Stories from 21 August 2012
Puerto Rico: Social Media's ‘No’ Campaign Wins Big in Referendum
"140 characters focused so hard on raising awareness among people that today they broke the machinery put together by money. The NO won!!!" - A netizen reacts to the campaign's...
Russia: Pussy Riot and the Orthodox Reformation
Retired priest speaks out for Pussy Riot, breaking with the Patriarch and renouncing his holy orders, but his letter is mostly plagiarized. What does this mean for Russia's religious Reformation?
Ethiopia: Rage and Sorrow as Meles Zenawi's Death Confirmed
The official confirmation of the death of Meles Zenawi, Ethiopia’s prime minster, has stirred both rage and sorrow online. Zenawi disappeared from public view immediately after the G20 meeting in...
Africa: Time for a Male Circumcision-Driven HIV Policy in Africa?
After overcoming much skepticism, the idea that circumcision is an effective measure in reducing HIV transmission is now globally accepted by the health professionals community and the general public. Experts...
Environmentalist Ex-NBA Star Visits Kenya on Anti-Poaching Tour
Since retiring from the National Basketball Association a year ago, Chinese star Yao Ming has become a committed environmentalist, working with WildAid. His most recent visit was to Kenya to...
Guyana: Social Media Plays Role in Linden Solidarity Protests
The protests in Linden have spawned other protests in solidarity, both in Guyana and overseas - and social media, in the form of blogs, online videos and Facebook - have...
Hong Kong: Citizens Lead Clean-Up of Typhoon Plastic Pellet Spillage
More than 150 tons of plastic pellets manufactured by SINOPEC were spilled into the sea when Typhoon Vicente hit Hong Kong this July. However, the government neither announced the incident...
South Africa: ‘Apartheid Era’ Police Brutality at Mine Massacre
"16th of August 2012 will go down in South African history as the new Sharpeville. 45 dead because police and the South African government cannot handle an independent union movement."...
Puerto Rico: In Conversation with Calle 13's “Residente” René Pérez
It's hard to imagine anyone betting on Calle 13‘s success back in 2005, as the popular Puerto Rican group prepared to release their eponymous debut. Back then, reggaeton was still...
Graffiti in Times of Crisis
In the current economic crisis, graffiti in several cities is rife with social messages. Here is a sample of some urban artwork.
