Stories from 8 July 2010
Russia: New “One Day Rule” for Censoring Comments on Demand
Alexey Sidorenko analyses the new practice of comment removal on news media websites introduced by the Russian authorities. Although not direct and not efficient, it threatens to significantly limit online discussion.
Russia Launches Social Network for Governmental Officials
President Medvedev introduced “gosbook.ru“, a social network for governmental officials. According to [RUS] Gazeta.ru, the network was Medvedev's personal idea and costed 1 million roubles (approx. $35.000). The platform is supposed to trigger and facilitate discussions among officials.
Russia: In defence of corruption
Amidst state anti-corruption campaigns, LJ user lobanovmaksim goes against the tide [RUS] in defending Russian corruption as a recipe for happiness and harmony.
Russia: Limiting freedom of assembly
LJ user zoringer notes [RUS] that the Russian parliament, the State Duma, is to decide on further curtailing freedom of assembly in the country, now limiting the number of people gathering to a mere three. The proposal is believed to hinder alternative methods of protest and demonstrations as e.g. flashmobs.
Taiwan: Climbing the highest mountain
Yushan (玉山) or Jade Mountain is the highest mountain in Taiwan at 3,952 metres. Neil Wade and Stu Dawson have great photos and description of climbing to the peak.
Flood-free Singapore?
Singapore Social and Political Thoughts reacts to the statement of the Prime Minister about the impossibility of the public expectation of a flood-free Singapore. The city-state was hit by flashfloods last month.
Indonesia: Kretek cigarettes banned in the U.S.
The Kretek cigarette industry in Indonesia will be adversely affected by the looming United States ban on flavoured tobacco products. Rob Baiton writes about the impact of the ban on the welfare of workers in the industry
Indonesia: Software piracy haven
Despite ratifying conventions and passing numerous laws on intellectual property rights, Indonesia is still unable to curb software piracy
Indonesia: Deadly gas cylinders
Multibrand from Indonesia wants the government to investigate the gas cylinder explosions throughout the country which injured and killed many people already.
Japan: Manga blogging on Mexico
Mexico based Ohtoh Ryoko manga-blogs [ja] on her Mexican daily life and the unfamiliar customs of the country. The main character is a little girl with pigtails, who wears a yellow luchador (wrestler) mask.
