1 November 2011

Stories from 1 November 2011

Colombia: Gustavo Petro, Bogotá's New Mayor

  1 November 2011

Regional elections were held in Colombia on October 30. Although the right to vote was exercised throughout the country, the Bogotá election generated the greatest expectations since its citizens went to the polls during one of the capital city's biggest institutional crises.

Qatar: 2013 Parliamentary Election Date Announced

  1 November 2011

Qatar today announced it will hold parliamentary elections in the second half of 2013. The announcement was made by the Qatari Emir Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and welcomed by netizens, who hope that Qatar's support for the Arab revolutions is shaping a new tomorrow for Qataris.

Russia: Super Babushka Competition

  1 November 2011

Kyle Keeton of Windows to Russia writes about the 2011 Moscow Super Babushka Competition, and how it is a way for local authorities to shed light upon the important social role of the babushka (grandmother) in Russian society.

Kyrgyzstan: The Die is Cast

  1 November 2011

Today the Central Elections Commission confirmed that Kyrgyzstan's election is valid. Over 51% of Kyrgystanis have voted across the country (a little over 3 million voters). Elena Skochilo reports.

Brunei's First Social Media Meet Up

  1 November 2011

Brunei's first social media conference successfully gathered the country's leading bloggers and netizens which showcased the prominent role of the internet in society. GV author Zul-Fadly was there to document the event and highlight the reactions of speakers and participants

Malaysia: Petition to Teach Science/Math in English

  1 November 2011

The Parents Action Education Group has set up a Facebook page to gather support for its petition asking the government to make the teaching of science and math in the English language as an option in schools. More than 100,000 people have already joined the group

Ecuador: Leaning to Make Colada Morada for Day of the Dead

  1 November 2011

On the Day of the Dead –November 2– Ecuadorians prepare colada morada, a traditional drink made with various fruits and black maize; the beverage and a bread called guagas de pan are left at the graveside of deceased ancestors at cemeteries across the country. The blog El Ecuador de Hoy...

Cuba: Guardians of Urban Green Spaces

  1 November 2011

In December 2006 a century-old Ceiba tree was cut down in the San Agustín neighborhood of Havana, the Cuban capital. This sad event inspired a group of young Cubans to found environmental group El Guardabosques (The Guardian of the Forest or Forest Ranger).