http://www.inyourpocket.com/ Latest updates from Europe's best city guide publisher en Fri, 09 May 2008 07:57:23 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss IYP RSS 2.0 ctu@inyourpocket.com webmaster@inyourpocket.com http://www.inyourpocket.com/img/logo_iyp.gif http://www.inyourpocket.com/ Latest updates from Europe's best city guide publisher http://www.inyourpocket.com/poland/gdynia/feature/70497-Football_in_Gdynia.html First thing the budding foreign football fan should know is that Arka Gdynia are something of a Polski version of Millwall. Leaving the jargon aside that can be taken to mean generally crap, and supported by local lads who have in the past, lets be diplomatic, known to get a little unsporting in the surrounding streets. Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#1 http://www.inyourpocket.com/poland/wroclaw/feature/70495-Ostrow_Tumski.html Playing soul to Rynek’s heart, Ostrów Tumski is the gem in Wrocław’s crown.  This, after all, is where the city began. During the latter part of the ninth century what is now known as Ostrów Tumski (the name means Cathedral Island in Polish) was settled by a Slav tribe, the Śleżanie, who – not without reason – considered the island impregnable. Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#2 http://www.inyourpocket.com/poland/wroclaw/feature/70496-Floods.html Nature’s blind indifference to civilization was amply demonstrated in 1997 when the city was hit by the biggest flood in its history. Starting on July 3, 1997 six days of torrential rain battered Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. By July 6 the first towns and villages were under water, though worse was to come on July 11 when the Odra and Oława rivers burst their banks by the town of Siechnice. Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#3 http://www.inyourpocket.com/poland/wroclaw/feature/70130-Stags.html If at some point you see a collection of drunk young men dressed like Batman and complimenting passing women on their assets, the chances are you have just come across the Great British Stag Night. Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#4 http://www.inyourpocket.com/cr/prague/feature/55969-Prague_Fringe_Festival.html The 7th year for this gem of quirky, inspirational, odd, hilarious, vulgar, literary, musical shows comes to Mala Straná from 25 May - 1 June. Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#5 http://www.inyourpocket.com/ni/belfast/feature/70036-A_Brief_History_of_Belfast.html Before you begin, we thought you might like to take BBC Northern Ireland's State of Minds test. This fascinating insight holds up a mirror to our conscious and subconscious secterianism and reveals just how bigoted we really are.  Click here and all will be revealed.And, if that all sounds a bit too enlightening, why not indulge in the BBC Radio Ulster epic that is A Short History of Ireland. NOW THE HISTORYBelfast dates back to the early 17th century and, although a relatively young settlement, is Northern Ireland’s largest, and the island of Ireland’s second largest, city. The name ‘Belfast’ comes from the Gaelic ‘Beal Feirste’ (‘mouth of the sandy ford’).1641-49 & 1688-90 Two major Catholic risings are put down, first by English Protestant revolutionary Oliver Cromwell, then the Dutch King William lll of Orange. The fledgling Protestant plantation is secured and Ireland becomes firmly British.18th Century Belfast becomes a major linen-producing centre, earning the tag Linenopolis.19th Century Belfast experiences a ‘golden age’ under Queen Victoria. The Harland & Wolff shipyard is founded in 1862 and city status is granted in 1888. Belfast becomes one of the world’s leading industrial cities and most of its great buildings are constructed. The 1847 Famine re-awakens Irish Catholic Nationalism.Early 20th Century In May 1911 RMS Titanic is launched from Harland & Wolff. The following year the White Star liner sinks on its maiden voyage, killing over 1500 passengers.1912 The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) is formed and Unionists sign the Ulster Covenant, pledging to militarily fight Home Rule.1914-1918 The UVF, and most of the Irish Volunteers, joins up to fight for Britain - both hoping to gain support for their causes. In 1916 Ulster Divisions suffer heavy causalities at the Battle of the Somme.1921 Following the 1919-21 Irish War of Independence, six of Ireland’s 32 counties remain British and the state - or Province - is named Northern Ireland. Belfast becomes its capital city and the Unionist-controlled government oversees direct rule from the purpose-built Stormont.1941 Belfast Blitz. During WW2, the city is bombed three times by the German Luftwaffe, killing 955 people and destroying 3,200 homes. Northern Ireland becomes a staging post for over 300,000 