Stories from 2 December 2008
Russia: Quantum of Solace/Mercy
A “review of the Russian version of ‘Quantum of Solace’” that doesn't “go any further than the title” – at Eagle and the Bear.
Egyptian Bloggers and their Lost Blogs
Several Egyptian bloggers lost their blogs whether to hackers or to web hosting services. Are those blogs being deliberately suspended by hosting services or are there invisible hands at play behind the scenes? Check out what bloggers have to say about this new development.
Middle East: Saddened by Mumbai Attacks
Amid the sadness and shock at the Mumbai attacks, bloggers across the Arab world are posing many questions. Amira Al Hussaini takes a closer look at blogs and online forums from Bahrain, Egypt, Oman and the UAE for reactions.
Iraq: No Classes Before Eid
A Star from Mosul, in Iraq, writes about the cancellation of classes a week before Eid. Read her post to find out why.
Israel: Aids Day Reminder
Molly, from The Big Felalfel, in Israel, notes that World Aids Day serves as a reminder that there is still no cure for the disease.
Bangladesh: Bangla Town in New York
Farid at Bangla in Use Globally posts some pictures of the Bangla Town in New York, USA.
Israel: On World Aids Day
Jewlicious, from Israel, marks the World Aids Day by attending an event at a bar in Jerusalem.
Saudi Arabia: Visiting the Kuwait Book Fair
Saudi blogger Pen [Ar] travels to Kuwait, where he visits the Kuwait Book Fair and buys a few books.
Pakistan: Karachi Riots in Media
Adil Najam at All Things Pakistan compiles media reports on the recent Karachi riots and comments: “We see Pakistani kill Pakistani in the name of Pakistan. We sit afraid. Very afraid.”
Jordan: Bush Bloopers
From Jordan, Jazarah posts this video featuring funny bloopers by US President George W Bush.
Pakistan: Preemptive Assumptions
CHUP! – Changing Up Pakistan follows the conversations in the international media pointing fingers at Pakistan for the terror attacks in Mumbai and comments: “..it is still not yet clear who perpetrated the Mumbai attacks. Until that fact has been ascertained, officials on either side should not act preemptively or...
Tanzania: Obama fabrics
Louder than Swahili posts a picture of an Obama kanga, a traditional East-African cotton fabric with writing printed on the sides. It says “Hongera Brack Obama. Upendo na amani ametujalia mungu”, which in Kiswahili means something like “Congratulations Barack Obama. Love and peace have been given us by God”.
Palestine: Gaza Concert Podcast
Mideast Youth‘s Esra'a interviews Palestinian Sameh Habeeb about the Gaza Concert, one of many efforts which bring peace and end the siege in Gaza, in this podcast.
Egypt: Online Journalism in the Arab World
Lebanese journalist Bassam Twaini presented a talk entitled The State of Online Journalism in the Arab World, at a conference in Cairo, Egypt, reports Saudi blogger Yaser Al Ghaslan [Ar], who was present at the event.
Panama: Province of Chiriquí
The province of Chiriquí en Panama enjoys a great reputation for its mild climate, interesting architecture and for its coffee plantations. Rob Rivera provides more information.
Israel: Hollywood in Israel and Iran
There is surprising news in the Israeli blogosphere of connections between Jews, movies, and Israel. Maya Norton takes a closer look and connects the dots.
Cuba: Castro Attends Beatification
Havana Times and Yohandry’s Weblog (ES) blog about the beatification ceremony of Cuban Friar Jose Olallo Valdes.
Dominica: Regulation Laws
“Some political analysts speculate that the spending for the 2010 campaign will be the most expensive…ever. Hell would probably have to freeze over before any political party in Dominica publishes its source of funding”: Dominica Weekly thinks that laws are needed to “regulate the political corruption culture.”
Thailand: PAD to Stop Airport Blockade
The Bangkok airport blockade by Thai opposition supporters might come to an end in the next couple of hours.
Trinidad & Tobago: The Proof is in the Pastelle
“Originally a meat dish that was introduced by the locals of ‘Spanish’ heritage it is now popular throughout the country and is synonymous with the Christmas season”: Simply Trini Cooking blogs about the cornmeal pastelle, a Trinidad and Tobago seasonal staple.
Cuba: Journalist of the Year?
Uncommon Sense reports that “imprisoned Cuban independent journalist Ricardo González Alfonso is a finalist for Reporters Without Borders’ Journalist of the Year awards.”
