Stories from 7 February 2011
Jordan: Demonstrations and the Older Generations
Jordanian blogger Naseem Tarawnah examines why older generations, rather than youth, have led Jordan's recent demonstrations. He comments: “Much of the older generation … are a constituency of people who rely on a flawed system. They want to see that system maintained.”
Egypt: Our Hero, Wael Ghonim
For days, Egyptians have searched far and wide for Google executive Wael Ghonim, who went missing on January 27. Today, he was released from state custody, and spoke about his plight.
Cuba: Who Does The Law Protect?
Laritza's Laws says that “the fact that justice depends on politics “assures them [leaders] political immunity, both for themselves and their clique.”
Bahamas: In Solidarity with Egyptian Women
“It always was outrageous to me that humble blog writers like me were being thrown into jail for criticizing the government. But it is proof that this thing called citizen journalism is powerful”: Womanish Words is standing with the women protesters of Egypt.
Grenada: National Day
Today is Grenada's National Day, on which the country commemorates its independence from the United Kingdom. Repeating Islands has the details.
Trinidad & Tobago: What Egypt Can Teach Us
“It would be extremely poor of me to compare our situation with that of the people in Egypt. They have legitimate reasons to demand a change and have stood by the courage of their convictions”: Still, Coffeewallah wishes that Trinbagonians would “approach our issues with the single-mindedness [with which we]...
Jamaica: Social Media is the Message
“How messages of revolution are transmitted is crucial…this is why…powerbrokers have always tried to control the media, whether these were the drums of the enslaved signaling revolt on Caribbean plantations or more contemporary forms of broadcasting which now include Twitter and Facebook”: Annie Paul thinks Malcolm Gladwell is wrong about...
Jamaica: Lessons from Marley
“One of the most striking aspects of Marley’s songwriting is his authenticity”: Diaspora litblogger Geoffrey Philp wonders if bloggers can learn a few lessons from the late reggae great.
Guyana: Going Solar?
Want to make money in Guyana? Guyana-Gyal has a bright idea.
Africa: No aid without accountability
The Pale Observer wants to see the end of “sick cycle of corrupt fund transfers” in Africa: “African government regimes!!! The blatant corruption and flagrant disregard for their citizens is appalling, but what is worse is the complete lack of accountability when it comes to the shoveling of aid money...
Zimbabwe: Zanu PF activates brutal campaign
Brutal campaign by followers of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe has started: “ZANU PF is already testing the effectiveness of its bloody election machinery in Harare. Last week there were brutal attacks against MDC supporters in Harare suburbs of Budiriro and Mbare.”
Russia: Analyst on How Social Networks Change Russian Media Environment
“Twitter is faster than FSB,” argues Marina Litvinovich in her recent op-ed on social media in Russia [RUS]. Besides already observed effects of information de-monopolization she notes several new features of the country's media space: growth of mobile Internet and Facebook/Twitter. “[Facebook] like-er and re-poster – are the main heroes of...
Zimbabwe: Try drinking this water!
Marko Phiri posts a picture of Bulawayo water on the morning of 5 February 2011. He says, “Try drinking that!”
Zimbabwe: Meet Zimbabwean blogger and poet, Mcgini Nyoni
Zimbabweans are leaving their mark in the world of blogs and other social media tools. Zimbabwean blogger, poet, playwright and writing instructor, Mcgini Nyoni, is not an exception. Mcgini is the Creative Director of the project Poetry Bulawayo. Here is an email interview I recently conducted with him.
Guatemala: 19th Anniversary of the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unit (URNG)
Mike writes: “On February 7, 1982, the Guerrilla Army of the Poor (EGP), the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR), the Organization of the People in Arms (ORPA), and the Guatemalan Labor Party (PGT) formed the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unit (URNG).” He goes on to write about the URNG‘s history, including the...
Russia: Vkontakte Social Network as a Unique Video Clip Environment
“Kid-hop,” a genre of lo-fi hip-hop videos shot by teenagers from the Russian regions, has become a unique phenomena that blossomed in Vkontakte social network, Alexander Gorbachov writes [RUS] supporting his argument with several dozens of music videos.
Russia: Review of the Environmental Blogosphere in January 2011
Russian environmental blogosphere is a mixed bag of negative forecasts and positive initiatives, Bellona.ru reports [RUS] in its January digest. While Alexey Yablokov, famous environmentalist and blogger, forecasts [RUS] several catastrophes (including one nuclear), Russian Environmental Movement publishes funny movie clips [RUS] agitating to save the planet.
Colombia: British expat loves Bogotá
Vicki, a British journalist living in Colombia's capital, has posted her 101 reasons to love Bogotá, including “Streets are numbered, not named. You don’t need an A-Z,” “It is considered acceptable to love books,” “Sometimes people sell chocolate on the buses,” “New people don’t have to be drunk to talk...
Egypt: Wael Ghonim Released?
Egyptian cyber activist and Google executive Wael Ghonim has been released today, as Egyptians continue to demand the end of Mubarak regime. Protesters at Tahrir Square have named Ghonim their spokesman, to pressure the government to release him.
Egypt: The KFC Revolution
Egyptian bloggers have been commenting on the Egyptian regime's use of state-owned television channels and newspapers for their own political purposes. The influence of the media on the people is particularly important in a situation like the one currently unfolding in Egypt where opposing parties have entirely different interests.
Egypt: Tahrir Square's Mini Utopia
There is another side to the ongoing revolution in Egypt, which is the daily life of those people sitting in on Tahrir Square. For the past 12 days, they have remained on the square, eating, drinking, chanting, cheering - simply living there day and night. Life here has its own rhythm now, and the spirit on diplay is of a mini Utopia.
