Stories about North America from February, 2010
Rare Disease Day: “Alone we are rare. Together we are strong.”
February 28 is "Rare Disease Day". Patient and family support groups make avid use of online media to raise awareness and share information about proper care and prevention of uncommon diseases that affect millions of people.
Cuba: On the Front Line
Cuban diaspora blogger Uncommon Sense says that “Orlando Zapata Tamayo's fight for liberty is not over, as reports…are that other Cuban freedom fighters are taking his place on the front...
Egypt: DC Rally for Kareem Amer
Supporters in Washington DC held a rally in support of jailed Egyptian blogger Kareem Amer. Kareem has been in prison for three years as part of a four year sentence...
Russia: PM's Figure Skating Comment
The Ivanov Report analyzes the Western media response to the Russian prime minister's “Vancouver Olympics quote/misquote” and concludes: “Attaching his name to a piece of ‘analysis’ helps sell this questionable...
Palestine/West Bank: Peace Protesters use Avatar Movie Visuals
Recent protest against land appropriation of the West Bank village of Bil'in included Palestinian and Israeli activists masked as Na'vi characters from the controversial Avatar movie, which they consider anti-imperialist....
Haiti: Reading the Reports
Repeating Islands republishes segments of a report on HIV infections in Haiti, while Haiti Vox links to a story on “who's getting the first Haiti contracts”, saying: “It's important for...
Jamaica, U.S.A.: R.I.P. Rex
Both Labrish and Repeating Islands republish The New York Times’ obituary on the late Jamaican educator and choreographer, Rex Nettleford.
US Bloggers On The Case Of Kidnapping Haitian Orphans
As Haiti slowly treads on the path to recovery and rebuilding, there is a sense of renewed concern for the countries children - especially the orphans. US bloggers react on the news of the missionaries charged with kidnapping Haitian orphans.
Barbados, Canada: Sentencing Today
The convicted murderer of a Canadian tourist is to be sentenced today – Barbados Free Press is “hoping he rots in jail until he draws his final breath.”
USA: Native Cherokees Fight for Sacred Mound
Cherokee Native Americans in North Carolina are currently fighting the construction of an electrical station they say would impede the spiritual experience at Kituwah, a sacred mound that is cherished as "Mothertown".
Georgia: Tragedy strikes as Winter Olympic Games open
News about the tragic death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili a few hours before the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics broke out just after midnight on a Georgian forum. Twitter users also weighed in with their response to a death which many considered could have been avoided.
Darfur: Youth Keep Crisis in the Spotlight
Though the major conflict has ceased in Darfur, in western Sudan, the continuing instability and ongoing attacks have been particularly harmful for the region's young people. But youth both within and outside of Sudan have been vital in raising awareness and funds and trying to bring change to Darfur.
U.S.A., Cuba: Cuban-American Congressman Announces Resignation
Bloggers in Miami and Cuba are buzzing over the news that US Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart will not run for reelection in the fall. Diaz-Balart, a Republican, is a staunch supporter of the trade embargo against Cuba, and he took his resignation speech as an opportunity to highlight his role in codifying the embargo.
Haiti: On Orphans
“There are a small handful of beautiful programs working in Haiti to raise orphans to adulthood and teaching them to give back to their country. It takes a lot to...
Mexico: Monarch Butterfly Migration in the Americas
Between Mexico, Northern United States, and Canada the migration of the monarch butterfly has astonished residents and tourists dating back to ancient times, and have played an important part in local traditions.
USA: Undocumented Students Begin Week of Action on February 22
During the week of February 22, supporters of the DREAM Act -- a proposed federal bill that could assist more than 65,000 undocumented students to obtain a pathway to legal residency -- are planning a week of action.
Open Video: Worldwide Wireside chat with Lawrence Lessig
What is fair use, how does copyright fit into the digital age and how can commentary, teaching, remixing and research with video be freely developed? Tune in on February 25th 6:00pm US Eastern time (GMT -5) to watch and listen to Lawrence Lessig as he discusses these topics at the Open Video Alliance website or check out for screenings in your city.
Syria: Facebook Group to Protest Sanctions on Syrian Air
On Facebook, around 1,300 members to date have joined a group calling for the suspension of US sanctions on Syrian Air saying: “there is no reason to apply any type...
Haiti: Heroes
Bagay Dwol Journal is convinced that “Heroes are everywhere in Haiti, including the USNS.”
Syria: Youth Rally in Support of Syrian Air
The US is imposing a series of trade and financial sanctions which are affecting the daily lives of Syrian citizens in several areas. Syrian youth use the Internet to protest the grounding of Syrian Air's fleet, thanks to the ban on buying new commercial jets or even spare parts.
Jamaica: R.I.P. Huie
Repeating Islands acknowledges the passing of Jamaican painter Albert Huie.
