Stories from 19 February 2008
Jorge Jurado Raps About Citizen Media
Jorge is one of about 20 young people in the peripheral working class neighborhood of San Javier La Loma who are using citizen media to rescue the forgotten history of their community. His song “ConVerGentes” which he performed in this video in early January 2008 discusses the potential of using participatory media to rescue the forgotten history and culture of local communities.
Pakistan: Goodbye Musharraf!
With the results of the elections in Pakistan becoming more clear, it is obvious that Musharraf, despite his promises hasn't won the confidence of the voters. Crow's Nest writes, reflecting on those associated with Musharraf. In the election results of the year 33 former ministers who were closely associated with...
Serbia: Bloggers Discuss Kosovo Independence
Sinisa Boljanovic translates some more reactions from the Serbian blogosphere to the declaration of Kosovo independence.
Bangladesh: Hatered and a website
Voice of South on a A Saudi-based website, aiming to stir hatred against 1.2 million Bangladeshis working in the oil-rich Saudi Arabia.
Sri Lanka: Live Cricket!
At groundviews, an author writes with much joy – having seen a live cricket match between India and Sri Lanka.
India: The Alma Mater
balancing life on how the sheer presence of bureaucracy is an obstacle for alumni wishing to contribute to the growth of their college.
Morocco: Facebook's fake prince could face five years in prison
Fouad Mourtada, a 26-year old IT engineer has been held under arrest in Casablanca since February 5th for "villainous practices linked to the alleged theft of the identity" of King Mohammed VI's younger brother, Prince Moulay Rachid, on the popular social networking website Facebook. Fouad appeared in court on Friday February 15th. The trial has been postponed until February 22.
Morocco: Bloggers Rally Behind Fouad Mourtada
In Morocco, francophone bloggers rally behind Fouad Mourtada, jailed for posting a Facebook profile that spoofed a member of the Moroccan royal family. Mourtada's arrest reveals the tensions between modern Morocco and Morocco of the Middle Ages, they write, while still holding out hope for an acquittal.
Sierra Leone: School for Sierra Leone
From School for Sierra Leone Project blog: “The Voice of Sierra Leone Association wants to start by supporting a school by buying furniture, toilets and schoolmaterials. After this they plan to build a school and a clinic in an area where there is no education and healthcare for children at...
Serbia: Anger, disbelief over proclamation of Kosovo independence
Ljubisa Bojic translates some reactions from the Serbian blogosphere to the declaration of Kosovo independence.
Central African Republic: Farmers struggle to rebuild lives
HDPT Central African Republic blog on the challenges faced by Central African Republic farmers: “Affected by years of relentless fighting in the North West, Central African farmers now face great difficulties to maintain their livelihood. Their seeds and tools have been destroyed by the repeated assaults of bandits, rebels and...
Ghana: Elections in Ghana
Ghana Elections 2008 blog's short history of elections in Ghana: “The leader of the then opposition NPP party John Kuffuor won year 2000 and 2004 elections. As per the constitution, John Kuffor can not stand for elections again in year 2008. Apart from the national elections for the post of...
Ethiopia: On Afar women
Zenobia review an article by The Telegraph about female genital mutilation in Ethiopia: “The Telegraph did an article about Afar women , female genital cutting (FMC) and their “life of drudgery” as they called it, but neglected to mention how successive Ethiopian regimes have done little to develop their desperately...
Israel: Kosovo or Palestine, the Balkan is Here!
Kosovo has declared its independence. While the Israeli government has yet to announce its stance, several Hebrew bloggers have been reacting and comparing the political fatigue in the Balkans to that back home. Gilad Lotan has the story.
D.R of Congo: Political manoeuvre by the President
Chica writes about the unexpected retirement of 92 magistrates in the Democratic Republic of Congo: “On Friday President Kabila announced out of the blue, seemingly without consulting anyone (except presumably the Minister of Justice), the immediate retirement of 92 magistrates (who were either over 65 or had been magistrates for...
Japan: Edo-period Monster Paintings
Edo from Pink Tentacle introduces Edo-period monster paintings by Sawaki Suushi.
South Korea: New City Hall Complex
Robert Koehler from Marmot's Hole posts the new design of city hall complex in the heart of Seoul city.
South Korea: Income Inequality
Jamie picks up the editorial from local newspapers on the worsening income inequality situation in South Korea, with some back ups from 2007 statistic.
Sudan/Uganda: African Rebels on YouTube
Chris Blattman writes about African rebels on YouTube: “YouTube is turning into a surprising source of archival videos on rebels and rebel leaders. Tim Allen, a friend and anthropologist at LSE, shares with me his collection of links to short films and reports on the wars in Sudan and Uganda.”
Armenia: Presidential Election Today
Polls have been open for today's presidential election in Armenia for eight hours now in a crucial vote which will determine the successor to the incumbent but outgoing president, Robert Kocharian. Until a more comprehensive post after polling stations close, my Armenia Election Monitor 2008 and The Armenian Observer are...
Nigeria: Nigerian upcoming designer, Toju Foyeh
Bella Naija features an upcoming Nigerian designer, Toju Foyeh: “What inspired you to start designing? When I was younger I used to go through my mum's magazines. Stuff like Harpers and Queens, Tatler and Vogue and I thought fashion is something I would like to do some day. I was...
