7 August 2006

Stories from 7 August 2006

Cambodia: Defining Modesty

  7 August 2006

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

  7 August 2006

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.

Bahamas, Cuba: Reparations

  7 August 2006

Nicolette Bethel is normally a bit skeptical about calls for reparations for slavery, but if Miami Cubans can demand them — so can she.

Jamaica: Happy Birthday!

  7 August 2006

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!”

  7 August 2006

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

  7 August 2006

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...

Colombia: Nude Images Draw Criticism

  7 August 2006

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

  7 August 2006

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

  7 August 2006

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.

Sri Lanka: Why Norway?

  7 August 2006

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

  7 August 2006

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

  7 August 2006

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

  7 August 2006

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.

Afghanistan: Electricity & Kabul

  7 August 2006

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...