· December, 2011

Stories about Feature from December, 2011

Brazil: “We Have Overtaken the United Kingdom's GDP. So What?”

  31 December 2011

The news, published in the international press and echoed by the country's media, filled nationalist Brazilians with with pride and optimism, and left those who analysed the numbers more closely concerned. Bloggers ponder the meaning of being the world's sixth largest country in terms of Gross Domestic Product, and occupying the 84th position in Human Development Index.

Egypt: 2011 in Blog Posts

  30 December 2011

The year 2011 is coming to an end, and with all the events took place in Egypt, it is important to list the most important or controversial blog posts of the year. Tarek Amr polls Twitter users to decide this year's top blog posts.

Chile: Neighbors and Netizens Unite to Save Concon Dunes

  30 December 2011

After 20 years of struggle against the construction of a real-estate project on a delicate and unique ecosystem called the Concon Dunes, neighbors and netizens have united their voices to continue the protest on the day the development company started closing in on this nature sanctuary.

Russia: AIDS Epidemic – “Shame Russia Shame”

RuNet Echo  30 December 2011

International organizations are taking notice of Russia's AIDS epidemic and the hurdles the country faces in combating it. Recent international attention has been directed toward Russia's healthcare system, the stigma attached to those infected, and Russia's drug policies. Donna Welles reports.

Cape Verde: The Musical Legacy of Cesária Évora

  29 December 2011

After the death of Cesária Évora, symbol of Cape Verdean music, on December 17, there was an abundance of tributes and declarations by her faithful audience from almost every corner of the globe. With the singer and Cape Verde in the spotlight, the blogosphere discussed who might take her place as musical spokeswoman for the country.

Brazil: Murder or Suicide of Controversial Blogger?

  26 December 2011

Blogger Alexander Hamilton, 'the Mosquito', was found dead in his apartment in Brazil. According to the police, it was a case of "suicide by hanging." This quick conclusion, however, has not convinced his friends and family, who are demanding a rigorous investigation of the case.

Zambia: Has the 90 Days Promise Been Fulfilled?

  25 December 2011

Zambia’s new government reached its landmark 90 days in government on December 23, a period during which it promised to turn around people’s lives. Netizens on various social networking sites have been assessing the new government’s achievements, if any, and failures.

Yemen: The Amazing Life March Arrives in Sanaa

  24 December 2011

Thousands of Yemenis just arrived in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, after marching from the city of Taiz in the south, to call for the trial of Yemeni president Ali Abdulla Saleh. The aim of the 264km march, which protesters undertook on foot, is to demand the that Saleh, who was granted immunity from prosecution for his involvement in an 11-month crackdown on protesters demanding democracy, gets punished for his crimes.

Tanzania: Dar Youth Mobilise Online to Assist Flood Victims

  23 December 2011

Dar Es Salaam’s young social media users are mobilising volunteers to assist in relief efforts following the floods that inundated vast areas of Dar es Salaam causing deaths and damage to infrastructure. Using the hashtag #Darfloods, Twitter users have been in the forefront informing and mobilising relief efforts.

Russia: Opposition Faces Online Communication Problems

RuNet Echo  23 December 2011

The ability to broadcast the events of December 2011 in Russia live online, has made people around the world and in the country the spectators of a truly historical event – the December 22 gathering of some 100-150 opposition activists, who represented thousands of the netizens and millions of not-connected Russians.

Philippines: State of National Calamity After Tropical Storm Sendong

  23 December 2011

A state of national calamity was declared by the Philippine president after tropical storm Sendong devastated many parts of north Mindanao Island. More than 1,000 people have already died in the flash floods and 1,000 are still missing. Here are some citizen media photos and reports of the flood impact.