Stories from 13 February 2013
North Korea's Nuclear Test Old Hat for South Koreans
North Korea confirmed on February 12 that it had conducted its third nuclear test, drawing condemnation from the international community. South Koreans living in the shadow of their nuclear neighbor to the north had varying reactions to the news.
Celebrating World Radio Day in Peru
Peruvian website Servicios en Comunicación Intercultural (Servindi) proposes 15 ideas [es] to celebrate World Radio Day, marked on February 13, since 2011, and notes: This is a day to celebrate the radio as means of communication, to improve international cooperation between braodcasting organizations, to encourage major networks and community radio...
Saudi Women Protesters Arrested for “Impairing Development”
Last Saturday, February 9th, a small protest was organized in front of the building of Human Rights Commission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by a group of women and children including the wife, daughter and granddaughter of Suliman al-Rushoodi, the detained chairman of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association. The women were set free today - but the case against them was not dismissed. They will stand trial again on February 27.
Politics Rings Loudly in Chinese Academia
China Digital Times has translated a list of focus areas for 2013 research proposals [zh] of the China’s National Planning Office of Philosophy and Social Science. It shows how tight academic research is connected with politics.
Sina Weibo Blocks Chinese Premier's Name
The trial of “Sina Weibo’s Community Administrative Rules” has blocked China Premier's name Wen Jiabao from appearing in Weibo.
Tibetans Rap for Respect
High Peaks Pure Earth has translated a bold new rap song called “RESPECT” by young Tibetans who call themselves “Sheep Droppings”. The song is an angry rant against a TV drama produced by China Central Television called “Tibet’s Secret”. It is first uploaded onto Chinese video-hosting site Youku.com around February...
Latin America: Pope Resigns – Hope, Humour and Speculation Follow
The announcement of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI from the papal throne, or, more specifically, the Supreme Pontificate of the Catholic Church, took the world by surprise on Monday, February 11, 2013.
When Uncle Matt Went to Albania
Matthew Pointon of Uncle Travelling Matt shares this detailed, six-part account and photos of his travel in Albania in 1996 and 1999: […] The Land of the Eagle is little known even in Europe and that’s a shame since it has some incredible scenery, friendly people and fascinating history. […]