Stories from 25 October 2009
Armenia: Twitter counters false media report
After a news item in the local press reported that a British MP had been appointed as rapporteur on Armenia and Turkey, Unzipped says that it used Twitter to check the accuracy of the story. Tweeting a question to the MP in question, it turned out that the report was...
Morocco: A Lenient Sentence
In September, we learned about Zineb Chtit, the young Moroccan girl who was severely beaten while working as a maid. Last week, it was announced that Zineb's attacker Nawal Houmin, the wife of the couple who had hired her, was to be punished for the crime with a sentence of 3 years imprisonment and a $13,000 fine. Jillian C. York shares reactions from the blogoma.
Algeria: An American Political Cartoonist's Account
American political cartoonist Daryl Cagle recently sojourned to Algeria for a comics convention; he shares his experiences on his blog.
Lebanon Ups the Ante in the Hummus War
As many as 300 Lebanese chefs gathered yesterday in Beirut to make the largest ever plate of hummus in an attempt to claim the reigns in ownership of the popular chick pea dip. The new world record is part of an ongoing campaign in Lebanon to reaffirm the country's claim to a number of dishes being produced in Israel - with the ownership of hummus being one of the main quarrels.
Uruguay: Following Tabaré Vásquez
Uruguay's election is scheduled for October 25 and Juan Cruz Díaz of Americas Quarterly [es] wonders who will lead the country after outgoing President Tabaré Vásquez, who Díaz writes “was a successful governor” and cites some of his accomplishments, such as the implementation of the Ceibal Plan.
Thailand: Local elections
Andy links to two blog posts which provide commentaries on local elections in Thailand. The first post highlights the prevalence of vote buying in communities while the other post sees hope in the conduct of local elections.
Thailand: How not to be scammed
Dale offers tips on how to avoid being scammed by unscrupulous taxi drivers in Bangkok.
Myanmar: Gay slang
Writing for New Mandala, Violet Cho and Dave Gilbert observe that “Gay people in Burma are resisting homophobia and marginalisation through the creative use of new communication codes.”
Thailand, Cambodia rift evident in ASEAN conference
absolutelybangkok.com provides a backgrounder and update to the continuing rift between the top leaders of Thailand and Cambodia who are both attending the annual conference of Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Japan: Latest survey on poverty destroys the prosperity myth
One Japanese in six is living in poverty says the latest Welfare Ministry report [en]. According to OECD figures [en], Japan has one of the highest poverty rates in the developed world and is 4th after only Mexico, Turkey and the U.S. In September, Makoto Yuasa, Secretary-general of Anti Poverty...
Philippines: Relief Goods Rotting in Government Warehouses
Ella's Blog from the Philippines posts photos of donated goods intended for typhoon victims rotting in government warehouses. The expose has sparked fears that the goods might be misused to support administration candidates in next year's elections. The original site shows a “404 Not Found error” when it is accessed...
Malaysia: Should food bloggers reveal sponsors?
masak-masak from Malaysia asks readers if they want a food blogger to reveal if he/she was paid to review a restaurant.
Singapore plans to require bloggers to reveal sponsors
Singapore is thinking of drafting a new guideline that would require bloggers to reveal if they receive gifts or money for their articles. Bloggers react to this proposal
Saudi Arabia: Blogging Milestone
Blogging from Saudi Arabia, American Bedu will soon be reaching a milestone on her blog. Find out what.
Jordan: Halloween Dilemma
Jordanian Moey is considering Holloween costumes in this post: Lady Gaga is in, Michael Jackson is out.
Israel: Why I don't want to be a man
Batya, at Shiloh Musings from Israel, never wanted to be a man. Click on the link to find out why.
Saudi Arabia: Lucrative Laundry Business
American Bedu, who blogs from Saudi Arabia, remarks: “One of the very marketable and therefore competitive opportunities in Saudi Arabia is owning and operating a cleaners (laundry).”
Jordan: Serious about +18
Jordanian Ola Eliwat, from Cinnamon Zone, notes:'Seriously, when you receive an email titled “+18″, does anyone in his right mind seriously believe that someone who's under 18 will go, “Oh, I'm underage, I'd better not check that one out”‘
China: Relics of the Old Summer Palace
Back in the news again is Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, whose destruction still remains a sensitive topic in China. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it was later sacked by British and French troops in 1860 during the Second Opium War. Countless works of art were also looted from the palace...
