‑mentioned Helsinki principles; calls on the Russian Federation to refrain from exerting more pressure on the Eastern partners and to respect fully their sovereign right to pursue their own political choices;

3. Strongly underlines the fact that the free choices of the Eastern Partnership countries, which do not have any negative impact whatsoever on trade with Russia, should not make them bear consequences such as trade measures, visa restrictions, worker mobility restrictions and interference in frozen conflicts; firmly rejects, moreover, the zero-sum game as a paradigm for EU and Russian relations with the Eastern Partnership countries;

4. Is convinced that further political and economic reform in these countries, based on EU values and standards, is ultimately in Russia’s own interest, as it would expand the zone of stability, prosperity and cooperation along its borders; recalls the EU’s standing invitation for Russia to contribute to this process via constructive engagement with the Eastern Partnership countries;

5. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to consider those developments beyond a purely trade dimension, which is merely a cover for blatant political pressure, and to take action in defence of the Union’s partners, sending a strong message of support for all Eastern Partnership countries in their European aspirations and choices;

6. Reaffirms its strong support for the initialling or signing of the Association Agreements at the Vilnius Summit with those Eastern Partnership countries which are ready and willing to do so, provided that the relevant requirements are met; believes that this will give renewed impetus to gradual integration and a substantial deepening of relations, thereby responding to those countries’ European aspirations; calls, in this context, on the Eastern Partnership countries to continue and step up their efforts to conclude their current work in the run-up to the Summit, and not to succumb to the pressure exerted upon them;

7. Stresses the need for the EU to fulfil its responsibility to engage and to defend in the spirit of solidarity those Eastern Partnership countries that have been exposed to Russia’s open, alarming and escalating pressures intended to deter them from entering into association with the EU, and asks the Commission and the Council to come forward with concrete, effective measures to support the partner countries;

8. Recalls that the Association Agreements and DCFTAs are aimed at boosting the competitiveness, economic output and performance of partner countries and of the EU, while at the same time respecting the Eastern Partnership countries’ economic cooperation with Russia in a way that is beneficial to all parties; points out that, as such, the Association Agreements and DCFTAs do not undermine the long-standing trade relations which Eastern Partnership countries maintain in the region; believes that, on the contrary, they should not be seen as incompatible with those trade relations, and that, without prejudice to the obligations stemming from the Association Agreements and DCFTAs, any trade disputes should be resolved in accordance with the rules and obligations laid down in the World Trade Organisation; affirms, furthermore, that the EU is ready to assist Eastern Partnership partners in their integration efforts by supporting the provisional application of the relevant sections of the Association Agreements or DCFTAs upon signature, unfreezing suspended loans and assistance programmes if the required conditions are met, pursuing visa facilitation measures and the prospect of visa-free travel;

9. Points out that European integration commands majority popular support in the countries awaiting the initialling or signing of Association Agreements; urges the Commission and the EEAS, nonetheless, to step up efforts to promote the visibility of the Eastern Partnership and its benefits among the general public in the partner countries as a way of consolidating the political consensus regarding their European choices; asks that in the short term a broad information and public awareness campaign be developed and launched in the relevant partner countries concerning the nature, benefits and requirements of the Association Agreements;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice‑President

of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the

Member States, the governments and parliaments of the Eastern Partnership countries and of the

Russian Federation, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for

Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Ivanishvili on Eurasian Union - Political Immaturity or Deliberate Statement?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 09:48:00 +0000

With the recent decision of Armenia to join Customs Union instead of getting a free trade deal with the EU, once again demonstrated how dangerous can Russia get in the EU's neighbourhood. Since it became clear that there is a high probability of 4 Eastern Partnership countries – Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Armenia to move closer to the EU, Kremlin intensified threats towards governments in Kiev and Chisinau. Method used to convince EaP countries about the ‘beauty’ of Customs Union and Eurasian Union are classic for Russia and it has been already applied to Georgia throughout last years. Putting embargo on Moldovan products, playing with the issue of Transnistrian conflict, manipulating with gas prices, offering financial benefits to Ukrainian government.. Quite strong leverage for Moscow to make foreign policy shift in respective governments, as they already did in Armenia.

In fact, Russia didn’t even need to threaten Yerevan, as Armenians simply do not have many options. Country is landlocked because of relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey and heavily dependent on Russian economy. As well as Nagorno-Karabakh issue is very important and Armenia needs Russia’s backing.. Hence, for Putin it was not hard to convince Armenian counterpart to abandon DCFTA at the moment when country has basically finalized the negotiations with the EU.

In this situation, when Russia is openly threatening Moldova and Ukraine, when they have already managed to induce Armenian president, Prime Minister of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili is apparently “studying” and “observing” how Eurasian Union is evolving. So that he might consider joining it later. In addition to that, he noted that Georgia has no position yet about this issue.

I don’t know how aware current PM is of Georgian Foreign Policy Strategy, but it is explicit in number of chapters of this document that European and Euro-Atlantic Integration is a key foreign policy goal of Georgia. And considering Customs and Eurasian Union as an alternative, is simply not compatible with even the declaratory foreign policy goals of this government.
Not to mention that idea of joining these institutions will be largely unpopular among the population of Georgia.

Let me also recall different researches conducted by the CRRC and EU Neighbourhood Barometer, which demonstrates that Georgians have highest trust towards the EU within EaP countries (I’d argue that higher than anywhere else). In comparison with the overall 43 % of positive attitude in the ENP East, 51 % of Georgian citizens have very positive attitude towards the EU. With 40 % neutral and only 11 % of negative attitude. Also based on the same research, most Georgians feel the European Union is an important partner of their country, and would like it to play an even greater role in Georgia, across a range of areas.

