Stories about Weblog from January, 2017
A Russian Pilot Fights to Keep His Aging Aircraft From the Scrapheap
Alexander Poddubny has taken extraordinary measures to keep his Ilyushin Il-14 from the scrapheap, and now he's drowning in debt for his efforts.
Better Late Than Never? Trinidad & Tobago Wins 2008 Olympic Gold After Jamaican Athlete Found Guilty of Doping
"It started off as a sprint but ended up as a marathon."
Could Trump Solve Trinidad & Tobago's US Tax Law Stalemate? The Opposition Leader Seems to Hope So.
When Trinidad and Tobago's opposition was in government, it introduced the FATCA bill in parliament; ever since, it has been sidestepping passing the legislation. Enter a letter to Donald Trump.
The Struggle to End Female Genital Mutilation in Africa
"If I had previously known what I know today, I would never have circumcised a single woman. We have caused much suffering to many daughters and wives."
In Moldova, Civil Society Stands Up to ‘Big Brother’ Law
Pressured by civil society, Moldovan legislators debate whether to amend the flawed surveillance-enabling legal changes, called the "Big Brother" Law, or to demand a completely new proposal by the government.
Puerto Rico Celebrates Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera's Release
San Juan major Carmen Yulín announced that the city will be preparing a special event for his arrival in May.
Australia Day Ads Promoting Diversity Stir Controversy Before National Holiday
"If you’re not sure how to feel about the ad, why not ask an Aboriginal person who they feel about it. And if you don’t know any Aboriginal people… well…"
Meet the Young Ecuadorians Behind the First Kichwa-Language Radio Show in the US
“The show is about expressing oneself and not being afraid to do it.”
Popular Chinese Selfie App Meitu Prompts Privacy Fears
"I think it’s just a very shady business practice to try to gather as much data as you can without asking for permission."
The Tyrants Bring the Invaders: What Follows After Russia Helps Secure Assad's Victory
Russian’s bombing campaign in Syria has helped put an end to Aleppo’s civil democratic experiment, once a beacon of hope. What next?
The First Non-US Animated Short to Win an Oscar Was Made by a Director From Croatia
With Academy Award nominations around the corner, learn about the director from Croatia who won the Oscar in 1961 for Best Animated Short Film.
Inspired by Trump's Counsellor, Trinidad & Tobago Social Media Users Start Whipping Out ‘Alternative Facts’
"Ringling Brothers closed down in anticipation of the competition from the American government. #alternativefacts"
China Officially Outlaws Unauthorised VPNs
The Chinese government has been blocking some VPN services in China since 2015, but the current policy has officially made unregistered VPN and web-hosting services illegal.
Filipino Farmers and Activists March for Justice and ‘La La Land Reform’
'Stop killing peasants who feed the nation,' reads one banner during the January 20 march organized by peasant groups and activists in the Philippines.
These Venezuelans Have Some Ideas to Share With Trump Opponents
"Be patient with democracy and struggle relentlessly to free yourself from the shackles of the caricature the populists have drawn of you [...] I know: I’m from Venezuela."
“The Human Rights Situation in Burundi Is Deteriorating: We Need a New Approach to Show the World What is Happening”
"Strained relations in Burundi are causing price hikes and making life very difficult for the population. We need an urgent resolution to the Burundi crisis".
Snapshots of Migrants Working at a Riverside Brickworks in Myanmar
In some cases, children as young as five years of age share in their family’s labor when they really should be playing or studying at school.
Thousands of Women March to Reclaim Public Spaces Across India
Thousands of women across India rally, carrying signs reading, “I will go out,” in a campaign to reclaim their right to public spaces without fear of being attacked.
American Traveler Unearths Decades-Old Photos of Hiroshima and Japan From the 1970s
Japan in the 1970s. Central Hiroshima was still a slum, but the country was undergoing an economic miracle. American Larry Rosensweig was there to witness it. And he took pics.
The Long Road of Burundi’s Diplomatic Isolation
Over the past several months, Burundi’s ongoing political-security crisis has exacerbated diplomatic tensions and local economic decline.
Conspiracy Theories in Brazil Spread After Plane Crash Kills Supreme Court Justice Working Explosive Case
Despite a lack of evidence suggesting any foul play, many Brazilians — particularly people on the political fringes — have promoted elaborate and largely unsubstantiated theories about Zavacksi's untimely death.