Linking stream

Balkans

The Art Fag City site has a long and detailed history of all the weird sculptures appearing in the Balkans lately. Highly recomended! See also previous Belgraded articles on some weird Serbian monument tributes. (comment on Turbo-culture = Turbo-sculpture)

Bruce Sterling holds a lecture on user experience, branding and design using an example of Balkans. Great stuff. via @DanicaR (comment on User Experience in Balkans, Serbia and Belgrade)

One new blog to recommend: Belgrade Dispatch by Vanja Petrovic. Only three articles so far, all three excellent. Hope there will be more in the future. (comment on Belgrade Dispatch)

Swedish clothing department store H&M is to open on Monday, 22nd December at Kralja Milana street in Belgrade. Even though this brand sells relatively cheap clothes around the world, many doubt that this will be the case in Serbia, based on previous experiences of similar foreign department store branches in Serbia. (comment on H&M to open in Belgrade on Monday)

Medium Gallup ran a survey (PDF, Serbian) in 46 countries to find out if the citizens have optimistic or pessimistic expectations from the following year. We are among top ten pessimistic citizens in the world, in a list led by Hong Kong and Iceland. On the other hand, citizens of Kosovo are the first on the list of optimists, followed by China. (comment on Serbs are not optimists)

I call this post "Saturday afternoon meat" in reference to Pengovsky's great "Monday morning meat" series.
In the same fashion, this one is not safe for work either. In addition it's not for the weak of heart, nor for vegetarians. Especially not for vegetarians!
David shows us how the Balkan people are preparing food for winter, (and here when I say food, I mean pig) - be warned though, pictures are very graphic. I remember when I was a kid at a countryside hanging around a pigslaughter, I didn't mind all that blood and guts, in fact it was very interesting to look at. Now I don't know if it would be so charming to observe... but I do still love a good pig roast. (comment on Saturday Afternoon Meat)

My feedreader usually just pops up meaningless stuff about Belgrade, but this one might be interesting for all interested in the history of conflicts in former Yugoslavia - entitled For A Comprehensive Approach To The Problems of The West Balkans, by Branislav Gosovic. As if that first one wasn't thorough enough, here's the second part. (comment on The Problems of The West Balkans)

Macedonian and other Balkan vines finally discovered in the west... "Good morning, Columbus." Found it on Yahti (comment on Macedonian and other Balkan vines finally discovered in the west... "Good morning, Columbus." Found it on Yahti)

Our man in Tirana writes about the preparations for G.W. Bush visit. (comment on Our man in Tirana writes about the preparations for G.W. Bush visit.)

Very informative site and blog about Sarajevo. Check it out! (comment on Very informative site and blog about Sarajevo. Check it out!)

Another blog from the region, with frequent tips for travelers. Well worth subscribing to. (comment on Another blog from the region, with frequent tips for travelers. Well worth subscribing to.)

Bill Gates in Sarajevo (via Bosnia Blog) (comment on Bill Gates in Sarajevo (via Bosnia Blog))

Show business, ethnopolitics, and sometimes both at once: Illyrian Gazette. (comment on Show business, ethnopolitics, and sometimes both at once: Illyrian Gazette.)

There's a new blog in town: Impressions from Kosovo. So far it's got only one lengthy report, but check it out, it looks promising. (comment on There's a new blog in town: Impressions from Kosovo. So far it's got only one lengthy report, but check it out, it looks promising.)

Another good blog to keep track of: Luna returns from Belgrade to Kosovo and she's got some cool pictures to share with us. via GVO (comment on Another good blog to keep track of: Luna returns from Belgrade to Kosovo and she's got some cool pictures to share with us. via GVO)

A 22 year old bundle of contradictions blogs about Bosnia. (comment on A 22 year old bundle of contradictions blogs about Bosnia.)

Anthony is ready for his Balkan Break. (comment on Anthony is ready for his Balkan Break.)

Belgrade

One of Belgrade's off-landmarks, the fast-food stand Loki was forced to shut down it's operation two days ago. David Dowse posts a fitting farewell to this charming fast food joint. I must say that I can't really feel sorry for Loki's demise, because the owner could have prevented it if he really tried. Not to worry, I'm sure another Loki will eventually pop out somewhere soon. Until then, here's a 360 panorama to remind you how Loki looked like. (comment on Loki is no more)

Say you want to visit some place and you want to experience it like locals do. Who do you contact then? You contact the locals willing to show you how they live - and that is what Belgrade Alternative guide provides. They claim on their website that "the time you spend in Belgrade, you will spend living as a real Belgrader" - hopefully there will be an option like this for every major town in the world soon. (comment on Alternative Belgrade Guide)

Have you ever wondered about why there are so many towns called Belgrade in the USA? I'm sure you did. The same question was obviously on director Miodrag Kolaric's mind too, when he decided to visit all five Belgrades in the states. You can find out more about this interesting project if you listen to his interview which he gave to NPR if you go over here and hit that audio link. UPDATE: here's how the story unfolds at Boston.com. (comment on Finding Belgrades)

After Sunday Times enlisted Belgrade in it's top five world party cities couple of years ago, this time it's the Lonely Planet with their top ten world party cities, and this time, Belgrade takes the first place. This is maybe nice opportunity to discuss you favorite party places in the city, so feel free to suggest some in the comments or on twitter with the hashtag #belgradeparty. (comment on At the top of the "party cities" list)

The museum of Roma culture opened today in Belgrade in Ruzveltova street 41-43. And here you can find  previous posts on the blog concerning Roma people in Serbia. (comment on Roma museum in Belgrade)

First of all, here's the freshest Belgrade clubbing guide you can find right now (as of October 2009, via Vi är Serbiens hjärta blog). Venues change addresses, close down, open, re-open and what not. Here at Belgraded I also have difficulty tracking down and updating new and outdated clubs and venues, so until then, this should do perfectly.
Second of all, here's another fresh guide [pdf] to not only clubbing, but various things of interest in Belgrade - restaurants, tourist highlights etc. It's made by Designed, a Serbian community of young designers, so pay them a visit as well. (comment on Fresh Belgrade clubbing and living guides)

From 11th to 13th of September, Belgrade's Museum of African art will become an African village - with performances and exhibitions every day from 10-21h, including Zulu dancers, See more info at the official website. (comment on Africa in Belgrade)

Danica has decided to organize a tweetup in Belgrade on September 26/27th - it's a great idea, so if you want to join in, head on over to her invitation post for more information. (comment on Belgrade tweetup coming up)

There's a new blog in town, about the town. The town of Belgrade. Meet Retro(bel)grade blog. So far: several promising posts and a condensed history of Belgrade for you perverts out there who like that sort of thing. (comment on Retro(Bel)Grade)

From AlternativeChannel.tv:

A new short film produced by Bankwatch and Serbian partner CEKOR, "Bridging the Gap" brings together three perspectives on the resettlement of Roma communities living beneath the Gazela bridge in Belgrade.

