Stories from 16 March 2011
South Korea: Old Feuds Forgotten as Koreans React to Japan Quake
Forgetting old feuds between the two countries, South Korean bloggers and tweeps have expressed both deep concern and support for Japan in its time of crisis. Harsh criticisms meanwhile have been leveled at Korean media for aggravating the already grave situation.
Palestine: Protests for National Unity
Independent youth in Palestine called for protests in Gaza and the West Bank on March 15, 2011, showing their loyalty to Palestine rather than to Hamas and Fatah. Organized through Facebook, thousands gathered in al-Katibah Square in Gaza City.
Bahrain: Curfew Announced and An Officer's Funeral
On Wednesday afternoon, the Bahrain Defense Force announced in their 4th statement that a curfew will be imposed until further notice. The funeral of a police officer killed in duty was attended by many.
USA: Science Bloggers Explain Earthquakes and Tsunamis
As Japan and the rest of the world struggle to make sense of the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear scare, science bloggers are sharing facts to help explain what happened.
Philippines: Bloggers Dispel Japan Nuclear Scare Hoax
Hoax messages that sow unfounded fear and panic in the public about Japan's nuclear problems like avoiding acid rain and radiation exposure are circulating in the Philippines. Bloggers are quick in coming out to prove that the messages are false
Philippines signs Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
Lawyer Harry Roque was a witness when the Philippine president signed the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court last week.
China: Salt Radiation Rumors Fuel Widespread Panic Buying
An official message went out today aiming to reassure people that salt supplies would not be affected by radiation from Japan having leaked into the ocean. This sparked rumors which led to panic buying which gripped major cities which are now out of salt.
Thailand: Cleaning Pattaya Beach
Talen blogs about the clean-up drive in Pattaya Beach, Thailand.
Thailand: Who will dominate this year's elections?
Dan Waites, writing for Siam Voices, analyzes the chances of Thailand's political parties which will participate in this year's elections
Japan: Earthquakes Moving South? Anxiety Builds in Kansai
Just days after the massive earthquake which struck northeastern Japan, further geological tremors are taking place elsewhere on the island of Honshu. A series of quakes naturally has people living west of said areas feeling a bit nervous about what is to come.
Indonesia: Bomb package exploded while being defused
Three bomb packages were sent to three targets in Jakarta, Indonesia. One bomb exploded while being defused by the police.
Russia: 80 Million of Russians to Go Online by 2014
Given current online trends in Russia, the Internet penetration in the country in 2014 will be as high as 71 percent with 80 million of Russians using the Web, the latest report [RUS] of the Public Opinion Foundation said.
Cuba: Being Gay
Havana Times interviews a young gay man on the realities of homosexuality in Cuba.
Venezuela's Hip-hop Schools (Video)
Caracazo Media shares their short documentary featuring interviews (with English subtitles) and performances of students from an EPATU (Popular School for the Arts and Urban Traditions) hip-hop school in the “overcrowded barrio of La Vega in the hillsides of Caracas, Venezuela.” The film incorporates video filmed by the youth.
Haiti: To Vote or Not To Vote
Throwing Down the Water says that the outcome of the Haitian election will be decided by which sections of the population vote and which stay home.
Russia: New Website Fights Corruption in Moscow University
New website MGIMOleaks.com is designed to fight corruption at prestigious Moscow State University of International Relations. People are urged to inform the site administration about any cases of bribery, scams, abuse of powers, etc. The information will then be published on the site and given anonymously to the police.
Bahamas: Energy Reform
“So here we are, two years after the last oil shock, and prices are over $100 per barrel again, with some forecasters saying they could pass the 2008 high of $147 a barrel that sent everyone scrambling to cut energy costs”: Bahama Pundit‘s Larry Smith looks at alternatives for the...
Senegal: March 19, National Day of Action
The winds of revolt are blowing across the Maghreb and the Middle East. Political opponents in Senegal are also getting in on the action by expressing their discontent at their government's misguided ways. March 19, 2011, has been chosen as the date to organize demonstrations in the country.
Curacao: Attorneys’ Image
Karel's Legal Blog looks at the image of lawyers.
Cuba: Citizen-Generated Info
Generation Y is watching TV “when suddenly there’s the familiar face of Dagoberto Valdés accompanied by a description of a ‘counterrevolutionary element'”, noting that citizen media has afforded him “the capacity to disseminate ideas which — in the face of an attack like this — becomes his principal sin and...
Russia: Tweets From State Duma “Internet Law” Hearing
Inna Smbatyan, analyst at “Social Networks” Agency, tweets [ru] from the Russian State Duma “Internet Law” hearing. The draft of the law that would regulate online activity in Russia can be found here [ru].
