Siege Of Odili’s Home: AGF Malami Denies Consulting With Arrested Suspect - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
Publisher (A.M)
November 12, 2021
The suspect, Lawrence Ajodo, was paraded by the police on Thursday
alongside 13 others.
He claimed to work as a consultant for the office of the AGF.
However, the police said their investigations revealed that “there is no
involvement at all” of the officials of the office of the AGF in the raid.
Ojodu and the other suspects, the police said, “are loose cannons” who
forged “different documents” and carried out their “crimes under false
representations.”
According to a statement signed by a spokesperson in the office of the
AGF, Umar Gwandu, Ajodu’s case is that “of a drowning man
scavenging for a dying partner.”


Bahrain: Bloggers are Trouble  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Bahraini blogger and administrator of the locally banned  Bahrainonline [Ar] online forum Ali Abdelemam posts an interview with him in an LA newspaper – on blogging and the how authorities view bloggers as trouble.


Japan: Indoor Cultivation · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Japundit has a short photo essay discussing the potentials of indoor cultivation.


Israel: Palestinian Officials Pilgrimage · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Aussie Dave at Israellycool ridicules Palestinian officials performing the Muslim pilgrimage rituals here.


Ontario Launches Public Consultation on Elevator Standards Until August 4 – TPR Hamilton | Hamilton's Civic Affairs News Site

July 2, 2020
The provincial government is looking at enforceable standards for elevators, including fines against violators who fail to maintain their elevators in good order.
The proposals were posted to the Ontario Regulatory Registry this morning, and further elaborated upon in a press release.
If approved, the regulations for “enhancing elevator safety and availability” will see monetary penalties for repeated periods of non-operations elevators and failures of proper routine maintenance.
Also included, a proposal to create an open database of breakdowns and other non-functional periods.
“Publishing information about outages online is intended to help consumers, including those with accessibility needs, make more informed choices as homebuyers and renters”, the consultation documents state.
Public feedback on the proposed changes is open until August 4, 2020.
Out-of-service elevators are an issue which Hamilton City Council attempted to address by adding elevator maintenance to the local property standards by-law in 2016. Due to the limited powers available to municipalities, due to the lack of existing provincial regulations, the by-law has not been used.
A tactic of “renovictions” is to create inconvenience for existing tenants, including the shutting down of elevators for long periods of times for replacement or repair. (Elevators replacements can be very profitable as one paralegal explains)
A spokesperson for the City of Hamilton City Manager’s Office states city staff are reviewing the documentation posted by the provincial government today, and not able to speak further to it pending a review. “We cannot answer until the provincial information is reviewed by staff, which is anticipated before August”.
Hamilton Centre Member of Parliament Matthew Green (Hamilton Centre – NDP), who moved the 2016 City Council motion as the Ward 3 City Councillor to add elevators to the property standards bylaw, says regulations are long overdue.
“I can recall as a city councillors the heartbreaking stories of peoples living with disabilities being effectively shut in their upper story units for weeks at a time without proper redress. I recall the indignity of seniors being stranded in the lobby with incontinence crisis simply because landlords where too cheap to fix their elevators”, Green wrote in an email response to The Public Record.
“I find it unconscionable that the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services has taken over 2 years to move on these long overdue enhancements ensure adequate accessibility for residents. It should be noted that this is over 2 years of waiting after the Bill was passed without measurements in place to provide people with reasonable access to their homes. My hope is that this provincial government enacts fines that are significant enough to deter landlords from extended delays in repairs and that the online transparency will provide better accountability and public pressure to act on repeat offenders”
Anyone can comment on what they believe new regulations should include by visiting https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=33368&language=en before August 4.
Usually, it takes around three to four months for regulations to be published in the Ontario Gazette following public consultations.


VOCES DE LA FRONTERA ANNUAL ASSEMBLY | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
December 1, 2011


Uzbekistan: Tamerlane’s Curse · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Olesya of neweurasia writes about a Russian television program about the legend of Tamerlane's curse.


Africa: the “soon-to-be” presidents’ sons.   · Global Voices
Lova Rakotomalala

Fodé-Moussa Keita links to an article that presents sons of African presidents who are groomed to take over the presidency (fr).


India: Wither The Thoughts Of Mumbai Attack? · Global Voices
Rezwan

Indian author and veteran journalist M. J. Akbar thinks that India has lost the plot on taking action against the Mumbai terror attacks and warns that: “Amnesia is an invitation to the next terrorist assault.”


Paraguay: Indigenous Youth Participate in Political and Social Leadership Seminar · Global Voices
Silvia Viñas

The blog despierta…Paraguay!!! [es] reports on a recent seminar where more than 120 indigenous youth (15-30 years old) from 60 communities gathered to debate, learn and share experiences about “their current and historical context, interculturality and participation, human development and the strengthening of political and social leadership.”