Watch the short film at the Alternative Channel website. (comment on Bridging the gap: Roma resettlement in Belgrade)

Karl finds a cool video postcard from Belgrade made by a Lonely Planet contributor. (comment on Video postcard from Belgrade)

Lena Chen tells about how her first day in Belgrade went (she got drunk at the end of it). I'm also waiting for those pictures she promised. (comment on Lena Chen's 24h in Belgrade)

It's long overdue, but it's finally coming - Belgrade and other bigger Serbian cities will finally be included in Google Maps, helping people find what they need easier. At this point, you can only see the streets, but without names, hopefully that will also come soon. [via I to je Srbija blog] (comment on Google maps Belgrade and some other Serbian cities)

In order to get the best impression, it is first necessary to open the website of the Belgrade's Museum od Science and Technology and than see what the building and entrance actually look like today, anno 2009. (comment on Well Hidden: Museum of Science and Technology in Belgrade)

Tommy Marchant of Black Tomato made a short videocast guide through Belgrade - talking about Skadarlija, rivers, hidden stuff etc. Go see it on their site! (comment on Under the skin of Belgrade)

Wandering around Belgrade streets starving at four A.M. after a night of clubbing? White City magazin has some excellent recommendations where to eat good in wee hours. (comment on 24 hour junk food people)

Ana writes about the traditional Open Heart Street day in Belgrade and posts some photos from the event. (comment on Open Heart Street, Belgrade)

Start with the Republic square in Belgrade and work your way around the site. A phenomenal 360 degree panoramas of many world cities created by Aleksandar Janicijevic. (comment on Awesome interactive city squares site)

Sometimes it just seems like everything has a negative side to it - fun and true post from Dimitar Vuksanov at the interesting Serbia's subjective atlas site. Check out also handdrawn maps of Serbia and new flag suggestions for Serbia. (comment on 2 sides of Belgrade)

White City magazine is "Belgrade’s first English-language domestic urban magazine.  It is written entirely in English, entirely by local Serbian writers for a Serbian readership." Check it out - it looks good, the articles are very well written, hopefully it will survive in this tough competition. (comment on Say hello to some competition)

Warning: watching this video will most likely make you say something like "awww" or "cuuute". (comment on Two white lions born in Belgrade Zoo)

The article from the Age is about the eternal mistery - the Belgrade apartment market situation. This line sums it up pretty good:

"I have no idea how people who work for 400 euros a month manage to buy apartments for half a million euros" (comment on Apartments, Belgraders and mathematics)

Want to follow adventures of a young foreigner in Belgrade showing the city's gritty and sometimes not so pretty side? Than check out Radovan's blog, and grab the feed. (comment on Radovan Rocking out in Belgrade)

These couple of tips I gave to The Guardian readers are a good sneak preview of what's coming soon at Belgraded -a series of articles entitled "Hundred things to do in Belgrade" - if you want to share some of yours top secret Belgrade tips before the first round is published, now is the time to send them along in the comments below and I'll credit you when the article is published. (comment on Tips from The Guardian)

So says the Times Online, upon visiting Belgrade this year. Any reason not to trust them? I didn't think so. Read the article to find some good recommendations and tips. (comment on Europe's best nightlife)

"So I'm staring at my own city like a tourist and let me tell you - it feels wonderful." - a quote from Jana Osorlic's post on Belgrade from her Serbian-English blog you need to follow. See her flickr Belgrade daily set too. (found at MediaMix) (comment on Another day, another blog)

This is the kind of street art embedded in the street itself! Take a look at the pics taken by Skitaonica crew, another new blog you should really follow if you speak Serbian. Hell, follow it even if you don't! Signs say "I wonder I wonder, where does the Universe end?" "Relax and stutter", and my favorite "Ouch Ouch Girls!" (comment on Belgrade street art - literally!)

He must've done something wrong while he was being probed at their spaceship - Bosnian resident Radivoje Lajic claims that the aliens have something against him. (comment on The Meteorite Magnet Man)

Adam gives a detailed report from the today's antifascist rally, and asks:

"Do you believe the neo-Nazi rally should have been banned? Aren’t the anti-fascists just as extreme in their beliefs as the neo-Nazis? Is it OK to ban something just because the majority don’t hold the same view?" Join the discussion!
(comment on Report from today's protest)

Enjoy Belgrade with an experienced guide. (comment on Enjoy Belgrade with an experienced guide.)

Belgrade Car Show 2007 starts on 23rd of March at Belgrade fair and will last until 1st of April. You can see some photos here, made by Dinke. (comment on Belgrade Car Show 2007 starts on 23rd of March at Belgrade fair and will last until 1st of April. You can see some photos here, made by Dinke.)

Tourist Organization Belgrade (comment on Tourist Organization Belgrade)

Yankee in Belgrade - a compelling photo-a-day blog in browsers near you. (comment on Yankee in Belgrade - a compelling photo-a-day blog in browsers near you.)

Another site/blog that ends up in our blogroll: Zofona - lots of info on Belgrade and Serbia from a Dutch family. (comment on Another site/blog that ends up in our blogroll: Zofona - lots of info on Belgrade and Serbia from a Dutch family.)

Lucy aka Lucija blogs on various topics from Belgrade. (comment on Lucy aka Lucija blogs on various topics from Belgrade.)

Metro: Hip Belgrade deserves all the buzz. (comment on Metro: Hip Belgrade deserves all the buzz.)

Official Belgrade site (comment on Official Belgrade site)

The very best interactive Belgrade map there is - you can find it on Plan Plus website (previous version of the map is right here) (comment on The very best interactive Belgrade map there is - you can find it on Plan Plus website (previous version of the map is right here))

While we wait for the guys from In Your Pocket make a new guide through Belgrade, take a look at their good, but old Instant guide through Belgrade, saved here on Scribd. (comment on While we wait for the guys from In Your Pocket make a new guide through Belgrade, take a look at their good, but old Instant guide through Belgrade, saved here on Scribd.)

Eniac points me to a great Belgrade souvenir suggestion - Pobednička kecelja (comment on Eniac points me to a great Belgrade souvenir suggestion - Pobednička kecelja)

Carine a écrit un superbe guide, ne manquez pas d'y jetter un coup d'oeil: Trivago guide de Belgrade (comment on Carine a écrit un superbe guide, ne manquez pas d'y jetter un coup d'oeil: Trivago guide de Belgrade)

If you wish to experience the city of Belgrade through running and cycling, Hermes can offer advice and company. (comment on If you wish to experience the city of Belgrade through running and cycling, Hermes can offer advice and company.)

An interesting new hostel in Belgrade - boathouse ArkaBarka. Check it out! (comment on An interesting new hostel in Belgrade - boathouse ArkaBarka. Check it out!)

Belgrade fair hosts many exibitions and events throughout the year. (comment on Belgrade fair hosts many exibitions and events throughout the year.)

Besides Carine's superb guide to Belgrade in French that we mentioned earlier here, Owen points us to another fantastic French blog about Belgrade - Le Belgradois for all you French speaking crowd out there. (comment on Besides Carine's superb guide to Belgrade in French that we mentioned earlier here, Owen points us to another fantastic French blog about Belgrade - Le Belgradois for all you French speaking crowd out there.)

Useful internet guide to Belgrade and an accompanying book - "How to Conquer Belgrade". (comment on Useful internet guide to Belgrade and an accompanying book - "How to Conquer Belgrade".)

Fetish club party at an unknown club in Belgrade (NSFW). (comment on Fetish club party at an unknown club in Belgrade (NSFW).)

B/H/S Blogs

Teofil Pancic, columnist of "Vreme" and several other watchdog journalism medias, was attacked last night by two men in a bus to Zemun. He is recovering from injuries made by metal bars, his head and arm are injured but his life is not in danger. The list of suspects is long, since Pancic has been known for criticizing all sorts of nationalists, and religious fanatics, and Serbia is unfortunately full of both kinds of assholes. Read more reactions from Serbian bloggers on Global voices. Also, read more about this topic on google news or twitter.  (comment on Teofil Pancic attacked)

Ksenija Pajcin (32), Serbian turbo-pop singer and dancer and her boyfriend Filip Kapisoda (22), Montenegrin model have just been found dead in her apartment in Vozdovac, part of Belgrade. So far, there is a lot of speculation, but the theory that has been confirmed so far is that Pajcin was killed by Kapisoda who committed suicide afterwards. What is interesting about the case is that both of them were very young and that this could be the first such case of Serbian celebrities (albeit minor ones) who ended their lives in such a manner. Other rumors suggest drug overdose, as well as the possible double murder, because of Pajcin's rumored former affairs with people involved in drug trade in Serbia.

