Stories from 9 September 2014
Will Kyrgyzstan's Winter Be a Blackout Again?
Since the beginning of summer the Kyrgyz government has been warning of coming electricity shortages. With autumn already here, many Kyrgyzstanis are anticipating the arrival of a cold, dark winter.
The Iranian Government Is Blocking Unregistered News Sites
Iranian news sites that do comply with registration requirements will receive a government subsidy.
Social Media Users Pick at Hospital Food in Hungary
A blog, ‘Kórházi koszt‘, was launched over the summer of 2014 in Hungary, exposing the poor quality and small rations of food in Hungarian hospitals. The blog rose from the outrage among Hungarians who stayed at hospitals and received not only small portions of food, but often cheap and “disgusting”...
News of the Latest McDonald's Closure in Russia “Devastates” Obama
When current events inspire Russia's satirists, the RuNet produces some amazingly funny short stories. Russia's ongoing assault on the McDonald's food chain is having such an effect.
East Timor’s “Repressive” Media Law Declared Unconstitutional
East Timor journalists and human rights groups scored partial victory when the Court of Appeal ruled that the Press Law passed by parliament last May is unconstitutional.
The Ukrainian Officer Tweeting from the Frontlines of the War in Donbas
Sergei Misyura, whose twitter account has over 15,000 followers, spent four months with the 72nd Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, fighting in the 'Anti-Terrorist Operation' (ATO) in Luhansk region.
Conversations and Images From Highway Africa 2014
Highway Africa 2014 took place on 7-8 September, 2014 at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. The theme of the conference was Social Media – from the margins to the mainstream. Find images and conversations about the conference here.
How a Group of Squatters Convinced Brazilian Authorities to Seize a Vacant Building for Public Housing
Over the years, the building changed owners but remained empty. The National Movement to Fight for Housing has organized various occupations of the building over the years.
Traveling Duo Visits Macedonia for 3 Months
Traveling duo Jürgen Horn from Germany and Mike Powell from the United States wander around the world by picking a country and staying there for three months, or about 91 days. During their three-month stays, the two globe-trotters attempt to experience life in their new location more thoroughly than a...
Debating the Nature of Macedonia's Failing Political System
Political analysts, but also bloggers and social media users, have been debating Macedonia's backslide from democracy.
At Least 14 People Injured in Bomb Attack at Santiago Metro Station
A woman who lost the fingers on her right hand, and a 35-year-old who suffered abdominal trauma were the most seriously injured.
‘You Will Do Anything for Ratings': More Outrage over the Wife Killer ‘Star’ of Turkish Daytime TV
With homicides against women increasing in Turkey, a female chat show host is taking heat for giving more air time to an overnight wife killer celebrity.
Forget Ice Water. Philippine Commuters Are Challenging Politicians to Ride Public Transport at Rush Hour
Senator Grace Poe took the #MRTChallenge last week while presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte and Edwin Lacierda also followed a few days after.
Mourning a Giant of Yoga Instruction, BKS Iyengar
Internationally acclaimed yoga teacher BKS Iyengar died two weeks ago at the age of 96. His students and admirers have mourned and celebrated him on Twitter for weeks.