Stories from 6 July 2008
Colombia: The Release of Alf Onshuus Niño
Otra Expresión [es] reports that Colombian-Norweigan Alf Onshuus Niño was recently released by the FARC in an act unrelated to the recent rescue of 15 hostages. The blogger at Balada del Elefante Azul [es] also mentions this and is especially meaningful since he has blogged about the kidnapping of his...
Mexico: Tram in the Historical Center of the Capital
A new tram will be constructed in Mexico City capable of transporting 240 passengers and will begin in the historical part of the capital city. El Nahual is in favor of this new project because [es], “it is quiet, does not contaminate, promotes the use of public transportation, etc.“
Nicaragua: Blog of Salvador Cardenal
Nicaraguan singer-songrwriter Salvador Cardenal's blog provides photos of recent concerts and information about upcoming events.
Nicaragua: Ex-Sandinistas Part of Renovation Movement
Política Nica [es] writes about the Sandinista Renovation Movement (MRS) of Nicaragua and writes that it is comprised of “ex-revolutionaries combing their gray hairs and willing to swear upon institutional laws..and for many years they had been stigmatized by the right as a group of leftwingers guilty of the destabilization...
Global Lives Project: Recording the lives of 10 people for 1 day
The Global Lives Project is a global initiative created to showcase the lives of 10 different people from all over the world by following them and recording 24 hours of their day in video. These 240 hours of material will be shown at the same time in an installation where a person will be able to walk through 10 different rooms projecting each one of their lives, and a central hub where the 10 screens will be seen simultaneously.
Brazil: The Rent-a-Blog debate heats the blogosphere
A famous brand of beverage decides to invest in Brazilian blogs as the main vehicle to market its latest product. A well established blog-like website picks up the story using the term "rent-a-blog" to describe the chosen bloggers. A recipe for disaster or the signs of a new era?
Iran: Peaceful protest movement against corruption
Here is a film in YouTube showing a peaceful demonstration against corruption in Mashhad, the second largest city in Iran, about 10 days ago.
Malaysia: Higher education
The Tempinis diaries thinks Malaysia should seriously consider setting up an academic advisory panel for higher education.
Indonesia: Manhunt for terror suspects
Indonesian police have launched a nationwide manhunt for two top terror suspects behind the latest deadly bombings in Bali. SPH purple reporters provide key background information about the activities of the suspects.
Iran:Arian, a popular pop music group
Kourosh Ziabari has published several photos of Arian, a popular pop music group in Iran.
Malaysia: Political scandals
Sex charges, disappearing witnesses, murder, fuel protests. Indeed, political drama is unfolding in Malaysia. Mr. Definite observes local politics gets interesting.
Vietnam: Dissident monk passes away
Ven. Thich Huyen Quang, the Supreme Patriarch of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam has passed away. Vietnam Human Rights Journal comments: “It is sad that a man of Thich Huyen Quang's stature could have been forced into a form of internal exile in central Vietnam, essentially cut off from...
Iran:Congratulations on high oil prices
Thanks to View from Iran, we can read translation of a sms going around Iran right now:”We congratulate the Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian people the increase in the price of Iranian oil to $100 a barrel.”
Laos: Solar-powered lanterns
A company is bringing solar-powered systems to light up the remote communities of Laos.
Laos: Reflections on communist invasion
Laotian Teacher recalls the sad experience of Laos under communist rule
Iran:”A realistic approach to nuclear crisis”
Mohammad Ali Abtahi, former Iranian vice president and blogger, writes about nuclear crisis and says a “realistic approach is a national need in the dangerous conditions of the country and it is a need for preserving Iran.”
East Timor: Protest against luxury motor vehicles
The East Timor Students Forum is threatening hunger strikes against the decision of the National Parliament to purchase luxury motor vehicles.
China: Senstive Push-Up
In the Weng'an mass incident investigation, the murder suspect claimed that he was doing press-up in the bridge when the 15-years old girl jumped down to the river. Many netizens started to spoof about the term “push-up”, and now it has become a sensitive term in may portal websites according...
Ecuador: LDU Crowned Winners of Libertadores Cup
Gabby Corsales celebrates the victory of the Liga Deportiva Universitaria football team in the Libertadores Cup [es], awarded to the best squad in South America and Mexico. LDU became the first side from Ecuador to win the prestigious tournament.
Armenia: Education Blogs
Now that post-election tensions are dying down in Armenia, there is a huge potential for blogs to cover more specific issues which are either ignored or left undiscussed by the media and society in general. One of those subjects is education, an area which is particularly tainted by corruption in the post-Soviet space.
China: August moon over Beijing
Veteran China pundit Philip J Cunningham looks back at the phases of the moon leading up to the Tiananmen student protest in 1989 and forward to the August moon as it will be when the Olympics begin next month as possible justification for tightened security leading up to the Games...
