Stories from 27 January 2008
Armenia: Pensioners’ Election Opinions
My Armenia Election Monitor 2008 continues to cover next month's presidential election in Armenia with a post on the concerns and voting preferences of the country's 530,000 pensioners. Citing special coverage in the local media, it looks like senior citizens in Armenia are as divided, confused and cynical towards the...
Armenia: World Bank Corruption Fallout
Expat worker Bruce Tasker continues to update his readers on the latest developments on his blog, Blowing The World Bank Whistle. In particular, he details how coverage in the local media is finally beginning to pay dividends in his attempt to reveal alleged World Bank corruption in Armenia.
Francophone Morocco Roundup: Algeria's response to the UN, anti-French sentiment and more
This week in the Moroccan blogosphere, Algeria fails in its duties, anti-French sentiment still strong in Morocco, DJ Awards and rose petals galore.
Blogger of the Week: Salam Adil
Global Voices Online kicks off a series of weekly interviews with the bloggers and cyberactivists who amplify the voices of citizen journalists in their countries on this site. Our first interview is with Iraqi Salam Adil, who brings us the heartbreaking stories, joys, observations, tribulations and hopes of Iraqi bloggers.
MENA: Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr…It's Freezing
Brrrr... It's freezing in the Middle East is the message that has been popping up on blogs recently. Here's a round up of what some of the region's bloggers had to say about the cold spell, in the otherwise warm and sometimes explosive hotspot of the world.
Azerbaijan: Children's Show
An American in Azerbaijan says that he is becoming increasingly frustrated by working with a local television station on a show for children. Exasperated by a tight deadline, the blogger says that his work is frustrated by a “lack of vision” from ANS TV.
Armenia: Black Propaganda Blogs
The Armenian Observer says he is noticing a large number of blogs that have suddenly spring up ahead of next month's presidential election in Armenia. The blog laments the way in which supporters of former president Levon Ter-Petrossian and prime minister Serge Sargsyan are using the Internet to disseminate black...
Azerbaijan: Ethnic Novelist
Window on Eurasia says that a book by ethnic Azerbaijani author Eduard Bagirov is causing a stir as a best seller throughout the Russian Federation. In particular, notes the blog, Bagirov's books generally examines the “extraordinary difficulties Azerbaijanis and other non-Russians living in the Russian capital now face in trying...
Azerbaijan: Fashion Trends
Leigh’s new adventure in Azerbaijan takes a look at trends in fashion in the former Soviet republic. In particular, the blog notes, women are significantly more stylish and less conservative than men.
Armenia: Language Problem
Armenia continues its reports on life as a volunteer from the Armenian Diaspora living and working in the country. In particular, the blogger says, knowing Russian can be a disadvantage for ethnic Armenians hoping to learn or improve their local language skills.
Armenia: Dictator of the Month
The Armenia Blog comments on the discovery of a website, Dictator of the Month, that includes the former Armenian president and candidate for next month's election, Levon Ter-Petrossian, in its notorious list of undemocratic leaders.
Armenia: Gays in the Diaspora
Unzipped: Gay Armenia comments on how being homosexual or lesbian is still considered a taboo subject to talk about in the Armenian Diaspora. The blogger also links to and discusses an academic paper on the LGBT Armenians at UCLA.
Armenia: Election Time
A Flying Kiwi in Armenia reports that campaigning for next month's presidential election has begun and the atmosphere is getting “a little frantic.” The blogger says that while former president Levon Ter-Petrossian has some support in society, the favorite remains the prime minister who has the “entire public service throwing...
Armenia: On The Campaign Trail
My Armenia Election Monitor 2008 has accounts and photographs of meetings with voters now that the official pre-election campaign period in Armenia is finally underway. In the first three, rallies by former president Levon Ter Petrosian and prime minister Serge Sargsyan are covered while there is also a brief look...
Brazil: The Army calls for a revolution
According to Jorge Serrão [pt] the Brazilian Army has issued an open letter to the population calling for a revolution. which he publishes in his blog: “The nation expects us to be ready when needed. Our sovereignty can not ever be questioned. The Brazilian Armed Forces, united in brotherhood and...
Brazil: Countdown to Carnival
There is a popular belief that in Brazil the year only starts after Carnival. Be this an exaggeration or not, there is not much else being talked about on the country's blogosphere: everyone is dusting off their costumes, getting into the mood and counting down the days for the biggest street party on Earth. Here's a round up of bloggers expectations in Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, Pernambuco, and the lesser known carnival in Minas Gerais.
South Africa: 2008 South Africa Blog Awards
Cherryflava announces the 2008 South Africa Blog Awards: “This year's SA Blog Awards site is now live – with initial nominations opening up on the site on Monday 11 February [put that in your diary now]. All last year's categories are still up for grabs, as well as a few...
Uganda: Bloggers Happy Hour
Darlyne shares her experience at the first 2008 Uganda Bloggers Happy Hour: “And so it was, BHH I mean and it rocked. I was the first one there as I usually am only because I work so close to Mateos and finish work at 4 so I am basically idle...
Uganda: 2007 Uganda Best of Blogs awards
2007 uganda Best of Blogs awards: “Over at The Kampalan, Dee has just announced the 2007 Uganda Best of Blogs awards. Check out her post for the nomination specifics…”
Nigeria: The Super Eagles may not qualify
Emmanuel discusses the Nigerian national soccer team, the Super Eagles: “Berti Vogts has finally brought some pride to many a Nigerian coach who has perpetually been looked down upon by the NFA. Ever since I grew up to know what football is, ever since I started watching the super Eagles...
Namibia: Spatial Analysis Blog
Hipondoka sets up blog focused on GIS at the University of Namibia: “At the end of the second semester, we are expected to produce a research paper specifically making use of RS or GIS or both as a tool. For this year, topics will be centred around the City of...
