Stories from 20 January 2009
Morocco: President #44
Moroccan-American blogger Laila Lalami shares her thoughts about the 44th American president on inauguration day.
Trinidad & Tobago: Start the Bacchanal
“Who needs Carnival in this place where leaders could play mas with democracy?” Trinidadian blogger Attillah Springer wonders if the masquerade will ever end.
Bermuda, U.S.A.: Thinking Out Loud
Bermudian blogger Vexed Bermoothes is filled with scurrilous thoughts about everything from the use of trusts to the Premier's attendance at the Obama inauguration.
Trinidad & Tobago, U.S.A.: Blogger Inauguration
For Trinidadian diaspora blogger Chookooloonks, a funny thing happened on the way to the inauguration – she was asked to host a Blogger Inauguration party! Check out the goings-on here.
Trinidad & Tobago, U.S.A.: Mr. President-Elect
From Trinidad and Tobago, This Beach Called Life publishes a one-of-a-kind, unofficial blog interview with President-Elect Obama.
Russia: Memorial Event at Prechistenka
LJ user drugoi posts 14 photos from the memorial event that took place earlier today at the spot where lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova were shot on Jan. 19.
Jamaica, U.S.A.: One Love?
Bob Marley's One Love was played at Barack Obama’s Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, prompting Abeng New Magazine to say, despite the ironies: “We are proud that the USA can borrow from us at a critical moment when the president-elect sells the idea that ‘anything is possible in...
Turkey: Hrant Dink Murder Unresolved
Journalist in Turkey comments on yesterday's anniversary of the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist and editor, Hrant Dink. The blog says that two years later there is no political will in Turkey to bring the masterminds of the killing to justice.
Turkey: Armenian “Martin Luther King Jr.” Commemorated
The second anniversary of a murdered journalist once again had the power to move mountains in strained relations between between Armenia and Turkey, two states separated by the biblical mount Ararat and an unholy history. Yesterday's commemoration might not have been on such a large scale, but newspaper articles, editorials, and reaction from bloggers show that the murder of a prominent member of Turkey’s dwindling Christian Armenian minority by a Turkish ultra-nationalist continues to shock the world.
China: Control 2.0
David Bandurski from the China Media Project comments on the global media venture proposed by Chinese government by looking into the speech of Li Changchun (李长春), China’s top media control official as the politbruo standing committee member in charge of ideology back in December 2008. The blogger believes that, the...
China: What does Charter 08 mean?
Rebecca Mackinon from Rconversation draws together various discussions on the implications of Charter 08 in China and points out that it is yet too early to tell its consequence.
China: 50 Cents Party Fearmongering
Chinageeks feels that 50 Cents Party will be more an annoyance than threat to web 2.0.
China: Does the government still concern about the “kidney stone babies”?
The coverage of the tainted milk scandal in China has been gradually faded away from the mass media with the bankruptcy of Sanlu company. In December 2008, the Chinese government comes up with an initial compensation plan, however, to some victims’ disappointment. And according to Hong Kong's newspapers’ report (Mingpao),...
Russia: Lawyer Markelov and Journalist Baburova Shot Dead in Moscow
Russian human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov, 34, was shot to death Jan. 19 as he walked from a news conference in central Moscow. Journalist Anastasia Baburova, 25, who accompanied Markelov, was also shot as she tried to intervene; she died in hospital a few hours later. Many Russian bloggers reacted with shock and outrage to these broad-daylight shootings. Below are some of the initial responses, translated from Russian, as well as links to a few posts in English.
Dominican Republic: Free Access Law for Public Information
Ahi e que prende [es] writes about his experience using the Free Access Law in the Dominican Republic, which had been set up to provide public information to those that request it. He writes out the steps needed to use the law.
Peru: Public Transportation Options in Lima
Jorge Gobbi of Blog de Viajes [es] provides a thorough summary on public transportation options in the Peruvian capital of Lima.
Bolivia: Most Bolivians Practice Religious Syncretism
Despite the conflict between the national government and the Catholic Church, Bolivian President Evo Morales declares that he is Catholic. Mario Durán of Palabras Libres [es] adds that most Bolivians would classify themselves as practicing a type of “religious syncretism” with native beliefs.
Bolivia: Autonomy of Central Bank Under the New Consitution
From an economist's point of view, Carlos Gustavo Machicado of Guccio's [es] provides his thoughts on the draft Constitution to be voted upon on January 25. Among other things, he is worried whether the Central Bank will maintain its autonomy, especially in emergency situations.
Colombia: Criticisms on Fight on Crime in Bogotá
In Colombia, Machete [es] criticizes the way that the Government Secretariat of Bogotá, Clara Lopez, handled the fight against crime.
Panama: Safety Guide
Following the murder of a Spanish businessman in Panama City, CaDs Online [es] provides a safety guide especially written for Spanish readers.
