11 May 2011

Stories from 11 May 2011

Slovakia: Second-Class Customers

Even though customers might expect products from the same brand to be of the same quality worldwide, regional differences in quality and price do exist, depending on whether the products were manufactured for Western European markets or for those in Central and Eastern Europe. Tibor Blazko reports on the reactions of Slovak netizens to a recent study on the issue.

Russia: New Online Electoral Statistics Database Launched

Russian domestic election monitoring group Golos.org has launched an on-line database of electoral statistics stat.golos.org [ru] that contains official data from more than 36 thousand elections of different levels held in Russia since 2003. Golos members noted [ru] that the database greatly eases the access to Russian electoral statistics.

Brazil: World Tour to Research on Motivation, Talent and Enthusiasm

  11 May 2011

The brazilian couple Luah Galvão and Danilo Espanã started an expedition tour around the world in February to find out “what motivates and makes human beings enthusiastic”. On their blog, Walk and Talk [pt], they share stories, photos, videos and podcasts about what they learn from the five continents.

Mexico: Day 3: Thousands of Zapatistas Join National ‘March for Peace’

  11 May 2011

During its third day, thousands of Zapatistas joined the national march for peace, justice and dignity, denouncing the violence created by the War on Drugs. Protesters also met many of the families that are claiming justice for their killed or missing loved ones. Global Voices author Geraldine Juárez spoke to some of these participants.

Latin America: Policy Journal Highlights Latin American Innovators

  11 May 2011

Americas Quarterly, a policy journal and magazine “dedicated to policy analysis and debate of economics, finance, social development, and politics in the Western Hemisphere”, profiles young innovators “in politics, business, civil society, and the arts”. In its latest issue, the magazine highlights a political innovator from Mexico, a civics innovator...

Cuba: The Healer

  11 May 2011

“In Cuba there are several amazing healers”: Iván's File Cabinet blogs about “the best and most famous” of them all.

Trinidad & Tobago: Planning Minister Sacked

  11 May 2011

Trinidad and Tobago News Blog reports on the firing of the Minister of Planning for, as B.C. Pires describes it, “taking part in a State decision from which she or a member of her family gained a benefit, contrary to the Integrity in Public Life Act but apparently well in...

Barbados: REDjet and Regional Travel

  11 May 2011

“For decades our political leaders and intellectuals…have pontificated about the importance of freedom of movement to the success of the regional integration movement. However they have all failed to deliver a solution which would make regional travel affordable”: Barbados Underground looks at the REDjet phenomenon.

Bermuda: Adjusting the Land Tax

  11 May 2011

According to Vexed Bermoothes, “the Government’s policies have led to…both a decline in rents as well as the sale value of Bermuda real estate” – so he wants to know when will the corresponding tax assessments will be adjusted to suit.

Mali: First Edition of “HIV-Aids Foot” Soccer Event

  11 May 2011

The first edition of the “Sida Foot” (HIV-Aids Foot) event will take place in Bamako from June 17 to June 19, 2011, and will be attended by soccer stars. The blog xibar.net writes [fr], “this festival has a special meaning because the year 2011 coincides with 30 years since the...

Mexico: Day 2 of #marchanacional: Protesters Enter Mexico City

  11 May 2011

As previously reported on Global Voices, on May 5, 2011, Mexican citizens started a 'march for peace' denouncing the violence caused by the 'War on Drugs'. On its second day, the silent caravan of the #marchanacional (national march) continued on its way to El Zócalo in downtown Mexico City. Bloggers and Twitter users actively reported on the second day of the march, showing support and distributing information.