The barcode only shows the GS1 member country where the manufacturing company is registered - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
November 15, 2023
A post claiming that ‘Israel changed its barcode from 729 to 871 due to the boycott of Israeli products’ is being shared on social media. Let’s verify the claim made in the post.
Claim: Israel changed its barcode from 729 to 871 due to the public’s boycott of Israeli products
Fact: The barcode does not serve as a means to identify the country of origin or manufacture of a product; it solely indicates the GS1 member country which the manufacturing company is registered with. Hence, the claim made in the post is False.
On a relevant keyword search regarding the claim made in the post, we found that GS1, a non-profit organization responsible for assigning company prefixes for barcodes, designates the prefix number.  Each member organization, often the country has a unique company prefix. The prefix 729 is for Israeli companies and 821 is for companies in the Netherlands according to the company prefix list.
However, it’s important to note that the existence of a specific prefix does not imply that the product is made in that country. GS1 clarified (here and here) about the company prefix by clearly stating that GS1 member companies have the freedom to produce goods globally. The GS1 prefix does not serve as a means to identify the country of origin or manufacture for a product; it solely indicates the GS1 member country which the manufacturing company is registered with.
For instance, in this context, the product with the barcode 729 could be manufactured in any other country not just in Israel. It signifies the company registered in Israel for obtaining a barcode, regardless of where the actual manufacturing takes place. The country of origin is usually mentioned on the product details or the label.  Factly had previously published a detailed article that explained barcodes, providing relevant examples.
GS1 in its FAQ section also clarified that once a GCP is issued to a company it is not allowed to be sold, leased, or shared with any other company, either entirely or partially. Companies are required to inform their GS1 Member Organization of any legal status changes within one year to ensure a seamless transition company prefixes cannot be reassigned from the original company.
To sum up, the barcode doesn’t reveal the product’s origin country; it only shows the GS1 member country where the manufacturing company is registered.


Uganda Marks 50 Years of Independence · Global Voices
James Propa

Uganda@50 Logo. Image source: Uganda@50 Facebook page.
On Tuesday 9 October, 1962, Uganda got its independence as the Union Jack flag of England was lowered, the Ugandan flag raised whilst jubilant Ugandans sang the Uganda National Anthem.
On Tuesday 9 October, 2012, Uganda marked the Golden Jubilee of this historic event. Many occasions have taken place around the country to mark this special day, which started with the Kampala Carnival on Sunday 7 October. Many people converged at Kololo Airstrip today to mark the 50 years of independence.
Uganda has had eight presidents since independence, namely, King Sir Edward Muteesa II, Apollo Milton Obote, Idi Amin Dada, Yusuf kironde Lule, Godfrey Lukongwa Binayiisa, Paulo Muwanga, Tito Okello Lutwa, and the current President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The country still faces challenges of health, education, press freedom among others.
Generally however, many Ugandans seem to be happy about 50 years of independence, and look forward to the next 50 years, as they say Yoga Yoga Uganda (the title of the official Uganda@50 song, which means congratulations in Luganda).
Some Ugandans, however, think the the celebration is a waste of resources in a country where some people sleep hungry.
Ugandans online have been discussing the Jubilee on Twitter and Facebook.
Twitter
During the main event, there was a spectacular show by Uganda's fighter jets. Norman Anguzu tweets a pic of the jets in air:
@normzo: #UgandaAt50 Awesome picture from ‘The Mzungu Diaries’ #Ugandapic.twitter.com/IJ25bPUw
Lucy Smize tweets about the colors of the Ugandan flag and their meanings:
@Lucy_smize: Black, Yellow, Red: People, Sunshine, Brotherhood. #UgandaAt50
Patricia Kahill wishes Ugandans nice independence day, but comments on the load shedding of power by Umeme, the company providing hydro electric power:
@pkahill: Happy independence day in Dark #fumemeug@50 #ILoveUgBecause more
Rosebell Kagumire says that despite Uganda celebrating 50 years, the country does show any sign of maturity:
@rosebellk: You r celebrating 50 years of independence + no sign of maturity whatsoever! You cant stand dissent, how will you grow?#Ugandaat50
Angelo Izama believes Uganda is still one of the most beautiful countries in the world:
@opiaiya:  Still possibly one of the most beautiful countries in the world #Uganda@50
Vanessa proposes a tost to Uganda's Jubilee:
@v_sees_you: A toast to Uganda! 50 years Independent! \☺/ May God continue to bless our nation!
Timothy Kalyegira tweets about Google Uganda's Jubilee homepage:
@timkalyegira: Even Google is into Uganda@50 hype, with a Uganda theme on its homepage. (But I bet the Internet link is off at Google's Kampala office!)
Google Uganda Homepage
Maxentia comments about the colors she wore today:
Happy Betty believes she is blessed to witness Uganda at 50 years:
Happy Betty: Blesed 2b hea as Uganda meks 50 sure i shall stil b around at 100 bt 2my generation thus far our fathers hv come its our turn 2take Uganda thr da nxt 50 yrs we determine what we shall have then-God sure is with us!
Facebook
Edwinsmith Kigozi says:
It feels really good to see Ugandans coming together to celebrate 50 years as Ugandans not looking at the different political parties but just as Ugandans. Let's go Uganda. For God and my country.
Akampa Ivan feels that the fighter jets show was not the best Uganda could have:
Someone should have given me a good stone to shoot for you one of these Jets that have been polluting Kampala with noise and smoke. I wonder whether our Government lacks a proper procurement unit to procure jets that are of advanced technology of current other than old crap or Uganda lacks qualified personnel with jet flying skills. So much disappointed. A proper ride would actually move faster than these jets. Anyway its Uganda at 50, and am proud to be Ugandan. Happy Golden Jubilee Uganda!!!! Lets celebrate.
Shy V Okecho notes that as Uganda is growing old, everything else is growing old too, a reference to un-repaired roads, schools and hospitals:
Naye Uganda@50 ga ekuuze eguudo zikuuze,amaddwaliro gakuuze amadagala tegalimu, ba M.P's bafuuna eguuzi ya 200,000 okuyeesa budget. Naye UGANDA ensi yenge!!
But Uganda@50 as it grows, the roads have also grown, Hospitals grown with no medicine  M.P's get bribes of 200,000 to pass the budget. But Uganda my country.
Evelyn Mirembe Nkuyahaga says:
WoW this is just awesome! Uganda@50! I Love my Country and my President! Ululululu… Thank you Jesus for Uganda!


