24 June 2007

Stories from 24 June 2007

Mauritius: police officers and public transport

  24 June 2007

Roushdat blogs about the tendency by police officers in Mauritius not to pay bus fare: “The government include a traveling allowance in their salary and they are required to pay for these kind of services just like everybody!”

Russia: Moscow's Top Secret and Other Exaggerations

According to a recent survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Moscow is “the world’s most expensive city for expatriates for the second consecutive year.” To Moscow locals, however, Mercer’s findings may look a bit like an exaggeration - and one blogger explains why. Another blogger happens to cross paths with Vladimir Putin's motorcade in Moscow, getting a glimpse (and a few furtive photos) of the exaggerated security measures taken to secure the president's passage through the city.

Japan: Anti-freeze Toothpaste and Toxic Thomas

  24 June 2007

Last week, reports emerged that two Japanese companies were recalling thousands of Chinese toothpaste products sold to hotels across the country after the health ministry reported finding that they contained chemicals used in anti-freeze. At the same time, Sony announced that it was recalling 43,000 “Thomas the Tank Engine” wooden toys, which were found to be covered in paint with excessive levels of lead. Bloggers in Japan reacted with anger and disbelief.

Peru: Celebrating June 24 – San Juan and Inti Raymi

  24 June 2007

June 24 is a very special date in many parts of the world, because in addition to being the longest day of the year, it coincides with the summer solstice (which is why it is the longest day of the year). From the wikipedia entry on the solstice: A solstice...

Fiji: US Laws and Fijian Blogs

  24 June 2007

Digital Fiji highlights a Fijian blog that is asking its readers to attack tourists in a bid to destabilize the military government. The blogger urges Fijian bloggers to be aware of the laws in the US where the blogging service is based. “act of publishing these posts violates several criminal...

Cambodia: Blogs sharply criticize donor meetings

  24 June 2007

Hun Sen promised to purge his government of corrupt officials, pleaded for more aid, and was granted his wish, without question, by the international donor community. The decision comes directly after a slew of charges against the Cambodian government, which includes evidence of illegal logging and severe human rights violations.