Subscribe to the site feed to get future updates on culture, society and politics from Belgrade and Serbia.  (comment on Ksenija Pajcin and Filip Kapisoda found dead)

The Economist features this brilliant article about the awkward situation ex-Yu former enemy countries are now in - forced to trade mostly with one another, because of the huge, 23 million people market. It's a good development, nevertheless, and it's awkward only for the nationalists anyway. And you know what they say about the nationalists. (comment on Yugoslavia is dead, long live Yugosphere)

It's August 11th 2009, exactly ten years since the total solar eclipse of the 1999, which partly went throught northern Serbia. Of course I went to observe it, like many young people did, but what's interesting is that the national TV, RTS advised the citizens against going out that day because of the possible damage to your eyes. Tijana also reminds us on this event through a couple of anecdotes. (comment on Total Solar Eclipse anniversary)

Pescanik website is back, after being hacked and forced to go offline for a week. More about Pescanik in this article by Srdja Popovic. (comment on Pescanik back on the web)

Ivan "Burek" Minic (comment on Ivan "Burek" Minic)

Latest Serbian blogosphere buzz: new video by BS - here, here, here, here, and here. And here. (comment on Latest Serbian blogosphere buzz: new video by BS - here, here, here, here, and here. And here.)

Check this out: Dejan Bizinger's interview with Bruce Sterling where he makes all sorts of connections between technology, future, internet and Belgrade. Food for thoughts. (comment on Check this out: Dejan Bizinger's interview with Bruce Sterling where he makes all sorts of connections between technology, future, internet and Belgrade. Food for thoughts.)

Blogowski BlogSessions (sr). (comment on Blogowski BlogSessions (sr).)

Samo malo (comment on Samo malo)

Belgrade 2.0 in Serbian language is on. (comment on Belgrade 2.0 in Serbian language is on.)

Nune (comment on Nune)

Biljana Srbljanovic (comment on Biljana Srbljanovic)

Jasmina Tesanovic (comment on Jasmina Tesanovic)

Biznis blog (comment on Biznis blog)

Mracni (comment on Mracni)

BM4BP (comment on BM4BP)

Yahti (comment on Yahti)

Culture

Jim Jarmusch is making a movie about Nikola Tesla - I can tell already now that it's gonna be a must-see. Plus - it's not just a movie, but an opera! In case you missed it, check out this old article where I argue that Tesla is one of the greatest mad scientists of our time, if not the maddest of them all. (comment on Jim Jarmusch making a movie/opera based on NIkola Tesla)

Srdan Golubovic, Serbian director known mostly by his previous movie The Trap, managed to secure funding for his next project, a movie entitled "Circles" (Serbian: Krugovi). What's interesting about the movie is that it's inspired by the heroic deed by Srdjan Aleksic, Bosnian Serb soldier who lost his life while trying to protect a Bosniak civilian [belgraded article here]. The movie will focus on the aftermath of the murder and follow life paths of those involved in the tragic event. [via @ieishah] (comment on Srdan Golubovic to film a movie inspired by Srdjan Aleksic)

Gerard Butler is filming in Belgrade these days, and when he is not listening to the director Ralph Fiennes' orders, he having a typical tourist time. He already managed to wind up in a hospital because of too much Serbian food and alcohol, he's visiting sport matches, and he's a frequent nightclub partygoer. The only thing that sets him apart from the other average Belgrade male tourists (that and the presidential suite in Hyatt) is that women are chasing him, and not vice versa. First one that managed to actually catch him is a certain Martina Rajic, local model [pic] (comment on Gerard Butler as a Belgrade tourist)

Couple of years ago we reported about a book in production called "Subjective atlas of Serbia" - The book is now out and it looks great, with witty pictures and commentary. You can check out the pdf edition, but I recommend that you try and buy the book if you can. [via @Vukasin] (comment on Subjective atlas of Serbia)

Chinese market in New Belgrade's blok 70 is already an interesting place, but from 1st of February it will become even more so. Art organization Anonymous said decided to turn this shopping mall into an open art exhibition with works of several Serbian contemporary artists. The Chinatown Market is open everyday except Tuesday from 10-17h, and the exhibition will be there through the entire February, so please drop by.  (comment on Art exhibit in Belgrade's Chinatown)

Visual Sound Generation, or VSG for short is a new online magazine specialized in Serbian DJs and local clubbing. Handy if you want to see what's the latest event coming up, and what clubs are currently worth visiting. (comment on Online mag about Serbian club scene)

It's 20 years since the Berlin Wall was torn down and to celebrate the occassion, various art performances are being held all across Europe. In Belgrade, German artist Frank Botler has built a replica of the wall, this time made out of cardboard bricks and invited Belgraders to contribute by writing grafitti on one side of the wall. See how it all looks like at Goran Necin's site [pictures and video]. (comment on Cardboard Wall)

On this day 20 years ago, one of the greatest Yugoslavian novelists Danilo Kiš died in Paris. Balkans via Bohemia has a good analysys of Kiš's life and work, highly recommend to read it if you're interested in Balkan literature and culture. [found via Café Turco] (comment on Danilo Kiš's death anniversary)

Via Popkitchen:
[...] a person named Winston Kofy Ahman, performing under the moniker K.O.F.Y., who claims to be a crack dealer from Lagos, Nigeria, which he fled (after apparently sharing a prison cell with Fela Kuti for engaging in anti-government activities) to Jamaica, then Miami, Basel, only to settle in Belgrade of all places.
Is this guy a perfect representative for the announced reignitement of the alliance with the Non-Aligned or what? Go see a video of his at the Popkitchen blog.   (comment on Africa is the heart of Serbia)

From the Schlechte karten blog:

"This is an experiment, compilation started half year ago, when I participated in a trip with a self-assembled raft on the river Sava with some friends (starting near Banja Luka with final destination Belgrade). There the idea crossed my mind, to collect or gather some insight into subcultures in the provincial landscapes we slowly drifted through"

Take a listen to a dozen or so young bands from the Balkans that made it into the compilation.

This news was already on twitter, but I thought to post it here as well because not everyone has a twitter account. If you do have one, however, follow Belgraded there to get links that do not make it into the blog feed.

(comment on Balkan punk/rock/garage mixtape)

Madonna in Belgrade, Serbia -24th of August 2009, location - Usce. source: madonna.com. Ticket sales start February 23rd, prices from 2990 din regular tickets to 6990 din for fan-pit. (comment on Madonna in Belgrade)

I've uploaded the trailer for the upcoming Serbian porn/horror/psythriller Srpski film (A Serbian Movie). It's very explicit so I guess it won't be there for much longer, so go have a look at it! Did I mention that it's NSFW? In case it's already taken down before you've managed to see it, here's the download link. After you're done watching, it would be nice to see some comments. (comment on New Serbian horror)

The cheap tickets for the Exit Fest 09 are already sold out. Here are the first rumors for the 2009 lineup, if you hear something else let me know. Artists written in bold letters are confirmed: Daft Punk, Klaxons, Radiohead, Justice, Thievery Corporation, Moby, The Ting Tings, MGMT, Hot Chip, Faithless, The Killers, Madness, The Arctic Monkeys, Kraftwerk, Manic Street Preachers, Patti Smith. Anything sounds good to you? (comment on Exit Fest 2009 rumors)

Ester shares with us some photos of interesting details from Belgrade streets (before her batery ran out). (comment on Ester in Belgrade)

Funny excerpt from Orwell's "Down and Out in Paris and London":

Smoking, of course, was forbidden under severe penalties. The manager himself heard of it and came down to interview the Serbian, fuming with rage.