More than 100 people convened on ACTS Housing at 24th and Vliet for its first-ever open house | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
ACTS Housing
May 3, 2018
(Photo courtesy of ACTS Housing)
The open house, to raise awareness about ACTS services and connect with neighbors in the community, featured workshops on safety, home buying and selling a house with ACTS, small household repairs, and the hazards of lead in the home.
Attendees appreciated the learning opportunities.
“It was great,” Danita Bush said of the lead workshop presented by a community health nurse from the City of Milwaukee. “I learned a lot as far as a safety and lead.”
(Photo courtesy of ACTS Housing)
Others were able to pair their existing knowledge with new information like Dana Williamson who recently purchased a home and completed a construction course.
“I saw drywall demo on the flyer and that drew my interest,” she said.
Attendees also had the opportunity to interact with ACTS Housing staff one-on-one through a guided “passport” tour with staff members stationed in different rooms where they could get their questions answered. The passport stations were: homebuyer counseling, real estate, home lending and rehab, and marketing.
A dinner was served and entertainment was provided by the mariachi band Los Plebes de La Sierra. The band is led by ACTS homeowner Taurino Cortez.
The Open House came on the heels of a Princeton Lab report that ranked eviction rates in southeastern Wisconsin the highest in the state.
ACTS Housing, which transitions renters to homeowners has demonstrated that homeownership is a viable alternative to renting.


Israel: Barred from Spain’s Gay Pride Parade · Global Voices
Maya Norton

In an entry entitled “You Know You're an Outcast When…” Israeli blogger David Bogner remarks on Spain's barring of Israel from its gay pride parade. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv celebrated its largest parade ever with 100,000 participants, Isrealli reports.


Trinidad & Tobago: Prison Island Visit · Global Voices
Georgia Popplewell

Elspeth visits Carrera, Trinidad & Tobago's prison island and writes about it at The Pan Collective: “not that I mean to romanticise or trivialise the experience of prison on the island in any way (with all due respect to the prisoners), but arriving there on the Coast Guard boat, it felt as though we were arriving at a resort. . . .”


Barbados, Haiti: Being Prepared · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“What is clear is the changing climatic conditions affecting the world, the Caribbean included”: On the heels of two major earthquakes in the region, Barbados Underground wonders “what can we do to mitigate the damage to property and threat to life and limb” as another hurricane season approaches.


Top Russian Journalist, Oleg Kashin, Fired from Print Newspaper, Moves to Online Journal · Global Voices
Kevin Rothrock

Earlier today, Kommersant newspaper announced that it has fired columnist Oleg Kashin, one of Russia's best known journalists. In comments to Lenta.ru, Kommersant's chief editor, Mikhail Mikhailin, explained [ru] that Kashin's output has slipped in previous months, becoming too little to sustain his employment. Other sources indicate that Kashin's decision to join [ru] the political opposition's Coordinating Council represented a conflict of interest for Kommersant.
Though Kashin appears to have agreed to a severance package that forbids him from commenting on his dismissal, his Facebook page [ru] has become a pinboard for messages of moral support. Leaving Kommersant, Kashin will transition full-time to Openspace.ru, where he has been publishing articles [ru] since July 2012. This marks the journalist's increasingly online orientation, which underscores the digital demographic to whom he best appeals.


In the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha elections, BJP candidate Rajendra Pandey did not lose by a margin of one vote in the Jaora constituency - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
November 28, 2023
A screenshot of an election result is being shared on social media claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Jaora constituency in Madhya Pradesh lost the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Elections by just one vote. The election result image shared in the post indicates that BJP candidate Rajendra Pandey is trailing behind Congress candidate K. K. Kalukheda by a margin of one vote. Sharing the picture, the post urges everyone to participate in the election and vote for BJP for a non-corrupt government. Let’s verify the claim made in the post.
Claim: BJP candidate from the Jaora constituency in Madhya Pradesh lost the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Elections by just one vote.
Fact: In the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Elections, Rajendra Pandey, the BJP candidate, secured a win against Congress candidate K. K. Singh Kalukheda in the Jaora constituency. Rajendra Pandey won against K. K. Singh Kalukheda with a margin of 511 votes in the Jaora constituency. The screenshot shared in the post does not show the final result of the Jaora constituency in the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Elections. Hence, the claim made in the post is False.
On observing the photo shared in the post carefully, one could see a header, “Counting in Progress”, above the statistical data. On searching for the details of the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Election results, we found the constituency-wise final election results in the ‘2018 Vidhan Sabha Elections Result Book of Madhya Pradesh’ document published on the ‘Chief Electoral Officer Madhya Pradesh’ website.
According to the details provided in the document, in the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Elections, BJP candidate Rajendra Pandey emerged victorious against Congress candidate K. K. Singh Kalukheda in the Jaora constituency. Rajendra Pandey, who contested on the BJP ticket, secured 64,503 votes, while K. K. Singh Kalukheda garnered 63,992 votes in the Jaora constituency of Madhya Pradesh. Rajendra Pandey won by a margin of 511 votes against K. K. Singh Kalukheda in the Jaora constituency.
According to reports, there have been at least two instances in the past where an individual won a legislative seat by securing just one more vote than the runner-up. However, it is important to note that Rajendra Pandey did not lose the Jaora constituency to K. K. Singh Kalukheda, as indicated in the post. The 2023 Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Elections took place on 17 November 2023, and the counting is scheduled for 3 December 2023.
To sum it up, BJP candidate Rajendra Pandey did not lose the Jaora constituency by a margin of one vote in the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Elections.


Stepping into Food Justice: One Milwaukee Intern's Experience | WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR
Susan Bence
Published August 25, 2017 at 2:17 PM CDT


Jamaica, Canada: Homosexual Boycott?  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“I do not want any public campaign telling the children of Jamaica that homosexuality is alright…I don't want to see two men kissing in public, nor two women joining hands in marriage…” Stunner's Afflictions puts in his two cents’ worth on news that a leading human rights organisation in Canada has given the Jamaican Government an ultimatum “to protect the rights of homosexuals or face an all out boycott.”


