Stories from January, 2006
Kenya: Myths
Diary of a mad Kenyan woman writes on the “myth of the strong black woman“
Aruba: Buying a house
At 25, ArubaGirl is wondering whether it would be wise for her to buy a house. “Am I being crazy to cling to the land?” she asks.
Zimbabwe: going hungry
This is Zimbabwe comments on the lack of compassion and failure to manage crisis by Zanu-PF….
China: More Crackdowns
Danwei summarizes the recent crackdowns on print publications in China that characterized the end of the Year of the Rooster. But there is a note of hope: “Yet as we enter the Year of the Dog, things are very different than they were even a year ago. The Internet has...
Indonesia: Deaf Driving
Indonesia Anonymous becomes curious about what effects the loud noise Indonesia's motorcycle rickshaws, a.k.a. “bajaj,” have on their drivers. It's called “noise-induced hearing loss.”
Ethiopia: internet reporter held
Meskel Square reports from Ethiopia on the three headline news items…Ethiopia indefinitely bans exports of four kinds of food crops ; Internet reporter held without charge in Ethiopia; Court orders death sentence for police officer in killing of students
Africa: Contributions to civilisation
Afrikan Eye publishes an article on the Africa's contribution to civilisation…..“Contributions to astronomy”
Trinidad & Tobago: Carnival
Nicholas Laughlin is finally embracing Carnival, the national festival of his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean Free Radio, on the other hand, may just have seen a few too many.
Ivory Coasts: French interests
Watch France writes that France is only concerned with advancing French interests….”Anything that advances French interests is acceptable. Murder, corruption, the buying off of African leaders, disinformation and the list is endless. A look at what is happening on the Continent bears me out.”
Burkina Faso: Gold mining
Keith of under the acacias writes on gold mining in Burkina Faso and asks if they are a blessing and for who?…..Mining has been a controversial subject in Burkina Faso and elsewhere in Africa. Events in Ghana, South Africa, Namibia, Sierra Leone, and other places have highlighted common problems in...
Japan: Jellyfish vs. Whale
Mutant Frog Travelogue suggests that rather than hunt whales, Japan ought to focus on snaring jellyfish which have been multiplying in its waters.
Japan, Korea: Grateful Colonies
Oranckay rebuts an article in the Japan Times that argues, among other things, that Japanese colonial rule benefited Korea. “It’s one thing to know that mentioning “Japan’s contribution to Korea’s modernization… only creates anger in Korea,” but it’s another to understand that one of the reasons it angers Koreans so...
Philippines: Rent Control
Another Hundred Years Hence, a blog by an urban planner, blames artificially low rents for the degeneration of the Philippines’ capital city: “Want to know why Metro Manila is in a state of disrepair? Five decades of rent control. Want to know why we have squatter colonies? Rent control. Want...
Taiwan: What's in a Name?
Pinyin News puzzles over — at length — the mystery of the ‘g’ in famous Taiwan director Ang Lee's name, which seems to be properly romanized as “An.” A commenter provides one answer: An Li or Li An sounded too feminine to him.
African Music Roundup
What is African hip hop? From Nairobi to Dakar hip hop has caught the imagination of the youth producing so many rap crews, breakers and all round b-boys. Some argue it's roots go back to the days of the African Griot, others argue its a unique African American experience. Whatever...
Mozambique: floods
African Water Journal blog reports on the floods in Mozambique which is presently affecting some 12,000 people….”Water levels in the Zambezi River Basin were still precariously high”
Chilean Scout Blogs
The Scouts movement has existed in Chile for the last 96 years. This networked community has leaders that promote and share the social values of the organization. Currently, more than 70,000 young people are involved and 11,000 adults volunteer in 850 base groups throughout Chile. Some of these groups have...
Plan Colombia and Beyond: Notes on a Senate staff trip to Colombia
Adam Isacson has a typically meticulous post documenting the visit by Senator Richard Lugar's assistant, Carl Meacham to Colombia where he released a report calling for the continuation of US aid in its present form.
Bolivia: “Washington Week in Review”
Democracy Center director, Jim Shultz spent last week in Washington D.C. where he spoke on U.S. – Bolivian relations after the inauguration of leftist president, Evo Morales. In his notes on the visit Shultz calls Bolivia's new Ambassador-Designate, Sasha Lorenti, “a super pick for this job” who is “well-respected on...
Argentina: Little Press Coverage of Chinese New Yeaer
SaltShaker has a difficult time finding information about the Chinese New Year festivities in Buenos Aires’ Chinatown.
Afghan Whispers: Censorship & London Conference
Afghan Lord informs us that there are more and more private TV channels in Afghanistan but he warns about the danger of censorship: Beside of four private channels like Ariana tv, Tolo tv, Ayna tv, Afghan tv and including one government TV these two is launched outside of the capital....