Based on the CRRC research, if there were a referendum on joining the EU tomorrow, four out of five Georgians would vote yes.” As well as, eighty percent of Georgians would vote to join the EU (79% in 2009), and 88% think Georgia should be a member of the EU, up from 81% in 2009.

I think these figures say a lot about the choice of people of Georgia and maybe Mr. Ivanishvili could have skimmed it once again before making another political mistake?! Hundreds years of historical lessons from Russia, should have been enough to learn that these kind of statements won’t serve for the interests of the Georgia. Country, which has been recently invaded by Russia and which doesn’t control up to 20 percent of its territories. Not to mention that after numerous endeavours to settle relations with Kremlin, metre by metre Russia still continues to shift border on Georgian side..

Under these circumstances, statement of Georgian PM was largely immature, if not betrayal of Georgia's security and foreign policy interests. I still hope that it was the case of political immaturity rather than a deliberate step..

Another awkward moment of the EU's Foreign Policy?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 16:07:00 +0000

New Europe (c)

Seems like an awkward moment of the EU's external relations is about to occur. As situation after the unconfirmed usage of chemical weapon in Syria caused a need of urgent reaction among certain western countries (namely USA, France and the UK), we are close to experience another mismatch and lack of coordination between the EU and its Member States. At the very same day, head of the EEAS Catherine Ashton talks about the continuation of political dialogue under Geneva negotiations, while at the same time François Hollande states that peace talks should resume and express his readiness to attack Syria.

While general situation regarding Syria is rather fishy, let's hope that traditional 'hawks' of the EU Member States will show more willingness at least to coordinate more in order to avoid another Arab Spring type of failure.. After 3 years of existence, argument about newly established department is not valid any more.

My Travel Guide to Georgia

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 21:52:00 +0000

Recently quite number of friends asked for some tips about Georgia. Where to go, what to see, etc.. so I decided to make a small guide, which turned out to be very helpful for me, as it saves a lot of time from responding separately to everyone. Hopefully it will be useful for people who are still in the process of planning. :)

How to get to Tbilisi:

Flights:

Wizzair is currently the cheapest option, flying from Warsaw, Katowice, Kiev and few other cities of Ukraine. Take into account that it flies to Kutaisi, the old capital of Georgia, which is 2 hrs drive from Tbilisi. It might be worth seeing actually, as the new parliament is placed there and also few important monuments of the country are in the same area.

Also if you intend to visit Batumi, the main seaside resort, Kutaisi is well placed to get in there also in around two hours.

www.wizzair.com

Pegasus is also very cheap and convenient due to the variety of destinations. It flies in Tbilisi via Istanbul and from most of the European cities you can get there easily.

www.flypgs.com

FlyGeorgia – is a new company just started direct flights from BXL to TBS. Prices are a bit more expensive than Pegasus, but still worth checking, especially if you want to avoid transit flights.

www.flygeorgia.com

AirBaltic – can also be a good option and sometimes they have good offers.

www.airbaltic.com

Accommodation:

As I haven’t really stayed in many of the hotels/hostels cannot be very helpful, but still have a look on the list.

Hotels: (AKA not particularly cheap)

Betsy’s Hotel is quite nice one and I think it mustn’t be expensive. It’s a bit on the hill, but nicely located still and view is great

http://www.betsyshotel.com

Villa Mtiebi – nicely located in the old town and hotel looks quite cute as well

http://www.hotelmtiebi.ge/gallery.htm

Hotel Kopala – I’ve stayed there and it’s nice. If you can afford I totally recommend. It has a bar on the top floor with fantastic view! It is walking distance from Old town and from main areas of sightseeing.

http://www.kopala.ge/

British House – nicely located as well, right in the center of the city. 3 mins walk from the main avenue.

http://www.british-house.ge/

That’s all I can say about hotels.. I didn’t include the main ones like Radisson Blue, Marriot, Courtyard Marriot and Sheraton Palace as those are the fanciest and most expensive ones as well. So I guess if you are willing to pay that much you don’t really need my advice J

Also for more info about hotels and anything basically you can visit the web page http://www.info-tbilisi.com/hotels/

Hostels:

I had a look on some hostels and all I can say is that most of them are naturally located in the city center. So you can have a look yourself

http://www.hostelworld.com/findabed.php/ChosenCity.Tbilisi/ChosenCountry.Georgia

Where to go?

Everything depends on the time you can spend in GE. In any situation even within 3-4 day you can see quite a lot as the country is not really big.

Tbilisi is the must see! Even though you might arrive in Kutaisi or Batumi, try to see the capital. It is the most lively and interesting place I assume.

Tbilisi

Mtskheta – is the first capital of Georgia, before 4^th century. Few important monuments are there that are part of the UNESCO heritage. It is 10 minutes drive from Tbilisi and you can see it in half a day basically.

You can take minibus from Metro Station Didube (announcements and signs in the metro are in English as well, as you won’t be able to read in Georgian J)

Within the trip, I totally recommend to stop at place called Salobie. It is traditional Georgian place wherein you can get delicious stuff for really cheap.

Gori – as you might know it’s a birthplace of Stalin so you might also be interested to visit. In fact you can combine Mtskheta and Gori in a day.

It is 1 hour drive and Mtskheta is on the way. Bus or a minibus is also leaving from Metro Didube.

Stalin’s museum is absolutely worth seeing, I have been there few times and it is really interesting. and apart from the museum you can see a fortress in Gori, which is a walking distance from the museum.

Kazbegi – I don’t know how much you are into mountains, but I’d absolutely recommend to visit Kazbegi and see Gergeti church there. It’s 2200 from sea level and a stunning place. Driving will take 2,5 hrs and on the way you will also see Ananuri water reservoir, which is also very nice.

