Stories from 20 August 2011
Nepal: Salary Hike For The VVIPs
Guffadi reacts to the salary increase of Central Assembly members, Ministers and Heads of the State by saying that they should not get more than the average income of the Nepalis since they have a lot of perks and amenities.
Bangladesh: Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior Starts A New Mission
After 52 years of service the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior has been retired and rechristened as Rongdhonu (Rainbow in Bangla), which will serve as an emergency medical ship around the Bangladesh coasts, reports Bangladesh Watchdog.
India: Yet Another Name Change
The West Bengal state government has decided to change the name of the state to Paschimbanga (in Bangla). Anirban explains why he doesn't support the name change.
Iran: Regime called Google+ dangerous
Head of internet unit in the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance called Google+ is one of the most dangerous social networking for Iranian users.
Colombia: Football Federation Rejects ‘Bolillo’ Gómez's Resignation as Head Coach
The Colombian Football Federation has rejected the resignation of Hernán Darío Gómez (‘Bolillo’) as head coach of the national football team which he presented after hitting a woman. On social networks Colombians have shared everything from comments on respecting women to speculations about who might replace him.
Somalia: Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan In Mogadishu
afrik.com reports [fr] on Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's visit in Mogadishu: “The prime minister, his wife Emine and other [Turkish] political and business leaders, as well as artists, are in Somalia to meet the victims of the drought and famine raging in the country.”
Spain: Brutal Police Repression Against Journalists Covering “Secular March”
Pope Benedicto XVI's recent visit to Spain sparked a civil "Secular March" in protest against the use of public funds for religious acts in a secular state. The encounters between secular and religious individuals resulted in a wave of police repression against the journalists covering the events. Global Voices presents a selection of videos of the protests.
Ukraine: 47,000 Doctor Vacancies
There are 47,000 vacancies for doctors in Ukraine, Odessablog reports.
Ukraine: 20 Years of Independence
As Ukraine is about to turn 20 years old, Alexander J. Motyl of Ukraine's Orange Blues and Vasyl of uaMuzik sum up the current political and social situation in the country.
Rwanda: Interacting With the Tweeting President
Global Voices Author Gershom Ndhlovu interacts with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Twitter. Kagame’s Twitter exchange with netizens puts him far ahead of his contemporary African leaders.
North Korea: Kim Jong-il's Yachting Holiday
Michael Madden from the North Korean Leadership Watch published a post on North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il's lavish lifestyle in the impoverished nation. It is believed Kim’s fancy life has not changed despite international sanctions banning the sale of yachts and other luxury goods to North Korea.
North Korea: Speculation Looms over Kim Jong-il's Visit to Russia
Net user 100gf from Politics and Computers blog posted a brief summary on North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's visit to Russia, a rare official visit for the first time in nine years. As Kim is expected to hold talks with President Dmitry Medvedev regarding energy and denuclearization issues, speculations have...
Brazil: Construction Starts on Controversial Belo Monte Dam
Despite the protesting voices of indigenous populations and traditional settlers of Volta Grande do Xingu region, construction on Brazil's Belo Monte hydroelectric plant has begun. Protests against the project will take place in 10 Brazilian cities and 16 countries on August 20.
Filmcamp Laos 2011
The Filmcamp Laos 2011 will take place on October 1 at Vientiane College. According to the organizer, it will be the first grassroot un-conference for people in the filmbusiness in Laos and neighbouring countries
East Timor: Liberalizing the Telecommunication Industry
Tempo Semanal writes about the plan of the East Timor government to liberalize the country's telecommunication Industry which is currently monopolized by Portugal Telecom.
We survived a day in China
Victor H. Mair, Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at the University of Pennsylvania translated an internet cartoon to show how Chinese social criticism and black humor at work. (via DANWEI)
East Timor: Changing Family Ties
According to Maria Domingas Fernandes Alves, the rapid modernization in Dili, East Timor has affected traditional family relationships which should force the government to prepare for the breakdown of ‘solidarity bond’ in society.
Brunei: Promoting Health Consciousness Online
Brunei's Health Promotion Centre taps the power of social media to advocate a healthy lifestyle among Bruneians. Its latest campaign is Diabetes Awareness.
Indonesia: Free Cell Phone for Migrant Workers
Indonesia plans to give free cell phones to migrant workers deployed in South Korea to allow them to connect with their families.
Indonesia: Prison Situation
Leo Sudaryono identifies chronic corruption, threat of gang violence, over-crowding, poor quality water and sanitation, and an absence of basic health and education services as among the main problems facing Indonesia's prisons.
Myanmar: Facebook ‘mini-revolution’
An article in Mizzima written by Tun Tun reveals how Myanmar internet users are able to use Facebook to share political ideas and campaign messages.
