Stories from 29 August 2008
Hungary: A First-Grader's Shopping List
Hungarian Spectrum writes about how much it costs to equip a child for the first year at a Hungarian elementary school.
Russia: Putin on CNN
A discussion of PM Vladimir Putin's CNN interview – at Sean's Russia Blog.
Russia, Georgia: The Balkan Context
LimbicNutrition Weblog writes about the Russian-Georgian conflict in the context of the earlier events in the Balkans.
Slovakia: Top 10 Castles
The Foreigner's Guide to Living in Slovakia posts a list of “the top 10 castles and ruins in Slovakia” (with maps and pictures).
Poland: “Polish Enigma”
MHahn of the Women's International Perspective (WIP) writes on WIP Talk Blog about “the trials and tribulations of life in a transitioning country” – Poland: “It is full of inconsistencies, bureaucratic mazes, masked faces, false hopes, and intense pride, but also an enchanting aura wafting through the crevices, a sorrowful...
Angola: Going, going, gone!
The historic Kinaxixi Market of Luanda, the Angolan answer to Corbusian modernism in architecture, has been knocked down to make way for a modern shopping centre. Is this a sign of the times or an example of the devaluation of heritage in the face of economic power? Clara Onofre reports.
Iran: Muslim Bloggers and election
The Muslim Bloggers Association, a very dynamic group of Islamist bloggers in Iran announced[Fa] that five members of its central committee were elected. You can watch several photos of their meeting and election here.
Iran: Watch an old commercial
Thanks to You Tube we can watch an Iranian pre-revolution commercial.
Kenya: The making of an African activist
Afromusing posts the video of Kenyan blogger, Ory Okolloh, at TEDGlobal 2007 in Arusha, Tanzania. Ory Okolloh is the founder of Mzalendo and co-founder of Ushahidi.
South Africa: Zuma in Hollywood?
Zuma in Hollywood?:”There are more little Zumas popping around. The latest news out of Hollywood are that rock chick Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale named their second son Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale.” Jacob Zuma is the president of the ruling party in South Africa, the African National Congress.
Kenya/Tanzania: Technology in the Maasai world
Rebecca writes about the Maasai and technology, noting that the mobile phone has made a significant difference in their community “…probably more than it has in many other communities.”
Saudi Arabia: Independent women
While there are no doubt restrictions for women living in Saudi Arabia, they do not necessarily match the oppressive image that many foreigners have of the country. In this post we have advice for women wanting to visit Jeddah alone, a review of a women-only hotel in Riyadh, and a plea to those foreigners who feel they want to speak on behalf of oppressed Saudi women.
South Africa: Don't insult our national anthem
Gwen criticizes the use of the South African national anthem in a radio ad. She writes, “Don't insult our national anthem.“
Bangladesh: Obama and America
Mash reacts to Obama's speech and his nomination as the Presidential candidate.
India: On Suggestiveness
Kafila on the random accusation of “suggestiveness” by various censors in India.
Bangladesh: Working in the Gulf
Reflections on migrants going to work in the Gulf, while waiting at the airport at unearthly hour at D is for Dhaka.
Madagascar: Barcamp set to foster ICT collaboration.
The date for the first Barcamp in Madagascar is set for October, 4th 2008 in Antananarivo. The user-generated unconference will follow in the steps of previous Barcamps organized in sub Saharan Africa (Nairobi, Kampala and Mauritius) . Other Barcamps related to ICT in Africa are also planned in Abidjan and Silicon...
South Africa: The final insult
JC writes about the final insult on the South African national rugby team: “The Springboks are expecting gracious favour from Lady Luck, God and the Highveld hoodoo but none of these intangibles will be enough to prevent another historic Australian win.”
Armenia: Opposition Truce
Unzipped commends the opposition in Armenia for deciding to postpone planned street protests and other political actions ahead of next week's historic football match with Turkey in Yerevan. The move is meant to contribute to the possibility for Armenian-Turkish reconcilliation.
Zimbabwe: Zimfest 2008
Sokwanele blog announces a festival organized by WeZimbabwe in London: “ZimfestIt’s all about braais, music, sadza, beer etc – and raising money for Zimbabweans in need. Tickets are £20 in advance or £30 at the gate.”
Eritrea: African Reading Challenge 2008
As part of African Reading Challenge 2008, Scarlet read a book about Eritrea by Michaela Wrong, “I didn't do it for you: How the West betrayed a small African nation.” She says: “Not that much has been written by Western journalists about Eritrea. Michaela Wrong decided to write all of...