American GIs.1968 The Civil Rights movement grows as Nationalists protest Unionist bias at Stormont. The British Army is deployed in the streets of Belfast and Derry.The Troubles1971 August 9 Internment, or imprisonment without trial, is introduced. The city experiences a week of intense fighting as massive gun battles break out across North and West Belfast. December 4 15 people, including two children, are killed in a UVF bomb attack on McGurk’s bar in North Belfast. It is the first major atrocity of the ‘Troubles’.1972 January 30 Bloody Sunday. During a Civil Rights march through the streets of Derry 14 unarmed civilians are shot dead by British troops. Both internment and Bloody Sunday ensure increased support for the IRA. Meanwhile, the British government introduces direct rule from London.1972 July 21 Bloody Friday. Nine people die when, without warning, 21 IRA bombs explode across Belfast in just over an hour.1981 Bobby Sands and nine other IRA and INLA prisoners die after going on Hunger Strike at the Maze Prison in protest at the removal of political prisoner status.1985 November 15 The British and Irish governments sign the Anglo Irish Agreement, giving the Republic of Ireland a greater say in Northern Ireland affairs.1988 Three IRA members are killed in March 6 by the SAS in Gibraltar. During their funerals loyalist Michael Stone launches a gun and grenade attack killing three mourners. At the funeral of one of Stone’s victims, two British Army corporals inadvertently drive into the cortege and are ambushed by an angry mob and shot dead by the IRA.Early 90s Violence continues on both sides as both the British and Irish governments attempt to break the political impasse.The Peace Process1994 August 31 The IRA announces ‘a complete cessation of military operations’. The Combined Loyalist Military Command follows on 13 October.1995 Security measures are relaxed and troop numbers reduced throughout Belfast and Northern Ireland.1998 The Good Friday Agreement is voted in by 71% of the population. It marks a new power-sharing Assembly, early release of all paramilitary prisoners and looks toward withdrawal of British troops and decommissioning of paramilitary weapons. August 15 IRA dissidents plant a bomb in Omagh killing 29 people making it the single worst atrocity in the history of the Troubles. November 30 US President Clinton pays an historic visit to Northern Ireland.2000 February 11 The Assembly is suspended following the breakdown of decommissioning talks. May 27 The UUP re-enters the power-sharing Assembly despite no IRA decommissioning. Devolved power is restored two days’ later.2000 December Belfast’s landmark Odyssey Millennium project opens, heralding major redevelopment of the historic Titanic Quarter.2002 October 14 Devolution is suspended at midnight and direct rule returns to London.2005 May 5 At the UK General Election the DUP and Sinn Fein strengthen their positions as NI’s two major political parties. July The IRA formally orders an end to its armed campaign.2005 November 25 Belfast-born football legend George Best dies in a London hospital aged 59 after a long battle with alcoholism. The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland player was laid to rest in his native city on Saturday 3 December.2007 March 26 Following local elections, and in an historic face-to-face meeting, DUP Leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams announce the restoration of the NI Assembly on May 8.2008 May Having founded the party in 1971, First Minister Ian Paisley steps down as leader of the DUP and, therefore, First Minister. He is succeeded by Peter Robinson. Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#6 http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/Ljubljana/feature/70494-Where_to_find_Ljubljana_In_Your_Pocket.html A list of places where you can find the Ljubljana In Your Pocket city guide. Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#7 http://www.inyourpocket.com/croatia/dubrovnik/feature/56028-The_folk_tradition.html The people of Dubrovnik and the surrounding regions proudly maintain their folk tradition, which you can still see at festivals, folklore performances, and processions on feast days Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#8 http://www.inyourpocket.com/estonia/parnu/feature/70491-Parnu:_Resort_170.html Where would Pärnu be without its beach? Now in its 170th year as an official resort, Pärnu’s beach has seen a lot of things and has had to endure many changes. It’s safe to say that there are probably just about as many stories as there are grains of sand. People have laughed here, loved here, started new life here, oh and yes, even swam and sunbathed here too… as they continue to do today. The beach is approximately 1km long consisting of white sand and is divided into a few sections. The majority of the beach is for a more or less ‘clothed’ everyone but there is a section towards the river just for women called ‘Naiste rand’ and just past the women’s only section is an unofficial nude area for all. We’re not sure what the women at the women only side do there all alone, but we hear rumours that they tan naked, while talking about boys. I know, we’re curious too, perhaps a reader who’s in the know can tell us, it’ll be our little secret. