Stories about Weblog from October, 2011
Taiwan: Photos from the LGBT Pride Parade 2011 in Taipei
On October 29, more than 50,000 people joined the annual Taiwan LGBT Pride parade in Taipei, which is the biggest in Asia. This year was the 9th parade since 2003. Here are some great photos from the day.
China’s Stability Machine and the Detention of Chen Guangcheng
As waves of visits to fight for the release of China's blind activist Chen Guangcheng are turned back by the violence organized by the local government, Chinese bloggers explore the stability machine that is at play behind Chen's detention.
Russia: The Data Leak War and Other Pre-Election Surprises
Current online political activity in Russia points to information warfare occurring between independent civil-society groups or remnants of 'traditional' political opposition, against various government officials and pro-government youth movements.
Tunisia: Let's Invade Social Networks!
A crazy wave of posts hit the world of social networks when Tunisian netizens decided to invade Facebook and Twitter with their comments. First came the official Facebook page of US President Barack Obama. Soon other world leaders got a taste of this spam-attack.
Tunisia: Elections Usher in a New Dawn
Tunisians have freely elected representatives who will form a national constituent assembly, which will draft the country's constitution for the first time in their history. While Sidi Bouzid rose in objection to the results in their town, many were happy with the outcome saying it ushered a new dawn for their country.
Mexico: Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt over Anonymous’ #OpCartel
Over recent days many media outlets have widely publicized news about a video by Anonymous Mexico threatening the Zetas cartel as a response to the kidnapping of one of the former's members. Inconsistencies in reports about the operation are however evident.
Saudi Arabia: Poverty Video Vloggers Released
Around two weeks ago, Saudi Arabian authorities arrested three young video bloggers Firas Buqna, Hussam Al-Darwish and Khaled Al-Rasheed for producing an episode of their show Malub Alena about poverty in one of Riyadh's areas. They have just been released.
France: Calls for Official Recognition of 1961 Paris Algerian Massacre
Fifty years after the bloody suppression of a peaceful demonstration by Algerians in Paris, French officials are still struggling to admit their responsibility. Calls for the official recognition of the 1961 massacre have been building in this anniversary year.
Russia: Retired Tennis Star Marat Safin to Run for Parliament
Russian tennis phenomenon, Marat Safin, has announced that he will run for the Russian State Duma in the December 4 elections. However, his public image, as illustrated by citizen media outlets, has until now not been focused on public service. Donna Welles reports.
China: Questions Following Mekong River Massacre
Thirteen Chinese sailors were killed earlier this month in an attack on two cargo ships. Nine Thai soldiers have claimed responsibility, which the Thai government says is theirs alone, but contradicting points in the case have left many with lingering doubts.
Thailand: Floods and Social Media
Many parts of Thailand are still flooded as the country continues to face the worst flooding disaster in the past half century. But some bloggers believe the flooding disaster has been exaggerated by the media - social media in particular.
Brazil: Police Restrain Students at the University of São Paulo
Military police launched a blitz operation at the University of São Paulo after approaching three students smoking marijuana on the night of October 27. Adriano Rangel reports.
Egypt: Blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah Detained for 15 Days
Egyptian activist and blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah has been detained for 15 days, after refusing to be interrogated. He appeared at the Military Prosecutor, along with fellow activist Bahaa Saber, today as supporters gathered outside, denouncing military trials.
Japan’s IT Exodus: A Personal Perspective (Part 1)
37-year-old software architect Ryo Asai writes at his blog “Becoming a Master Programmer” about his reasons for leaving his previous job, a Japanese system integration company, to work at Amazon Japan. In explaining his reasons for the move, Asai provides a unique perspective on the underlying roots of Japan's failure to keep up in the new digital economy.
Kyrgyzstan: There Is No Silence Day in Internet
Yesterday, October 29, was the so-called “Silence Day” in Kyrgyzstan, the last day before the presidential elections. At this day any political agitation is prohibited in the traditional media. But the law has no hold on Internet. The main representative of the Russian newspaper “Rossiyskaya Gazeta” Igor Shestakov said [ru]:...
Trinidad & Tobago: Celebrating Anya's Project Runway Win
The Trinidad and Tobago blogosphere has been extremely active over the past week as Season 9 of Lifetime's hit reality show, Project Runway, drew to a close. Home-grown design hopeful, Anya Ayoung-Chee eventually walked away with the coveted title of Season 9 designer.
Brazil: Niobium, National Mineral Wealth at Knock Off Prices?
Niobium, also known as columbium, is among the most utilized metals in the world, and Brazil has the great majority of global deposits. However, exploitation of niobium within Brazil raises questions about the profits being generated.
Yemen: VP Hadi Leaves to the US for Treatment!
Today's main headline in Yemen was the sudden departure of Vice President Abdu Rabbu Mansoor Hadi to the US for medical treatment. Hadi's absence adds a new snag to the signing of the unpopular GCC deal, which Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh has been putting off for months. Noon Arabia has more.
Myanmar Netizens to BBC: Apologize Now
Some Myanmar netizens are asking BBC to apologize for publishing an ‘inaccurate' map of Myanmar's ethnic groups. BBC has already updated the map but netizens still want a formal apology
Israel: Netizens Prepare to Take to the Streets in a New Social Justice Protest
Rallies are planned across Israel tonight - in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Rishon LeTzion, Kiryat Shmona, Haifa, Modiin and Eilat. Elizabeth Tsurkov checks out netizen reactions before the protests.
Ukraine: “We Are Europeans”
Ordinary Ukrainians are using citizen media and social networks to voice their commitment to European values and organize rallies in support of Ukraine's European orientation. Veronica Khokhlova reports.
