Stories from 13 April 2009
Serbia: Good and Bad Things About Belgrade
Five “good things” and three “bad things” about Belgrade – at Balkan File.
Hungary: “The Rise and Fall of Ferenc Gyurcsány, Part II”
“The Rise and Fall of Ferenc Gyurcsány, Part II” – at Hungarian Spectrum.
Moldova: More on Twitter
More on Twitter and last week's events in Moldova – at Ethan Zuckerman's My Heart's in Accra and Evgeny Morozov's Net Effect.
Ukraine: Luxury Cars and Taxpayers’ Money
Ukrainiana writes about Ukrainian officials’ luxury cars acquired on taxpayers’ money, “a cheap commodity in Ukraine.”
Russia, Belarus: Internet News Roundup
Svetlana Gladkova of Profy reports on the intention of the Russian Anti-Monopoly Service “to officially include Microsoft in the register of monopolies doing business in the country” and on president Medvedev's announcement that “the government of the country would be watching foreign investors coming to the internet market closer –...
U.S., Europe: Clinton's Message on Roma Day
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a video message in recognition of the International Roma Day: video and text – at U.S. Department of State Blog.
USA: Deploying a Pro-Immigration Web 2.0 Strategy
The Opportunity Agenda is holding an open online seminar (webinar) on April 16, 2009 (3pm EST) to advise activists on how to develop social media strategies for supporting pro-immigration reform in the United States.
Slovenia: “Ljubljana to Get ‘Tito Street'”
Sleeping With Pengovsky writes about Ljubljana mayor's initiative to name a street after Josip Broz Tito, who, in Slovenia, “is remembered for things both excellent and terrible.”
Thailand: Fake Red Shirt application
Thai 101 translates a fake Red Shirt membership application which was probably made by critics of the red-shirted protesters. The Red Shirts are demanding the resignation of Thailand's Prime Minister.
Thailand protests: Shopping stores were closed
Shopping stores and other local businesses were forced to close in Bangkok as violence erupted between government troops and opposition Red Shirts yesterday.
Bangkok protests: Black Songkran
Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated from April 13 – 15, is supposed to be a joyous event in Thailand. But this year’s Songkran has been described as the “Black Songkran” in reference to the chaotic and violent confrontation between soldiers and anti-government protesters. Two protesters were killed and more than one hundred were injured during the clash in the streets of Bangkok.
Pakistan: The Root Cause Of The Problems
Bilal Qureshi at Pak Tea House opines that denial is the root cause of the problems in Pakistan and comments: “Unless Pakistanis agree that Taliban are not the answer to any problem, nothing will change. Otherwise, Pakistanis will continue to see suicide bombing across the country.”
Iran: Free Potatoes and Election
Several bloggers reported that Iranian government tries to ‘get people's votes in June presidential election by distributing free potatoes in different cities’.Sibzamini(means potato in Persian) is an Iranian blog that covers all news and reactions regarding free State-distributed potatoes.
Indian Elections 2009: Allegations and Concerns of The Common People
The run up to Indian general elections sure looks like a spicy Bollywood movie. Big actors from major political parties and their activists are busy hurling allegations at each other while the common people stand befuddled, waiting for someone to listen to their concerns. Indian politicians are at the receiving...
Cuba, U.S.A.: “Economic Emigrants”
From Havana, Generation Y remembers “events such as the Mariel Boatlift”, adding: “Emigration happens more quietly now, in rocky coves where—in the early hours every morning—someone launches themselves into the sea, and in the consulates crammed with people looking for a visa.”
Caribbean: Easter Traditions
Bloggers from Trinidad and Tobago, St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti and even from the diaspora discuss Caribbean Easter traditions.
Trinidad & Tobago: Mainstream Media
Keith in Trinidad has issues with the local mainstream media, saying: “‘Responsible journalism’ appears to have joined the ranks of ‘Police intelligence’ and ‘Honourable Member of Parliament'”.
Barbados: Sam Lord's Castle
“Five years ago CLICO Barbados said they would restore Sam Lords Castle as part of a major tourist development”, but the promise has not materialized; bloggers Barbados Free Press and Bajan Dream Diary are disappointed, with the latter adding: “The longer that the Castle remains in ruin will not only...
Jamaica: Debt Relief
Although Jamaica Salt reports that the island “has had some welcome relief from its huge, crippling debt”, the blogger is sceptical that the money saved will be channeled into the right areas.
Guyana: Stupid is as stupid does
Guyanese blogger Imran Khan is convinced he must be stupid – why else would he fail to see the logic behind President Jagdeo's advice to flood-besieged farmers to diversify into aquaculture: “Forgive me for thinking that when the place is flooded that the fish ponds…would become flooded and the fish...
Fiji: ‘The Media has been Muzzled’
In relation to the press, Fiji's new government installed “information officers” at newspapers, television and radio stations to enforce regulations against publishing any story “negative in nature” regarding the extraordinary recent constitutional events. In a letter to media organizations, the government pointed out they should broadcast “news that is pro-Fiji.”
