Stories from 21 February 2007
Cameroon: youth is a state of mind
Mwalimu George Ngwane discusses youth and politics in Africa, “Language experts, psychologists and political observers would want to give the word ‘youth’ an elastic definition of. ‘Youth is a state of mind’. It is indeed such a blanket definition that has motivated political Methuselahs to stay in power in Africa...
Kenya: the battle for Africa Online
Bankele writes about the battle for Africa Online, “Telkom (South Africa) looks to emerge the winner in the battle for Africa Online after the African Lakes board (parent company) have accepted Telkom (SA)’s bid of £9.72 million (£25 per share) beating out Africa Telecoms Company (ATC) [which comprised Wananchi Online,...
South Africa: music from South Africa
Vusi Mahlasela has released a new album, Naledi Ya Tsela, SoundRoots World Music reports: The new album, called Naledi Ya Tsela in Africa but translated for the March 6 US release to Guiding Star, features a raft of guest artists, including Derek Trucks and longtime Vusi supporter Dave Matthews.
Bangladesh: Celebrating the Mother Language day
Today is the International Mother Language Day, an annual event in UNESCO member states to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. This is mostly the international recognition of Language Movement Day called ‘Ekushey February’, which is commemorated in Bangladesh since 1952, when a number of Bangla-speaking people were massacred...
Philippines: GV Author Running for the Congress
Mong Palatino, Global Voices author from the Philippines, is contesting in the upcoming elections. He is urging young people to participate in the elections. “Analysts doubt the potency of the youth vote. According to them, the youth will not be a significant force in deciding the outcome of the coming...
Superstars spice up Philippine elections
Philippine elections is in danger of being reduced again into a popularity contest. Showbiz actors are running again in the Senate. Politicians from both the Administration and Opposition camps are hiring actors/actresses to endorse their candidacies. Since 1998, TV personalities have been topping the Senate race. Candidates are allotting more...
Kazakhstan: Gathering Evidence
The Atyrau Informant reports on the story of a woman tormented by a gang of criminals in Kazakhstan. The police refused to look into the matter, citing a lack of evidence. That is, they refused until she started videotaping the people harassing her.
Uzbekistan: President's Nephew in Mental Hospital
Tolkun Umaraliev reports on the case of Jamshid Karimov, an independent journalist often critical of the government who also happens to be a nephew of the Uzbekistan's authoritarian president. In a throwback to Soviet practice, Karimov has been placed in a psychiatric hospital in Samarkand.
Turkmenistan: The Internet Comes to Town
One of the first acts of Turkmenistan's new president was to start the ball rolling on opening up access to the internet in the country. Now that it's arrived, neweurasia looks at what's next and what Turkmenistan must do to catch up with its neighbors.
Armenia: Barekendan
The CRD/TI Armenia Election Monitor 2007 blog has photos and a report on Barekendan, a traditional Armenian festival comparable to Mardi Gras or Carnival that many activists, including a considerable segment of the Armenian blogosphere, have revived to try to mobilize people to take an interest in the coming parliamentary...
Hong Kong: First Joss Sticks headline
Letters from China notices that a most popular local newspapers, Apple Daily, has put the “first joss sticks at Wong Tai Sin Temple” at the headline news for lunar new years for three years! No news in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong: teaching Chinese writing course in English
Hegelchong complains about the universities’ language policy in Hong Kong. High ranking university officials have made the decision that from next term onward, all courses should be taught in English, no matter whether it is about Hong Kong society or Chinese modern history. Well, he is teaching a group of...