‘What the devil do you mean by smoking here?’ he cried.

‘What the devil do you mean by having a face like that?’ answered the Serbian, calmly. Read the rest at the bottom of the page here.
(comment on Funny excerpt from Orwell's "Down and Out in Paris and London")

A short movie by Belgrade's best supermodel, Natasa Vojnovic and her photographer, Barnaby Roper. Some scenes contain nudity. (comment on Fashion + Politics = Untitled)

Euro sceptics and Euro believers, head for CZKD, Art bioskop or Dom Omladine today if you got time - there will be some interesting discussions. Sorry for not letting you know earlier, I somehow missed it. (comment on Rough guide to Amsterdam - call for debate)

Some thoughts and pictures from Jean Michele Jarre about Balkan concerts on his blog. (comment on Jean Michel Jarre on Belgrade concert)

One good Serbian blog goes English so you can follow as well: PopKitchen brings the story of Ramush Haradinaj from the twisted Vanity Fair perspective, entitled House of War. (comment on Pop from the Kitchen)

The Applied Nostalgia project, mentioned on the blog last year, just got the second part up on the website. This year, it's photos of Paris and Belgrade by artists Nebojsa Babic and Vinciane Verguethen. (comment on Applied Nostalgia part 2)

The Pirate Bay people, or Piratbyrån, то be more precise, is in Belgrade! Everyday from 5th to 9th of November at "25. Maj Museum" they will be giving lectures and presentations about freely sharing information and culture. Visit them everyday from 17-21h if you get the chance, this is got to be interesting. (via Escape to Freedom) (comment on Pirate Bay in Belgrade)

Check out the artwork on the Belgrade Underground blog, by Srdjan Markovic Djile, one of my favorite Belgrade artists previously mentioned here and here. (via trzisno resenje) (comment on Srdjan Markovic Djile - Belgrade underground)

Arte Serbia is the first serious website/directory devoted to art scene in Serbia, so I think it deserves a mention on Belgraded. (comment on Website about art in Serbia)

If you want to have an informal chat with Serbia's leading IT entrepreneurs, hurry up and register for the first ever Belgrade OpenCoffee meeting, scheduled for Saturday, 18th of October in Movie Bar, Kolarcheva street at 18h (you don't really have to register, just showing up is fine). If you don't know what OpenCoffee is, take a look over here. (comment on First OpenCoffee in Belgrade)

Speaking of obscure websites, how about the one dedicated entirely to ex-yu beat, rock and garage bands... but from the 60's, 70's and 80's, and in English! I knew there's had to be a site like that, and I ran into one of those today: Jugobeat - it says it's been updated last time somewhere in 2000, but I doubt much has changed regarding the topic over the years. Here's the Jugo garage bands page too. (comment on Jugobeat)

Here's another net radio for you to enjoy: Radio Net1zen, "a non commercial radio supported by artists and listeners, broadcasting alternative sounds from Balkans." Which means most of the stuff will probably be in some language you don't understand, but it's a nice way to get a glimpse of modern, not-so-modern, and cult Balkan music scene. (comment on Radio Net1zen - a treat for your ears)

Danica is blogging about digital communications, web activism, new medias and the effect all these things have on Serbia. I know some of you have the blog already in your bookmarks, but there might be someone unaware that her site has a new address: www.danicar.org (comment on Feedworthy: Danica's Digital Serendipities)

Novi Radio Beograd - or New Radio Belgrade in English, is a new, internet only radio that got the attention for it's no-bull approach to the listeners. Basically what they are trying to become is what B92 was when they first started out an until they turned into a major business. Enjoy if you understand Serbian, and even if you don't the music selection is pretty good. The grand opening is scheduled for October 6th, but they started broadcasting already couple of weeks ago. (comment on New Radio Belgrade)

Check out Jasmina's videos on Vimeo. (comment on Jasmina Tesanovic's videos on Vimeo)

First skate park in Serbia is about to open in Zajecar, 6th of July, more info here and here on Skate Serbia. (comment on First skate park in Serbia is about to open in Zajecar, 6th of July, more info here and here on Skate Serbia.)

Serbian slang dictionary in web2.0 style: Vukajlija. Found at Blogowski (comment on Serbian slang dictionary in web2.0 style: Vukajlija. Found at Blogowski)

It seems as if this time it's for real: Rolling Stones set to perform in Belgrade, Serbia on 14th of July (The Hippodrome). Rumors say they will play in Budva, Montenegro on 9th of July (Jaz beach). Ticket price:2850 and 4350 din for Belgrade gig and 50 EUR for Budva concert (not confirmed yet). (comment on It seems as if this time it's for real: Rolling Stones set to perform in Belgrade, Serbia on 14th of July (The Hippodrome). Rumors say they will play in Budva, Montenegro on 9th of July (Jaz beach). Ticket price:2850 and 4350 din for Belgr)

Net food delivery service Donesi.com just started working. (comment on Net food delivery service Donesi.com just started working.)

Making Belgrade prettier, one trafo at a time. Thanks, TKV! (comment on Making Belgrade prettier, one trafo at a time. Thanks, TKV!)

Lots of great Belgrade street art on Transgresor's photo album. If you understand Serbian check out his great blog too. (comment on Lots of great Belgrade street art on Transgresor's photo album. If you understand Serbian check out his great blog too.)

Belgrade Book fair will be held from 24.-30. October (comment on Belgrade Book fair will be held from 24.-30. October)

Internet bussiness conference and expo is being planned in Serbia. (comment on Internet bussiness conference and expo is being planned in Serbia.)

It'll be interesting to see Lost in Transition documentary once it is finished. Follow the production blog here. (comment on It'll be interesting to see Lost in Transition documentary once it is finished. Follow the production blog here.)

Iron Maiden ready to rock Belgrade, March 14th. Ticket sales for Belgrade Arena from January 24th. Price - 2600 din (~33 EUR) (comment on Iron Maiden ready to rock Belgrade, March 14th. Ticket sales for Belgrade Arena from January 24th. Price - 2600 din (~33 EUR))

Seems like Kostunica made it to at least one song - he always wanted to be rememberd in history though, so this is a good start. (comment on Seems like Kostunica made it to at least one song - he always wanted to be rememberd in history though, so this is a good start.)

Queeria 2007 calendar Friends: Prijatelji (comment on Queeria 2007 calendar Friends: Prijatelji)

If you are in Amsterdam between Dec. 13-15. , you might want to check out A Rough Guide to Belgrade presentation. (comment on If you are in Amsterdam between Dec. 13-15. , you might want to check out A Rough Guide to Belgrade presentation.)

RHCP confirm their Serbia concert scheduled for 26th of June in Indjija. Ticket price: 1990din (25eur) for the first 15K people, 2790din(35eur) later, 3990din (50eur) on the day of the concert. You can buy or order tickets from 4th of March on Ticketline or Exit festival site. (comment on RHCP confirm their Serbia concert scheduled for 26th of June in Indjija. Ticket price: 1990din (25eur) for the first 15K people, 2790din(35eur) later, 3990din (50eur) on the day of the concert. You can buy or order tickets from 4th)

Nikoleta Markovic: Making Dorcol prettier, one elevator at a time. (comment on Nikoleta Markovic: Making Dorcol prettier, one elevator at a time.)

