Stories from 27 February 2010
Rare Disease Day: “Alone we are rare. Together we are strong.”
February 28 is "Rare Disease Day". Patient and family support groups make avid use of online media to raise awareness and share information about proper care and prevention of uncommon diseases that affect millions of people.
Chile: Powerful 8.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Country
At 3:34 a.m. local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 struck off the coast of the Maule region in Chile. Extensive damage has been reported throughout the country, and the number of casualties continues to go up.
Qatar: Artist MF Husain trades Indian passport for Qatari one
Reactions on the Internet ranged from shock, dismay and delight as MF Husain, one of India's most celebrated and reviled artists, is offered Qatari citizenship - and accepts.
Morocco: Maghreb Bloggers Search for Common Ground
A three-day workshop for bloggers from Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco was held from 15 to 17 February 2010 in the Moroccan capital Rabat. Participating bloggers reported and live-tweeted the event. They shared their blogging experiences, engaged in lively debates openly confronting their views on contentious issues and were encouraged to reflect on ways to find grounds for mutual understanding.
Azerbaijan: Oil Academy corruption allegations
ANTV, a citizen journalism site recently awarded for its contribution to freedom of the press in Azerbaijan, posts a YouTube video [AZ/EN] interview with Elmin Badalaov, a fourth year student at Baku's Oil Academy expelled allegedly because of his investigation into corruption at the prestigious institute.
Nigeria: Has God answered our prayers?
On Yar'Adua: Has God answered our prayers? Nigerian blogger Imnakoya asks in a post about the health of the Nigerian President: “First, the prayer is not for the president to just return, but be able to function fully as the president.”
Zimbabwe: Top African songs from Power FM
Top African songs played on Power FM in Zimbabwe: “Museke brings you a list of African songs that have been getting major airplay in Zimbabwe this year.”
Ghana: Ghana Music Awards 2010
Chale writes about nominees for Ghana Music Awards 2010: “Sarkodie, Ayigbe Edem, Wutah, 4×4, Bradez, Becca, Ohemaa Mercy and Obrafour lead the number of nominations for the Ghana Music Awards slated for April 10.”
Nigeria: Is Mrs Yar'Adua running the country?
Loomnie tries to answer controversial questions surrounding Nigeria's presidency:”…is Mrs Turai Yar’Adua, the wife of the president, really the one running the country? Did she make them release that press release in order to cover up the fact that her husband is very sick?”
Nigeria: Acting President yet to have access to classified information
“Nigeria's Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is yet to have access to the cateory “A” classified Information vault located in the inner chamber of the President's office,” from Chidi Opara Reports.
Voices of the Wives of China’s Prisoners of Conscience
This month, on the occasion of the Spring Festival (the Chinese New Year), the most important time for family reunion in China, Duting (杜婷) interviewed the wives of China’s prisoners of conscience. They are Liu Xia, Ceng Jinyan, Wang Qinghua and Ceng Li, respectively the wives of Liu Xiaobo, Hu...
Hungary: Students Have Had Enough of Bomb Alerts
There have been three bomb alerts in the three weeks of the second semester at Corvinus University of Budapest. After the third one this week, students started to campaign against the unknown person blocking the university's life with calls reporting a bomb was placed somewhere on campus.