Even if you are in Georgia for three days, include Kazbegi in the list of places to see. You can leave Tbilisi (From metro Didube again) early morning and be back by the evening.

Gergeti. Kazbegi

Vardzia and Rabati – If you are more than five days in GE, I recommend to go to south of the country. Vardzia is a cave city from 13^th century and it is worth seeing. On the way, you can also stop in Akhaltsikhe and see also visit Rabati fortress, which is newly renovated and you need probably 2 hours to see it.

In Vardzia you can stay in local hostel/guesthouse, which will cost you around 15-20 Euro (all inclusive)

Batumi – is the main summer resort and during summer it’s really nice. Especially in July, August and September. So take the train from Tbilisi (will take around 5 hrs) and go there if you have around week.

Also you can arrive there from Turkey, as it is close to the Turkish border. Several flights are also operating there, including Pegasus.

Svaneti – if you will have time and if you appreciate mountains, this is the place to go. You can find the highest populated village there, amazing mountains and experience local architecture and cuisine. Trip to Svaneti, requires proper planning. So in case you decide to go that far, drop me a line and I can help in planning.

Ushguli. Svaneti

Eastern part of Georgia is also very nice. This is the agriculture center of the country and Georgian wine mainly comes from Kakheti region.

There are several nice cities, especially Sighnagi and Telavi. Both are 2 hours away from Tbilisi. Both are interesting because of architecture and .

Tbilisi

As for the bars and places to go out I can have quite a list, but will suggest my favourites.

Café Galery – It is my favourite place to go out during the week end (mean Friday and Saturday. Sometimes Sunday can be nice as well.. depends on). It is the most lively place currently in the city.

During the day it’s normal bar and by the evening it turns into more like a club. especially on week ends. During Summer you can enjoy bottle of house wine (for like 4 Euro) and they have terrace as well. Once you enter during the day ask them to take you to the terrace, otherwise you might not find it yourself J

http://info-tbilisi.com/cafe-gallery/

Mtkvarze – This is an alternative place on the river side, same kind of situation as in Galery and same category of people. It’s a bit out of city center but Taxi will cost you like 2,5-3 Euros :D so in case you are up for late fun on week end, after 3 am. go there.

https://www.facebook.com/page.mtkvarze this is a facebook page and agladze str. 2, Tbilisi, GE.

Tbilisi

Bars: Few main areas in the city where you can go and experience different kind of things.

Perovskaia Street – It is close to Metro Rustaveli and Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of the city. It is like a neighbourhood wherein many bars are located. Cannot particularly recommend any of them, but bar Dublin, London and few others offer live music almost daily basis so you can just crawl around. For the sake of live music I recommend to go there once at least during the week. after 8-9 pm.
Tabidze Street: It is right next to Freedom Square, beginning of Rustaveli avenue and Old Town. You find the Old City Hall building and it’s on the right side of it. You can find few of my favourite places there were you can have nice meal and enjoy the ambiance. Go to ‘People’s’ (mainly for food), ‘Divani’ and ‘Downtown’ for Coffee.
Shardeni Street/Erekle Street – these two streets are mainly for tourists and posh local ppl J quite expensive for Tbilisi but average for normal European price. However you cannot avoid it. They have nice open air cafes. It is right in the old town and I personally go there a drink frequently in Summer. Places to consider ‘café Kala’, ‘KGB’. The rest you can discover J

Traditional Georgian Food:

If you can genuinely enjoy something in Georgia this is food and wine. Being completely objective here, variety of food is amazing :D

In the city center you can find Network of “Shemoikhede Genatsvale” (the one at Pushkini Street and on Leselidze as well. I think the new one has been opened also at Metro Rustaveli area.

Try ‘Saperavi’ – Georgian wine for sure. As for food, the absolute must is “Khinkali’ (5-6 per person). we mainly eat it with beer or vodka. ‘Khachapuri’ – there will be different varieties of Khachapuri according to the region, but try as many of the m as you can J. Also try ‘Badrijani nigvzit’ (eggplants with nuts), IDK if you eat meat but try “Mtsvadi” as well.

http://info-tbilisi.com/shemoikhedegenatsvale/, apart from this place you might find “Machakhela” network as well. it’s like a network as well all over city center.

Places worth visiting mainly because of the view:

Café Flowers: adr: 1, D. Megreli St (Avlabari Ascent) http://info-tbilisi.com/cafeflowers/

Sky bar: Adr: 22 Metekhi St. Tbilisi http://info-tbilisi.com/skyybar/

Also another bar, which is nearby the fortress Narikala and the ropeway is called '144 Footsteps'. Gorgeous place specially at night!

Certainly there are much more things to see and do, but cannot list all of it. But hopefully this post will be a good start to discover Georgia from the perspective of local.

Pleasant journey!

The reason to visit Iceland

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:11:00 +0000

Hard to recall any other concert I've attended before, when I felt the same emotions as on Sigur Ros live.. I gladly purchased ticket right after it was announced and was counting days for almost last three months, but the event completely exceeded my expectations.

There is no doubt that their music is beautiful, but sound, light and video installations created somewhat unnatural mystic atmosphere. Especially video art was fantastic.. but again this music is so special that live concert couldn't be otherwise.

There are certain priceless things and Sigur Ros live is definitely one those. If you hear that they visit your nearby city, do not miss this fantastic opportunity to get more acquainted with this absolutely fantastic music.

One Speech in Two Chapters

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:15:00 +0000

Who takes the Nobel Peace Prize and who will represent the European Union were the main questions after the decision of Nobel Committee has been announced. Different versions have been mentioned and suggested, and considering the overall criticism of the decision, I was looking forward to this moment.

I also expected that Herman Van Rompuy would present the EU in Oslo, but at the end we have seen all three leaders of the EU institutions - Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission and Martin Schulz representing the European Parliament. Moreover, leaders of 20 Member States (Shame that David Cameron didn't attend!) payed visit to Norway, which made this award ceremony even more interesting.