Little bit about the hip hop scene in Belgrade. (comment on Little bit about the hip hop scene in Belgrade.)

Visit one Indie-Go! night in "Ana 4 pistolja" on saturdays and you are hooked for good. (comment on Visit one Indie-Go! night in "Ana 4 pistolja" on saturdays and you are hooked for good.)

Juliette and the Licks in Belgrade 31st of May, SKC. (comment on Juliette and the Licks in Belgrade 31st of May, SKC.)

Kool & the Gang performs in Belgrade Arena on the 7th of November, ticket price 1800 din (22 eur). (comment on Kool & the Gang performs in Belgrade Arena on the 7th of November, ticket price 1800 din (22 eur).)

Dusan and Kata are making Belgrade a more beautiful place. (comment on Dusan and Kata are making Belgrade a more beautiful place.)

Find out what's hot in Belgrade when it comes to music. (comment on Find out what's hot in Belgrade when it comes to music.)

Aleksandra Kovac wins MTV Europe music video award. (comment on Aleksandra Kovac wins MTV Europe music video award.)

Wanna own a piece of history? The excavator that became one of the symbols of the October the 5th revolution in Serbia can be yours for only ninety thousand euros. (comment on Wanna own a piece of history? The excavator that became one of the symbols of the October the 5th revolution in Serbia can be yours for only ninety thousand euros.)

Beastie Boys and Wu Tang Clan confirm their Exit Festival gigs in Novi Sad, Serbia. (comment on Beastie Boys and Wu Tang Clan confirm their Exit Festival gigs in Novi Sad, Serbia.)

Belgrade Design Week will be held from 7th-12th of May this year. (comment on Belgrade Design Week will be held from 7th-12th of May this year.)

Need a rock concert manager in Serbia? This is the man you need. Read also what it's like to tour Serbia and do 15 gigs in 16 days. (comment on Need a rock concert manager in Serbia? This is the man you need. Read also what it's like to tour Serbia and do 15 gigs in 16 days.)

Charlestone and Vendetta trailer. Via Doba nevinosti (comment on Charlestone and Vendetta trailer. Via Doba nevinosti)

After a month-long break, one of the best clubbing sites in the region is online again. (comment on After a month-long break, one of the best clubbing sites in the region is online again.)

Looking for contemporary Balkan music? CrossMIC is the place for you to explore. via CrossRadio (comment on Looking for contemporary Balkan music? CrossMIC is the place for you to explore. via CrossRadio)

Rapper 50 Cent will perform in Belgrade Arena on the 6th of November, ticket prices 1800 and 2000 din (22 and 25 EUR). (comment on Rapper 50 Cent will perform in Belgrade Arena on the 6th of November, ticket prices 1800 and 2000 din (22 and 25 EUR).)

International Blogs

You may already know about the world famous Testicle cookbook by a Serbian chef, but do you know about the testicle cooking championship? Read the report in Guardian and NPR. I don't know why it's considered a Serbian specialty, I personally never tried it, nor do I know anyone who has, but hey -- maybe I just don't know the right people. Have you tried it? (comment on Testicle cooking championship)

Maybe it's just some of Macy's ironic quips, I don't know - in a recent interview to London's tube paper Metro, she stated that Belgrade "wasn’t so good. It was very racist and behind the times. The streets were full of fat, ugly people;" I mean, racist - ok, it could be that something unpleasant happened to her, so she was upset. And yes, we can be behind the times sometimes. But the streets full of fat and ugly people? Hmmm. (comment on Macy Gray unimpressed with Belgrade)

History and break-up of Yugoslavia are difficult enough to comprehend for the locals, and we always have a tough time explaining it to the curious foreigners (usually drunk at parties). You would say that those actually studying Balkans would know a great deal about it, but it seems it simply is a subject beyond mere mortal's comprehension. Take a look at some of the student thoughts on Yugoslavia collected by Florian Bieber from the University of Kent. Enjoy! (comment on Yugoslavia Was One Big Mess)

Girl from the West gives all of you ladies out there six reasons to marry a guy from the Balkans. Great article, and the discussion continues in the comments. (found via @PeckoPivo) (comment on Reasons for marrying a Balkan man)

Find out what dishes and guests were Tito's favorites. [via Dnevnik Eklektika] (comment on Dinner with Tito)

Orli Fridman explores the feeling of guilt among the Serbs:   "Above all, the Serbian younger generation want to forget and to live a normal life. Those who want to remember and remind others are perceived as an obstacle to normalisation. To be normal here is to be part of Europe: to sit in the coffee shop and talk of things that do not happen here." (comment on The question of collective guilt)

So you always wanted to know what it's like in Kosovo these days after the independence, but were afraid to go there yourself? Fear not, Johnny and the Lars explore the area for you, focusing on the most interesting stuff - piracy, radioactive streets, strange architecture, food and drinks. Explore this video blog from the beginning, highly recommended. Also check out DFBMBE's blog for more Kosovo coverage. (comment on Kosovo will never be the same)

Several bloggers returned to the balkan blog-o-scene these days, let's welcome them back: Shaina has a new address, Jelena is back after several months, and Maria is back to blogging Belgrade. May they have many good posts in the future! Also, via Shaina, I found out about this great site concept: Spotted By Locals (Belgrade is still not there, but Zagreb and Ljubljana are, so check them out) Also, Anegdote is supposed to return to blogging these days too, so keep an eye on that feed. (comment on Comebacks and newcomers)

Slavenka Drakulic writes about why she can't visit Belgrade:

"How many times in the past 17 years had I been invited to visit Belgrade -- by friends, my publisher, the organizers of various conferences? Every time I found a way to refuse their invitations. Why had I not visited for all of these years?" (comment on A letter from Spiegel)

Stephen Wordsworth, UK ambassador in Serbia has started a blog recently. I wouldn't hold my breath on many juicy details from Serbian/British political relationship, 'cause he's a diplomat, right (for that kinda stuff go to the ex-ambassadors blog, hehe). But the good thing is that there is no strict censorship and that he really tries to answer all comments, no matter how unpleasent they might seem. (comment on Mr Wordsworth the Blogger)

Ieishah receives a political advice from her Serbian friend. (comment on Political experience)

Shutz explains why Serbian reality TV is better than American reality TV. Also check out some of his first impressions of and in Serbia. (comment on And he's doesn't even speak Serbian)

English Russia notices that something is wrong with these pictures. Observe closely and you will see it too. Do you see it? Yes, that's it - it's Moscow in December and she's not wearing any hat! (comment on Serbia, Russia, who cares? The girl is hot.)

Some good links for the architecture fans out there, via We make money not art, who notify us of the new Balkan architecture exibition. Dubravka has quite a few interesting projects going on. Ljiljana Blagojevic gives great history of New Belgrade. Danica (of Belgrade and Beyond) reports on her favorite Belgrade scenes, city stores and logos. (comment on New Architecture in the Balkans)

I recommend two posts from one blog this time: An Experiment in Simple Soultions and When Companie Don't Want Your Money. Read them, enjoy and keep following Beating Tolstoy blog. (comment on Beating Tolstoy Saves Philological Faculty in Belgrade)

Amila shares her imressions of Belgrade and Serbia, from a Bosnian war refugee perspective it does not look so great:

"Although our hosts from the different Serbian NGOs did whatever they could to make us comfortable, there was nothing they could do about the radical graffiti and posters all over Belgrade. Or the daily nationalist rallies in support of Radovan Karadžić. Or simply the fact that I was always very aware that I was a Bosnian in Serbia." (comment on Amila's impressions from Serbia)

Coturnix shares some excellent thoughts on the US elections. (comment on Coturnix on US elections)

Now don't mess up and be a good president. And thank your speech writers, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin and Dubya for world's overwhelming support. (comment on Congratulations Obama)

Two new Expat blogs describing life in Serbia and Belgrade: The Belgrade Calverts blog and Bill Kralovec blog. It's always funny and interesting to read about the foreigners' first impressions of Serbia, here are some of the best lines:

"There are many differences here, but, some that stick out that we can't wrap our mind around is the driving here! GOOD LORD, these people are crazy!!!"

