29 October 2008

Stories from 29 October 2008

Maldives: A new president after 30 years

  29 October 2008

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.

Malaysia's Jungle Spirits

  29 October 2008

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

  29 October 2008

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.

D.R. of Congo: Ranger rescue operation a success

  29 October 2008

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

  29 October 2008

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

  29 October 2008

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...

Trinidad & Tobago: Not Adding Up

  29 October 2008

“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?

  29 October 2008

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

  29 October 2008

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

  29 October 2008

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

  29 October 2008

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.