Stories from 13 February 2014
Government Threats Silence Venezuela Media, as Student Protests Leave Three Dead
Venezuelan citizens took to the streets to demand that authorities release young people who had been arrested in previous demonstrations. They also demanded improvements in food supply and public safety.
The Iconic Trinidadian Film You've Never Seen
In 1974, Bim—widely regarded as the iconic Trinidadian film—was released, then faded into obscurity. 40 years later, one film enthusiast gives it new life via Facebook.
Ecuador to Implement Charges for Private Copying Levy
The Ecuadorian Institute of Intellectual Property (IEPI) plans to impose an additional tax of 4%-10% on the importation of all music and video players.
The Only Pakistani at the Sochi Olympics Taught Himself to Ski on Wooden Planks
While he has growing up in northern Pakistan, close to some of the highest slopes in the world, Mohammad Karim taught himself to ski on home-made equipment made by his uncle from wooden planks. Now he is his Pakistan’s sole representative at the Sochi Winter Olympics. More about his journey in this...
Argentina's Polar Bear ‘Arturo’ Will Stay at the Mendoza Zoo
After a medical evaluation, Arturo the polar bear will stay in Argentina. The people of Mendoza and different organizations demand better conditions for him.
Self-Censorship in Hong Kong Claims Another Popular Radio Host
In the past ten years, a large number of newspapers columnists, editors, radio and TV hosts have been sacked for their critical stance towards the Hong Kong and Beijing governments.
Did Turkmenistan Get Cold Feet Before the Sochi Winter Olympics?
Warm-wintered Turkmenistan failed to send a singe athlete to this year's Winter Olympics. The only representative the republic sent to Sochi was its sport-loving president.
Nigerian Governor Reportedly Pays Bloggers for Meet-Up
"You blog about government wastes, get invited to a government Q&A, & collect money? Newsflash: y'all have chopped state funds"
Trinidad & Tobago: Feminist Soca
“Feminist” kaiso and soca music – is there such a thing? creative commess thinks so and posts a playlist.
‘Costa Ricans Are Fed Up’
A myriad of articles about the recent Costa Rican elections have proclaimed the country’s “turn to the left.” Perhaps some do this because it is simply too convenient to whip up an article or op-ed about leftist victories in El Salvador and Costa Rica. Or perhaps some are still trapped...
Another Journalist Dies in Mexico: Gregorio Jiménez de la Cruz
A clandestine grave was the final destination of the Mexican reporter Gregorio Jiménez de la Cruz. His assailants have not been brought to justice.
Doubts Arise Over Nigerian Journalist's Undercover Human Trafficking Exposé
A Nigerian journalist went undercover in a human trafficking syndicate, witnessed two brutal beheadings and lived to tell the tale. But some are questioning the veracity of her report.
Barbados, Guyana: Peas & Rice, Very Nice
tastes like home puts a Guyanese twist on a favourite Barbadian dish.
Activists Ask China to Ban Bear Bile Farming
In China, moon bears are kept in captivity and their bile is harvested for use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Welcome All to Russia's 2014 Olympic Hunger Games
Another way to poke fun at Russia's hosting of the Winter Games has emerged: comparisons between the Olympics and the wildly popular Hunger Games franchise.