Graft: Interim Report Alleges Ex-Gov. Yari Misappropriates Over N250bn - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
June 25, 2019
A Transition Committee set up by Governor Muhammed Belloof Zamfara state has alleged that the immediate past governor of the state,Abdulaziz Yari misappropriated the sum of two hundred and fifty two point ninebillion naira.
The Chairman of the Transition Committee and immediatepast Deputy Governor of the state, Ibrahim Wakkala announced this to newsmen.
Wakkala said his committee while trying to ascertain theliabilities left behind by the immediate past administration of Abdulaziz Yari,collected and went through the report submitted by a transition committeeearlier set up by the former Governor.
He said that the outgone administration which releasedthe sum of two  billion naira for the payment of gratuity to retiredworkers only paid four hundred million naira to retired Permanent Secretaries,while the remaining balance of one point six billion naira had remainedunaccounted.
Reacting to the allegations, the Special Adviser to theformer governor, Ibrahim Dosara, described them as baseless and do not holdwater.


Turkmenistan: TV Appearance with Consequences · Global Voices
Adil Nurmakov

CXW reports that a cockroach’s five minutes of fame led to the sacking of 30 people from Turkmen State Television and raises questions about the future of TV in the country.


Japan: Kyoto Islamic Festival Excludes Non-Islamic Foreigners · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Debito blogs a letter from Ali Rustom, a British national of some Middle Eastern descent, who explained the arrangement of Kyoto Islamic Festival, which excluded non Islamic foreigners from joining.


Bermuda: Government & the Media  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

The Premier of Bermuda has announced that he will reduce the government's contact with certain media organizations in an effort “to reduce the rancour and lower the toxicity that have become the norm” – Vexed Bermoothes responds: “This, to put it bluntly, is sign of power and control run amok” and posts an update in which he compares the Premier's attitude towards the press with that of President Obama's.


Old video of anti CAA & NRC protests passed off as Kerala Muslims protesting against Tripura communal violence - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
November 8, 2021
In the light of the recent reports of communal clashes in the state of Tripura, a social media post accompanying a video of a protest rally is being shared with a claim that the video shows Kerala Muslims protesting against the Tripura violence. Let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Video of Kerala of Muslims protesting against the Tripura communal violence.
Fact: The video actually shows anti CAA & NRC protests organised in Kerala’s Mannarkkad back in January 2020. Local news agencies have reported the protests back then. The video has nothing to do with the recent communal clashes in Tripura. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
The viral video actually shows protesters in Kerala’s Mannarkkad staging a protest rally against the implementation of CAA & NRC back in January 2020. Reverse image search of the screenshots of the viral video led us to an Instagram post that shared a lengthier version of the same viral video. This video is shared with hashtags like #rejectnrc, #rejectcaa & #Mannarkkad, alluding that these visuals show anti CAA & NRC protests.
Further, in the viral video, we can spot protesters displaying banners with the words “Constitutional Protection Rally” and “03 January 2020” written on them.
In the Instagram video from 9:55 -10:27 timespan, protesters making way for an ambulance can be seen. A 06 January 2020 dated Malayali news article reported this particular incident of an ambulance passing through the protests against CAA & NRC in Kerala’s Mannarkkad. The article further published images and video of the incident. From this, it is evident that the viral video has nothing to do with the recent communal clashes in Tripura.
Another online news article that reported an ambulance passing through CAA & NRC protests in Mannarkkad can be read here. Further, a different version of the viral video is uploaded on YouTube channel Mannarkkad live with a title in Malayali which translates to ‘Maharali held in Mannarkkad against the Citizenship Amendment Act.’
To sum it up, an old video of anti CAA & NRC protests in Kerala passed off as Kerala Muslims protesting against Tripura communal violence.


Macedonia: Making a Humanitarian Book of Interesting Tweets · Global Voices
Filip Stojanovski

DarjanR, ArsovaM, and Angie_Mkd have issued a call [mk] for participation in creating a pocket-size book with the most interesting tweets, and invited other Macedonian Twitter users to submit their favorites. They are also trying to crowdsource the design, printing and publishing. Proceeds will go to charity. One of the first users to respond was i999y, who started posting [mk] excerpts from his collection of funny tweets on his blog.


Council Of Imams, Ulama Calls For Prayers, Precaution Against Covid-19 - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
Editor 4
March 24, 2020
The Council of Imams and Ulama Kaduna State chapter hasurged all Muslims to adhere strictly to all precautionary advise against thespread of coronavirus in Nigeria.
The Council in a statement by the Secretary, Yusif YakubuArrigasiyu, urged the people of Kaduna State and beyond to ensure strictadherence to public health advises at all times to avoid contracting andspreading the corona virus.
The Council, based on expert advise, directed All Juma’atMosque and all five daily prayers whose population exceeded 20 to suspendcongregational prayers until further notice. It insisted that this directivesis in accordance with the teaching of the noble prophet Muhammad; peace andblessing of Allah be uphon him.
The council also appreciate the proactive measures been taken by the Kaduna stateGovernment to curtail the spread of the virus and therfore urged the people ofthe state to cooperate with the Government on the issue.
The Council appealed to well to do inviduals to assist theirneighbours who might find it difficult to take care of themselves at this verydifficult period, appealing to Muslim to intensify prayers for Allah’intervention so that the coronavirus case never find its way to Kaduna stateand all other parts of Nigeria that is yet to reach and cure those alreadyinfected.


Barbados: Rent vs. Buy  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“I think it’s a relatively recent thing in Barbados for grown children to leave home and live on their own in a rented apartment/house,” writes Gallimaufry, as she links to an article “that busts the myths about renting vs. buying.”