For certain Europsceptics, Kissinger question - 'whom to call in the European Union' might be relevant once again, but this ceremony has been a vivid demonstration of 'sui generis' nature of the Union. And non of the single EU institution would have been legitimate enough to solely represent the Union on that level. Thus, Oslo ceremony united the Commission, as a watchdog of European integration and supranational entity, European Parliament as the only democratically elected institution, representing citizens of the EU and European Council as intergovernmental part of the Union.

All three leaders took the prize together, which was already logical, but indeed the most interesting part was the speech divided into two parts. As presenter announced - "One speech in two chapters" delivered by Herman Van Rompuy and J.M. Barroso. Both stressed the role of the Union and especially Barroso underlined the importance of supranationalism and need for more Federal Union. Pride moment indeed and let it become the beginning of new narrative of the EU!

You can see speeches of Van Rompuy and J.M. Barroso in all EU languages: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-12-930_en.htm

How Nobel Prize reminded us about EU's major achievement

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:02:00 +0000

The European Union won the Nobel Peace Prize this morning. Quite a news in the meantime of probably the most difficult period of the EU's history. Certainly unexpected for many and that is why the news caused a 'blast' on social networks. Have read through number of sarcastic comments and posts on Twitter and Facebook and once again assured that people have very short memory.

The fact is that, peace as the major achievement of the European Union is already neglected and even forgotten. Hence, citizens of the EU take current European order as granted. Another discussion topic is how valuable Nobel Prize is especially after taking glance on the previous winners, but still, today's award reminded us about something relatively unappreciated - it has been six decades already since this unique project has been launched and which in my humble opinion brought peace and prosperity to the European continent.

Happy Nobel Prize EU! :)

Is there life after the Euro 2012?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 21:23:00 +0000

Is there life after the Euro 2012? Commonly asked question after thetournament. It has been extraordinary event and going to be hard to imagineKhreshatik and generally Kiev streets without fanzone, football fans andinternational environment. According to Ukrainian news sources, 8 millionpeople and 2 million vehicles crossed the border of Ukraine in June. It’s too early to count income and possible differencewith expenditure, but one thing that cannot be counted is the promotion andimage of Ukraine around Europe.

Despite the badpublicity in western media, also backed by the boycott of major Europeanleaders, Ukraine didn’t feel lack of international spectators. Certainly thenumber of visitors could be twice more, but the message will get across anyways.Ukraine has been exceptionally friendly and welcoming host. I had a feelingthat entire country was involved in the tournament in their small circles, bydoing little favour, smiling or helping guests from all over the world.

As regards tothe organisational issues, I personally had no high expectations about theevent. Ukraine and Poland are not Germany, or Austria-Switzerland (the previoushosts). Hence I was expecting shortcomings in organisational extent. But aftera month being part of the UEFA volunteer team, I should say that everythingwent smoothly and cannot recall a single incident from the whole tournament. Itwas indeed a great experience for Ukraine and post factum of the championship Imust say that giving a chance to Poland and Ukraine for hosting such a bigevent was undoubtedly good decision of UEFA. Infrastructure, generaldevelopment of the country, intercultural experience between different Europeanpeople is incomplete list of the benefits of such event.

Thanks toUkrainian tycoon Pinchuk, Kiev based fans had a privilege to enjoy free concertof Sir Elton John and Queen, with its new soloist Adam Lambert, who was a majordiscovery with his amazing voice and performing style. This concert has beenperfect edition of the Euro 2012.

Too many thingshappened in a month and hard to cover everything in one blog post, but takingglance to the June 2012, I can say that it has been the most amazing summer inmy life. Thank you Ukraine and thank you each and every individual who madethis month so memorable for me. There is indeed a life after Euro’12, slightlysad but full of positive emotions and wishes that once we’ll be back to thiscountry.

Kiev starts

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:44:00 +0000

Euro 2012 finally arrives in Kiev. Capital city of Ukraine starts with Ukraine-Sweden. Atmosphere is fantastic as well as weather. No tickets left and everything is ready for a proper football celebration.

Swedish fans are ready as well. You can see them everywhere in the streets of Kiev and its much fun (video illustration). As national colours of both countries are the same Kiev goes pretty yellow today.

Yeah and when Swedes drink, they can express themselves :D

How football takes over the continent

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 13:27:00 +0000

June 2012 is a football month. At least European continent will be watching and talking about football. Even people who are not much excited about the EURO’12 unwillingly witness exalted crowd dressed and coloured in different national t-shirts/colours. or might be facing annoying comments/posts through social networks and traditional media outlets. Anyways, this is something that cannot be easily avoided. :)

Warsaw. Poland

Many friends of mine in Warsaw are not necessarily happy about being part of it, some try to escape from the championship to different cities and those who stay complain about football hysteria in the country/host cities. In fact, once you enter the capital of Poland, you realize that football pretty much took over everything, TV, Radio, Internet, ads which are literally everywhere starting from transport to skyscrapers. in addition to the overly football atmosphere, both countries Poland and Ukraine had quite high expenditure on the tournament. Infrastructure has been modernized, new highways, airport terminals, trains, additional means of transportation, metro and other urban changes, which have been going on for quite a while already. This is obviously not a full list of things happening for this one particular event, but most importantly as EURO’12 is a football championship, eight different stadiums have been built. Some completely new, some have been reconstructed entirely.. yep both countries are not the top football nations in Europe, thus most of the things have been done almost from nothing.

Certainly nobody has an expectation that Euro’12 will be the best organised event in the history, but in terms of developing football and triggering number of changes in these countries is something that UEFA can be proud of. Those stadiums and infrastructure will not disappear as Euro’12 ends. It will pay off in the end, and both countries have an excellent opportunity to attract quite a number of tourists and promote their countries all over the world.

