· August, 2009

Stories about Citizen Media from August, 2009

East Timor: “Happy Day” of freedom vote

  30 August 2009

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.

Ecuador: The Frustrations of Being a Writer

  27 August 2009

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

  26 August 2009

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

  25 August 2009

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: Eurovision scandal continues

  22 August 2009

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

20 August 2009

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

  19 August 2009

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...

Azerbaijan: Eurovision voting scandal

  18 August 2009

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.

Cambodia: Miss Landmine Pageant Raises Questions

  12 August 2009

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

  11 August 2009

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.