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#9 http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/Ljubljana/feature/70489-Druga_Godba_Festival_2008.html The Druga Godba Festival was the first in the region to focuses on alternative rock, contemporary jazz, experimental music, and even reggae and world music. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#10 http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/Ljubljana/feature/70490-Ljubljana_Events.html A selection of events between May and July 2008. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#11 http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/Ljubljana/feature/70488-Ljubljana_Festival_2008.html The famous Ljubljana Festival takes place across several venues in town from June to late August. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#12 http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/Ljubljana/feature/70482-Street_smarts.html Don't get lost - learn the language of the streets here. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#13 http://www.inyourpocket.com/russia/st_petersburg/feature/70027-Editor_and_39;s_Pick:__Troika.html Russia how it really is - from days gone by to the days of discoBy Jennifer Fell The Troika show is a St. Petersburg treasure. We’re not exaggerating. Troika, which means variously in Russian, a sled, a folk dance with a man and two women or a threesome, has been around for thirty years. Arriving just as the show was beginning; we took our seats just as the first feathery flurry of dancers burst on stage. We were already regretting our late arrival as the menu was delivered. It is definitely better to arrive before the 20:30 start time so you can focus on the show. The first half of the program is devoted to traditional Russian folk numbers that had everyone clapping (if not always in time). Then the stirring melodies delivered by the young hot crooner held everyone’s attention just as much as his fantastically form fitting tight white trousers and shirt ensemble did. From the snow queens and swans, the camp fire bird acts with the cockerels strutting around the stage, we could hardly drag our eyes from the stage to even look at the menu. Our starters arrived in the middle of the first half, for myself, the potato ladonchiki, two roasted potatoes carved into the shape of shoes and filled with red caviar. My partner opted for the delicious Troika salad with parma ham, toasted sesame seed coated bread in the shape of horses heads. After a short break, our waiter ceremoniously served our main dishes together. They were both encased in domed silver serving covers and with a great flourish, he announced, “Now, we’re opening!” and lifted both silver covers up as if he was some kind of English butler. Marvellous. My beef medallions with mushrooms was a little on the tough side however I opted for medium, so I would opt for medium rare in future. The mushrooms were exquisite though. The white winged halibut in mustard of my companion met with her approval except for some very peppery bread garnish, but she was very distracted by the reappearance of our white trousered superstar to pay too much attention to the food. Our favourite was without a doubt the cave men act with the dancers grunting about the stage but then singing to Rock this House in English. The most hilarious part was when one caveman lurched toward a hapless tourist to pick through her hair! After the closure of the performance program, a troika of performers (a new variation on the traditional troika, this one had two men and one woman) took to the stage with synthesiser and drum kit to kick off the disco part of the night. Everyone was on the dancefloor busting their moves to the best (and worst) of Russian disco. In the words of Boney M, Oh those Russians…..   Interior 8Atmosphere 9Food 8Service 9Total Cost: 3560Rbl (inc 800Rbl show admission) Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#14 http://www.inyourpocket.com/russia/st_petersburg/feature/55842-Cover_story.html The Summer Gardens, among the oldest and most atmospheric of St. Petersburg’s parks and gardens, were first laid out in 1704. Our May covergirl, brimming with modesty, was captured on film by St. Petersburg photographer Yuri Molodkovets. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.inyourpocket.com/?#15