Stories from 20 July 2009
Macedonia: On Visiting Offline Museums
Volan recommends visiting what's in his opinion is a somewhat neglected Macedonian National Gallery at the Daut Pasha Hammam in Skopje, situated in a former harem bath of a high Ottoman official, presenting reproductions of some of the most notable paintings [MKD] and other artwork from the XIV to the...
Russia: Channel “2×2″ censors Putin episode of South Park
The recent decision by Russian television channel “2×2″ to cut a scene in an episode of the US cartoon series ”South Park” has sparked anger in the Russian blogosphere. Ruth Collins reviews some of the bloggers' reactions.
Russia: Rallying the youth
Sean's Russia Blog writes about President Medvedev's efforts to rally the Russian youth to politics.
Russia: Scoring partly free in Freedom of the Net report
Karina Alexanyan of Internet & Democracy Blog accounts for Russia labeled partly free in a recent Freedom House report on Freedom on the Net.
Latvia: EU loan but on what conditions?
Baltic Economy Watch discusses EU's upcoming loan to save Latvia's economy and reflects on its conditions.
Ukraine: Canadians helping out with AIDS prevention
The Natashas draws attention to a Canadian effort to help developing a model HIV/AIDS prevention program in Ukraine in partnership with UNICEF.
Bahrain: Keeping Apart
Bahrain-based blogger Shirley Dockerill, who writes at White Girl Arab World, had a male student walk out of her class because she was female: “I'd forgotten there is a school of thought here which doesn't allow interaction with non-relatives of the opposite sex, in any way, shape or form.”
Bahrain: Be Positive
Bahraini blogger aMal has decided to rid herself of negative feelings – but that's not so simple: “People, at least maybe in this part of the world, I wholeheartedly say, are allergic to positivity.”
India: Chasing a solar eclipse
On July 22, we are about to witness the longest solar eclipse of the 21st century. The eclipse will be visible between 5.20am to 7.40am, from within a narrow corridor spanning half the Earth. In India, the path of the eclipse will cover the cities of Surat, Indore, Bhopal, Varanasi...
Bermuda: Celebrity Tours
As Bermuda introduces “celebrity tours”, 21 Square says: “For those who believe that…tourism can be rejuvenated via exclusivity and prestige, this is horrifying…the absolute opposite direction for Bermuda tourism that we should be taking.”
Cuba: Biscet's Birthday
Uncommon Sense marks the 48th birthday of Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, a political prisoner “who by his example provides the moral leadership needed for that struggle [for freedom] to eventually prevail.”
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Cricket Again
“Am I the only one who finds it amusing that WIPA has asked the Caribbean Govts to intervene in the cricket dispute?”: From St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Abeni blogs about “this cricket thing”.
Puerto Rico, Bahamas: Education Issues
Puerto Rico's Gil the Jenius and Weblog Bahamas‘ Rick Lowe take issue with the education systems in their respective countries.
Ukraine: Party of Regions lead in public opinion
Ukraine Today comments on a new opinion poll, showing that Viktor Yanukovich's Party of Regions currently rates highest among Ukrainian voters.
Barbados, Jamaica: Rock & A Hard Place
Today, the Jamaican government will announce whether it is taking the International Monetary Fund up on its offer of financial aid – guest blogging at Bajan Dream Diary, Leesha Delatie-Budair says: “Basically, we are damned if we do and damned if we don’t.”
Trinidad & Tobago: Stifling Democracy
In response to a move by the Trinidad and Tobago government to have the Director of Public Prosecutions consider laying charges against a group of citizens who protested outside the Prime Minister's residence, This Beach Called Life says: “When people say you and your Government don’t care, Mr. Prime Minister,...
Kenya: Devastating Drought Worsens Human-Wildlife Conflict
Kenya is experiencing the worst drought in more than a decade according to the country's meteorological department. This drought has been felt throughout the country, but it is more visible among the Maasai community who's primary source of livelihood is cattle. Faced by the danger of loosing their valued livestock,...
Jamaica: Jacksons to Perform
Girl With a Purpose and Repeating Islands report that Jamaica's Reggae Sumfest is being pegged as a “salute to Michael Jackson” this year – and the Jackson brothers are scheduled to perform.
Aruba, Suriname: Journey of Discovery
“It was so incredibly beautiful. The big trees rising from the gorges. The river flowing seemingly endless past the jungle…”: Arubagirl visits Suriname and posts some photos from her trip.
Russia: Comparing Hitler and Stalin
LJ user fesstagere turns attention to [RUS] an Ekho Moskvy survey, showing that the radio stations readers see greater similarities than differences between Hitler and Stalin – a comparative issue that recently has evoked strong reactions and protests in Russian debate.
Bulgaria: Ukrainian gas crisis caused government fall
LJ user koltashov turns attention to [RUS] a report claiming that Bulgaria's government fell earlier this year due to the gas crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
