20 August 2010
Stories from 20 August 2010
Sao Tome & Principe: Revolt Against Water Diverted from Hospital
In the past few months, a heated discussion animated the blogosphere of Sao Tome and Principe, on a public health problem that apparently has already been solved. Until last week, there was no water running from the taps of Ayres de Menezes Hospital, but its director now assures that the issue has been taken care of.
Venezuela: Rapper Defies New Ban Against Violent Images
Venezuelan rapper OneChot is using social media to distribute his video criticizing the violence in Venezuela in days after president Chavez declared a month long ban on media's use of violent images, triggering an investigation surrounding the video's release.
Russia: Bloggers Expose Death Rate Increase

Until the emergence of Web 2.0, the Russian government had enjoyed a monopoly on death rate information and could manipulate it. Gregory Asmolov investigates how the Russian bloggers have changed the situation.
Madagascar: The Undercover Investigations That Exposed Rosewood Trafficking from the Rain Forest

One of the consequences of the enduring political crisis in Madagascar is its punishing impact on the environment. The investigation of activists specialized in conservation and protection of the environment was instrumental in documenting the crimes and holding the government accountable for protecting Malagasy natural resources. Here are there reflections on the initiatives:
Russia: Wildfires Victims Sorry They Fought For Their Houses

The aftermath of the recent wildfires in Russia is on the agenda of the main media channels. Reports on and interviews with victims, volunteers, humanitarian aid workers and government officials...
Brunei: “I'm sorry” video now a youtube sensation
Zek's youtube video of apology to his ex-girlfriend is the newest internet sensation in Brunei. A popular blogger described Zek as the "Justin Bieber of Brunei" and the video is named by some netizens as the country's "best reality show"
Malaysia: Where is Press Freedom Heading Now?
The image you have on Malaysia may be one of fastest growing economies in Asia, but do you know it is languished at the bottom 3rd (ranked 131st) in the 2009 global press freedom ranking? Is it getting any better for the citizens and opposition parties that fight against censorship? We will find out from the recent press freedom situation in Malaysia.
Colombia: Ongoing Online Reactions to Mass Grave La Macarena
The discovery of a mass grave holding more that 2,000 bodies next to a military base in Colombia has sparked a heated and ongoing debate. Although the story was reported months ago, the lack of transparency and clear facts from the media and the government have kept the online discussion going. Colombians have turned to social networks to try to make sense of the macabre discovery.




































==> As Africans we need to let go of our victimhood, inferiority complex & acceptance of the mediocre. We deserve...