Stories about Citizen Media from March, 2010
India: Women's Bill Stirs Up A Hornet's Nest
There was a pandemonium in the upper house of the Parliament of India (the Rajya Sabha) when a controversial Women's Reservation bill from more than a decade ago, was re-introduced by the ruling UPA government on March 8th - International Women's Day. Netizens in India are divided on the issue.
Russia: Most of Media Practice “Copy-Pasting”
Russian magazine Kommersant Money published an analytical investigation on plagiarism in online media. It suggests that the majority of media content in Russia is based on “copy-pasting” practice usually done by special software that substitutes original words with synonyms to pass the product as a different article.
Nigeria: After the President's return, bloggers question who's in charge
Only two weeks after Goodluck Jonathan's long-anticipated confirmation as Acting President, ailing President Yar'Adua was stealthily flown back to Abuja after more than two months abroad. For most observers, the President's return raised more questions than it answered.
Armenia-Turkey: Response to U.S. Genocide Resolution
Following last week's resolution urging the US government to recognize the 1915 massacre and deportation of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as Genocide, reaction in the blogosphere appears to be muted. However, other alternative voices are making their voices heard.
Russia: Authorities to Eliminate “Digital Divide” in 2010
High Internet access prices in remote regions of Russia significantly slow the process of broadening Internet availability in the country. But it seems that Russian authorities are determined to fight the digital divide and get more people online by the end of 2010.
Kenya: Massive Flooding in Samburu as Ewaso Nyiro River Bursts its Banks
At dawn on Thursday, 4 March 2010, a massive flash flood hit Samburu in northern Kenya destroying 6 tourist lodges, some wildlife research camps and leaving thousands marooned on roof tops and on trees. This wave of rushing water came from the Ewaso Nyiro River which has burst it's banks following...
Kenya: The iHub launched in Nairobi
The iHub, an innovation center for techies, developers and innovators was launched in Nairobi this week. Several leading bloggers attended the event and here are their stories, photos and videos.
Myanmar: Government companies for sale
Bi-weekly News reported that 70 percent of state-owned companies and housing estates in Yangon, Myanmar has been auctioned off to private entrepreneurs.
Armenia-Turkey: US Congressional panel adopts Genocide resolution
In what turned out to be a nail-biting vote, the US congressional House Foreign Affairs Committee today voted on a non-binding resolution recognizing the massacre and deportation of Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire as Genocide. Outside observers live-tweeted the vote.
Russia: Every Third Family Has Internet Access
Every third Russian family has an access to the Internet, a new Russian telecommunication market research by Gfk showed. According to Lenta.ru, Moscow has the biggest Internet penetration rate of 52 percent, while the Russian Far East region has the lowest penetration rate of 21 percent.
USA: March 4 Day of Action to Defend Education
The March 4 National Day of Action to Defend Education is underway at several United States universities. Students are protesting against tuition fee hikes and racism, and for free publicly-funded education.
Peru: New Floods in Cusco Region
When it was believed that the disaster situation caused by rains and flooding in Cusco, Peru and surrounding areas had gotten better, on March 1st strong rains once again caused the overflow another river.
Colombia: Transportation Strike from Pedestrian Eyes
Citizen videos record the situation lived these past three days of city-wide transportation strike that has Bogota paralyzed. Citizens have resorted to walking, riding bicycles, hitchhiking and climbing into the backs of pickup trucks that will take them closer to their places of work.
Russia: “Merry Gnome” Medvedev. Story of the Meme
The Russian blogosphere can create a significant political effect threatening the image of Russian government officials. It doesn't even require an actual news story with a critical approach to the government.
Uruguay: José Mujica Sworn in as President
Under high expectations and continuing the left-leaning rule by the coalition party Frente Amplio (Broad Front), José Mujica was sworn in on March 1st as the new president of Uruguay.
South Africa: 2010 Soccer World Cup – 100 Days and counting…
Ladies and gentlemen it’s here! The countdown is on and we are about to cross the psychological number of 100 days left to go. FIFA Soccer World Cup has become the most awaited sports event in recent history not just because of its magnitude but because it comes to the world’s most colourful continent – Africa!
Chile: Political Points Amidst the Earthquake
Among the ongoing reports of casualties and damage caused by the earthquake that struck Chile, political observers and bloggers have commented on the implications the quake will have on Chilean politics, especially since Chile is in the midst of a presidential transition.
Chile: Tsunami Strikes Juan Fernández Islands
Another Chilean island territory, the Juan Fernández Islands located closer to the Chilean coast at a distance of 667 km, was not spared from the effects of the waves caused by the powerful earthquake.
Chile: Praise for Earthquake Preparedness
Chile was struck by a devastating earthquake this weekend. Despite the damage and the rising number of casualties, the international community has praised Chile's preparedness for this situation.