Mexico: Number of Speakers of Náhuatl Decreasing · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

Náhuatl is the indigenous language most spoken in Mexico.  Vivir México [es] writes that the number of speakers of this language is decreasing due to the migration to other areas and the need to be integrated into a new society.


The Week That Was – Bolivian Blogs · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

Este artículo también está disponible en español en el sitio Blogs de Bolivia.
Much of Bolivia’s most fertile land lies in the eastern part or Orient of the country.  Without a doubt, most of the economic growth has centered around this part of the country, especially in the agricultural sector of Santa Cruz.  As is the case in many Latin American countries, the majority of land is often controlled by a minority of people, families and companies.   In order to allow more people to become small landowners, President Evo Morales’ government announced a decree that would distribute up to 4.5 million hectares of land, with the majority of this land located in the Orient.  Such a move would require a modficiation to the existing National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INRA for its initials in Spanish) law No. 1715.  Even though this new move would look to redistribute land that is not fulfilling a social or economic function, or in other words, land that is not being productive, there are a lot of questions regarding who will exactly benefit and what consequences such an act would bring.
Alvaro Ruiz Navajas wonders in his blog Off Topic, whether the specification that the indigenous populations will have preference and priority to these new lands will leave other non-indigenous, but otherwise poor Bolivians on the outside looking in.  President Morales is also looking to add social movements to the list of recipients, which would bring about a new group of landowners, union leaders.  There is also a concern regarding the state that will begin to set the price for the land, as it has with interdepartmental transport.  In his renamed blog, Business and Politics in Bolivia, Jonathan Olguin provides two aerial images taken 15 years apart, which clearly shows the population expansion in the lowlands of Santa Cruz.  This land redistribution will spur even more internal migration and could lead to greater deforestation and possible food shortages.
No week can escape talk of the repercussions of the nationalization of the hydrocarbons earlier this month.  Each day, a new development seems to surface.  It was reported that some of the gas sold to Argentina has been turned around and sold to Chile, which places the government in a unique predicament.  Bolivia Eclipse’s [ES] Briegel Busch recalls the famous line of former President Carlos Mesa, who vowed that “not a single molecule” of Bolivian gas will reach Chile.  The proposed sale of gas to and through Chile was one of the factors in the October 2003 social unrest, which led to the resignation of Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada.  In order to make the policy clear cut, the topic was even introduced as a question in the 2004 Hydrocarbons Referendum, in which the Bolivian people clearly decided that the sale of gas to Chile would only be based on gaining a sovereign access to the sea. However, as it was discovered, more than a single molecule is reaching Chile through Argentina, Sergio Molina Monasterios presents three scenarios in which the Bolivian government can take in respect to this contradictory occurrence.  He writes in his blog La Columna Robada [ES], that Bolivia could continue to sell gas to Argentina at the higher renegotiated price, but at the same time, turn a blind eye to this resale to Chile.  It could also suspend any sale to Argentina, which would mean a loss of a huge market.  Finally, the third scenario and the one he describes as “the most rational, simple, but very improbable” would be for Bolivia to sell directly to Chile and bypassing Argentina’s price markup.
Finally, with the 2006 World Cup fast approaching and for the third straight tournament that Bolivia did not qualify, the blogger called Angel Caido (Fallen Angel) may have come across some reasons why Bolivia is home again.  In his new blog called Poco Comun [ES] , he draws attention to the mini-scandals in which Bolivian footballers have been caught farreando (drinking), yet seem to show up in the starting lineup anyway, as if nothing had happened.  Many of the cases seem to be very unbelievable, such as the case of the manager of the club “The Strongest” who criticized many of the players for adopting such behavior, but in the end, it was the coach who was let go from the team, and not the players.  However, some of the clubs has started to become stricter with such public displays of intoxication, but it may come a little too late in creating discipline among the football players in Bolivia.


Sudan Coup: Thousands Protest On Uprising Anniversary - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
December 20, 2021
It was gathered that thousands marched in the capital Khartoum, where security forces responded with tear gas. Demonstrations in 2019 led to the overthrow of Sudan’s long-term authoritarian President Omar al-Bashir.
Civilian and military leaders then entered an uneasy power-sharing agreement, until the coup in October.
It would be recalled that last month, the country’s overthrown Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was reinstated, after being put under house arrest in the military takeover.
However, the move has failed to stop protests in the country, where demonstrators have been calling for an entirely civilian political leadership.
On Sunday, protesters marched towards the presidential palace in Khartoum, which is home to coup leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, chanting: “The people are stronger and retreat is impossible.”
They also called for Burhan’s “downfall”.


From Madagascar, Four Poems on Impossible Love for Valentine’s Day · Global Voices
Rakotomalala

