Stories about Weblog from January, 2014
31 January 2014
China's Propaganda-Heavy New Year's Gala Fails to Impress Viewers
Known as Chunwan, the variety show regularly draws tens of millions of viewers every year and has become an essential part of Spring Festival celebrations. But its popularity is dwindling.
Don't Stop the Party: Copyright Issues Threaten Trinidad Carnival Fete
The Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago has threatened to shut down a popular Carnival fete, but organisers and patrons alike now have a voice through social media.
How Brazilian Taxpayer Money Finances Construction Projects in the Amazon
During three months, reporters from Agência Pública sought to uncover the trail of investments of the National Bank of Economic and Social Development (BNDES) in infrastructure projects in the Amazon.
Egypt's Anti-Terrorism Law to Target Internet
Facebook, among other sites, will come under new scrutiny in Egypt, when a draft "anti-terrorism" law comes into effect.
Citizen Journalists Expose Police Brutality During Protests in Algeria
Protests, which shook El Guerrara town, exposed violent practices by the police in Algeria. Netizens filmed and denounced these practices. Abou Semmar reports.
Old Video of Official Slapping Chinese Tennis Star Li Na Goes Viral
China's sports system is notorious for its abuse of athletes.
30 January 2014
Landfill Smoke Continues To Hold Trinidad's Capital Hostage
For the fourth consecutive day, anyone venturing into Port of Spain has had to endure thick, toxic smoke drifting from the city's main landfill. Netizens are complaining on Twitter.
The Cost of Living in Rio de Janeiro Is Too Damn High
In Rio de Janeiro, you'll pay 72 reals (30 US dollars) for chicken stroganoff or 43 reals (18.20 US dollars) for a green salad. Residents have had enough.
New Spanish Cardinal Believes that Homosexuality is a “Defect”
"With all respect I am saying that homosexuality is a defective way of expressing sexuality," said the Spanish cardinal Fernando Sebastián Aguilar.
Circumstances Surrounding Aspiring Trinidadian Rapper's Death Still Murky
Talented rapper Titan Lee-Hai fell fifteen floors to his death from his dormitory building at NYU earlier this week. Online condolences from friends and fans have been pouring in.
Immigration: Issue Still Pending After Obama's State of the Union Address
Obama insisted that the lower house pass an immigration reform in order to legalize the status of more than 11 million undocumented workers living in the United States.
Japan's Taiji Fishermen Return to Infamous Cove for Annual Dolphin Hunt
About 250 bottlenose dolphins were rounded up this year in a secluded cove to be slaughtered for food or sold to marine mammal parks around the world.
29 January 2014
Trinidad & Tobago: Smoke in the City
With multiple fires at Trinidad's main landfill, citizens who work and live in and around the capital have been trying to deal with the effects of the thick smog.
Putting Faces on the Mysterious Disease Killing Nicaraguan Sugar Cane Workers
A fatal disease is killing sugar cane workers in Nicaragua. Photojournalist Ed Kashi wants to raise awareness about this mysterious epidemic through a documentary project that is looking for funding.
Coursera Online Courses Blocked in Syria, Iran and Cuba by US Sanctions [UPDATE]
Hit by US sanctions, Coursera students from Syria, Iran and Cuba, can no longer complete their studies on the online learning platform. Netizens react.
Lebanon: New Stamp to Commemorate Armenian Genocide
Lebanon will have a new national stamp released to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. The announcement was made by Minister of Telecommunications Nicolas Sehnaoui on Twitter.
PHOTOS: Drone Captures the Beauty of Thailand
Using a drone, Thailand-based blogger Richard Barrow shares several amazing landscape photos of Thailand. Drones were also used to monitor protests in Bangkok
28 January 2014
WeChat Users Send Virtual Envelopes Worth Real Money for Chinese New Year
In China, it is tradition to give red envelopes containing money as gifts during the Lunar New Year holiday. The red color symbolizes good luck.
China Awards Tennis Champion Li Na With Six-Figure Prize
The Chinese local authorities’ decision to award 800,000 yuan to China's tennis superstar Li Na shortly after her triumph at the Australian Open has triggered criticism among Chinese netizens.
Child Artists in Syria's Largest Refugee Camp ‘Zaatari’
Syria children at the Zaatari refugee camp, on the Syrian-Jordanian border, was showing off their artistic skills, writes Syria Untold.
