Stories from 6 July 2011
Bulgaria: A Day Without PM Boyko Borisov
July 5, 2011, presented an interesting challenge to the traditional Bulgarian media: would they follow a Facebook appeal for "A Day Without Boyko Borisov" - or would they continue to report on the activities of Bulgaria's Prime Minister?
Poland: Article authorization abolished
Max Steinbeis of Verfassungsblog writes about [GER] Poland having to abolish its law that interviewed people have the right to see articles before printing and prevent publication. So at least is the meaning of a ruling from the European Court for Human rights in Strasbourg.
Chile: President Piñera's Approval Ratings Drop
Robert L. Funk reports that June poll results show “President Piñera's approval ratings, at 35%, have dropped by 12%.” Robert comments on the President's July 5 speech where he announced his plan for education reform, an issue that has sparked massive protests.
Argentina: President Signs Decree to Ban Sex Ads in Newspapers
“President Cristina Kirchner signed a decree banning the publication of sex ads in local newspapers”, The Argentine Post reports, and adds: “banning the publication of sex ads may do little to prevent the kinky skin-friction business from thriving. […] Some local whorehouses even use Google Maps to woo Johns into...
Bhutan: State Funding For Political Parties
Dipika argues against any system of state funding for political parties in Bhutan as advocated by the ruling party.
Russia: Infamous ‘Vanishing’ Charity Foundation Resurfaces
The heartwarming performance of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin playing the piano and singing the song "Blueberry Hill" at a charity concert, was darkened by the scandal surrounding the 'Federaciya' (Federation) foundation that allegedly tried to disappear with the money raised by the event. The charity has recently resurfaced, with plans for another concert underway.
Zimbabwe: Women's Lib Online and Unplugged
Zimbabwean women bloggers and Facebook users have taken up new media platforms to discuss everything from their sexuality to unpacking women's role in politics and the economy.
Barbados: Authentic Anime
The Bajan Reporter profiles young entrepreneurs/comic book creators who he thinks may well “become the Marvel/DC of the West Indies!”
Bahamas: Saving the Forests
“Ever since the pine forests of the Bahamas were logged during the first 60 or so years of the last century, their ultimate survival has been in jeopardy due to conflicts with agricultural and commercial development”: Blogging at Bahama Pundit, Larry Smith says that “a new Forestry Act passed last...
Russia: Return of decentralization?
Joera Mulders of Russia Watchers discusses recent trends towards the return of decentralization of political power in Russia, after the long period of Putinist power centralization.
Trinidad & Tobago: Accomplishments or Spin?
Plain Talk takes issue with an article citing the accomplishments of the government, calling it “Merlin-esque” and adding: “It should have begun ‘Abra Cadabra’ and ended ‘Tah Dahhhh!!!!’ with a flourish and an elaborate bow.”
Russia: Some fishy business
John Helmer of Dances with Bears speculates on whether Russian business mogul, Gennady Timchenko, really is so innocent of the allegations against him using political contacts to forward his business interests as the businessman claims. Timchenko's recent involvement in the Russian fish industry supposedly points in another direction.
Cuba: A Nation Divided?
“We have a long way to go. This will involve educating people in a different perception of society and its members, regardless of their orientation or preference”: Writing at Havana Times, Dariela Aquique responds to a comment about an article she wrote on gay pride in Cuba.
Barbados: Questioning the CCJ
“Since the court was established to service 14 member states and now only services three, it would appear that [since] the [Caribbean Court of Justice]…is not over burdened, it would be able to take time and deliver well researched and well reasoned decisions”: Barbados Underground takes issue with the findings...
Belarus: Anti-revolutionary videos
Tetyana Bohdanova of Good Girl Gone Ukrainian draws attention to the occurrence of purportedly home made videos warning for the consequences of revolutionary developments in Belarus and the potential overthrow of president Lukashenko.
Sao Tome and Principe: Insight on Rare Birds
The blog Island Biodiversity Race features an expedition to learn about the birds of Sao Tome and Principe, “to show how rich and unique the biota of the islands is and at the same time, how poorly known”.
Peru: Sacrilegious Theft in Motupe
On Tuesday July 5, 2011, Peruvians woke up to shocking news: the popular and very well-known Holy Cross of Motupe had been stolen. Netizens reacted to the news on Twitter with the hashtag #cruzdemotupe, and in their blogs.
Cuba: Exciting First Meeting of Twitter Users in Havana
The first meeting of users of the social network Twitter was celebrated in Havana on July 1 at 4:00 pm at 23rd and 12th of the Vedado district and in the Pabellón Cuba. The event hosted almost 100 people, mostly young journalism students, administrators, professors, journalists and bloggers. Netizens reflect and comment on the exciting and controversial event.
Togo: Fragile Truce Emerges After Five Weeks of Student Protests
West African country Togo's students' struggle for better education conditions is now in its fifth week and despite a recent truce, tensions remains high in the capital Lomé. Amongst the students' demands for better education conditions, are an increase in and payment of their grants.
Trydar y Cymry! The Welsh Language Thrives Online
"Trydar y Cymry" means "the twittering of the Welsh" or "the Welsh twitterers" (the verb "trydar" now being used in connection with Twitter) and is an example of the Welsh language adapting and developing as it is used online. Global Voices has spoken to blogger and researcher Rhodri ap Dyfrig about Welsh-language blogging and tweeting and the challenges Welsh speakers face online.
Bahrain: Regime and Opposition Begin National Dialogue
Since the Bahrain protests of February 14, 2011, the idea of opening a dialogue between the opposition and regime has been discussed on and off. On Saturday July 2, the long-awaited dialogue finally started with the Waad secular group and the Wefaq Shia group participating.
