Stories from 9 July 2008
G8 Summit expensive menu
Cambodia Calling is “disgusted” by the expensive menu in the G8 Summit in Japan
Southeast Asia: Impact of high oil prices
Filipino journalist Iris Cecilia Gonzales tackles the impact of higher oil prices in the Philippines, Laos and Cambodia.
Children in the G8 summit website
The G8 summit website in Hokkaido, Japan features an image of a globe being carried by four children. Filipino politician and blogger Peter Lavina comments: “The children used in the website were mere decorations to lull us into believing that the world’s rich nations look after their care.”
Underground Bangkok radio
Gnarly kitty blogs about the UB Radio (Underground Bangkok) – “this is where you will get to hear Bangkok's top DJs mixing and doing their thing live through the virtual radio waves.”
Different types of durian
Agnes Tan from Singapore lists the different types of durian. Filipinos describe durian in this way: “It smells like hell but tastes like heaven.”
Malaysia: “Bloggers on strike”
Malaysian blogger RantingsbyMM wants to go on strike. Rocky's bru will also join the strike: “I do solemnly and sincerely join Marina and my blogging bros in declaring utter disgust at politicians who are taking Malaysian politics and Malaysians down into the pits of shame in the name of their...
China: Great Wall of China now wheelchair-accessible
Good news for wheelchair-bound sports fans, as written on Joseph Taggart's Blogspot blog: “In preparation for the Special Olympics in Beijing, an elevator was recently installed to make the top of the wall accessible to people in wheelchairs. I was excited to try it out.” Terrific photos, too.
No Movement on Death Sentence for Afghan Internet User
Journalism student Sayed Parwez Kambakhsh, accused of supposedly copyng text from an Iranian website criticizing Islam's stance on the treatment of women and sentenced to death for heresy, was berated by his own judge at his most recent appeals hearing, according to Jean MacKenzie at IWPR.
Afghanistan: Warnings for the Future
Joshua Foust notes the number of Afghan bloggers warning the West about the country's future.
Afghanistan: Bombing in Kabul
There was a massive suicide bombing at the Indian Embassy in Kabul Monday, killing upwards of 40 people and injuring hundreds more. Many expats and locals are confused at why the crowds near the Indian embassy—which resides on a pleasant and well guarded street by most accounts filled with bookstores...
Ecuador: Government Seizes Companies for Debt Collection
The Ecuadoran government seized hundreds of businesses, including three television channels. Much of the media focuses on the fact that that television stations were targeted, however, the government says that it is a preventative decision in order to collect debts. The Treasury Minister resigned because he did not agree with the seizure, and local bloggers provide their thoughts whether the government was justified or whether it hurts the cause of free speech in the country.
