Stories from 4 January 2010
Poland: Social Network's Logo “Raises Controversy”
Polish social network Nasza-Klasa seems to be doing a re-branding, but some of its users - and some in the Polish media, too - seem to see something of a conspiracy there. Sylwia Presley explains the situation.
Nepal: Maoists And The Constitution Amendment Bill
“Today the Maoists decided not to support the seventh amendment bill of the interim constitution,” informs Nepali. In an update Nepali informed that they have made an U-turn and confirmed their support to amend the constitution, later in the day.
Kenya: video of bicycle repair man with home made tools
At the Afrigadget blog they share a video of a bicycle repair man showing and explaining the use of his home made tools as he does his work in a Nairobi market.
Slovakia, Hungary: Happy New Year!
The relations between the two neighboring countries, Slovakia and Hungary, went bad last year - but some Slovak and Hungarian citizens are trying to improve the situation by launching an online campaign called "Štastný nový rok, Slovensko! / Boldog Új Évet Magyarország!" ("Happy New Year, Slovakia!/Happy New Year, Hungary!).
Sri Lanka: Corruption in Campaign
“Without an independent and reliable Elections Commission there will be abuse,” comments Indi.ca while discussing the corruption in campaign of the upcoming presidential elections in Sri Lanka.
India: The 3 Idiots Copyright Controversy
Law and Other Things, a blog about Indian law, discusses the copyright controversy regarding the screenplay of the Bollywood blockbuster ‘3 idiots’.
Bhutan: Failing Democracy
“If democracy means ‘Of the people, By the People, For the people,’ then democracy in Bhutan must be failing,” comments Bhutanese blogger Dipika.
Blogging about Culture and Interracial Marriages
A Number of mixed race and religion families are sharing their experiences in the blogosphere. The trial and tribulations of inter racial couples show a mirror to how far we, as a civilization, have come in accepting and respecting differences.
Video: In Spain, Camera Free Video Workshop for Kids
In Valladolid Spain, Film-making is taught to children without them having to use a camera. Following are some of the videos showcasing the process and final results of these workshops.
Venezuela: BlogaCine Attracts Fellow Film Fans
BlogaCine is a blog in which Carlos Caridad-Montero, a Venezuelan filmmaker and fan, passionately writes about local cinema, and which in turn attracts fellow film fans to take part in this new way of film critique.
UAE: Burj Dubai Opens with Twitter Fanfare
Dubai has pulled all the stops to signal the opening of the world's tallest tower - Burj Dubai or Burj Khalifa. The 828 metre (2,717 ft) super tall skyscraper is being opened now with much fanfare despite the gloom that has surrounded the emirate's economy in recent weeks.
Haiti: New Year & Independence
In Haiti, January 1st 2010 was the date of the double celebration of both New Year's day and the 206th anniversary of the National Independence. Haiti Connexion Network posts a cheerful slideshow entitled “Bonne Fête Haïti Chérie”.
Killing Kuka: Timorese Youth Gunned Down
Twenty-five year old Kuka Lebre from East Timor was shot and killed by the local police last week. His death generated a strong reaction in the country. GV author Keta Haluha summarizes the reactions of netizens in East Timor
Bahamas: Day of Absence
Nicolette Bethel posts a series of musings about her Day of Absence – “a day to remember and recognize Bahamian artists and cultural workers, who go largely unsung, unnoticed and unremembered, and who are generally assumed not to exist in this nation”; Bahama Pundit offers a critique.
Afghanistan: Attacks on the base again
Nick Fielding reports on the suicide bomb attack in Khost Province in eastern Afghanistan that killed seven CIA officers and wounded six others in an eloquent and bloody response by Islamist militants.
Trinidad & Tobago: No Hope?
“Many who I spoke with in South Trinidad were more concerned about how they would survive 2010 than what they would accomplish”: KnowTnT.com says the one thing glaringly missing in 2010 is hope.
Trinidad & Tobago: Attillah in Manningland
“I am glad I came to see what is inside these walls. Being inside makes me feel even more of an outsider in this PNM black elite universe”: Thanks to an unlikely cocktail party invitation, Trinidadian blogger and activist Attillah Springer ventures down the rabbit hole, right into the Prime...
Trinidad & Tobago: Same Old…
Trinidadian diaspora blogger Jumbie's Watch says it may be a New Year, but “i’s dee same ol’ khaki pants.”
Kazakhstan: Relatives of Political Prisoners Criticize Rights Activists
Andrey of neweurasia.net translates the RFE/RL's oundtable discussion on Kazakh human rights organizations, which are being criticized by relatives of political prisoners.
Caribbean: Farewell 2009
Caribbean bloggers bid 2009 farewell – BeachLime says: “The only sure thing that's going to happen in 2010 is that it will prove to be a challenging one for Bermudians”; Belizean provides a comprehensive end of year review and Caribbean Free Radio tells the story of her year in pictures.
Kazakhstan: Kyrgyz special agents and murder of a journalist
Noah Tucker reports on a leaked information that the Kazakh authorities allegedly believe they see three officers of the Kyrgyz National Security Service as suspects in the murder of Kyrgyz journalist Gennadiy Pavluk in Almaty last month.
