Stories from 28 October 2010
Indonesia: Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcanic Eruption in 48 hours
Indonesia was caught unprepared this week when an earthquake, tsunami and volcanic eruption battered the islands in less than 48 hours. Casualties are expected to exceed 500 and thousands of families need immediate relief.
Bangladesh: The Importance Of Tea And Singara
Shehzaad Shams at Bangladesh Corporate Blog describes the importance of tea and Singara (snacks) in doing business in Bangladesh.
Puerto Rico: #EnProfundo and the “Cassava of Love”
The team behind #EnProfundo produce another podcast [ES] that includes their characteristically biting media critique.
Pakistan: Another Video Of Abuse By Pakistan Army Appears
“Yet another video can be seen on you tube where apparently Pakistani Army severely beating up the suspected militant,” informs Teeth Maestro.
South Africa: Dear Government
Controversial South Africa radio personality Gareth Cliff writes a letter to the South African government: “OK, I get it, the President isn't the only one in charge. The ANC believes in “collective responsibility” (So that nobody has to get blamed when things get screwed up), so I address this to...
Kenya: Will New Constitution Improve Governance?
Will Kenya's new constitution improve governance in the country?: “There are many people who seem to believe that it will not. A prominent journalist was recently quoted in Nairobi's Daily Nation as saying that the constitution is just a piece of paper, and “a piece of paper can't transform society”....
Tanzania: Government threatens press before election
Tanzanian government threatens press before election: “As the October 31 national elections draw near, Tanzania's media is in a frenzy trying to cover the close race between the two leading presidential candidates. But government threats and draconian media laws may be getting in the way of objective coverage.”
Zimbabwe: Big Brother Africa, Mugabe and US$300,000
Big Brother Africa is a television show produced by Endemol in South Africa. The show, which has become the most popular TV reality show in Africa, entered its fifth season with Big Brother Africa All-Stars. After 91 days of stiff and exciting competition, Nigerian musician and actor Uti Nwachukwu was announced the winner of US$200,000. The final two housemates were Nigeria's Uti and Zimbabwe's Munya Chidzonga. Although Munya lost, he ended up "winning" US$300,000. Follow Zimbabwean bloggers to know what happened.
Madagascar: Village Burned Down by Highwaymen during Cattle Robbery
The villages of Ampasimbe and Ankaenihenibe in Madagascar were attacked by gangs of highwaymen [Fr] (Dahalo in Malagasy) that made away with 18 and 15 zebus respectively. As the Ampasimbe villagers retaliated against the robbers, their village was burned down entirely, partly because of the powerful wind guts at the time.
Gabon, France: Gabon-raised Frenchman to Run for Elections
Will Mael Nyamat explains [Fr] what a black candidate who was raised in Gabon like himself can bring in terms of perspective to the political discourse during the French primary elections. Nyamat also argues in his book that the historically close tie between Gabon and France [Fr] makes him as sensible...
Global: Rarefying of Rare Earth Metals?
The economy-focused blog Le regard à Lupus explains [fr] that there are increasing concerns over the shrinking access to rare earth metals. These strategical mining resources are indispensable to the high-tech industry and green energy solutions.
Cuba: Restricted Access
“In Cuba, access to the internet is restricted and very expensive for citizens, but it is also is controlled by state institutions”: Laritza's Laws explains.
Bahamas: Set a Better Example
The last time Weblog Bahamas‘ Jerome Pinder checked, things were “pretty grim” in the Bahamas: “If the behavior of our Parliamentarians is any reflection on us as a people, then you don't have to wonder why social values are crumbling around us.”
Brazil: Dilma, Cristina and machismo in the media
Rodrigo Vianna at Escrevinhador [pt] draws parallels between the rise and leadership of Argentinian president Cristina Fernandez and Brazilian presidential candidate Dilma Rousseff, and slams the often sexist media both women face.
Cuba: Standard of Living
“Nobody on the island may have a high standard of living if it is not authorized by the regime”: Iván García explains that he “aspire[s] to live better. But above all [he] consider[s] [him]self a free man. And that is where a person can be dangerous in Cuba.”
Barbados: Another Fire
The Bajan Reporter posts footage of yet another fire in Barbados, saying: “Something is going on… Apart from Campus Trendz…in the last 21 days there was the Lighthouse in Silver Sands…Cafe Sol…then Sam Lord’s Castle…and now in Bridgetown with a business in broad daylight…is the DPP going to make a...
Guyana: Just Say “Hell, No”!
As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to an end, The Guyana Groove says: “It is time for every woman in Guyana to hold hands and in unison yell to the top of your voices at every single abusive man, ‘HELL, NO!'”
South Korea: Few Christians’ ‘Spiritual Mapping’ Enraged Korean Public
A handful of Christians’ “spiritual mapping” to the largest Buddhist temple in southern Seoul has enraged Korean public. A Youtube video shows (the original video had been removed) a church worship team sings Gospel songs and prays in the temple. Criticism is unlikely to subdue despite an apology from the...
Argentina: Images from Plaza de Mayo After Kirchner's Death
La Propaladora [es] shares images and a video of people gathering at Plaza de Mayo to say goodbye to Néstor Kirchner, former president and husband of current president Cristina Fernández, who passed away yesterday morning from a heart attack.
Russia: Bloggers Discuss Putin's Bruise
The recent visit of Vladimir Putin to Ukraine surprised Internet community with official photographs of Putin with a bruise on his face. Russian bloggers jumped on the opportunity to talk about the possible reason for the bruise.
Cape Verde: draft law passed to regulate Council of Communities
Olhofuturo [pt] reports that a draft law regulating the Council of Communities has been approved by Cape Verde's national assembly, with the aim [pt] of better tackling issues of migration and diaspora. One result looks to be improved efficiency of administrative consular tasks for Cape Verde citizens living abroad, according...
