Stories from 29 October 2008
Ukraine: Sex Workers and the Police
A discussion of the treatment of Ukrainian sex workers by law enforcement officials – at Natalia Antonova's blog and Kiev Ukraine News Blog.
El Salvador: Saca Has Not Signed Ibero-American Convention on the Rights of Youth
Tim's El Salvador Blog writes about the refusal by the government of Tony Saca to sign the Ibero-American Convention on the Rights of Youth, which had already been signed by 18 of the 22 member states, citing that there are some conflicts with its Constitution.
Maldives: A new president after 30 years
Mohamed “Anni” Nasheed has won the run-off poll against the incumbent president of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who has served the country since 1978. Mujey’s Blog has called to embrace this example of democracy where president Gayoom accepted defeat and congratulated Nasheed before the official results were announced.
Egypt: Swingers Use Internet to Arrange Rendezvous
There are secrets behind closed doors. But to say that Egypt was shell shocked as news about its first swingers club emerged would be an understatement. And there is a small technicality - the couples first met online before arranging to meet face to face in cafes.
Malaysia's Jungle Spirits
Lush with primary and secondary virgin jungle, Malaysians have long held a respect for the forests. It also helps that myths, whether bearing down from the forefathers or from urban legend, has caused a lot of superstition surrounding the vast jungle of Malaysia.
Palestinian Football History
Palestinians made their own football history, being the only team - in the words of one blogger - with a stadium but no country. It was a day of national pride and despite the setbacks, bloggers hailed it as a day of victory.
Jordan: News Sites Banned in Municipality Offices
Greater Amman Municipality staff will not be able to access news sites from their work computers, reports The Black Iris, from Jordan.
Libya: Too Much Info on the US
Anglo-Libyan, who lives in the UK, confesses that his children know more about the US than the UK and Libya.
Kuwait: For Ladies Only
Chillnite, from Kuwait, shares a link ‘for the ladies.’
How to Drive in Morocco
From Warp to Weft writes some rules on how to drive in Morocco.
D.R. of Congo: Ranger rescue operation a success
A moving account of a rescue operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo: “The rescue operation yesterday was a success in that we were able to rescue the 12 Rangers with whom we had made contact. Eddy and I rode the motorbike about 15km north of Goma and then walked...
D.R. of Congo: It is total chaos in Goma
Samantha writes about the latest fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo: “It’s total chaos in Goma. I am being told, through various phone calls and text messages, that the army have now laid down their weapons at Kibumba, 12 miles north of Goma, and are fleeing the rebels. In...
Mexico: Day of the Dead Preparations
The Day of the Dead is fast approaching in Mexico, and Daniel Hernandez of Intersections posts a picture of a typical vendor stand that are popping up on sidewalks and near Metro stations, but also, “In ever-Americanizing Mexico City, that also means jack o’ lanterns, witches, spiders, and lots of...
Ecuador: The Growing Problem of Cybercrime
Cybercrime is a topic not discussed much in Ecuador, but Christian Espinosa of Cobertura Digital [es] writes about an upcoming conference to address the growing problem.
Haiti, D.R.: Rediscovering Atlantis?
The Haitian Blogger is a tad sceptical about the scientific theory that Haiti might be “the site of the ‘lost Civilization’ of Atlantis.”
Dominica: State of Affairs
Caribbean Man says that “Dominica isn't a failed state…we are a stagnant state.”
Trinidad & Tobago: Not Adding Up
“Last month the record 2008-9 budget of nearly TT$50 billion was based on an assumed oil price of $75 a barrel. At the time, the price was well above that. A month later, it’s below $64. So even the richest economy in the Caribbean either has to make some serious...
Bermuda: Gambling with the Future?
As the government considers introducing internet gaming to the island, both FreshieBlog and Vexed Bermoothes think that it is a bad idea, saying that it “could taint Bermuda’s reputation as a serious business jurisdiction.”
Jamaica, Guyana: Academic Performance
YardFlex.com is proud that Jamaicans are among the regional high school students being honoured for their outstanding academic performance and encourages them “to continue reaching for the stars.”
Morocco: Halloween Not Just for Expats Anymore
The Halloween tradition is a muddled one; with traditions in an ancient Celtic celebration, Halloween started in Europe and made its way to the United States, where it has been embraced as a holiday for children. In recent years, however, the American version of Halloween has spread to the rest of the world, with Morocco being no exception.
Pakistan: A 6.4 magnitude quake hits Balochistan
Let Us Build Pakistan reports that a 6.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan today. More than 100 people have been killed and scores of people are still trapped under the rubbles. The government was quick to declare compensation for the families of the quake victims.