"Everybody so far that we have meet is very nice, and so pretty! Good lord are the woman here so pretty!! And tall!!!"

"Even though there are lots of different parties, they seem to fall in one of two philosophical camps. Being an American, I am thinking of it as “red state” versus “blue state” dichotomy." (comment on Expat invasion)

Week-end à Belgrade - 1ère et 2ème partie. (By Gaylor, in French language) (comment on Week-end à Belgrade - 1ère et 2ème partie. (By Gaylor, in French language))

Another one hits the blogroll: Prle i Tihi (or just one of them) blogging about Belgrade and Serbia all the way from Brazil. (comment on Another one hits the blogroll: Prle i Tihi (or just one of them) blogging about Belgrade and Serbia all the way from Brazil.)

Pengovsky analyzes the Kosovo situation - check out this Slovenian blog for more good regional insight. (comment on Pengovsky analyzes the Kosovo situation - check out this Slovenian blog for more good regional insight.)

Scot Pollard's not blog, but journal (remember, not blog!) from Serbia. (comment on Scot Pollard's not blog, but journal (remember, not blog!) from Serbia.)

Why is this news? I'm sure you can buy that at any fleamarket in the world. (comment on Why is this news? I'm sure you can buy that at any fleamarket in the world.)

John Fitzgerald's exclusive tennis in Belgrade blog. (comment on John Fitzgerald's exclusive tennis in Belgrade blog.)

Two more international non-English blogs about the Balkans region: Cafe Turco and Sipi and Timi. See if you can understand something over there. If not, at least most of the pictures are great. (found them via Anegdote)
(comment on Two more international non-English blogs about the Balkans region: Cafe Turco and Sipi and Timi. See if you can understand something over there. If not, at least most of the pictures are great. (found them via Anegdote))

Help Chris Farmer find book-ends in Serbia. (comment on Help Chris Farmer find book-ends in Serbia.)

Heading to Ljubljana? Inform yourself first about all the perils at Carniola (comment on Heading to Ljubljana? Inform yourself first about all the perils at Carniola)

Chiara writes about her experiences in Belgrade and Sarajevo. (comment on Chiara writes about her experiences in Belgrade and Sarajevo.)

Two more Frenchies: Carnet de bord des élections serbes and Blog de veille sur les droits de l'Homme en Serbie. via Alen (comment on Two more Frenchies: Carnet de bord des élections serbes and Blog de veille sur les droits de l'Homme en Serbie. via Alen)

Rosemary at her new B92 blog writes about sites pointing to various funny facts about Serbs and gets tons of various funny facts in comments. (comment on Rosemary at her new B92 blog writes about sites pointing to various funny facts about Serbs and gets tons of various funny facts in comments.)

Alex is thinking about Belgrade a lot these days. (comment on Alex is thinking about Belgrade a lot these days.)

Photoblogs

I already mentioned Boogie the photographer on this website before. Boogie has recently moved to Serbia and he takes some great pictures of his neighborhood, while setting up a studio in Belgrade - take a look, explore it and enjoy. Be sure to check out his other blog too. (comment on Boogie: from Brooklyn to Belgrade)

In this new photoblog, launched just a couple of hours ago, six photo-guys want to let you know how they see Belgrade through their [mostly analog] cameras: Belgrade Raw. Check it out. (comment on Oooh baby I like it raw)

Check out some amazing documentary photos at Sanja Knezevic's blog Photo Wanderer, including the photos from recent Roma resetlement from under the Gazela bridge. (comment on Wandering Photography)

Unkool treats us with some exceptional photos of how Belgrade used to look like before it was destroyed multiple times. My estimate is that the majority of the photos are from the thirties, but I could be wrong. The photo of a haystack in front of the Federal Parliament building alone is priceless. If that entry left you craving for more, check out his previous posts with photos of Belgrade from above. (comment on Old Belgrade photography in HD quality)

Hundreds of Belgrade cityskape and skyline photos at SkyscraperCity forum, collected from all over the net. Browse slowly and get to know Belgrade from a different perspective. (comment on Belgrade cityskapes and skyline photos)

360 cities is a really great website with 360 degree hi-rez photo panoramas of European cities. Among them, you will find also Novi Sad and Belgrade. Make sure you switch to full screen mode, and try various lens options from the right click meny. How do they make these photos anyway? Resolutions are amazingly high, enjoy! (comment on 360 panoramas of Belgrade and Novi Sad)

The first blog I'm aware of that's completely dedicated to good looking Balkan guys. Pictures are most probably selected by gay gays, but somehow I don't think straight girls will mind the selection. Now where's that blog dedicated entirely to Balkan girls I wonder? (comment on Blog with balls)

Gatalinkica posts detail-photos from Belgrade and other places with interesting comments to go along with most of the photos. Lots of tiny and hidden bits of info to learn about Belgrade. Plus, she just joined flickr couple of weeks ago, so expect more good stuff from her. (comment on Great photo blog with peculiar details from Belgrade)

Jorge uploads a series of Serbian related photo posts on his blog - on a train to Serbia, in Novi Sad and last, but not least, from the capital. (comment on Don't forget to bring your 'foto-aparat')

Check out Jaime.Silva's flickr photo collection from Belgrade. Great eye for details. Also, the last photo in the series is a hit on flickr. (comment on Jaime Silva's Belgrade photos on flickr)

Mighty Nora from B92 blog posts a great project - Belgrade pictures in mirror surfaces all over the city. Entitled "Backwards visual travelogue", it's a really great idea and effort, also check it out here it B92 loads too slow. (comment on Belgrade in reverse)

Loads of interesting photos from all over the Balkans and the world on Tim Judah's flickr profile. (comment on Tim Judah on flickr)

I mentioned Boogie long time ago on this site, but now I'll mention this great Belgrade photographer once again - his book "Belgrade belongs to me" is now available to buy on the net. Go check out some of the stuff you might find inside and buy it. (comment on "Belgrade belongs to me")

Winter is coming soon and it's a good time to see a preview of the snowy Serbian landscape - photos from Jérôme Giraud's last years journey through wintery Serbia show exactly that kind of imagery. Thanks for the link, Jerome!
+ gratuitous bonus link - a Yugo joke via miff. (comment on Winter in Serbia - photo session)

NikolaT has really mastered the art of postprocessing good photos to near perfection. Take a look at what his dreamy version of Belgrade looks like in Belgrade Experience set, but please take your time to look at his other photos as well, it's a time well spent. (comment on Dreamy scenes of Belgrade)

Filip Zrnzevic's photo gallery of Belgrade inline skaters doing their thing. Click, hit F11 and enjoy. (comment on Belgrade Inline Skating Photos)

Belgrade is usually a lively city, but not on Sunday mornings. Shtikla puts up four great photos of this "Sunday morning ghost town" feeling. (comment on Sunday Morning in Belgrade)

To those two persons still unaware that Google decided to scan and host entire Life magazine photo archive - this great new photo databank gives lot's of interesting opportunities for researching history. Some interesting photos of: Serbia, Yugoslavia, Bosnia, Balkans, Tito, etc, itd. (comment on Google + Life photo archive)

Have a look at this magical Serbia photo gallery by Tanja Perovic. (comment on Tanja Perovic's Photos of Serbia)

Two great flickr photo slideshows to start the week: Tigric's black and white and 314dzi's color set. Enjoy. (comment on B&W Belgrade vs Color Belgrade)

Mina reports on welcoming the NATO ships in her town of Koper, Slovenia and talking to a Polish soldier about war and peace. (comment on NATO ships welcome in Koper, Slovenia - not!)

