Stories from 20 June 2010
Hungary: Sinning with Impunity
Twenty years after the transition to democracy, Hungary is discussing whether those who had committed crimes against citizens during the communist era should be called to account.
Poland: Initial Microblog Coverage of the Presidential Elections
Both on Twitter and on its Polish mirror service, Blip.pl, people are sharing their thoughts about today's presidential election in Poland.
Brazil: Fire in Rio de Janeiro Mobilizes Online Campaign
One of the city’s postcards, the Lagoa neighborhood, was victim of a huge fire at Morro dos Cabritos, an area of Atlantic Rainforest. Soon a campaign against the release of hot air balloons - which are a possible cause of the fire - began to run through social media.
India: Fallacy Of English Medium Education
Ram Bansal at India in Peril criticizes some Indian English medium educational institutions which forbid Hindi and have no provision of Hindi to English translations or vice-versa in the curriculum.
Algeria: Still Hoping with a Lucky Dove on their Side
After the defeat against Slovenia, the Algerians have regained some strength on June 18th by drawing against the English team. They have given hope again to millions of fans who hope to see the green team go through the first round.
India: A Special Day for the Son-In-Law
In India, Bengali mothers-in-law traditionally celebrate, with great fanfare, an occasion/social custom called jamai shashthi - a special day for their jamai [son(s)-in-law].
Iran: “9 file sharing sites got filtered”
Conservative Fars News site reported 9 “file sharing sites” including sharingmatrix،rapidshare،megaupload got filtered in one day in Iran.
Iran: A leading weblog service got filtered
Several Iranian bloggers including Persianweblog reported that Blogfa, a leading free Persian weblog service got filtered.
Israel: World Cup Bonanza – Back to the Game
Maya Norton's attempts to find World Cup reactions in Israeli blogs are being foiled by a minor dilemma - it seems that most Israeli World Cup fans are too busy watching the games to blog about it. Here's a sampling from bloggers who found the time.
Israel: Dubious Thanks to USAID
JoeSettler posts a photo of a sign he often passes that reads, “This [road] is a gift from the American people to the Palestinian people.” “What I think that USAID overlooked,” he comments, “Is that Jews also use this road regularly.” According to their website, USAID has donated $1 billion...
Israel: Storing Water for Emergencies
When you live in the Middle East, water is essential to your daily survival. Israeli Kitchen recommends ways to store water in preparation for an emergency and what water sources you can use if your standard stores dry up.
Israel: A Woman's Power to Name Herself
“I’ve noticed that whenever a woman defends having taken her husband’s name… it’s invariably stated, ‘After all, feminism is about choice.’ Well I’m not pleased with having women who choose tradition, or patriarchy, telling me what feminism ‘is about,'”
Russia: Analysis of Hacker Attacks On Bloggers
Over the last five years, more than 40 RuNet bloggers have become targets of hacker attacks, most of which were carried out by a group of hackers named The Brigade of Hell. The hackers' targets have been both political and commercial bloggers.
