Stories from 1 November 2011
Colombia: Gustavo Petro, Bogotá's New Mayor
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
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
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
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
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
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
Video of Flooding in Central Myanmar
DVBTVenglish uploaded a video on YouTube which showed the destructive impact of the recent flooding in central Myanmar
South Korea: Photos of Rally Against Free Trade Agreement with U.S.
About 3,000 activists staged a demonstration in Seoul, South Korea, protesting against a recently signed free-trade agreement with the United States. South Korean citizen media consolidated photos by Korean Twitterers.
Indonesia: Impact of Oil Palm Plantations
Greg Acciaioli writes about the social and economic impact of expanding oil palm plantations in Borneo Island.
Ecuador: Leaning to Make Colada Morada for Day of the Dead
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
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).