Stories from 23 October 2008
Egyptian Blogger Nora Younis Wins Human Rights First Award
Egyptian blogger and human rights activist Nora Younis was awarded the Annual Human Rights Award today.
Armenia: Independent Inquiry
Unzipped has already speculated that the recent decision by the opposition to halt demonstrations and rallies might have been part of some deal with the government. Now, following demands for an independent inquiry into the post-election 1 March clashes that left at least 10 people dead, the blogger is encouraged...
Honduras: Heavy Rains and Climate Change
The rains in El Progreso, Honduras are causing alarming effects and it seems that climate changes are affecting the entire country writes Sandra Erika Gómez of Vaya Pues! [es]
Ecuador: One Blogger's Thoughts on the 15 Most Relevant Blogs
Eduardo Palacios of Technodatum [es] lists the 15 most relevant blogs in Ecuador in his opinion, and invites readers to add to the list.
Costa Rica: Environmental Disasters in Osa and Crucitas
Jaguar del Platanar [es] is worried about man-made environmental disasters in the Costa Rican communities of Osa and Crucitas.
Bolivia: First Draft Constitution a Bargaining Chip?
Bolivian President Evo Morales recently revealed that the first draft Constitution was originally planned to be used as a way to bargain the opposition in accepting a more moderate document. If that is the case, Miguel Centellas of Pronto* writes that it was reckless, and that Morales, “may have to...
Climate Change: Increasing The Spread of Diseases?
Melting ice caps, rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns aren't the only potential consequences of climate change. Scientists are warning that changes in global climate may also endanger public health by increasing the spread of diseases and other health problems. The issue of climate change's impact on health is...
Brazilian myths and haunts on the Lusosphere – Part 2
On the first article of this series, we searched Brazilian websites that could tell us some stories about the haunts and the mythical beings of Brazilian folklore. Now, in the second article, we will sit and listen to the tales of myth, legend and fear told by Brazilian bloggers; tales about Cabeça de Cuia and Caboclo D'Água, and about the beautiful and sad tale of the Vitória Régia, and give more details about the mysterious Loira do Banheiro and her terrible death.
India: Could be better
Nirmalya Nag takes a critical look at the development of India in the past sixteen years. The GDP has quadrupled, poverty has declined; but he makes a case that the pace of this positive change could have even been faster.
Brazil: Blogging to get a voice
On introducing his blogs to friends, Brazilian blogger Alexandre [pt] has to continually answer to the question about why he blogs if it brings him no money. His answer is always: “I get a “voice”! It is very cool to be able to debate ideas, share view points, have a...
Bangladesh: An award winning E-governance site
The Brook Song (ঝর্ণার গান) reports that a Bangladeshi site “Votebd.org” won the Manthan Award 2008 on E-Governance category. The site tracks all the information related to contesting politicians and makes it available to people of Bangladesh.
Caucasus: U.S. Presidential Election Preferences
Social Science in the Caucasus examines the findings of a poll for The Economist which indicates that support for Republican presidential candidate John McCain is stronger than for his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, in the Republic of Georgia. With the poll also showing that support for Obama is stronger in...
Caucasus: New Media Blog
Azerbaijani new media specialist Emin Huseynzade (interviewed by Global Voices Online here) has launched a new English-language blog. Caucasus New Media will detail the growth of blogs, as well as video-sharing and social networking sites, in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In the first post, the blog looks at the impact...
China: Shekou 30th anniversary
Maryannodonnell writes a brief review on China open door history and the 30th anniversary of Shekou Industrial Zone.
Japan: The Illegal Download Explained, on 2-Channel
Over the last years, the sometimes raucous nature of the Japanese Internet has repeatedly come under fire over concerns about issues such as harmful content and copyright infringement. Now the spotlight is back again, with news that legislation to ban downloads of copyrighted content is moving ahead as planned, despite earlier delays.
Hong Kong: Creative Commons Launch
Rebecca Mackinnon blogs about the set of exciting events and happenings around the launch of Creative Commons Hong Kong licenses.
Environment: GM Labelling in South Africa
Ethical Co-op blog reports that Genetically modified foods are to be labeled in South Africa, and warns against the tactics used by GM lobbyists who did not support the ruling from the Department of Trade and Industry.
Trinidad & Tobago, U.S.A.: Artistic Obama
“I observed the poster designed by Obay, Shepard Fairley about a year ago…but I did not make that much of it. I assumed that it was just a few illustrators optioned to do some work for the candidate. Little did I know that Obama was becoming an inspiration…”: From Trinidad...
Bermuda: Keep On Truckin’
Truckers in Bermuda are staging a protest, according to this post at Vexed Bermoothes.
Cuba, Jamaica: Press Freedom Index
Diaspora bloggers from Cuba (Uncommon Sense) and Jamaica (My View of JamDown from Up So) talk about where their respective countries fall in the recently-released Reporters Without Borders 2008 press freedom index.
Trinidad & Tobago, U.S.A.: The World's Vote
“Would the world prefer to deal with McCain or Obama? The world, if you listen, is saying Obama. These are the nations and peoples that the United States trades with, makes policy with, and otherwise negotiates with. McCain has shown his politics in his campaign, smearing his opponents whenever he...
