Stories from 19 February 2009
Georgia-Russia: Information War
Writing for the Frontline Club blog, Al Jazeera's Matthew Collin comments on a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists which criticizes both Russia and Georgia of exerting control over the media. In particular, the blog says that coverage of the August war over South Ossetia in both countries...
Kenya: Much Ado About an Atlas?
Kenyan bloggers are talking about UNEP. First, regarding news of an Atlas that shows Kenya's changing environment, and secondly, the hypocrisy of driving into a UNEP meeting in a gas guzzler. Global Voices environment has covered the reaction of bloggers to UN's use of SUV's, please see this post on...
Bahrain: “Ministry websites an embarrassment”
Bahraini blogger Hussain Yousif suggests that the Bahraini government block its own ministry websites before any others, as he says many of them are out-of-date and of poor quality.
Palestine: The Story of a Gazan “Martyr”
The death of anyone close to you is painful, but how do you cope with it if that person has actively sought death? Gazan blogger Samaher Al Khazandar has written about her nephew, Mu’min Musa Al Khazandar, who joined the military wing of Hamas, and was determined to die as a martyr while fighting for Palestine.
Pakistan: Water Pollution
Owais Mughal at All Things Pakistan writes about the water pollution in Phuleli canal in Hyderabad and wants to “raise awareness about pollution in canals taken out from lower Indus i.e. Kotri Barrage.”
Caribbean, USA: Where in the World is Allen Stanford?
It's one thing for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to lay fraud charges against Texas billionaire-cum-Caribbean cricket magnate Allen Stanford - but first, authorities have to find him. As panicky investors flock to Stanford-owned banks from Antigua to South America to try and withdraw their funds, speculation is rife as to where Mr. Stanford might be.
Bangladesh: Media vs. Parliament
An Ordinary Citizen points to an important aspect of the media coverage of the proceedings of Bangladesh parliament: “Media is to convey the news of the parliament as expected. Now, media is producing news of itself of matters which should have been discussed in the parliament.” Read the post for...
Africa: E-Learning Still At Infancy
Remmy blogs about a survey by the Royal Holloway University of London, which shows that helectronic learning (e-Learning) on the continent of Africa is still at infancy.
Zimbabwe: Images From Durban Picket
Sokwanele blog has images from a picket held in Durban, South Africa calling for the release of political prisoners in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe: Teachers vow not to return to work
According to Zimbabwean blogger, Conrad Mwanawashe, Zimbabwean teachers will not return to work because the salary promised by the government is not enough. Teachers have not been reporting for duty since last year.
Brazil: Blogging from riverside communities in the Amazon
Encouraged by the NGO Saúde e Alegria, youngters from 31 riverside communities in the Amazon are learning the benefits of blogging. Armed with media kits – sound equipment, editorial desks, video equipment and an Internet connection – they have started to show their faces to the world.
Trinidad & Tobago: Ready for Carnival
Caribbean Free Radio posts the final installment in the cut + clear Carnival podcast series, as the team visits with photographer Jeffrey Chock to discuss the Carnival experience.
Bermuda: Balancing the Budget
In anticipation of Bermuda's Budget Day tomorrow, Vexed Bermoothes says: “Government needs to show prudence, while stoking the rapidly eroding economy, while revealing where it’s going to get the cash.”
Aruba: Putting on the Ritz-Carlton?
The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain is apparently in Aruba to stay, causing Lost in Smallness to exclaim: “Does the government realize that this will put extra pressure on our infrastructure? Oh wait. It's an election year. This is just a campaign stunt, not necessarily something to improve the island.”
South Korea: Suicides and Statistics
Korea Beat translated two local news on suicide patterns and statistics in Seoul and Busan.
China: TV News Broadcasting Suicide
Fauna from ChinaSMACK translated a local forum discussion on whether or not it is too inhuman for Shangdong TV channel to broadcast the suicide scene of a young man.
China: Fabricated Yuan Story
Dan from China Law Blog discusses about the “fabricated story” from China briefing that moved the Yuan market/
Kenya: Activists Arrested and Beaten
Gukira writes about the arrest and beating of Kenyan activists who were standing outside Parliament in Nairobi. They were hoping to plead with government minister to act swiftly to prevent more deaths from starvation.
South Africa: Presidents and Sex
Loudrastress discusses sex and South Africa's presidencies following revelations about South Africa's president's multiple sexual partners. L
Kenya: Gays Set Up Support Group
Gays in Kenya have set up a support group for married gay men, reports Rants and Raves of a Kenyan Gay Man. The support group is expected to be “a place that provides confidential environments where issues surrounding straight spouses, children, the workplace, health, male relationships, gay culture, and coming-out...
Social Networking Sites in India
Gaurav Mishra at Gauravonomics Blog analyzes the future of social networking sites in India.