On this note, I have to express my scepticism about the Georgian bid for hosting European Championship in 2020. Witnessing how Poland and Ukraine are dealing with things, it will be extremely hard, not if impossible to host such a massive event. Not to mention financial aspect (obviously not funded by UEFA), there are so many things need to be considered.. also number of countries for the European Championship will increase for the next tournaments, which means that more stadiums are needed, more resources and despite the fact that I do think those kind of events have great influence on countries development, I highly doubt that even theoretically Georgia can handle such a big event. In any case looking forward to the panel decision for the Euro 2020.

'A recipe for national suicide'? 20th anniversary of the EU

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:27:00 +0000

Exactly twenty years ago, on 7th of February, in 1992 the leaders of Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Greece, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Britain gathered in a small Dutch city of Maastricht and by signing the treaty, they started building up what is now called the European Union.

As the result of ratification, Maastricht Treaty led to the creation of Euro and established the three pillars of the EU. Worth mentioning that once Margaret Tatcher called the treaty "A recipe for national suicide'. In fact, the past twenty years were the most successful in the EU's history and I'd further wish deeper integration, widening and less nationalistic interests within the Member States..

80 per cent of citizens of Georgia favour EU membership

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Caucasus Research Resources Center (CRRC) has recently published another research about the attitude of Georgian people towards the European Union. Actually the research is rather comprehensive itself, as it covers wide range of issues, but I will draw your attention to the results that regard to the EU in particular.

As the research shows, general perception of Georgian citizens towards the EU is positive and there is even slight growth in this aspect comparing to the results shown in 2009. 52% of citizens have positive perception of the EU, while negative is just 5 %.

On the question “I’m Georgian, therefore I’m European” 59 % of citizens responded with YES, which has grown with 5 % since 2009. This is very crucial aspect of the research as the matter of identity and belonging in Georgia is rather vague due to various important aspects.

The most important result of the research, which looks very promising to me is that, quite high number of Georgian citizens are ready to express their support through voting. On the question 'Would you vote for or against Georgia's membership of the EU', 80 % of citizens favoured EU membership, which is if not mistaken the highest number I recall throughout all Central and Eastern European countries. Worth underlining that only 3 % of citizens are against of the EU Membership.

The only alarming result is related to the question whether Georgia is a member of the EU. 15 % of citizens think that Georgia is already part of the European Union, which is in fact less than in other South Caucasus countries, but still leaves some unanswered questions about the EU awareness in the country.

Do Georgians really understand the EU to a level to realize what are they supporting? Indeed, they might be aware of certain benefits EU integration can bring, but it is not supplemented by the knowledge of the EU itself. Thus, we should not be surprised about the lack of knowledge among ordinary citizens. Especially in a situation when EU awareness campaign in Georgia (and same applies to all the ENP countries) is extremely ineffective. Despite the fact that government of Georgia still declares integration to the EU as one of the key policy priorities, and ironically enough, Georgia probably outnumbers any EU Member State in waving EU flags all over the country, unfortunately that doesn’t change much yet in respect of citizen's awareness about the EU.

ქართული ლგბტ აქტივიზმის პრობლემა

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:19:00 +0000

არ ვიცი რამდენად იმსახურებს ეს ადამიანი თუნდაც მასზე დახარჯულ რამდენიმე წუთს, მაგრამ თემის სენსიტიურობის და სამწუხარო რეალობის გათვალისწინებით, რომელიც მის სამსახურეობრივ პოზიციას უკავშირდება არ შემიძლია მორიგ ჯერზე უბრალოდ ინდიფერენტული დავრჩე მის გამოხტომებზე.

ამ პოსტის წამკითხველი ადამიანების დიდი ნაწილი ალბათ უკვე მიხვდა ვისზეც არის საუბარი.. რთულია გაიხსენო სხვა სოციალურად აქტიური ადამიანი, რომელიც მსგავსი არაადეკვატურობით და გაუწონასწორებელი საქციელით დაამახსოვრებს თავს საზოგადოებას, როგორც ამას უკვე მინიმუმ ერთი წელია აკეთებს ორგანიზაცია “იდენტობას” დირექტორი - ირაკლი ვაჭარაძე.

როგორც გარეშე პირს, რომელსაც უშუალო შეხება ნაკლებად ჰქონია აღნიშნული ორგანიზაციის შიდა სამზარეულოსთან, გამიჭირდება ზედმიწევნით კარგად აღვწერო ის ვითარება, რაც დღეს სუფევს იდენტობაში, სამაგიეროდ ვიცნობ ირაკლი ვაჭარაძესთან კონფლიქტში მყოფი ადამიანების საკმაოდ დიდ რაოდენობას, ვინც სხვადასხვა დროს მასთან ერთად საქმიანობდა ორგანიზაციაში. ჩემი სურვილის საწინააღმდეგოდ მასთან დაპირისპირებული ადამიანების სიას, უკვე რამდენიმე თვეა მეც შევუერთდი, ერთი საკმაოდ აბსურდული ვითარება საკმარისი გახდა იმისათვის, რომ თავზე დამტყდომოდა ირაკლი ვაჭარაძის ისტერია, ბრალდებები და მუქარა.

ეს იმ ყველაფრის ფონზე, როცა რეალურად ვცდილობდი ნაკლებად გამეზიარებიანა ჩემს გარემოცვაში ამ ადამიანზე მკაცრად ჩამოყალიბებული შეხედულებები და მეტ-ნაკლებად კოლეგიალურ მდგომარეობაში გამეგრძელებინა ურთიერთობა საერთო ინტერესებიდან გამომდინარე, რომელსაც ორივე ჩვენგანი სხვადასხვა ფორმით ვემსახურებით. თუმცა ესეც შეუძლებელი აღმოჩნდა..

