Stories from 13 November 2006
Haiti: New Francophonia Institute Trains Managers
Collectif Haiti de Provence points to a Haitian news article that announces (Fr) the training since about two months ago of 22 local managers by a new Francophonia Institute. The program is sponsored by the Canadian and French governments among others.
Afghan Whispers:War, Drugs and USA election
According to media insurgent activity in Afghanistan has risen fourfold this year. Afghan Warrior says operations against terror should be expanded in Pakistan.He adds for the first time the Pakistani Air Force conducted an air strike against suspected Taliban in Bajaur, a tribal area of Pakistan, which killed over 80...
Tajikistan: Polygamy Makes a Comeback
James of neweurasia discusses reports that polygamy is on the rise in Tajikistan.
Kyrgyzstan: Blog Roundup
Yulia rounds up the Kyrgyz blogosphere.
Armenia: Parliamentary Election Monitor
Onnik Krikorian has an extensive update on Armenia's parliamentary election campaign.
Kyrgyzstan: More Reforms Needed
Kyrgyz Report says that despite the recent reforms in Kyrgyzstan, reform of the media remains serious unfinished business.
Azerbaijan: Baku Real Estate Trends
Carpetblogger reports on a surprising new resident in Baku, Willie D of the Geto Boyz.
Armenia: New Air Link
Blogrel sees great potential benefit in a new air link between Yerevan and the rest of the world, courtesy of Air Arabia.
Senegal: Baaba Maal in Upcoming UK Festival
Seckasysteme writes (Fr): “Baaba Maal will be the star guest of the upcoming World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival, scheduled from 7/27 to 7/29 in Britain.”
Chile, Peru, Mexico: Free Hugs in Latin America
Free Hugs are invading Latin America, explains Jennifer Woodard Maderazo. The web2.0 free hug movement has also generated lots of conversation on Flickr [ES] and throughout [ES] the blogosphere [ES].
Latin America: Friday Poll Numbers
A diverse set of Latin America's poll numbers this week from Boz including Transparency International's annual survey on perceptions of corruption. Also, Chavez up by 20 points in Venezuela and approval ratings of Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Peruvian President Alan Garcia.
Nicaragua: Ortega's Stable Lukewarm Popularity
Matthew Shugart takes an interesting look at the surprising stability of Daniel Ortega's vote-getting over the past two decades. Though he won this year's election, he actually received less than his mean percentage from all previous elections.
Mexico: Mexico City Says Yes to Same-Sex Civil Unions
Giving the surprising news more context with recent developments in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay, Andres Duque the decision by Mexico City legislators to acknowledge same-sex civil unions.
Trinidad & Tobago: Opposition leader complains to Indian VP
The Manicou is even more appalled than usual at the conduct of Trinidad and Tobago's leader of the Opposition, who took the opportunity to complain to the vice president of India, who was in Trinidad on an official visit, that Trinidadians of Indian origin were victims of political persecution: “Obviously...
Trinidad & Tobago: jointpop in London
Jonathan Ali sits in Trinidad and thinks about jointpop, “the greatest rock band my island has ever produced,” about to start playing at their first gig of their UK tour: “I want to be there to see what these people who are not Trinidadian, who do not know us, will...
Brazil: Violence Against Women
“10 Women Will Have Suffered Violence in Brazil by the Time You End This Article,” writes Joanne Blaney on Brazzil Magazine.
Chile: Beastie Boys Reviews
The audio wasn't good, ok. And, sure, they're no longer 20-years-old. But they're the Beastie Boys, writes Rosario Lizana [ES] in a post subtitled “more beasty than boys.” Leo Prieto was also there and agrees about the quality of audio: “the first song and all that followed sounded really bad....
Malaysia: “Sexy Attire” and CCTV Malfunction
Sk Thew in Malaysia blogs about the incident where CCTV operator in Penang Town Council was caught zooming his camera on women journalist's thighs. The council is now blaming the “sexy attire” of the journalists rather than punishing the CCTV operator.
Guyana: Cinema memories
Guyana-Gyal and her brother reminisce about going to the cinema in the days “of banned goods and scarce items, Wang Yu, Bruce Lee and vampires used to grab the audience by they eyeballs, hold them for a couple of hours, make them forget the lean times.”
Bolivia, Chile: Sea Access and Silala River
Miguel A. Buitrago describes the marked improvement in diplomatic relations between Bolivia and Chile despite to delicate and long-standing issues of dissension. Otra Expresión (now located here [ES]) recently cited a survey [ES] by the Chile daily El Mercurio which found that 60% of respondents favored a solution in which...
Trinidad & Tobago, Germany: Luise Kimme
Stefan Falke posts photos of the artworks and studio of Tobago-based German sculptor Luise Kimme.
