Stories from 20 February 2010
Latvia: “Cyber-Security ‘Killer Incident'”
Telecoms in Latvia reports that in order to “expose government waste, unjust wage differentials and possible corruption by analyzing data filed by state agencies and public sector,” individuals calling themselves “the Fourth Awakening People's Army” have obtained some “7.4 million records from a database linked to the web-based service for...
Coup in Niger: Bloggers sigh in relief at the ousting of President Tandja
On Thursday, February 18th a coup d'état took place in Niger, in which President Mamadou Tandja was captured after a gun battle in the capital. A few months ago Tandja illegally changed the constitution to allow him a third term in what was generally considered a mass fraud referendum. Bloggers react to these latest developments.
Croatia: A New President, A New Path
On Friday of last week, Ivo Josipović took office as Croatia's third president, replacing outgoing two-term president, Stjepan Mesić, who was the head of Croatia for a decade.
Slovenia: Carnival in Ptuj
Adventures in Wheelville posts pictures and video and writes about the carnival in Ptuj: “The carnival was a good time like a mini Mardi Gras and it gave me hope that at least some people in this country know and want to have a good time.”
Estonia: Lessons of the Ukrainian Election
Itching for Eestimaa writes that “the underwhelming victory of Viktor Yanukovich over Yulia Tymoshenko last week has caused all sorts of soul searching in Estonia and, in general, the West”: “Indeed, there are lessons to be learned.”
India: Twitter In Social Activism
Pratham Books, a non-profit trust engaged in publishing of children books, informs in their blog how Twitter helped them to reach books of a mobile van to a number of children in Kolkata, India.
Colombia: The Closure of Cambio Magazine
The Colombian magazine Cambio, known for its investigative reporting, was recently closed by its owners, who say it was an economic decision. However, journalists say that it was a politically motivated decision.
Bulgaria: “The Bulgarian Guantanamo”
Maya Markova of Maya's Corner posts videos and translates parts of the documentary The Bulgarian Guanatanamo, by Bulgarian journalist Ivan Kulekov. (An earlier GV roundup item on this issue is here.)
Congo: The Coltan Conflict is in Our Hands (and Cellphones)
Coltan, columbo-tantalite, is a mineral used to make resistors in our cellphones, video games, computers and home electronics. Like blood diamonds, its mining has not only caused ecological damage, human rights abuses, but some say is also fueling the conflict in the Congo.
Belarus: State TV Accused of “Ripping a Whole Sitcom”
Belarus Digest reports that while the Belarusian government explains the recently-introduced internet regulations by the need to fight copyright law violations, the state-run TV is now being accused of “ripping a whole sitcom”: “In the CBS original, shown on E4 in Britain, the main character are called Sheldon, Leonard, Howard,...
Lebanon: Stolichnaya and the Girl in the Bathtub
Lebanese blogger Rami at “Plus961” posts some photographs of Stolichnaya‘s latest advertisement which included a girl in a bathtub in the streets of Beirut.
Lebanon: The Return of the Kamikaze
Lebanese Blogger and Illustrator Maya Zankoul shares her story of watching a mother crossing a very crowded and dangerous highway with her two children on foot.
Palestine/West Bank: Peace Protesters use Avatar Movie Visuals
Recent protest against land appropriation of the West Bank village of Bil'in included Palestinian and Israeli activists masked as Na'vi characters from the controversial Avatar movie, which they consider anti-imperialist. Video clips posted by NGO “Friends of Freedom and Justice – Bilin” show Israeli Defense Forces using tear gas and...
Niger: Dusk to dawn curfew imposed
Niger's political turmoil: “A dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed, but local reports indicate the capital Niamey was calm today. Tandja changed the constitution last August to stay in power beyond his legal term limit.”
Africa: When language reflects life
Language does reflect life as Miquel observes: Of course, many people here in Côte d'Ivoire keep insisting that the word for pen is “bic” instead of “stylo” or to grab a “Lotus” (a local brand) instead of a “tissus”…
Singapore: Foreign workers
According to a finance committee report, Singapore will continue to welcome foreign workers. Foreigners comprise more than a third of Singapore population
Singapore: Higher education spending
Blogger Blowin’ in the wind writes about higher education spending in Singapore. The city state spends more than 1 percent of its GDP on higher education.
Singapore: New voters
Seelan wonders whether Singapore's new citizens will vote for the administration or opposition party.
Belarus, Poland: Situation With the Union of Poles
Updates on the tensions between Belarus and Poland – at Belarus Digest: here, here, and here.
Belarus, Ukraine: Yanukovych from Yanuki
Belarus Digest writes about the “Belarusian roots” of Victor Yanukovych, the winner of Ukraine's presidential election, and about the Belarusian village of Yanuki, the birthplace of Yanukovych's father: “Currently there are only two families live in Yanuki. Both of them are Yanukovichs.”
EU, Greece: Greek PM Parody
Greater Surbiton mocks the the Greek prime minister's comment on the EU-Greek relationship in the time of financial crisis.
