Stories about Weblog from March, 2010
Russia: Two Video Scandals
In Russia this week it has been hard to miss the two scandals that, at first, appear to have only one thing in common: both are centered around amateur videos published online. Heated discussions in the blogosphere and in other online venues are taking place on quite different orbits - which nevertheless do have one or two overlap points.
Armenia-Azerbaijan: BBC Azeri Facebook Diary III
As part of the BBC Superpower Season, the BBC's Azeri service approached Global Voices Online's Caucasus editor to participate in its own reflection on the power of the Internet. What follows is the third and final in English
Global Pulse 2010: An invitation to talk to decision makers online
From March 29 to 31, Global Pulse 2010 aims to gather over 20.000 people in an online conversation dealing with topics ranging from human development to science and technologies.
Bulgaria: Football Player Beats Up a Model
Bulgaria is quite shocked at the news of a player for one of the country's biggest football clubs, CSKA, beating top model Kristin Vacheva.
Ada Lovelace Day: Celebrating Women in Technology and Transparency Worldwide
In celebration of Ada Lovelace Day we profile several women based around the world who use technology to to make government more transparent and accountable.
Philippines: Post-earthquake reactions on Twitter
A 6.1 intensity earthquake rocked Manila and nearby provinces in the Philippines a few hours ago. Twitterers continue to share their experience and observations.
Africa: Notes From the Field
This is a roundup of blog posts of Concern US aid workers blogging from Sub-Saharan Africa. Concern US aid workers blog regularly about their work and challenges they face as they help to transform lives of people in Malawi, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sri Lanka: The Akon Controversy
A recent video of R&B singer-songwriter Akon featuring a group of scantly clad women dancing at a pool party in front of a Buddha statue caused much uproar in Sri Lanka. This became a hot topic in the Sri Lankan blogosphere.
Armenia-Azerbaijan: BBC Azeri Facebook Diary II
As part of the BBC Superpower Season, the BBC's Azeri service approached Global Voices Online's Caucasus editor to participate in its own reflection on the power of the Internet. What follows is Part II in English.
Peru: Cries of Animal Abuse in Defense of Surfing Alpaca
Images of "Pisco," the surfing alpaca have sparked cries of animal abuse because the Peruvian animal was taken out of its natural habitat, prompting speculating that its trainer was only out for publicity.
France: What would you do in The Game of Death?
A controversial French documentary sparked worldwide scandal on March 17 by televising a fake game show in which contestants were willingly led to torture others. Bloggers in France discuss the morals and meaning.
Palestine: Anger At Opening Of Hurva Synagogue
Last week the rebuilt Hurva, or Ruin, Synagogue was opened in the old city of Jerusalem, amidst a wave of protests by Palestinians. The opening has been denounced by a number of Palestinian leaders as being part of a project to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is only 700 metres away. Mays Dagher reports on what Palestinian blogs are saying.
Ghana: Blogging for World Water Day
World Water Day is a day observed on March 22 since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly declared March, 22 as World Day for Water. Jemila Wunpini Abdulai, an active member of the Ghana Blogging Group suggested we make the day a Ghana Blogging Universal Day post.
Ghana: Do Ghana's oil fields belong to Ivory Coast?
A dispute that could break out between Ghana and neighboring Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast is reportedly laying claims to portions of the huge oil wealth in the deep waters of the Western Region of Ghana.
Argentina: Arrest Order Against Judge's Father Creates Controversy
Argentinean Judge María José Sarmiento believes that the arrest order for her father, accused of human rights abuses in the 1970s, is "obviously related" to her ruling against the government regarding the use of the federal reserves.
El Salvador: 30th Anniversary of Assassination of Oscar Romero
Each year on March 24, the people of El Salvador and around the world commemorate the life of Roman Catholic Archbishop Oscar Romero, who was assassinated 30 years ago for his outspoken criticisms of the repressive government.
China: Official Nudity
A township government in Sichuan Province is being called “China’s first completely nude government” after township officials issued salary and expenditure information online. The reference to nudity recently found in many Chinese publications denotes an unprecedented level of transparency in local government. The government of Baimiao Township in northeastern Sichuan disclosed...
Armenia-Azerbaijan: BBC Azeri Facebook Diary
As part of the BBC Superpower Season, the BBC's Azeri service approached Global Voices Online's Caucasus editor to participate in its own reflection on the power of the Internet. What follows is a version in English
Ukraine: Tons of Fish Die; Fishing Enthusiasts Start Grassroots Campaign
Hundreds of tons of fish were trapped and crushed to death by the ice, after Ukrainian authorities abruptly lowered the level of water in the Kyiv Reservoir. A group of Ukrainian fishing enthusiasts reacted by launching a grassroots campaign to ensure that further damage is avoided and the government takes steps to restore the ecosystem of the reservoir.
Chile: President Piñera's Unsold Shares in LAN Airlines
Chilean president Sebastián Piñera made a campaign promise to sell all of his shares in LAN Airlines by the time he took office on March 11, 2010, something he has yet to fulfill.
Is Russia an Enemy of Internet?
The degree of freedom on the Russian Internet is an issue for debates. Some put Russia on the same list of "Internet enemies" with China and Iran. Others strongly oppose this kind of generalization and claim that Russian Internet is the most liberal and unrestricted public sphere in the country.
