Stories from 1 November 2007
Venezuela: Second Annual Blogstock
Venezuelan bloggers and other users of social networking software gathered in a remote location far from the capital for the 2nd annual Blogstock, not to hear lectures regarding the state of the blogosphere or the latest in technology, but to simply socialize and have fun. Amidst the serious problems facing the country, these types of get-togethers are at the heart of what Venezuelans are all about.
Armenia: Mafia Wedding
The Armenian Libertarian-Socialist Movement offers its readers a rare glimpse of life inside the estate of Armenia's richest and most powerful oligarch. Posting a video recorded during the wedding of Gagik Tsarukian's daughter, the blog makes a comparison of the situation in Armenia with pre-revolution Cuba.
Azerbaijan: Transport
Newly arrived in Azerbaijan, Carolyn and Jesse describe the situation with transport and money in the oil-rich former Soviet republic. In an extended post accompanied by many photographs, Carolyn & Jesse's Azerbaijan Peace Corps Blog is a welcomed addition to the blogosphere in the South Caucasus.
Georgia: Clash with Russian Peacekeepers
TOL's Steady State reports that a confrontation between Georgian and Russian security forces in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict zone was just what Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili needed ahead of an opposition rally scheduled for 2 November in Tbilisi.
China: Youtube is back
Several bloggers report that youtube is back in China after two weeks blocking. More from William Long, Andrew Lih and Graham Webster.
Japan: Adopt a Nova Teacher
David Markle from Japan Probe reports on the government attempt to provide workstay program for teachers who have been affected by the collapse of the largest English Chain (Nova). The government expects the project to help rural area to get internationalized by non-Japanese.
Hong Kong: Lost in Lynching
Enka comments on the hot debate about Martin Lee's article in wall street journal: Voltaire said, “I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Kyrgyzstan: Investigation into murder of a journalist
Beaudi reports on the ongoing investigation into the violent murder of Alisher Saipov, an Uzbek journalist who worked in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. As the authorities started claiming that Saipov had close links to “extremist” islamic groups, as well as Uzbek opposition groups, journalists and activists fear the Ministry will use this...
Kazakhstan: Review on “Nomad” movie
Nathan reviews the Kazakhstan's “Nomad” epic movie that was regarded by Western observers as a response to “Borat” and finds that most unintentionally entertaining were the political messages of the movie.
Central Asia: Media Watch
Bboyd provides an overview of developments in Central Asian mass media environment, pointing out the continuing loss of a precariously-positioned free press in Central Asia.
Afghanistan: Taliban occupies district
Afghanistan Watch reports that Taliban militants have occupied a strategic area north of Kandahar city for the first time since 2001 after the death two weeks of Mullah Naqibullah — a powerful anti-Taliban leader in Afghanistan.
Rising Voices Seeks Micro-Grant Proposals for Blog Outreach
Rising Voices, the outreach arm of Global Voices, is now accepting project proposals for the second round of microgrant funding of up to $5,000 for citizen media outreach projects. Application Deadline: November 30, 2007.
Mexico: Day of the Dead or Halloween?
Vivir México [ES] asks Day of the Dead or Halloween?
