Stories from 7 August 2006
South Korea: traditional media reflection
Asia media forum puts up an interview with Kwon Tae-Sun, managing editor of Hankyoreh. Kwon reflects on the challenge of marketization and internet on the traditional media.
Cambodia: Defining Modesty
After its absence for a decade, in this new millennium Cambodia sets to organize its first Miss Beauty competition. The nominated contestant will participate in next year’s Miss Universe contest. However, in an effort to preserve Cambodian culture, as suggested by the Ministry of Culture, swimsuit is not allowed, at...
Bermuda: Self-made man
The Limey wonders why a young, self-made man — a former prisoner turned lawyer — won't acknowledge what his success might mean to other young, black Bermudians.
Caribbean, Canada: Caribana photos
Maangchi posts photos from this year's Caribana street Carnival in Toronto.
Bahamas, Cuba: Reparations
Nicolette Bethel is normally a bit skeptical about calls for reparations for slavery, but if Miami Cubans can demand them — so can she.
Guyana: The other side of the story
The plot thickens as Guyana-Gyal learns more about a local drug addict.
Jamaica: Happy Birthday!
On the anniversary of Jamaica's independence, Gela writes her native land a Happy Birthday letter: “Can't believe you're now 44! Wow! For a tiny island, you've made some serious strides boy (or are you a girl? hmm, I wonder).”
Bolivia: “Happy Birthday Bolivia!”
Jim Shultz notes the myriad ways in which Bolivia is celebrating its 181st year of independence. Miguel Buitrago has a thorough summary of stories on the inauguration of the 255 member Constituent Assembly in the official capital city of Sucre. And Eduardo Avila publishes some entertaining pictures of President Evo...
Mexico: Obrador's Supporters Disappointed
Having just returned to Mexico City from South America, Ricardo Carreon observed last week that much of the “protest” in support of Lopez Obrador consisted of empty tents along Reforma Blvd. Carreon also links to a video tour of the Reforma area in the midst of the protests. Ana Maria...
Latin America: Week in Review
Erwin Cifuentes has a broad collection of valuable links from around Latin America reviewing the week of July 31 to August 6.
Colombia: Nude Images Draw Criticism
Andres Duque describes the storm of controversy resulting from a series of semi-nude photos with religious overtones published in the Colombian monthly SoHo: “The images, which depicted recreations of Biblical passages such as the last supper and the crucifixion with the nude actress taking the role of Christ, were accompanied...
Venezuela: Outsider Presidential Candidates
Boli-Nica gives historical and geo-political context to the outsider presidential campaign of Benjamin Rausseo, wondering aloud if the Venezuelan comedian might actually have a chance against Chavez in this December's elections.
Argentina: Modified Photos in Mainstream Media
Writing from Buenos Aires Mariano Amartino spreads the news that bloggers found a modified photo which was published by Reuters. “What is really odd is how a photo with such a serious error was able to pass through all the layers of editing at Reuters,” remarks Amartino.
Kyrgyzstan: Death Penalty
Yulia of neweurasia translates a Russian language post on the debate over the death penalty in Kyrgyzstan.
Tajikistan: Passenger Complaints
Vadim discusses passenger complaints against Tajikistan's national airlines.
Sri Lanka: Why Norway?
Why exactly is Norway involved in the conflict resolution process in Sri Lanka? Komiyage Loke with conspiracy theories, oil and other factors that move the planet.
Kazakhstan: EITI
Ben Paarmann writes about Kazakhstan's implementation of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative statutes. He says that if the EITI statutes are successfully implemented, high-level corruption in Kazakhstan could be seriously reduced.
Pakistan: About Satghara
Shirazi writes about Satghara – a sleepy and dusty village that once was a power center in its own right. “The first impact that this monument leaves is an emotional one for it is a symbol of cultural identity a part of heritage. It also has architectural historic documentary spiritual...
Armenia: Internet Out
Onnik Krikorian reports on this weekend's internet outage in Armenia. Krikorian says that high prices, poor quality service, and outages are all the result of ArmenTel's monopoly on internet access.
Bangladesh: A National ID
Rezwan on why Bangladesh needs a National ID card as a solution to many problems – including the numerous databases.
Afghanistan: Electricity & Kabul
Dialogue 3 talks about the electricity shortage in Kabul. The blogger says according to Ministry of Energy & Water [Fa]: From 8 am to 6 pm all hospitals, governmental offices and embassies have electricity. From 6pm to 9 pm two third of Kabul has electricity and from 9pm to 5...