Stories about Feature from June, 2010
World Cup 2010: Who's to blame for Nigeria's performance?
Nigerian football fans were dismayed Tuesday when the team's final chance of advancing in the 2010 World Cup evaporated in a 2-2 tie with South Korea. In the blogosphere, disappointment was the prevailing emotion, though many fans were not surprised by the outcome.
Global: Greek to English, Chinese to Russian, and Spanish to Macedonian
Wikidioms is a new online resource that aims at helping translators to cope with this challenge of translating idioms. Below is an interview with Wikidioms' founder Pavel Kats, and with one of its contributors, Yasna Trandafilovska.
Jamaica: Bloggers Discuss Dudus’ Extradition
Following his capture by Jamaican police, Michael Christopher 'Dudus' Coke has been extradited to the United States to face pending charges of drug and arms trafficking. "The President", as he is also known, issued a statement about his decision "to waive [his] right to an extradition hearing in Jamaica..."
Angola: Once Upon a Time in Roque Santeiro
The development experienced by Luanda holds one of the most frequented commercial spaces in the city. The Roque Santeiro Market, that generates thousands of dollars a day, to account, is about to close its “doors” to reopen in a more dignified and modern area, in Panguila.
Spain: The Prospect of Catalonia Competing On Its Own
The participation of the Spanish National Team in the 2010 World Cup renews the debate whether the autonomous community of Catalonia should send its own team to the international competition.
China: Gamers need not worry over new real name rules
This summer will see the introduction of real name regulations for e-commerce entrepreneurs and online gamers. With a series of past failed attempts in China at implementing similar rules, one blogger looks at the logistics of real name requirements and doesn't expect these new regulations to stick.
Philippines: Dancing Prisoners’ Tribute to Michael Jackson
And they've done it again. Convicted criminals from Cebu Province in the Philippines danced to the tunes of the late Michael Jackson in a tribute performance marking the first death anniversary of the famous music icon.
Russia: New Initiatives Indicate Government's Fear of the New Media
Alexey Sidorenko writes about the Russian government's attempts to control cyberspace - and its apparent fear of the new media.
Peru: A Bill on Obscene Content
A few days ago the news broke of a bill that had been approved by the Justice Comission in Congress, proposing an amendment to section 183-B of the Penal Code, which sanctions the media publication of obscene and pornographic displays. As a result, opponents of the bill raised the banners of "Freedom of the Press" and "Freedom of Speech." Bloggers and internet media users are debating whether this bill really gets rid of these freedoms, or if it serves as a protection for minors and others who don't want to see that content.
Japan and the World Cup: Silencing the critics
Ranked near the bottom of the 32 teams on the field in South Africa, facing odds estimated at 400-to-1 and four straight pre-tournament losses to boot, Japan was not even expected to win a game in this year's World Cup. But with their convincing 3-1 win over Denmark, perceptions have completely changed, propelling coach Takashi Okada from the butt of all jokes to a national hero.
Morocco: The Henna Experience
Henna as an art form has existed for thousands of years. Peace Corps volunteer Emily recently experienced it firsthand in Morocco. Jillian C York takes us on Emily's journey.
China: Debate over RMB evaluation
One week before the G20 summit, the Chinese central bank announced the increase of flexibility of RMB exchange rate. The People's Bank of China asserted that the exchange rate regime reform could help China, but not everyone is convinced in online forums.
Malaysia: Historic jail demolished
Despite the protest of concerned citizens, artists, and historians, the Malaysian government has decided to demolish the 115 year old Pudu Jail, a historical landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Bloggers react
Australia: Dramatic Fall of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
It was swift and secret. Kevin Rudd has been replaced as Prime Minister of Australia by his deputy Julia Gillard. She is the nation’s first female PM. Here are reactions from bloggers who rarely post about politics.
Chile: Students Arrested After Protesting Against University Reform
A week ago the government of Sebastian Piñera announced a major reform to the higher education system. At the inauguration ceremony of the president of Universidad de Chile (University of Chile) Víctor Pérez, students were arrested while protesting against a reform which they fear will get rid of public higher education.
Brazil: Standing Against Mining in Gandarela
Local communities and netcitizens who care for the biodiverse Serra da Gandarela in Minas Gerais, Brazil, are taking a stand against Vale S.A. - a major mining multinational whose record is not one of the best at the eyes of environmental groups.
Bangladesh: Hartal Is Back
Hartal, a South Asian form of strike action is back in Bangladesh after almost three years. Bangladeshi netizens react.
Worldwide: The oil spills that don't make the news
The tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has the world's attention on the devastation that badly managed oil extraction can bring. However, in some places around the world, people live with toxic spills such as these and through videos people try to bring the world's attention to their plight.
Russia: Bloggers React to President Medvedev's Silicon Valley Tour
For the first 24 hours, Dmitry Medvedev's @KremlinRussia Twitter account provided a unique opportunity to send unmoderated comments to the Russian president. Then all the comments were removed, and the era of the Russian unmoderated online democracy ended. Gregory Asmolov reviews Russian bloggers' reactions to the president's visit to California.
D.R. of Congo: The Murder of Human Rights Activist Floribert Chebeya
Floribert Chebeya, the leader of a human rights organization in D.R. of Congo, was found dead on June 2 under suspicious circumstances. Protests against his murder and other killings and rapes are planned by the Congolese diaspora this week.
South Korea: Worries Over Apocalypse Health Care Reform May Bring
As South Korean government moves a step closer to execute a health care reform, bloggers have erupted online, strongly criticizing the idea of reform as neither effective nor egalitarian.
