Stories from 20 November 2010
Paraguay: “The Unwanted” of Ciudad del Este
Journalist and blogger Andrés Colmán Gutiérrez wrote on his blog Ñangapiry News [es] about a group of about 170 indigenous people that live on the streets of Ciudad del Este, “fleeing poverty and oblivion in their old scorched lands.” Andrés reports that last Thursday more than 500 people protested to...
Colombia: Two More Colombian Traditions Named Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO
Albeiro Rodas from Colombia Passport reports: “The Marimba music of the Colombian Pacific and the regulatory system of the Wayuu [indigenous] people of Guajira, were included in the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. ” Albeiro goes on to explain each one.
Nepal: Embarrassment At The Parliament
On November 19, 2010 was a shameful day for Nepal's parliament as “Maoist lawmakers disrupted the House session and resorted to vandalism and manhandling”, reports Ujjwal Acharya at The Radiant Star. The blogger thinks that the Maoist lawmakers’ behavior was “immature, beyond tolerance and unacceptable”.
Pakistan: Christian Woman Sentenced To Death On Charges Of Blasphemy
“A 45-year-old Christian woman, Aasia Bibi, has been sentenced to death in Pakistan for allegedly blaspheming the Prophet Muhammad,” reports Faheem Haider.
Panama: Retirees Protest With Street Closures
Street closures and peaceful protests have marked the claims of retirees who call for an increase in their pensions. Twitter reactions are almost all against these measures that affect everyone. However, there are those who see the closure of streets as the only viable option.
Haiti: Anti-UN Protests Escalate Over Cholera Epidemic
Three days after the first case of cholera was diagnosed in Haiti, The Life and Times of the Mangine Many posted on its blog: Seriously? Cholera? I literally thought cholera ended with westward expansion. And now, of all places it is here in Haiti. So far 138 dead. The outbreak...
Korea: Concerns loom over volcanic activity on Baekdu Mountain
In South Korea, public concerns are looming over the possible eruption of volcanic Baekdu Mountain, located on the border between North Korea and China. Experts predict that Baekdu’s damage could be ten to a hundred times greater than that caused by the April 2010 eruptions in Iceland.
Philippines: Leading botanist killed in alleged military-rebel cross-fire
A flurry of tributes and condemnations posted online followed the unexpected death of top Filipino botanist Leonard Co and his two assistants in an alleged cross-fire between the Philippine Army and communist rebels in the province of Leyte
What does Fiji's government want from Fiji Water?
Fiji Water, the expensive beverage in a square bottle, has created one of the richest brands in the world. Does Fiji’s military government want a piece of it?
Brazil: Black Awareness Day
To mark Brazil's annual Black Awareness Day (Dia da Consciência Negra), journalist and blogger Elaine Tavares explains [pt] why she is proud to be Afro-Brazilian. Meanwhile, celebrations and cultural events [pt] to commemorate the day in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador are in full swing.
Guinea: Two more weeks under state of emergency?
Will Guineans have to live two more weeks under state of emergency?: “In a post earlier today, Guinea Oye! expressed concern about the Government’s decision to maintain a state of emergency until the Supreme Court issues election results.”
Sudan: Refugees ready to vote
Laura Heaton blogs about refugees taking part in referendum registration in Southern Sudan: “For the first time in their lives, 22,000 refugees are about to vote, and these seven will take them through the process. This week registration booths opened to start collecting the names of eligible voters for a...
Angola: Is Yuri Da Cunha the future of Angolan music?
Africa Is a Country posts a video of Angolan musician Yuri Da Cunha: “Yuri Da Cunha is a household name in Angola,and is on his way to becoming an international star. He has taken the older Angolan genre of semba music, and modernized its appeal to urban youth.”
Nigeria: De-branding Nigeria
Nigerian blogger Aderinola comments on the suspension of Amos Adamu who was found guilty of trying to sell his vote for the world cup bid: “My concern here is the way Adamu’s image has been splashed on all the major newspapers around the world and how once again the rebranding...
Kenya: Kenya Matters
Ethan visits and reviews the iHub in Nairobi, Kenya: “It’s an incubator, an invitation only space open every day to the 100 entrepreneurs who’ve applied for and won badges from the iHub team. For those who’ve won a green badge, there’s no charge to access the space, which is a...
Africa/Mexico: Afro-Mexicanos
Estenoyage meets African descendants in Mexico: “In one region of Mexico where I surf a lot, there's still a remaining community of African descendants. Usually they are called ‘Afro-Mexicanos’ o ‘Afromestizos’.”
China: Educated youth face a tough future
China Media Project translates an article by Yu Jianrong about educated youth in China, which can be divided into two groups. The first one are privileged by their access to wealth and power. The second, and much larger, group lack this privilege. It is the latter group which face a...
Iran: World's Youngest Detained Blogger on Trial
The Iranian government is not only world-class when it comes to persecuting bloggers, they have also set numerous records: from the first jailed blogger in history, to the first blogger to die in prison. Unfortunately, a new record can now be added to the list of Iran's repressive achievements: the youngest blogger to be detained and put on trial.
Sri Lanka: Tamil Journalist Detained
International Network Of Sri Lankan Diaspora Blog reports that a London based Tamil journalist has been arrested last Wednesday at the Colombo Airport, when he landed in Sri Lanka to visit his family.
Bhutan: Khuru And The Rise Of Feminist Movements
Bhutanese women may have, unintentionally, created the stirrings of their first feminist movements of sorts when they recently started to encroach upon a traditionally male dominated sport Khuru (game of darts).
Macedonia: Skopje Zoo Improvements
Basic improvements at the Skopje Zoo have brought new quality of life for the captive animals and the visitors, who regain confidence in this public enterprise.
