Stories about Weblog from September, 2010
Ecuador: Police Strike Denounced as Attempt to Destabilize Country
The Ecuadorian police are leading a strike against reforms to the public service law, unleashing chaos in the country. Since this morning, Twitter users have been reporting on the events and reacting to the developing news.
Should Bangladesh Send Troops To Afghanistan?
The Bangladesh Army has earned a reputation in contributing troops for different United Nation Peacekeeping Operations across the world. However, recently the country received an extra-ordinary request for troops to join NATO forces to help secure Afghanistan against Taliban advances.
Jordanian Bloggers Promote Dialogue With U.S.
Jordanian bloggers advocate for dialogue and moderation rather than extremism in responding to U.S. misconceptions toward Muslims.
Brunei's “national twitter account”
Meet @BruneiTweet, probably Brunei's most famous twitter user who blogs about the lives of ordinary young Bruneians. GV interviewed him about his online projects and other advocacies.
Russia: Landscape and Trends of Online Transparency Initiatives
Alexey Sidorenko analyzes the five main groups of the Russian transparency projects: official and semi-official transparency websites; chaotic transparency communities; online representation of civil activism NGOs; next-generation transparency and civil rights activism social networks; and Ushahidi-based projects.
Hungary: Citizens Protest Against Auchan Shopping Mall
Marietta Le posts an update on the ongoing efforts by Hungarian citizens to save the Dunakeszi marsh, which would be destroyed if Auchan Hungary's expansion continues as planned.
Colombia: University of Antioquia Closed After Clash Between Students And Police
The University of Antioquia, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in Colombia, was closed September 15 following a confrontation between students and police. Using blogs and twitter, the students of the University have been reporting on the events and giving their opinions on the closing and expected reopening.
Russia: “Web of Justice”
The Russian Internet is presented, especially in some Western media, as being one of the few democratic forums in the country. However, these reports should be taken with a grain of salt, as it is still unclear just how much of Internet freedom the government is willing to tolerate.
South Africa: Winners of South Africa Blog Awards 2010
The South African Blog Awards started in 2005 to showcase the best blogs in South Africa voted for by the public. The winners were announced on 25 September 2010 at the annual awards ceremony at the One & Only hotel, Cape Town. The award for the Best 2010 South Africa Blog went to Watkykjy.
Morocco: “Why Belle is a Peace Corps Volunteer”
A blog meme is making the rounds amongst female Peace Corps Volunteers in Morocco; though neither of the bloggers who posted the meme disclosed its origins, both women say that they relate to it. The meme in question? "Why Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, is actually a Peace Corps Morocco volunteer."
Bolivia: The Story of the Uncle and Other Scams
They are often the oldest tricks in the book, yet people still continue to fall for them. In Bolivia, like other South American countries, a scam or attempt to con is often called “El Cuento del Tío” (The Story of the Uncle). Bolivian bloggers share their own story of being swindled.
Jamaica: Back to Court for Banton
Jamaican bloggers - nay, regional bloggers - have been following dancehall music icon Buju Banton's drug possession court case with great interest. Yesterday, news broke that the jury was evenly divided on what his fate should be. The judge has since declared a mistrial, which means that the singer will head back to court later this year.
Iran: The Art and Design of the ‘Green Movement’
“Where is my Vote” is an exhibition of 150 political posters for the Green Movement in Iran that was on display at the School of Visual Arts in New York by graphic artists from around the world in support of the protests in Iran that followed the 2009 presidential election.
Egypt: “The Inevitable Mubarak Photoshopping Contest”
In its coverage of the 2010 Peace Talks–the latest round of direct negotiations between leaders from Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and the US, Al Ahram newspaper used Photoshop skills to place Mubarak at the front and center in the lineup of heads of states. Bloggers take the cue to launch their own Mubarak Photoshopping Contest!
Singapore: Minimum Wage Debate
Should the Singapore government impose a minimum wage policy? Hong Kong’s recent decision to adopt a minimum wage policy has sparked a debate in Singapore as to whether the prosperous city state should also fix the minimum wage of workers.
Music: CD Brings together banned and censored musicians
Listen to the Banned is a music CD bringing together musicians who have been banned, censored or imprisoned due to their music. It features artists from Afghanistan, Cote D’Ivoire, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Sudan, Turkey, Uighurstan and Zimbabwe.
Ecuador: Former Football Referee Caught Smuggling Heroin to United States
Ecuadorians are devastated and surprised by news about one of their citizens: this past week, football referee Byron Moreno Ruales was caught trying to smuggle 6 kilos of heroin strapped to his body through the JFK international airport in New York City.
China: Glory to the Stability Maintenance Contractors
Yesterday, September 26, the Chinese Government released its white paper on human rights. The Xinhua news report highlighted the positive aspect of the role of Internet freedom for the government to gauge public opinion and improve its governance.
Southeast Asia: Blogging about Football
There are many football blogs in Southeast Asia that provide relevant news stories and updates about football matches and programs in the region. Here is a list of football blogs in Southeast Asia with focus on Vietnam and Cambodia.
D.R. of Congo: Okapi Radio, Winner of “Free Media Pioneer” Awards
The International Press Insitute (IPI) has granted Okapi Radio, the UN Radio in D.R. of Congo, with a "Free Media Pioneer" Award. The radio has been broadcasting since February 2002 to contribute to the peace-building process in DRC.
Saudi Arabia: Licence to Blog!
Saudi Arabia first announced plans to have all web publishers and online media, including blogs and forums, to be registered with the government. The following day, it backed down following a storm of protests, saying that only electronic newspapers were expected to register. Saudi netizens have their say.
