Stories from 8 November 2008
Laos: Tourism and almsgiving
The impact of tourism in Laos on bindabaat – the practice of collecting alms from laypeople by monks and novices in Theravada Buddhist countries.
Obama's Indonesian connection
Indonesia Matters uploads an article which tackles the Indonesian connection of US President-elect Barack Obama. A young Obama lived and studied in Jakarta for five years. A former teacher recalls asking Obama about his dream in the future. Obama answered: “I want to be a president.”
Largest Facebook group in Singapore
The public group dedicated to the memory of veteran Singapore opposition politician Mr JB Jeyaretnam, is the largest Facebook group in Singapore.
Thailand: Activist arrested for insulting monarchy
David in Siam gives an update about the case of the veteran Thai activist who was arrested for insulting the monarchy.
Indonesia: Bali bombers executed
The three Bali bombers were executed in Indonesia. Invig advises Australians: “It is not only hypocritical and racist to support the death penalty for the citizens of another culture, but also makes us appear vengeful and callous.” Majority of those who died in the 2002 Bali Bombing were Australians.
Angola: Blogs compilation
JotaCê Carranca has created a blog compilation for blogs that talk about Angola aiming to collect all blogs about the country, at the moment organized in three categories: from Angola, from abroad and mixed blogs (written by people in country and abroad).
Uganda: Locust season brings crispy treats
November is nsenene season around Lake Victoria and the locusts are scrumptious!
Doubts about Zambia's presidential elections
percymwale raises doubts about the freeness and fairness of Zambia's recent presidential elections.
Syria: Comments on the U.S. Elections
The Syrian blogosphere, particularly the contingent that blogs in English, has been somewhat quiet about the U.S. elections, at least in comparison to its neighbors. It's no secret that many bloggers in the Arab world are frustrated with some of Obama's policies, even if they are glad that some change has come. In this post, we will take a look at three different Syrian perspectives on the recent elections in the U.S.
Armenia: Bloggers Reaction to Obama Victory
Voices Without Votes posts a roundup of reactions to Barrack Obama's victory in the U.S. presidential election. West of Igdir also posts its impressions and says that expectations are high. The blog comments on the prejudices and stereotypes associated with the president-elect's origins and name.
Caucasus: Geocaching
West of Igdir introduces its readers to geocaching — an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to find hidden containers — in the South Caucasus. The blog comments on geocaching in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, but says that the former is the...
Syria: On Holograms
Syrian blogger Gardenia shares her opinion on hologram technology.
Morocco: Festival of the Strange
The View from Fez clues us in to Morocco's Festival de l'Etrange (Festival of the Strange), happening in Essaouira in a few weeks.
Obama's Victory: A Boost for Global Health?
As U.S. President-elect Barack Obama prepares for his four years in the White House, many are discussing how his term will impact health issues, globally and in the U.S., and if he will deliver on his campaign promises. As part of their campaign, Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden said...
Iran: ‘Americans waited for 40 years. How long should we wait?’
Many commentators hope that Barack Obama's inauguration will usher in better relations between the US and Iran. With this in mind, several Iranian bloggers shared their feelings on the outcome of the US presidential election and compared the political situation within both countries.
Armenia: Rahm Emanuel Concerns
And Nothing Else Matters [RU] voices its concern with Barrack Obama's choice of Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff. The blog reminds its readers that Emanuel was one of those opposing a bill recognizing the Armenian Genocide which was to be presented to the U.S. Congress last year.
Iraq: Lessons from a Kurdish Poet
Kurdish author Ardalan Hardi from Kurdishaspect writes a poignant letter in honor of his father entitled Lessons from a Kurdish Poet.
Israel: Generational Diaspora Opinion of Israel
“I’ve written before of the schizophrenic nature of the Diaspora relationship of Jews to Israel…. The older generation marches to the drummer of past suffering. The newer generation looks for a way past that allows both peoples to live in peace. The question becomes–which pole will dominate?” writes Tikun Olam...
Kuwait: Bikers Blocking the Road
“Bikers, Pray to god I’m not appointed the Minister of Interior, you know what the first decree would be? Ban Bikes on Ring Roads and give car drivers the license to run over bikers” writes Forza Kuwait in frustration over bikers in Kuwait making a menace of themselves on the...
Turkey: Is Handwriting Still Important
Talk Turkey discusses whether or not in this day and age of texting, email, and the internet that handwriting should still be taught in schools.
Kuwait: Obama Change in Fashion
Loft965 shows us the latest “fashion” t-shirts in honor of the new US president-elect Barack Obama.
