Stories from 8 January 2009
A Dark Past in East Timor for Obama's National Intelligence Nominee
Citizen journalists from East Timor have been busily tweeting about the nomination of Admiral Denis C. Blair for the post of US director of National Intelligence. The nominee faces serious accusations of backing the Indonesian occupation of East Timor in the 1990's, an invasion which led to the killing of approximately 1,400 Timorese and the displacement of 300,000 people.
Cuba: Interview with Blogger Miriam Celaya
Miriam Celaya is a Cuban blogger, whose blog Sin Evasión [es] is celebrating its one year anniversary. She started writing under the pseudonym "Eva González," but six months later she decided to use her real name. In this interview with Claudia Cadelo, she talks about how she started blogging, the decision to leave her pseudonym behind, and about her participation in the recent blogger gatherings on the island.
Iranian government uses Gaza conflict to repress
While several Iranian bloggers (including Islamist ones) multiplied their posts and digital initiatives, such as a “Google bomb” to condemn Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip, some other bloggers are saying the Iranian government is using the “Gaza conflict moment” to repress media and civil society inside the country.
Sri Lanka: Assassination Of A Journalist
Sri Lanka remains as one of the world’s most dangerous countries for independent journalists. Indi.ca reports that Lasantha Wickremetunge, one of Sri Lanka’s best known journalists was shot in the head this morning by unknown gunmen. He later succumbed to his injuries. Ground Views has details.
Chile: Videoblogging daily life
From Chile, Paloma Baytelman brings us snippets of daily life and other not-so-common events through her videoblog. Santa driving a bus, voting, and harrassment by costumed characters are only part of what she has uploaded on her site.
Taiwan: Focus on the justice system
Taiwan's justice system has constantly been in the news over recent months. The trial of former President Chen Shui-bian has focused people's attention, however it has also sparked broader criticisms of the judicial process and concerns about human rights. Michael Turton analyses several important articles that have appeared in the...
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Candid Camera
Abeni wants to know what's wrong with law and order in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: “All of a sudden it seems taking a photograph is a no no…a journalist claimed the Police not only prevented him from taking photographs at the scene of a fire but also detained him...
Trinidad & Tobago: Bringing Sexy Back
Should blogs be sexy? Blogging from Trinidad and Tobago, This Beach Called Life says: “Yes, but only if you want to get them noticed.”
Cuba: Dealing with Racism
As a documentary on racial discrimination in Cuba is released, Havana Times.org republishes a mainstream media article on the debate, while Babalu Blog says: “I guess this reporter figured out that the overwhelmingly white leadership and the overwhelmingly black prison population in Cuba was not just a coincidence after all.”
Barbados, Grenada: Fashion Police
The Bajan Reporter says that police in Grenada are cracking down on the “sagging pants” trend.
Jamaica: For Bloggers
Jamaican litblogger Geoffrey Philp adapts Psalm 23 to suit the needs of bloggers.
Kazakhstan: Kazakh Student Killed in Moscow
Adam informs the readers that an 18-year-old student from Kazakhstan had been stabbed to death in south-west Moscow.
Azerbaijan: Day of Ashura
Yesterday marked the Day of Ashura, a religious festival commemorating the martyrdom of Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, at the battle of Karbala. Often associated with images of flagellation using chains, the day is observed in Azerbaijan, a predominantly Shia but secular Moslem country in the South Caucasus, differently.
Armenia: New Year, Christmas Traditions
From the Mind of an Armenian Woman introduces its readers to traditions associated with the New Year and Christmas. In a second post, the same blog details how the church marks Christmas, celebrated in Armenia on 6 January.
Malawi: Gas prices remain high despite global plunge
There are growing calls in Malawi for the government to reduce the price of gas, following a global drop in prices in recent weeks. While many countries have seen reductions in gas prices, in Malawi it has stayed the same as when it reached the highest prices in July 2008. Bloggers and forum users in Malawi discuss the problem.
Philippines: Funding cuts for higher education
mind-a-now reports that the Philippine Senate has reduced the funding of 21 state universities.
Laos: Plain of Jars
Maikulian posts a picture of “Plain of Jars” taken in Phonsavan, Laos. “Plain of Jars” refers to historic sites in Laos containing thousands of stone jars.
How is Laos related to Netherlands?
Lao Voices cites various historical, geographical and cultural facts which point out the similarities of Laos and The Netherlands.
Buddha Park in Vientiane
Lao Voices uploads a video of her visit to the Buddha Park in Vientiane, Laos.
Cambodia: “Victory over Genocide”
Cambodia celebrates the 30th year of the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. The theme for this year’s anniversary is “Victory over Genocide.” But Modern Progressive Khmer insists Cambodia was not liberated on this day in 1979 since Vietnam occupied the country.
Philippines: Phenomenal video protests
‘Juana Change’ protest videos are the newest YouTube sensation in the Philippines. The videos were introduced last month when various groups were opposing the proposal to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Thanks to the internet, Juana Change (played by artist Mae Paner) is now a popular figure in the Philippines.
