Stories about Citizen Media from August, 2009
USA, Mexico: Astronaut José Hernández Twittering from Space
Mexican-American Astronaut José Hernández is currently orbiting the Earth as part of a Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station, and he is twittering while he is on the mission.
East Timor: “Happy Day” of freedom vote
Timorese bloggers have celebrated the 10th anniversary of the popular referendum which led to the territory's formal independence. One commemorates the "happy day", another recalls his determination to drive out the Indonesian military occupiers, and yet another uses the day to question the current moment in Timor.
Azerbaijan: Washington DC protest for detained activist bloggers (updated)
With detained video bloggers Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli now facing an additional charge in their native Azerbaijan, The Collegian says that support for the two imprisoned youth activists yesterday transcended the digital world and spilled out thousands of miles away onto the streets of Washington DC.
Ecuador: The Frustrations of Being a Writer
Being a writer in Ecuador can be frustrating. Whether it is the lack of books available or how politicians use cultural events to spread their message, many authors just want their work to reach their readers.
Japan: I won`t vote
The general elections will be held on the 30th of August but many Japanese won`t vote. One of these, at takuyaonline, gives vent to his frustration [ja] against the rotten political class and the decadence of the Japanese society in a post titled I won`t go to vote (選挙には行かない) .
Kenyan cartoonists find a home in the blogosphere
The older Kenyan generations vividly remember cartoon characters like Bogi Benda, Juha Kalulu and many others who premiered in newspapers. But times are changing and the internet is changing almost everything including the medium that cartoonists are using to share their thoughts.
Azerbaijan: Activist bloggers face additional charge as trial approaches
Youth activist video bloggers Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli have been held in pre-trial detention for 48 days. However, in an unexpected development, the authorities in Azerbaijan have now decided to add an additional charge of assault.
Peru: Contamination in Mining Town La Oroya
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights recently declared the petition admissible against the Peruvian State for committing human rights abuses against the residents of the mining city of La Oroya.
Brazil: On the meaning of “Minorities with a majority complex”
A catchphrase uttered by Senator Renan Calheiros in an argument with another senator reinforces the presumption of a long-standing rivalry between São Paulo and the rest of Brazil.
Japan: Whaling. Scientific research or commercial hunting?
Only "scientific whaling" is allowed in Japan, since commercial whaling was banned in 1986. But this is often regarded by environmental organizations as a ruse to continue commercial hunting.
Ecuador: Continuing to Face the H1N1 Virus
With the number of deaths due to the H1N1 virus across the region reaching 1300, Ecuadorians provide their opinions on how the media is informing citizens, as well as a blogger's brush with the virus.
Azerbaijan: Eurovision scandal continues
Despite attempts by the authorities to downplay the incident, news that the names and addresses of 43 citizens who voted for the Armenian entry in this year's Eurovision Song Contest had been obtained by police in Azerbaijan continues to send out shock waves through the Internet.
Uruguay: Day of the Domestic Worker
Mariolo of Asi ta’l mundo, Botija [es] writes that August 19 was “Day of the Domestic Worker” all across Uruguay and presents some facts about this occupation and adds in the comments section, “it is incredible the discrimination there is against domestic workers.”
Kenya: Lion-saving Art Takes Shape
The pride of Kenya Campaign, being touted as the biggest event in Kenya's conservation calendar this year, has been picking pace and excitement has been building. The Pride of Kenya is a campaign – coordinated by the Born Free Foundation – to raise awareness about the plight of the declining...
Iran: Televised Confessions Spur Video Cyber-Activism
Video confessions are serving as a form of cyber activist protest for those against the forced confessions and political drama in Iran.
Azerbaijan: Eurovision voting scandal
Although held in May, some media outlets in Azerbaijan last week reported that 43 people who voted for the Armenian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest have been identified by police and one has even been called in for questioning. Bloggers react.
Global Voices Unofficial Mascot Loses Left Eye
An unofficial mascot of Global Voices bloggers known as “GV Ferret” lost his left eye in a fight with a cat on Wednesday night in Boston.
Costa Rica: Long awaited for Train in Inaugural Run
New train service in Costa Rica is received with flag waving and cheering, but also several complaints and concerns.
Angola: The assassination of a ruling party MP
The Angolan blogosphere reacts to a double murder: a Member of Parliament and her brother, a Migration and Foreigners Services officer, were gunned down at the end of July. Was it a premeditated murder or an attempted robbery?
Cambodia: Miss Landmine Pageant Raises Questions
The Miss Landmine pageant intends to empower landmine victims and challenge traditional notions of beauty. The winner receives a high-tech prosthetic limb. But the Cambodian government canceled the pageant this month.
Azerbaijan: Bloggers’ appeal rejected
Media Helping Media reports that appeals by Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, two video bloggers and youth activists currently held in pre-trial detention in Azerbaijan on what many consider to be politically motivated charges, were yesterday rejected.