უნდა ვაღიარო, რომ ჩემი მხრიდან ალბათ ‘ნაივური’ იყო იმის დაჯერება, რომ შეიძლებოდა საქმიანი ურთიერთობა მქონოდა ადამიანთან რომელმაც, ლგბტ ორგანიზაციაში მოღვაწეობის ერთწლიან პერიოდში მოასწრო და გადაიმტერა თემის წევრების საკმაოდ სოლიდური ნაწილი. ამას გარდა მოახერხა ისიც, რომ წარმატებით გაართვა თავი და ეჩხუბა სოციალურად აქტიურ და ლგბტ მეგობრულ ადამიანებს. ერთი ნინია კაკაბაძესთან დაკავშირებული ინციდენტიც საკმარისია იმის ასახსნელად თუ ვისზეა საუბარი.. (ამ შემთხვევაში მისი ნაძალადევი და არაგულწრფელი ბოდიში ნაკლებად ღირებულია). იმ პირობებში, როცა უაღრესად მნიშვნელოვანია ქართულ საზოგადოებაში ლგბტ პირებისადმი შემწყნარებლობის კონსტრუირება, ეს ადამიანი თავისი საქმიანობით აკეთებს სრულიად საპირისპიროს.

შესაბამისად ამ ადამიანის ქმედება იმთავითვე არაეფექტურს ხდის ორგანიზაცია იდენტობის საქმიანობასაც, რომელიც სწორედ ირაკლი ვაჭარაძის გამო მიუღებელია ლგბტ თემის საკმაოდ მასშტაბური ნაწილისთვის და ამას მოწმობს ისიც, რომ ორგანიზაცია ცალსხად განიცდის აქტიური და კვალიფიციური ლგბტ პირების ნაკლებობას. ამის გათვალისწინებით არგუმენტი იმის თაობაზე, რომ რესურსების ნაკლებობაა ცალსახად უსუსურია. იმ პირობებში, როცა ფართოდ არის ცნობილი ვაჭარაძის სამუშაო ეთიკის და მოსალოდნელი საფრთხეების შესახებ, ცხადია, რომ მცირე იქნება იმ ადამიანების რიცხვი, ვინც აღნიშნულ ორგანიზაციასთან რაიმე სახით აფილირებას მოახდენს.

უშუალოდ ორგანიზაციის შიდა სამზარეულოზე ჩემმა მსჯელობამ შეიძლება არაობიექტური ხასიათი მიიღოს, მაგრამ შოთა ხინჩაგაშვილის განცხადება, საკმარისია იმისთვის რომ წარმოდგენა შევიქმნათ რა რესურსებზეა იდენტობა დაფუძნებული და რა მიმართულებით ვითარდება. “როდესაც ორგანიზაციას არ აქვს სტრატეგიული განვითარების გეგმა და ორიენტირებულია მხოლოდ საგრანტო პროგრამებზე, როდესაც არ აქვს ჩატარებული არსებული რისკების ანალიზი, მინიმალურ ყურადრებას უთმობს თემის ახალი წევრების მოზიდვას და მათ გადაწყვეტილებების პროცესში ჩართვას და ამ ყველაფერზე უფრო მნიშვნელოვანია, მთელი რესურსი მხოლოდ ერთი პიროვნების მოჩვენებითი ისტერიკების დაშოშმინებას მოხმარდეს, მაშინ პატარ-პატარა კარგი და სასარგებლო საქმეები მხოლოდ აურიდებელი დისკრედიტაციის გადავადებაა, დაზარალებული თემი აღმოჩნდება.”

შოთას მიერ ჩამოთვლილ პუნქტებს დავუმატებდი ორგანიზაციის გამგეობის არაეფექტურობას, რომელიც იმთავითვე არ ასრულებს “ checking” -ის ფუნქციას და პოსტზე ამყოფებს ადამიანს, რომელიც რეალურ პრობლემას წარმოადგენს არა მხოლოდ ორგანიზაციისთვის, არამედ ქართული ლგბტ აქტივიზმისთვის. ამას ემატება ის საკითხიც, რომ გრძელვადიან პერსპექტივაში ორგანიზაციას არ აქვს საშუალება რეალურად განახორციელოს ცვლილებები. იმის გათვალისწინებით, რომ იდენტობა არ ახდენს ახალი ადამიანების მოზიდვას და შემოიფარგლება მხოლოდ ასოცირებული წევრებით. რასაც ლოგიკურად მივყავართ იმ დასკვნამდე, რომ ორგანიზაციის წესდებით გათვალისწინებულ ვადებში იდენტობას უბრალოდ ფიზიკურად არ ეყოლება (და არც ყოლია აქამდე) ნამდვილი წევრები, ვისაც ექნებათ ხმის და შესაბამისად გადაწყვეტილების მიღებაში პირდაპირი მონაწილეობის უფლება. ამ ყველაფრის ფონზე რთულია ისაუბრო ქართული ლგბტ აქტივიზმის პერსპექტივებზე, როცა ფინანსურად ყველაზე მძლავრი ორგანიზაცია, მასთან აფილირებული ადამიანის გამო სრულიად არამიმზიდველი და შესაბამისად არაეფექტურია თემის დანარჩენი წევრებისთვის.

დასარულს მინდა მივმართო აღნიშნულ ორგანიზაციაში დასაქმებულ თუ რაიმე სახით ჩართულ ადამიანებს, რომ კიდევ ერთხელ გადახედონ თავიანთ ღირებულებებს და დაფიქრდნენ რამდენად მოდის ეს თანხვედრაში ირაკლი ვაჭარაძის ფიგურასთან. ეს ის შემთხვევაა, როცა გაჩუმება და ამ ყველაფერთან არშეწინააღმდეგება ისეთივე ბოროტებაა, როგორიც ირაკლი ვაჭარაძის საქმიანობა ლგბტ ორგანიზაციაში.

