Stories from 19 January 2011
China: Police and Japanese porn star
Many regional police departments have launched their micro-blogs at Sina for promoting their image and public relations. Recently netizens found out that Xigang Branch Office of Dalian Police Department has...
Jordan: Social Media Combats Deforestation Project
The Jordanian government scheduled the building of a new military academy within the Ajloun forest, one of Jordan's few remaining forested areas. Immediately, several pre-existing and ad hoc coalitions sprung to halt the project - working mostly through citizen media to make their voices heard and mobilse support on the ground.
China: Ticket shortage unresolved for Spring Festival Rush
Joel Martinsen from DANWEI translates a news story from Youth Times [zh] on the Ministry of Railways’ unfulfilled promise in solving the ticket shortage problem during the Spring Festival Rush.
Lebanon: Déjà vu as country plunges into crisis … again
Another day in Lebanon, another political crisis. As the recent turmoil threatens to tear the fragile country apart once again, many disconnected ordinary Lebanese respond with great apathy to a political process that has only caused them pain.
China: 2010 housing demolition report
C Custer from ChinaGeek has translated a housing demolition report 2010 (part one and part two) that has been banned from publishing in mainland Chinese mainstream media outlets.
Panama: Fire in Youth Prison Sparks Controversy
A fire in a correctional facility for juvenile offenders has generated all types of reactions on Twitter and Panamanian blogs. The police officers involved are trying to defend themselves and explain what happened, and on the other side the Panamanian people are divided between those that want heads to roll among the prison guards and those that justify the police actions.
