Stories from 14 January 2008
Colombia: Uncertain Future for the Hostage Situation
In the wake of the release of two women who had been held hostage by the FARC terrorist group for 5 and 6 years, there are mixed feelings regarding the future political situation in Colombia, especially after the request by Venezuela´s President Hugo Chávez to world leaders to consider FARC an insurgent and not a terrorist group.
Singapore: Noisy TV on Buses
The Fox Hole wants the company that installed televisions on public buses to stop blasting the sound from these TVs.
Laos: Mysterious Plain of Jars
The South East Asian Archeology Newsblog looks at the mysterious Plain of Jars in Laos.
Indonesia: Suharto's Legacy
As Suharto clings to his life, James Seng feels a more balanced look needs to be taken at the former president's life.
Indoneisa: Travelling with Toddler
Rani shares her recent travel experience where they traveled with their young toddler to Central America.
Iraq: Snow in Baghdad
Yes, seriously. For the first time in living memory it actually snowed in Baghdad. Salam Adil braves the weather and brings us the latest from the Iraqi blogosphere in this post.
India: To the suburbs
As the city of Mumbai continues to grow skywards, the suburbs beyond the city provide some respite from the crowded and expensive city. More at Metroblogging Mumbai.
South Asia: SAARC Youth Camp
Voice of South on the second youth camp South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) that has brought over 60 delegates from across South Asia to Chennai for a five-day summit.
India: Auction the award
Given the controversy that always surrounds civilian honours and awards, I, Me, Myself suggests that India's highest civilian honour be auctioned.
Bangladesh: On Brown Writing
black and gray on the idea of “Brown Writing” – literature emerging from South Asia.
Brazil: Should we fear Venezuela?
"Venezuela is due to become the biggest military force in South America. Should Brazilians be worried about it? Is there any need to fear Hugo Chavez?". These were lines on a recent satire TV show in Brazil, which presented the possibility of a Venezuelan invasion in the country. "Rumour Central" was accused by many bloggers of being misleading, manipulating and of inciting hatred against Venezuela among Brazilians. Find a link to see the 8 minute show with English subtitles in this piece.
Japan: Turn off the lights
Since their introduction in the 1970s, convenience stores, popularly called konbini, have developed into a prominent feature of the Japanese landscape. Now the number has grown to about 45,000 stores, 94 per cent of which are running 24-7, offering everything from food, to beverages, to snacks, to ATMs, to ticketing and utility bill payments, you name it.
Barbados: Close Race?
As Barbados faces the polls tomorrow, Keltruth Corp. explores the idea of hope in light of the current government's performance, while Barbados Free Press says: “We aren’t about to proclaim a victory in hand for David Thompson and the DLP, but we do see, hear and feel a sense of...
Bahamas: Policeman Gunned Down
As a policeman is killed in the line of duty, Adrian Gibson at WeblogBahamas.com says: “The fear of crime has left many citizens practically incarcerated in their own homes. The peacefulness and harmony that once depicted the Bahamas is now lost to the ages.”
Anguilla, Bermuda: Blogging
Corruption-free Anguilla refers to recent developments in Bermuda to answer the question of whether blogging makes a useful contribution.
Trinidad & Tobago: King Cobo
Thebookmann highlights one of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival characters whose role is “to upkeep the traditions of Carnival from the grip of commercialism.”
Maldives: Aftermath of an assassination attempt
It looks like a scene out of a Tintin or Asterix comic book. On January 8, during a campaign tour of a northern atoll, while the Maldives dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was shaking hands with people gathered to welcome him at Hoarafushi island, a 20 year-old lunged at him with...
Trinidad & Tobago: Short-Listed Books
Antilles is pleased that there are four Caribbean books on the 2007 National Book Critics Circle Awards shortlist.
Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan.Net Domain Sold
Lena B-va reports that the domain Kazakhstan.net was sold for $15,000 at the specialized fair of geographic domains names was held by the Associated Cities Co. in San-Francisco.
Kazakhstan: Fourth Capital
Arseny is reviewing a new project of building another brand new city in Kazakhstan — this time in Aktau, Western Kazakhstan — that is to become a tourist center and business hub for the whole Caspian region.
Kazakhstan: Kashgan Crisis Has Ended
Just minutes before a breakthrough of the negotiations was announced, Ben rounded up the latest developments in the continuing row over the massive Caspian oil field.
