Stories from 22 January 2011
Bangladesh: Fast Food Culture Spreading
Tithe Farhana at Pickled Politics writes about the social transformation seen in Bangladesh, which includes eating out and dining out, including fast food.
Russia: Why Skype Worries The FSB?
While Russian President Dmitry Medvedev urges government officials to get hip to technology, Russia’s Security Service, the FSB, has begun to clamp down on officials’ use of email and Skype, in a measure some are arguing is meant to stop possible ‘leaks’ of governmental information.
Armenia: Not so spiritual remedies abroad
Unzipped comments on news that the spiritual leader of Armenia, Catholicos Garegin II, has undergone medical treatment in the U.S. However, the blog concludes, traveling abroad for a simple procedure might seem more like a damning indictment of the Armenian medical system.
Eritrea: Isaias Afwerki comes out dead last in African Presidents Index!
Asmarino reacts to first annual “African Presidents Index” released by the Nation Media Group: “Obviously our own totalitarian leader Isaias Afworki didn’t disappoint us. Not only did he make it to the “Morgue” category with flying colors, he also ended up dead last within that category…”
D.R. of Congo: Interviews of main presidential candidates
Jason posts videos of recent interviews of main contenders in the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Armenia: A pointless conversation and environmental waste
The Armenian Odar, a Dutch expat blog, recounts a visit to a local supermarket in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, and a pointless conversation with a security guard who refused to allow her to take a canvas bag into the store in order to avoid needlessly using plastic carrier bags.
Russia: Will Russian Language Be More Popular Online?
Blogger oleg-kozyrev writes [RUS] about the future of Russian language online initiating discussion in blog comments. The blogger concludes that the future of Russian language is strongly connected to the future of Russia's influence in the world.
China: Better metrics for measuring Asian happiness
With Spring Festival just around the corner, Tsinghua University economics professor Andrew Sheng proposes a more enhanced approach to measuring quality of life: We need Stiglitz Report 2.0, with more Asian input.
China: Waiting for Google's next move
Now that it appears former Google CEO Eric Schmidt‘s end of tenure began with split views between him and founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin over the company's future in China, what, asks raventhorn2000 at Hidden Harmonies, comes next?
China: What about Chinese dads?
If you found yourself following the Amy Chua affair, you might want to check out this latest post from Jocelyn Eikenburg, American wife of a Chinese man: Chinese (and Asian) Interracial Wedding Dos and Don’ts.
Venezuela: The Feast of the Divine Shepherdess
The feast of the Divine Shepherdess is celebrated every January 14 in Venezuela. Bloggers recalled and shared the origins and history of this Catholic tradition, while on Twitter and Facebook users shared photos and blessings. The political discussion that is present in the daily life of Venezuelans was also part of this year's celebration.
Brazil: Protest for quality transportation is a crime?
While Leonardo Sakamoto wonders [pt] if protesting for quality transportation is a crime, Conceição Lemes interviews [pt] one of the organizers of the demonstration against the price increase of bus tickets in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The student protester was brutally repressed [en] by police last week.
