Stories from 6 September 2008
Iran: Radio Zamaneh, a “radio for bloggers”
Radio Zamaneh (Persian: رادیو زمانه) is an Amsterdam-based Persian language radio. “Zamaneh” is the Persian literary term for “time”. Radio Zamaneh (RZ) is an independent broadcasting organisation, registered as a non-profit organisation in the Netherlands, with headquarters and a studio in Amsterdam. The coordinator of the radio is the Dutch...
Saudi Arabians and their cars
Extreme car customizing, dangerous drift racing and incomprehensively dangerous stunts on the highways straight from Saudi Arabia.
East and South Asia: Suicide By Pesticide Ingestion Common
As World Suicide Prevention Day approaches on September 10, a new study reaffirms that suicide is frequently committed by ingesting pesticides in many Asian countries. The study analyzed preferred suicide methods across the world to help policy makers devise the best strategies for suicide prevention. On average, almost 3000 people...
Jerusalem: Varieties of headwear
Vika in Jerusalem describes the different form of head covering she sees around the city, including the kippah, shtreimel, taqiyah, keffiyah, and niqab.
Saudi Arabia: Extreme sports
American Bedu asks why the Saudi government doesn't control extreme sports, and shows two videos of racing as an example: “The Japanese version is done on proper tracks design to minimize injuries, the spectators are out of harm’s way, cars with cages to protect the driver, and most importantly the...
Saudi Arabia: The perils of shopping
Susie of Arabia, an American living in Saudi Arabia, gives a list of reasons why she hates shopping in the kingdom, which includes store hours, traffic – and her husband.
Cyprus: A New Water Solution
The Cyprus Blog posts a video of a humorous, yet innovative, way of solving the water shortage problem in Cyprus. Of course it does involve stealing the water from your neighbors’ water surplus tank and putting it into your own tank, but as long as no one has a video...
Turkey: Diplomacy Via Sports?
Talk Turkey remarks on the historic World Cup qualifier match that will be held between Turkey and Armenia: “Although there have been opposition in Turkey about this historic visit, and no doubt the same on the Armenian side, this visit couldn't have come at a better time.
Angola: Elections in pictures
Angolans are at the polls for the first time in 16 years - the election is still taking place this Saturday at 320 polling stations in the capital Luanda. So far, no incidents have been reported, and public spirit has prevailed, as observed by photographer José Manuel Lima da Silva.
China: Iphonegirl a planned beauty?
Local media yweekend did an investigative report on the Iphone Girl issue and it is yet a mystery whether the story is a public relation plan. ESWN has translated the local report.
China: Handling of Yang Jia's secret trial breeds widespread discontent
As authorities remain silent, criticism regarding the handling of the Yang Jia police murder trial grows steadily stronger.
Libya: Rice, Oil, Gas and Foreign Investment
US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice arrived in Libya today, where she will be meeting with Libyan leader Muammar Al Gaddafi, who was once described by President Ronald Reagan as "the man dog in the Middle East." The visit, the first by a US Secretary of State in more than 50 years, was welcomed by one blogger, but raised questions among others.