For the last couple of years, people all around the world have been trying to figure out what "promaja" is on Napomi's blog. So far, they have managed to only slightly unravel this ancient Balkan secret. (comment on Promaja)

After some time, I bring to your attention one flickr collection - Borkodinus - as a slideshow. The only thing you need to do is click really. (comment on Borkodinus' Belgrade photo collection)

Check out another great "from the hip" photoblog: Shooterama - amateur and proud of it. (comment on Check out another great "from the hip" photoblog: Shooterama - amateur and proud of it.)

Ninetynine great Serbia photos and counting - at this flickr gallery by svetslike (comment on Ninetynine great Serbia photos and counting - at this flickr gallery by svetslike)

Another flickr gallery that looks interesting - Ivan Todorovski. You can check out photos of Belgrade in the left sidebar of Belgrade 2.0 updated in real-time on flickr. (comment on Another flickr gallery that looks interesting - Ivan Todorovski. You can check out photos of Belgrade in the left sidebar of Belgrade 2.0 updated in real-time on flickr.)

See all Belgrade photos on TrekEarth. (comment on See all Belgrade photos on TrekEarth.)

Belgrade is one of the most surprising cities I've ever met, says Ricardo. (comment on Belgrade is one of the most surprising cities I've ever met, says Ricardo.)

Take a look at the great Marinowski photo blog, with pics mostly from Palic, Vojvodina. (via Dragana) (comment on Take a look at the great Marinowski photo blog, with pics mostly from Palic, Vojvodina. (via Dragana))

Another cool gallery of Belgrade and Serbia by Maxivida (comment on Another cool gallery of Belgrade and Serbia by Maxivida)

Some incredible photos of Belgrade by Nikola Mrdalj. (comment on Some incredible photos of Belgrade by Nikola Mrdalj.)

Belgrade photographer Goran Tomasevic wins 1st prize at Reuters best photo competition. (found at Personalmag.) (comment on Belgrade photographer Goran Tomasevic wins 1st prize at Reuters best photo competition. (found at Personalmag.))

Sara's Belgrade photos and travelogue. (comment on Sara's Belgrade photos and travelogue.)

Another good photoblog with pics from Belgrade, and some other Balkan cities, made by Garrett. (comment on Another good photoblog with pics from Belgrade, and some other Balkan cities, made by Garrett.)

Bunch of great photos from the anti-independence protest in Belgrade at liduss' profile (via Media Mix) (comment on Bunch of great photos from the anti-independence protest in Belgrade at liduss' profile (via Media Mix))

Street still life in Belgrade, captured by Escapista on flickr (comment on Street still life in Belgrade, captured by Escapista on flickr)

More Belgrade pictures by Biliana Rakocevic (comment on More Belgrade pictures by Biliana Rakocevic)

Some incredible photos by Boogie. Check 'Belgrade' and 'Protest' sections. (comment on Some incredible photos by Boogie. Check 'Belgrade' and 'Protest' sections.)

Izzeta sends a friend to Belgrade and he makes some photos (comment on Izzeta sends a friend to Belgrade and he makes some photos)

Christina and Daniel's pictures from Balkan (comment on Christina and Daniel's pictures from Balkan)

Two great daily photo blogs of Belgrade: Belgrade Daily Photo and Jedna fotka na dan. Add them to your feed reader! (comment on Two great daily photo blogs of Belgrade: Belgrade Daily Photo and Jedna fotka na dan. Add them to your feed reader!)

Two sides of Belgrade at Danica's flickr - on & underneath the surface. (comment on Two sides of Belgrade at Danica's flickr - on & underneath the surface.)

Alan Grant made a lot of photos during his trips through Serbia. Check it out. (comment on Alan Grant made a lot of photos during his trips through Serbia. Check it out.)

Hunderds of great Belgrade photos on Andrej Filev's flickr. (comment on Hunderds of great Belgrade photos on Andrej Filev's flickr.)

Serbia

There were many articles today commemorating 10 years since the NATO bombing of Serbia. I would like to point out some of them I find good.
Yankee in Belgrade
Balkan file
Nothing against Serbia - be sure to check out the "NATO trail" map
Pecko pivo - that last documentary is great, with English subtitles too.

I already wrote about the bombing some time ago. (comment on NATO bombing of Serbia - 10 year anniversary)

Animal suffrage organization Four Paws managed to release three 'dancing bears' from captivity in Serbia and have them transported in a nature resort in Bulgaria. Politika article implies that this noble effort is taking away the 'working tools' from Roma families. Journalist also sarcastically remarks that the bears were not willing to go to EU but were taken there by force.
(comment on Bears in the EU)

Heritage uploads the annual list of economic freedoms in the world countries, this is the Serbian page:

"Serbia's economic freedom score is 56.6, making its economy the 109th freest in the 2009 Index. Serbia is ranked 37th out of the 43 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is below the world average."

(comment on Heritage: Economic Freedom in Serbia)

A splendidly well written anthropological research by Mattijs van de Port. A great insight into Gypsy music, Serbian 'otherness', war traumas and getting wasted. Teaser:  "Don’t expect to understand the ways of Dionysus while standing aside, watching, remaining unscathed and pristine, quietly plucking away on Apollo’s lyre, is what the man from Celavići seemed to imply. Without drinking or fucking, without mud or vomit, you’re not going to know." Also read an article referring to the first one, Myth, collective trauma and war in Serbia: a cultural-hermeneutical appraisal by Daniel Suber. (comment on Compulsory literature)

Serbian National security operatives have this to say about Ratko Mladic in their latest leaked report:
- "a ticking bomb that could easily take innocent persons from his surroundings to death with him"
- "moving silently in woolen socks when inside apartments, not allowing loud conversation, and maintaining a high level of hygiene due to fear of illness and hospitalization".
- "he insisted for a long time that members of his family visit him, watched television and even played chess on a regular basis"

And I thought I was good in making weird articles! With this description they have narrowed it down to almost every grumpy retired granpa in the world.
(comment on The infamous "Woolen Socks" tactic)

Here's my first contribution to Women International Perspective blog. Funny, I'm one of the rare men blogging there. Even funnier than that, I decided to write about what it's like to be a mother in Serbia. Got any comments - leave them there. (comment on Talking about women)

Site not to be missed if you need a Serbia travel guide, run and made completely by volunteers and enthusiasts. I particularly recommend their thorough hitchhiking guide to Serbia. (comment on Serbian Travelers Club)

Greater Surbiton gives instructions on how to become a successful "Serb basher" - read it and learn! (comment on Advice on how to be a Serb basher)

Serbia signs trade agreements with Cuba concerning debt Fidel took from Tito or something like that. The agreement includes that from this moment it's possible to buy Jelen (one of the best world beers) in a local Havana bar. (comment on Debt flow)

If you've been to the Exit Festival these years and if you had a good time, than you could help it win the best Yourope festival award by clicking on that link and voting for it. Hurry up, voting's almost over! (comment on Help Exit win "the best European festival award")

Besides great new site design, Pescanik now has a section in English. (comment on Besides great new site design, Pescanik now has a section in English.)

