Stories from 8 January 2008
Brazil: How the media portrays black women
Denise Arcoverde [pt] talks about the way that Brazilian soap operas portrays black woman, which, according to her, reflects the country's mentality towards the issue. “If almost any middle age woman, in Brazil, is already away from the media, the black ones then are completely invisible. While they are over-sexualized...
Brazil: On being bisexual
Insurreta [pt] discusses ideas and preconceptions regarding bisexuality. “Having an bisexual identity makes no sense – the letter “b” in LGBTTT – if you don't understand a bisexual person as bisexual, but as a homosexual person still in the closet, or as a promiscuous heterosexual. There is a specificity in...
Portugal: For a decent health care
gotaelbr [pt] reports on a trip to a hospital in Vila Real, Portugal, and the tales of neglect that he has come across. “The principle of “whoever wants health care should pay for it” that some favor not only is contrary to what is established in our Constitution but also...
Uruguay: 1930 World Cup Memories
El Blog de May [es] reminisces about the 1930 World Cup held in Uruguay, where the host nation was crowned champions even though only four European countries were able to make the expensive cross-Atlantic trip.
Americas: End of the Year Traditions
End of the year traditions across Latin America are varied, as many include local customs, the preparation of delicious food, and plenty of loud fireworks. This is a collection of how some bloggers spent their holidays throughout the region.
Zimbabwe: Villagers trading in Rand
Mugabe Mukaipa posts a news article published in the Zimbabwe Standard about Zimbabweans using the South African currency: “Villagers in most parts of Matabeleland are selling their livestock in South African Rand, citing the volatility of the Zimbabwean dollar whose value continues to tumble against major currencies.”
Holidays in Burkina Faso: Days off and good traveling
For foreigners living and blogging in Burkina Faso, this year’s clustering of Christian and Muslim holidays not only provided a countless number of days off, but gave people the chance to do some good traveling. Charlie from Blooming Desert tried to make the best of both worlds: Traveling home to...
Colombia: Filmmaker Stone and the Hostages
The U.S. filmmaker Oliver Stone was on hand to document the handover of the FARC hostage, which ultimately failed. Constanza Vieira of Heavy Metal Colombia [es] discusses Stone's presence.
Zimbabwe: Business owners beware
The Bearded Man warns Zimbabwean business owners: “Zimbabwean business owners and managers beware. The “Nitpick” (NIPC) team is due to be on the prowl again…”
Lebanon: Battling Cancer
Lebanese Laila Abu Saba, who is battling cancer, updates us on her situation in this post.
Belize: Election Date Set
Following the announcement of an election date that is less than a month away, Back to Living in Paradise advises Belizians to “make up your minds fast”.
Kuwait: Charity Paintball Tourney
Mark, who lives in Kuwait, announces a charity paint ball tournament – the proceeds of which will go towards an animal shelter.
Palestine: Children Pay the Price
Palestinian Haitham Sabbah puts together a slideshow on the suffering of Palestinian children and youth. WARNING: Some images may be disturbing to some viewers.
Obama on Iraq
IraqPundit discusses US Presidential hopeful Barack Obama‘s assessment of the situation in Iraq in this post.
Bermuda: Female Representation
“Bermudian women are severely underrepresented in the government in the backbenchers, cabinet and senate”: A Radical In Bermuda thinks the island needs a new feminism.
Iraq: Confessions of a US Soldier
Iraqi blogger Emad Khadduri links to a confession of a US soldier about his feelings on what is happening in Iraq.
Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica: “Moving” Film
Caribbean Beat Blog turns the spotlight on Jamaican-born Annmarie Morais’ first feature film.
Dominica, Barbados: World Cup Qualifier
Steve's Dominica is looking forward to the island's World Cup qualifying football match against Barbados.
Egypt: No Country for Old Men
Jarelkamar from Egypt says No Country for Old Men is a must watch movie.
Tunisia: Fast Food Haunts
Looking for fast food in Tunisia? Subzero Blue zeros in on his favourite chicken joint.
UAE: Notice to Women
From the UAE, Bu Jassem posts a circular (Ar) from a government agency urging female employees to dress up conservatively and stop touching themselves in ‘sensitive’ areas in front of clients.