Baobab trees intertwined as if in love – Madagascar – Image used by permission
Valentine's Day could be the worst day of the year, or the best, according to the person and their circumstances.
In Madagascar, the lyrical theme of love is often tinged by feelings of pain and nostalgia. Here are four poems on the subject of impossible love, written by well-known Madagascan authors.
Rado has published seven collections of poems on the subject of impossible love, among these are: Dinitra (1973), ny Voninkazo adaladala (2003), and ny fiteny roa (2008).
Georges Andriamanantena, via his Facebook tribute page, with permission
One of his poems, “Fleur folle”, compares his attraction to a person whom he cannot have, to a flower which grows in the desert:
Voninkazo adaladala, Voninkazo tsy misaina, Fa maniry samirery, Eny an-tany karankaina,  Ny manodidina rehetra, Efa ringitra avokoa, Efa tapitra matory, Izy irery no mifoha, Ity foko koa adala, Tsy mba manadino e ! Ny rehetra raha mangina, Izaho mbola mino e ! Mbola tena mahatsiaro, Ilay fitiavako taloha, Mbola velona ao am-poko, Tsy mitsahatra mamoy Voninkazo, adaladala e !
Wildflower, carefree flower, Which keeps growing on fallow land. Everywhere, all that surrounds now is desolation, and all lies dormant. And alone, she alone remains awake. And still exists somewhere. My whole heart has been driven wild as well, and refuses to forget. Silence remains around the one whom I love, but I continue to believe. I keep this in memory, and I will always remember my lost love, in whom I have always believed. This love is still going strong, and keeps me awake at night.
The poem has been set to music by singer Erick Manana :
Similarly, another lesser-known text by Rado also deals with the silent pain of a wounded heart. Here is his poem, “Ho any ianao” (“You Will Go to See Her”), from which an extract reads:
Ho any ianao,kanefa….
Aza ataonao fantany izao fahoriako izao
Fa aoka hiafina aminy
Ny ketoky ny jaly
Nanempaka ny aiko,tanatin'ny longoa
Izay namandrihany ahy…
Ny dinitry ny foko manorika ahy mangina,
Fa sempo-tsasak'alina
Misaina ity anjarako,
Aza ataonao fantany!
[..]
Eny e ! Ampy izay.Tongava soa aman-tsara !
Dia akatony mora
Io varavarako io
Fa hitomany aho…
Rado, janoary 1966
You will go to see her, but …
Don't tell her about my suffering,
Leave her unaware of the biting pain
Which is tearing me apart.
In the net in which she trapped me,
My bleeding heart is choking me in the silence
Of the middle of the night
When I contemplate my fate.
Don't let her know!
That's my message, don't forget that.
And, goodbye!
But before leaving,
That hand of yours, let it not touch anything,
before holding hands with her…
Yes, that's all. Have a good trip.
And as you go, please close the door
On my tears.
Rado, January 1966.
Tiako hianao
Ary tianao tahaka ny inona ?
Tiako tahaka ny vola hianao
Izany tsy tianao aho
Fa raha noana hianao atakalonao hanina.
Tiako tahaka ny varavarana hianao.
Izany tsy tianao aho.
Tiana ihany ka atositosika.
Tiako tahaka ny lambamena hianao.
Izany tsy tianao aho.
Fa efa maty vao mihaona.
I love you.
— Oh, so how much do you love me ?
— I love you as much as I love money.
— But, you don't really love me:
Because if you were hungry, you would trade me for something to eat.
— I love you as much as I love that door.
— No, you don't really love me:
Although we may like the door, we're always pushing it away.
— I love you as much as I love the sacred burial shroud.
— Well then, you don't really love me:
Because we shall never meet except in the grave.
Fanambinana no antsoiny
Fiherenana ho ambony
Famafàna lonilony
Faneken-tsy ho resy intsony
N'inon'inona ampitsoiny
Andramo kely anie ‘zany, hono,
Tsiky foana foana alohany
Dia lefahany ny fony…
Hanitr'Ony
He asks for good luck
And stands up again, to rise higher.
To set aside the acrimony
And to not accept defeat
Whatever the future may hold.
And so he tries
To put the smile back on his face
And to be the master of his own heart.
Hanitr'Ony


Czech Republic, China: Pre-Olympics Scandal · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

The Czech Daily Word reports on the problems in relationship between the Czech Republic and China on the eve of the Olympics.


Croatia: Japan in Zagreb · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Neretva River writes about Japan's growing popularity in Croatia's capital.


Singapore: Using social media to promote clean toilets · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

The Restroom Association Singapore uses various social media tools like twitter, youtube, and facebook to promote cleaner public toilets in Singapore.