უსაქმური გრანტიჭამიები და სოროსის ძუძუ

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:23:00 +0000

დილით სამსახურში მისულს, ოფისში მხიარული განწყობა დამხვდა. ინტერნიუს-საქართველოს მიერ განხორციელებულ მედია-მონიტორინგის შუალედურ შედეგებს, ყოველკვირეული გამოცემა ასავალ-დასავალი გამოეხმაურა. თან გამოეხმაურა ისე, როგორც ამას ველოდით. აღნიშნულ გამოცემაზე/სტატიაზე ღიმილის გარდა რთულია სხვა რეაქცია გქონდეს, თუმცა როცა იცი, რომ გაზეთი საქართველოში არსებული სტანდარტებით საკმაოდ მაღალი ტირაჟით იბეჭდება და შესაბამისად მოქალაქეთა დიდი ნაწილი კითხულობს სასაცილოდ ნამდვილად არ არის საქმე.

შეგახსენებთ, რომ მედია კვლევის შუალედური შედეგების თანახმად, ასავალ-დასავალი საქართველოში არსებულ ბეჭვდურ გამოცემებს შორის განსაკუთრებით გამოირჩევა სიძულვილის ენის ტირაჟირებით. ამიტომ სტატიის ავტორის პათოსი არ გამკვირვებია, და არც მის მიერ მორიგი ქსენოფობიურ-ჰომოფობიური განცხადებების მთელი კრებული წარმოადგენდა სიურპრიზს.

უბრალოდ აღნიშნულმა სტატიამ კიდევ ერთხელ დამარწმუნა, რომ ცალკეული მედია სახლების ჟურნალისტები კრიტიკას ნაკლებად ექვემდებარებიან. იმაზეც რთულია საუბარი თუ რა ცვლილებები შეიძლება მოახდინოს მსგავსი ტიპის კვლევამ, თუ ის ადამიანები ვისთვისაც პროექტია განკუთვნილი არათუ მიიღებენ კრიტიკას/გადახედავენ თავიანთ სარედაქციო პოლიტიკას, არამედ გაორმაგებული ძალით გააგრძელებენ უმცირესობების დისკრიმინაციას.

გთავაზობთ რამდენიმე ამონარიდს სტატიიდან " 11712 კვ.სმ"

„თუ ფიქრობ და ხმამაღლა ამბობ, რომ საქართველოში მამათმავლების აღლუმი არ უნდა ჩატარდეს და პომადიანმა და საყურეებიანმა პედერასტებმა რუსთაველის პროსპექტზე შიშველი მარში არ უნდა მოაწყონ, მაშინ სიძულვილის ენით მოლაპარაკე ჰომოფობი ყოფილხარ!“

"თუ ფიქრობ და ხმამაღლა ამბობ, რომ საქართველოს ხელისუფლება გვარგადაკეთებული და ეროვნებაუარყოფილი სომხებით არ უნდა იყოს სავსე, მაშინ სიძულვილის ენით მოლაპარაკე ქსენოფობი ხარ"

"რომ გაზომეთ, "ასავალ-დასავალმა" უმცირესობების შესახებ სტატიებს საგაზეთო ფართის 11712 კვ.სმ. დაუთმოო, იმით თუ დაინტერესებულხართ და შეწუხებულხართ, საქართველოს ფართობიდან დღეს რამდენი კვადრატული მეტრი დაკარგა და გაყიდა სააკაშვილის ხელისუფლებამ?"  "ოღონდ სოროსის ძუძუ არ გადმოგივარდეთ პირიდან და დანარჩენი ყველაფერი სახაზავზე გკიდიათ!"

Can we really laugh at Russia?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 11:56:00 +0000

Vladimir Putin has now officially expressed his readiness to take over presidency after incumbent Dmirty Medvedev will finish his term. Hot news of the day indeed, which finally unveiled the mis(t)ery of the future of the Russian Federation. As a consequence, speculations about who is gonna be elected, whether the rivalry exists between Russia's two nominal leaders and what is going to happen during the next elections is over. As well as the result of the forthcoming elections is known far in advanced. After today's announcement Russia can wisely save the possible election related expenditures and declare Putin directly as a president. Or simply change the constitution and grant Putin the right to preside till death.

Ironic but I already conceive Georgian TV channels broadcasting with sarcasm how undemocratic Russia is, while forgetting/ignoring the possibility of having similar situation for the next elections in Georgia. Hence, as a citizen of Georgia I do not yet have 'right' to laugh at ridiculous Russian politics, as we might face the same in near future. All I can do is to hope, that Mikheil Saakashvili, the current president of Georgia will be wise enough to make the first ever precedent (!), and the leader of the country will change in compliance of the constitution. Otherwise we can 'proudly' join the club of Russia and Central Asian countries and stay in the same swamp!

Eurovision is not about cheesy music only

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Old school vocal mixed on beatbox, original, melodic, catchy and different from other songs we usually listen on Eurovision.

Witloof Bay, truly Belgian vocal band (group members come both from Wallonia and Flanders, as well as Brussels), which won the right to represent Belgium with the song – “With Love Baby”. Haven’t listen other songs so far, but this one really deserves top places on the coming contest.

Listen, enjoy and vote for it!

pay attention that no instrument is used in the song and all the sounds are created by human voice.

