Stories from Quick Reads from July, 2008
East Timor: Media for peace
The head of media agencies in Timor-Leste participated in a joint press conference to raise awareness for the 100 Day Peace Campaign celebrated around the world. The specific theme in Timor-Leste is this: “What are you doing for peace?”
Bolivia: The Custom of El Poro
Camiri Digital [es] proudly writes about the use of the drink “el Poro” in Camiri, Bolivia, and its customs such as pouring the drink to your right.
Serbia: More on Belgrade Rally
Eric Gordy of East Ethnia writes about yesterday's pro-Karadzic rally in Belgrade: “Meanwhile the only element of the meeting that made news was the violent confrontation between skinheads and police, who this time around did not have orders to let the hooligans destroy anything they wanted.”
Ukraine: EU and NATO
Vitaliy of The 8th Circle writes about a debate on one of the blogs about the role Ukraine should play in the EU and NATO.
Moldova, Ukraine: Floods
A Fistful of Euros writes about “huge floods across southeastern Europe” and the lack of reliable information in English from this region.
Russia: Prostitution To Be Legalised?
LJ user mbpolyakov discusses (RUS) proposals and rising support for legalising prostitution in Russia.
Lithuania: President Abstains from Attending Olympics
Lituanica reports that the Lithuanian president, Valdas Adamkus, has decided not to attend the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing.
Russia: An Expat Exodus?
Copydude follows up on an earlier story, on increasing difficulties for foreigners to stay on in Russia, and partly supports his claim with statistics, and Russia Blog picks up and develops the story.
Russia: Military Service Exchanged for Construction Work?
LJ user dragspapa reports (RUS) about a proposal that young people should be able to do construction work as an alternative to military service.
Belarus: Failed States Index
Belaruskaya palityka LJ community recounts (RUS) this year's Foreign Policy Failed States Index and notes that Belarus ends up on 53rd place out of 60.
Russia: 30 July in History
De Rebus Antiquis Et Novis accounts for a few examples on what has happened on the 30th of July in Russian history.
Russia: Evictions in Sochi for 2014 Winter Olympics
Grigory Pasko at Robert Amsterdam addresses the problems local population in Sochi are experiencing as plans and building for the 2014 Winter Olympics go ahead.
Ukraine: Protests Against Image as a “Brothel of Europe”
The Turkish Invasion writes about a demonstration in Kiev, staged by a women's student organisation, in protest against the widespread image of Ukraine as a “brothel-state and bridebasket of Europe.”
Russia: Calls for Reinstating Regional Elections
LJ user Aleksandr Gnezdilov notes (RUS) that an increasing number of Russian politicians call for the return of regional elections in Russia, abolished after the 2004 Beslan school hostage crisis.
Libya: Beautiful Oasis
Libya holds number one and six of the world's seven most beautiful oases on a website, reports Anglo Libyan. Check out the post to see the pictures.
South Africa: Introducing Carbon Tax
Carbon tax on the cards in South Africa, “The National Treasury is investigating the introduction of a tax on carbon-dioxide emissions as part of South Africa’s voluntary commitment to climate change mitigation – government speak for…”
Africa: Mobile reporting
White African discussing mobile reporting in Africa, “Netherland’s based AfricaNews has been a pioneer in this space, starting last year with their “Voices of Africa” section of their site. I’ve been continually impressed with how they find, train and equip their journalists all over Africa.”
South Africa: Africa's first online reality show
Can you twist?: Can You Twist is South Africa's first online reality show featuring six of the country's hottest young female storytellers…and your votes.
Zimbabwe: Reacting to mid-term budget statement
Zimbabwean blogger's reaction to mid-term budget statement, This blogger listened to the radio today in amazement…Part one aired on the radio this morning was a brief monetary statement from Gono – a digestible 20 minutes. Part two was a long, boring, dragged out drone from Robert Mugabe.
Haiti, U.S.A.: Musical Militia
AfriClassical quotes author Michael Largey in its profile of Haitian classical composer Occide Jeanty (1860-1936): “By performing pieces that had extramusical programs referring to Haitian political resistance, the Musique du Palais National, with Occide Jeanty conducting, became a symbol of Haitian resistance, albeit in musical, not military terms.”
Kenya: 10,000 signatures needed
10,000 signatures are needed for political change in Kenya: “And everything goes back to normal? It can't end here. We need 10,000 signatures demanding they do something human for a change and reduce their salaries and give some of their own land to the people in this country who really...