United Nations arms treaty an example, not an answer - 360
Owen Greene
Published on August 23, 2022
The effectiveness of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) has been under fire. Designed to regulate international trade in conventional arms, lack of support by some of the world’s great powers has reduced its reach.
But it is important to have realistic expectations. It is too much to expect that the ATT, or any other international treaty, can force major powers to resist actions that they judge to be against their strategic interests.
Setting international principles and standards and enabling coalitions of willing governments, civil society groups and international organisations to co-operate on implementing control even without the co-operation of some ‘sceptical’ states remains an important aspect of the treaty, and one worth emphasising.
In much of the world, arms transfers are badly regulated leading to destabilising or abusive arms flows and misuse that are not in any nation’s real interests. ATT membership commits member countries to ensure good standards in the criteria and procedures they use when deciding whether to authorise an arms import or export or transit or transportation of an arms shipment through their jurisdiction. Each government retains its independent decision-making authority in almost all cases, deciding whether the arms transfer is in line with international criteria. The ATT does prohibit arms transfers that would break UN Security Council embargoes or other relevant international obligations, or if the government “has knowledge at the time of authorisation” that the items would be used to commit genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.
Only some of the problems the ATT aims to address arise from deliberate strategic decisions by major powers to authorise arms shipments. Many of the dangerous and destabilising arms flows arise because of inadequacies in national regulations, control and enforcement systems, or lack of national capacity to monitor and assess risks.
Often, the problems arise because corrupt or irresponsible state officials are able to exploit these weaknesses to authorise arms transfers for their own interests without adequate accountability.
Where the ATT has had some success is in establishing good standards for national control systems and has mobilised substantial international programmes to assist countries to achieve them. The ATT can provide the necessary standards and assistance to help with national reforms – directly through official assistance programmes but also indirectly as a reference point for national campaigners.
These types of influencing mechanisms are unlikely to lead to improved arms transfer controls in authoritarian states if their elites resist. But they can be important in countries that are undergoing wider political reforms.
This includes many countries in Africa, Latin America, and elsewhere. ATT norms and assistance programmes have become influential and prominent in several regions; including West and East Africa; Latin America; and Oceania.
One of the biggest international challenges involving the ATT is to prevent and reduce the diversion of arms transfers to unauthorised destinations or end-users. In practice, this is the biggest source of arms flowing to areas of civil war, social violence or terrorism.
Licensed arms exports may be diverted during international transit. Alternatively, the arms arrive at their authorised destination but are then re-exported or allowed to fall into the wrong hands.
There are many ways to reduce risks of diversion – including denying licences for exports that are at risk of diversion, post-delivery checks, and restrictions on re-export. The ATT includes clear legal obligations to prevent and combat diversion, and in practice has become the main global framework for developing international good practices and co-operation to address it. Although European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation states have closer and more trusted mechanisms for sharing sensitive information between themselves on this matter, ATT working groups enable discussions and cooperation with other countries and regions.
This is probably the most dynamic aspect of ATT activity currently. Even if there are some states that cynically neglect or exploit diversion activities in practice, they can scarcely object to the majority of ATT members co-operating to tackle the problem.
As of now, some 111 countries have ratified the Arms Trade Treaty with another 30 countries having signed but not ratified – leaving 54 states entirely outside the treaty. There is a well-established ATT secretariat, a suite of ATT expert working groups and regular meetings of the countries.
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Thus the ATT is fully operational. West European countries, Japan, and key members of the African Union and Organisation of American States, prominently support the ATT. But Russia, India, Saudi Arabia and several other major arms exporting and importing states have not even signed the ATT. The United States has signed, but strong Republican Party opposition means that it is unlikely America will ratify it in the foreseeable future.
Interestingly, shortly after former president Donald Trump declared his opposition to the ATT in 2019, China proceeded to ratify the treaty. This indicates that China decided it can live with the ATT’s legal obligations while taking a diplomatic opportunity to demonstrate its multilateral credentials in contrast to the US.
China and the US both believe that their existing national arms transfer control systems meet ATT standards and principles. Their contributions to the effectiveness of the ATT depend less on their ratification status and more on their willingness to share relevant information, assess and reduce risks of potential arms transfers, and co-operate with wider ATT implementation efforts.
The Biden Administration has at least resumed co-operation with the ATT. Hopefully, China’s membership will enable further development of working-level co-operation with Chinese officials. India argues that the ATT does not sufficiently reflect states’ rights to import arms for their national security. Russia on the other hand makes it clear that it will continue actively to use arms exports as an instrument to promote its international interests, and ‘does not see the point’ of signing up to the ATT and its norms on arms transfers. Similarly, Iran and Saudi Arabia appear to have little interest in supporting the ATT.
It seems clear that it will be a struggle to change the policies of several of the great powers; particularly on arms transfers to sub-regions where there is hot geostrategic competition such as the Middle East.
But it’s not all about ratifying the ATT. The principles and norms embedded in the treaty can still act to draw nations away from allowing illicit trades. The case studies of good standards for national control systems, and frameworks for international collaboration on the issue remain useful in establishing a wider narrative that diversion and unrestrained trade are not tolerated by the international community.
The treaty sets a standard. From there, it depends on the extent to which countries and civil society groups are willing and able to improve their regulation of all aspects of arms transfers; and to co-operate to tackle problems.
Owen Greene (ORCID) is Professor of International Security and Development and Director of Research and Innovation at the Department of Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford, UK. He was closely involved as an advisor and expert in the process of negotiating the Arms Trade Treaty and subsequently in the establishment and activities of ATT and associated working groups since 2014 working with governments, regional organisations and international civil society networks. He declares no conflict of interest with the above article.


Cuba: The Prague List  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Diaspora blogger Uncommon Sense highlights a list compiled by Cuban human rights activists that identifies 307 existing political prisoners: “The list…is not meant to be inclusive, but it does provide a general idea of the scope of repression on the island…”


Morocco: Portraits of a Protest · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

This post is part of our special coverage Morocco Protests 2011.
With camera and smart phones proliferating throughout Morocco, it is no longer difficult to take a look inside the country, at anything from its stunning nature to its epic cities. Yesterday, as protests were organized throughout the country, was no exception.
Few captured the February 20, 2011 protests as beautifully as Omar El Hyani, whose photos from Rabat were linked to by online newspaper The Nation and posted on the Moroccan independent news portal Mamfakinch (see the entire series here [fr]).
Banner reads: "No to a ruler who steals public money".
Banner reads: "Yes for a constitutional monarchy". The smaller sign says: "Democracy now!"
Protesters wave the Moroccan flag.
Banner reads: "Holding those who steal money and abuse human rights accountable".
Banner reads: "If you speak, you will die; and if you keep quiet, you will die. So speak up and die!"
This post is part of our special coverage Morocco Protests 2011.


Romania: Celebrity Wedding, Fashion · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Owlspotting writes about a Romanian celebrity wedding, and answers a reader's question about how Romanian women like to dress.


Social media platforms in Sri Lanka briefly restricted amidst curfew and protests · Global Voices
Rezwan