How to learn from little Estonia or How to be late for 20 years

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:55:00 +0000

I'm a little obsessed with the Baltic States (Estonia in particular), but I'd like to share interesting article that has been published in The Moscow Times. Brief comparative analysis of economic development of the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation. Both countries, once part of the USSR show significant difference in terms of development, and small Nordic republic outperforms "Big Neighbour" in almost every important aspect of state development. Though, it is not a surprise, since Estonia is doing well enough even within the EU Member States. Hence, while contemplating the future of this country, goal of Andrus Ansip (Prime Minister of Estonia) to make Estonia within the five richest EU states by 2022, doesn't leave a room for irony.

Here is the piece of article published in The Moscow Times, for the full version of it please follow the link.

Of all the post-Communist countries, none has been more successful in its reforms than Estonia. Today, it is difficult to imagine that only 20 years ago, Estonia and Russia were republics in the same state. A comparison between the two shows what really matters for social and economic development.

The least remarkable difference lies in gross domestic product. Estonia’s GDP per capita is about 20 percent higher than Russia’s at current exchange rates. This difference was about the same when both states belonged to the Soviet Union. In these terms, both have been successful. Estonia’s strong growth performance shows how limited Russia’s advantage is from its vast oil revenues, even when the oil price is close to an all-time high. The predicted growth rates for the next few years are similar at about 4 percent a year, though Estonia is more likely to outperform than Russia.

The contrast between Estonia and Russia becomes all the more striking when we turn to qualitative indicators. In the recent survey of math skills of school pupils by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Estonia ended up in 17th place, far higher than the Western average, while Russia fell significantly below the average in 38th place. More obscure comparisons of health care point in the same direction. The Estonian public sector functions very well by the standards of the European Union, while Russia’s social sector is neither effective nor efficient.

The largest difference is corruption. Out of the 178 countries on the Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International, Estonia ranks 26, while Russia is No. 154. Estonia was perceived as somewhat more honest in Soviet days, but not much. This discrepancy has largely arisen after the end of the Soviet Union. Estonia has grown more honest, and Russia far more corrupt.

The direct cause of this huge chasm is the business environment. On the World Bank index for the ease of doing business, Estonia ranks steadily 17 out of 183 countries, while Russia is 123rd and falling. Estonia is simply a much more livable society. Estonia is a leader in e-government, while Russia’s red tape remains oppressive.

These few observations show two different things. On the one hand, the level of economic development as measured in GDP is usually rather inert and economic convergence with the West requires decades. In terms of purchasing-power parity, Estonia has reached about half of the GDP per capita of the original 15 members of the European Union.

At the same time, however, in most qualitative regards, Estonia ranks higher than the original EU members, showing that the functioning of the state and the public sector can change much faster than people usually think.

Corruption is often blamed on ingrained traditions and institutions of the Soviet Union or the Russian Empire, but both Estonia and Russia were part of those states. Arguments of religion and culture have proved wrong so often that we may ignore them.

The rising gap between Estonia and Russia shows how important government policy is and how fast corruption and the state can actually change. No government can get away with blaming history or tradition for its failure to control corruption.

Nor is it sufficient to be a market economy or maintain good fiscal policy. Before the global financial crisis, Russia and Estonia had similarly limited public expenditures as a share of GDP, and both enjoyed persistent fiscal surpluses and had virtually no public debts. Both countries have flat income taxes and generally low or moderate tax rates.

Apple iRack

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:01:00 +0000

Great irony and political humour about the War in Iraq/on Iraq/Operation Iraqi Freedom or whatever name we prefer to give this war.

From the USSR to Internet Voting

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:18:00 +0000

“Just voted with my mobile phone on Estonian elections. That is so awesome. Two minutes and I am done!” a tweet, posted by colleague of mine has become an inspiration for me to once again think of the country which is truly full of surprises. Yeah, the author of the tweet post quoted above, is a girl who is studying in the Netherlands and she has voted straight from Amsterdam through her mobile phone (!).

Sounds a bit unrealistic for most of the countries in the world, but Estonia can always "E'stonish" you by its achievements.

It is indeed amazing to follow the development of this country after the restoration of independence from the USSR back in 1991. Since then, tiny and beautiful republic has become one of the Baltic Tigers due to the economic boom started in the beginning of the 21^st century and logically ended up with the membership of the EU and NATO (Worth mentioning that EU/NATO membership has been the major Foreign Policy goal of the country). One of the major inventions of the ongoing century – Skype, has also been developed in Estonia and all these small high tech miracles logically led to the brand - "e-Stonia."

Estonia is completely covered with wireless Internet access and it is even possible to travel between cities by trains/busses and keep Wi-Fi Internet access. Above all, much of this access comes virtually free and users do not pay any access charges in most locations.

Because of its high tech population, actually Estonia is the first country in the world (!) wherein the voters casted their votes through internet back in 2005. Around two percent of registered voters participated online in elections across the country and the usage of this voting method is increasing steadily. I won’t go through the details with all the voting methods used in Estonia as you can find more information here, but it is all truly extraordinary for a country, which has spent 40 years in basically non election friendly atmosphere under Soviet Occupation and managed to transform in a way to outdo many western democracies in various fields.

Speaking of the ongoing parliamentary elections – you can follow the coverage of it via Twitter on ElectionsLive.

EU-Georgia Visa Facilitation Agreement

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:36:00 +0000

Finally the Council of the EU concluded the agreement on Visa facilitation with Georgia. The agreement goes together with the Readmission Agreements, which set out certain responsibilities to the EU Member States and third countries to mutually deal with the illegal residents within the EU territories.

The process was long and citizens of Georgia were probably impatient about the final agreement. Even though the category of citizens who are applicable for the Visa Facilitation, could anyways travel easily within the Schengen area, though lifting additional procedures and setting cheaper fees will be a good incentive for travelers to easily pack and go.

Both agreements will come into force in March 2011. But I'm still looking forward to the news...