The reason why I was inspired to write about this is in the entry of last week. It seems like I caught a cold, so I'll be breaf, but there is one point that really interests me as a wannabe gender researcher.

On July 3rd the Supreme Court of Hungary ruled that the neo-nationalist para-military organisation "Magyar Garda" (Hungarian guard) must be dissolved, as the activities of the organisation violate the constitution of Hungary. Magyar Garda (further MG) applied to make a demonstration against the ruling, but the permission was not given. Therefore yesterday they assembled for an illegal demonstration. I went to have a drink with a friend, and we found ourselves right in the middle of it.

Given his squeaky-clean image, Barack Obama is probably not thrilled about the prospect of clasping hands with sex-scandal-plagued Silvio Berlusconi next week as the Italian prime minister hosts the G8 summit in Italy. Berlusconi, dogged by allegations of sex with minors, hiring prostitutes and organising lavish orgies at his Sardinian villa, will probably be uncomfortable company for all of the G8 leaders, especially for the lone female leader, Angela Merkel. After the stories that have been unveiled about the prime minister’s treatment of women, she’s probably going to feel pretty uncomfortable standing next to the 72-year-old Lothario.

Considering the huge blow this scandal has dealt to Italy’s image abroad (which Berlusconi has bizarrely blamed on foreign media rather than on his own behaviour), this is going to be an awkward few days. But add to that the hugely controversial “vigilante justice” law passed by the Italian parliament yesterday, which will allow citizen patrols to dole out punishments on the street, and you’ve got a hugely important meeting happening in a country that observers fear is edging closer and closer toward a return to fascism.

Throughout the spring and summer time, we humans tend to leave restaurants and home cooking aside as we bring out the old apron and rusty BBQ. We sit down in front of a fire and prepare a meal for our loved ones and ourselves