Check out another blogroll-worthy effort: Rosemary Bailey Brown writes about life in Serbia, business opportunities, and of course, shoes. (comment on Check out another blogroll-worthy effort: Rosemary Bailey Brown writes about life in Serbia, business opportunities, and of course, shoes.)

Sandra is demystifying Serbian design one post at a time. (via Global voices) (comment on Sandra is demystifying Serbian design one post at a time. (via Global voices))

Jonatan of Limbic Nutrition blog discovers such a trivial connection between Serbia and Ireland that you gotta love it. (comment on Jonatan of Limbic Nutrition blog discovers such a trivial connection between Serbia and Ireland that you gotta love it.)

Great tourist info on Serbia's northern province, Vojvodina (comment on Great tourist info on Serbia's northern province, Vojvodina)

Want do some backpacking accross Serbia? Try contacting the Backpackers' association for more info. (comment on Want do some backpacking accross Serbia? Try contacting the Backpackers' association for more info.)

Balkanfile blog description says it all: Adam is a graduate of Serbian studies and fell in love with Serbia during his year abroad. He is a self-confessed 'Serbophile', obsessed with Serbia and the rest of ex-Yugoslavia (plus Albania for good measure). (comment on Balkanfile blog description says it all: Adam is a graduate of Serbian studies and fell in love with Serbia during his year abroad. He is a self-confessed 'Serbophile', obsessed with Serbia and the rest of ex-Yugoslavia (plus Albania for good measure&)

If you are planning to go camping in Serbia, than please visit Camping Association of Serbia before your trip. (comment on If you are planning to go camping in Serbia, than please visit Camping Association of Serbia before your trip.)

Novi Sad guide with reviews of all the cafes and clubs and restaurants - so far in Serbian only. (comment on Novi Sad guide with reviews of all the cafes and clubs and restaurants - so far in Serbian only.)

Winter season starts in Kursumlija's spas. (comment on Winter season starts in Kursumlija's spas.)

Short comparison between Serbian and American healthcare system. (comment on Short comparison between Serbian and American healthcare system.)

A Brit “gone bush” takes an amateur look at mountain biking in Serbia (comment on A Brit “gone bush” takes an amateur look at mountain biking in Serbia)

Serbian cuisine page updated with a short video of Novak Djokovic guiding you through national cuisine and customs. (comment on Serbian cuisine page updated with a short video of Novak Djokovic guiding you through national cuisine and customs.)

43 Places - Serbia (comment on 43 Places - Serbia)

Amber and Matthew's adventure in Serbia (and Slovakia). (comment on Amber and Matthew's adventure in Serbia (and Slovakia).)

B92 News from Serbia in English (comment on B92 News from Serbia in English)

Tons of usefull info for tourists on Backpack Serbia website. (comment on Tons of usefull info for tourists on Backpack Serbia website.)

Transportation

Belgrade - Sarajevo direct train will be operational again from Dec 13th 2009, reports Biznis.ba. The train line was cancelled back in 1992, right after the war broke out. It used to take 8 hours to get to Sarajevo from Belgrade, I wonder how long it will take now? (comment on Belgrade to Sarajevo by train after 17 years)

First Serbian low budget CentAvia announces first flights. (comment on First Serbian low budget CentAvia announces first flights.)

If you're traveling by train to Serbia you might want to consider Interrail pass - saves money. (comment on If you're traveling by train to Serbia you might want to consider Interrail pass - saves money.)

Another low budget airline, Norwegian Air Shuttle announces new route: Oslo - Belgrade. (comment on Another low budget airline, Norwegian Air Shuttle announces new route: Oslo - Belgrade.)

Sea travelers can come by ferry to Montenegro or Croatia. (comment on Sea travelers can come by ferry to Montenegro or Croatia.)

Travelogs

Daniella Vechi of the BounceMag explores the street basketball courts of the world. Here's the lowdown on Belgrade: "right now at Kalemegdan the local ballers play hard. Some rash tourists try to take a stab at the court, but the level is very high and some of them are punctually posterized." "The older [players] are nasty, dangerous elbows and intrinsic toughness are on their side, together with great fundamentals and superior b-ball IQ. The youngers who face them try to do a sort of flying circus on the court, but no way, the olds win, again and again and again. (comment on Street Basketball on Belgrade courts)

Nice little Belgrade snow globe - great as a souvenir or New Year present - first of its kind made especially for Belgrade. via Miss Cybernaut (comment on Winter Belgrade souvernir suggestion)

Zuko manages to understand Belgrade even despite of having read way too much Momo Kapor:

Belgrade squats above its own ugly-charming waterfront, the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers. Belgrade is raffish and roguish, artistic, under-employed, ill-advised, scruffy, defeated, bleak and romantic.  Belgrade is pretty much punk rock.  (comment on Zuko in the White City)

Read the experiences from a great roadtrip through most of Eastern Europe, Serbia excluded unfortunately. Maybe next year? (via Balkanology) (comment on Motorcycle road trip through Eastern Europe)

Michael's middle east journal from Belgrade - lot's of first impressions. (comment on Michael's middle east journal from Belgrade - lot's of first impressions.)

Belgrade - A view through a rear-view mirror (pdf). (comment on Belgrade - A view through a rear-view mirror (pdf).)

25 travel and photo blogs from Belgrade on this page. (comment on 25 travel and photo blogs from Belgrade on this page.)

Triton travelogue de Belgrade - part un et deux. (comment on Triton travelogue de Belgrade - part un et deux.)

Short guide to Serbia for beginners by Benjamin Cunningham at Viator (comment on Short guide to Serbia for beginners by Benjamin Cunningham at Viator)

Xtraveler gives some advice on how to spend 8 hours in Belgrade and make most of it. (comment on Xtraveler gives some advice on how to spend 8 hours in Belgrade and make most of it.)

The Independent - Belgrade in May 2001 (comment on The Independent - Belgrade in May 2001)

NY Metro - The 10-Point Escape Plan: Belgrade (comment on NY Metro - The 10-Point Escape Plan: Belgrade)

Movement Magazine - A brief History of Belgrade (comment on Movement Magazine - A brief History of Belgrade)

Lee Abbamonte's brief encounter with the law enforcement in Belgrade. (comment on Lee Abbamonte's brief encounter with the law enforcement in Belgrade.)

Balkanbaby Belgrade travelogue - May 2006 (comment on Balkanbaby Belgrade travelogue - May 2006)

Expedition360 buzzes through Serbia on bicycles. (comment on Expedition360 buzzes through Serbia on bicycles.)

Michael has some advice on how to avoid being ripped off by Belgrade taxi drivers. (comment on Michael has some advice on how to avoid being ripped off by Belgrade taxi drivers.)

Jonatan wonders if Michael Palin's visit in November will have a significant effect on number of tourists in Belgrade. (comment on Jonatan wonders if Michael Palin's visit in November will have a significant effect on number of tourists in Belgrade.)

So...this is Serbia - LA times, June 2006 (comment on So...this is Serbia - LA times, June 2006)

Belgrade rocks! - The New York Times, October 2005 (comment on Belgrade rocks! - The New York Times, October 2005)

CNN Traveler - Belgrade in November 2003 (comment on CNN Traveler - Belgrade in November 2003)

The Observer - Belgrade in November 2004 & April 2005 (comment on The Observer - Belgrade in November 2004 & April 2005)