Stories from 27 November 2009
China: 41 Popular Chinese Internet Memes From 2009
Fauna from ChinaSMACK translated local web portal Netease's pick of 41 popular Chinese internet memes.
Japan: Buy Nothing Day
Started in 1992 in Canada by artist Ted Dave, the Buy Nothing Day movement [en] has spread to more than 60 countries around the world, Japan included. In line with the philosophy of the movement, next Saturday (November 28) Japanese are invited to refrain from shopping and reflect upon their...
Russia: Tatarstan Blogger Sentenced to Almost 2 Years in Penal Colony
On Sept. 12, 2008, Tatar blogger and journalist Irek Murtazin blogged about rumors of Tatarstan president Mintimir Shaimiev's death. On Nov. 26, 2009, Murtazin was convicted of defamation and incitement to hatred and sentenced to 1 year and 9 months of penal colony.
Cuba: Ongoing HIV/AIDS Education Efforts
Even though Cuba has one of the lowest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the region, there are still ongoing education efforts to reduce the number of new infections, as well as to break down the stigma of the disease.