Image via Pxfuel. Free for commercial and non-commercial use.
On the evening of Sunday, April 3, 2022, global Internet monitor NetBlocks reported that access to major social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, WhatsApp, Viber etc.) in Sri Lanka were being restored. Services were restricted at around the end of April 2 local time. This comes after the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency on April 1, giving sweeping power to security forces. There are growing protests in the country demanding his resignation over the ongoing economic crisis. A thirty-six hour-long curfew was also imposed from 6 p.m. on April 2 until 6 a.m. on April 4 to suppress the protests.
Sri Lanka is facing its worst financial crisis since independence in 1948, amid depleting foreign currency reserves. Rolling blackouts, shortages of fuel, gas and medicine, and higher prices of food items have sparked widespread protests. According to the president, the state of emergency was required to protect public order and ensure essential supplies and services.
Protests against the Rajapaksa government and the powerful Rajapaksa family intensified on March 31, 2022, Thursday leading into the early hours of April 1. Citizen journalism platform Groundviews journaled a timeline of the situation since March 31.
Blogger and activist Amalini De Sayrah tweeted:
Military tanks rolling into the streets of the capital in the dark, access to information restricted overnight, people risking arrest if they were to speak out, vulnerable groups rendered even more vulnerable.
You elect a war criminal, you get a ‘war’. #lka #SriLanka
— Amalini (@Amaliniii) April 3, 2022
People started to notice the social media block on Saturday night. Activist and academician Sanjana Hattotuwa tweeted:
Early reports from multiple locations indicate #Facebook is now being disrupted in #SriLanka. Access to Meta's products/platforms may worsen at pace. Possibly first of other leading social media platforms to which access from within country will be blocked by Govt.
— Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa (@sanjanah) April 2, 2022
Netblocks confirmed the block on Twitter:
⚠ Confirmed: Real-time network data show Sri Lanka has imposed a nationwide social media blackout, restricting access to platforms including Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram as emergency is declared amid widespread protests.
📰 Report: https://t.co/XGvXEFIqom pic.twitter.com/KEpzYfGKjV
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) April 2, 2022
Some, like data scientist, author and fact-checker Yudhanjaya Wijeratne had plenty of advice about which VPN to use to bypass the block:
Looks like they blocked @twitter, @facebook and @whatsapp.#GoHomeRajapaksas
Alright, let me drop some advice for people trying to get online
1) Don't download random VPN apps. Most of them steal data. If you want the good stuff, download TOR (https://t.co/dDsgY9nUcF). pic.twitter.com/AZ3EzS1zif
— Yudhanjaya Wijeratne 🎭 (@yudhanjaya) April 2, 2022
Political Cartoons of Sri Lanka tweeted:
“Nothing to worry! You are safe now!!”
Cartoon by @dharshanaKa #Repost#lka #SriLanka #EconomicCrisisLK #SriLankaEconomicCrisis #SriLankaCrisis #SocialMediaBanLK #GoHomeRajapaksas pic.twitter.com/gc8lkbuLxy
— Political Cartoons of Sri Lanka (@cartoonlka) April 2, 2022
Researcher and open source evangelist Pradeeban Kathiravelu tweeted:
[Sri Lanka] In a drastic move, to combat dissent, the Rajapaksa regime blocks social media access. Locals are fearing an outright Internet censorship too. @ripencc
People have the right to information. The regime has threatened strict measures against independent protesters.
— Pradeeban (@pradeeban) April 2, 2022
According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), the ban was implemented on a request made by the Ministry of Defence.
Lawyer Gehan Gunatilleke questioned:
How can a total ban on social media in response to people protesting peacefully against the government be reasonable or proportionate?
11/
— Gehan Gunatilleke (@GehanDG) April 3, 2022
Gunatilekke highlights in this thread that the Sri Lankan constitution governs the limits of the freedom of expression and not the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act.
Lawyer N. K. Ashokbharan also asserted:
This not only violates Art 14(1)(a) – Freedom of expression; but for many Art 14(1)(g) – Freedom of occupation, and trade who depend on Social Media for a living.
Defence Ministry & TRCSL has no authority to restrict Fundamental Rights according to their whims and fancies. https://t.co/iOfWHxeBNh
— 𝗡.𝗞.𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗸𝗯𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻 (@nkashokbharan) April 3, 2022
Meanwhile, Namal Rajapaksa, the Sri Lanka Cabinet Minister of Youth and Sports and the son of current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, tweeted:
I will never condone the blocking of social media. The availability of VPN, just like I’m using now, makes such bans completely useless. I urge the authorities to think more progressively and reconsider this decision. #SocialMediaBanLK #SriLanka #lka
— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) April 3, 2022
However, academician Ishara Paranawithana quips at Rajapaksa, reminding about his added portfolio — State Minister of Digital Technology and Entrepreneur Development:
When the minister himself doesn't know who the responsible authorities are! 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/QaJAQqYeTB
— Ishara Paranawithana (@isharackp) April 3, 2022
Citizen journalism platform Vikalpa highlights protesting voices:
”Stop violating freedom of expression!!!” #srilanka #lka #SocialMediaBanLK #KeepitOn #EngageSMinSL @ActNOW_SL
#DigitalDemocracy pic.twitter.com/gGKByfqnve
— Vikalpa (@vikalpavoices) April 3, 2022
On Sunday, April 3, protesters were seen defying curfew in Kandy and Colombo to turn out in numbers demanding the president's resignation. The police used tear gas on the protesters in many places.
Despite the social media ban, many journalists like Kavinthan Shanmugarajah continued to share the news on the ground on Twitter:
Almost 24 hours into the curfew and Pocket protests have already erupted in several parts of the country, despite a Public Emergency being declared and Severe Warnings been made. Images from Kohuwela showing people with their children, coming to the street. #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/ynRHb483oE
— Kavinthan (@Kavinthans) April 3, 2022
Images showing the location where a 53 year old man who has reportedly came to meet President at his house in Mirihana to demand uninterrupted electricity died by electrocuting himself by climbing on a high tension electricity line near the house. #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/WjRok0cVKA
— Kavinthan (@Kavinthans) April 3, 2022
After a meeting on Sunday, April 3, 2022 night, all 26 ministers of the Sri Lankan cabinet resigned. However, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa still hold power. The government is set to appoint a new cabinet on Monday.


Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzs Want to Join Russia · Global Voices
Adil Nurmakov

Elena publishes the result of a poll, announced that the majority of Kyrgyzstan’s population thinks that Kyrgyzstan should consolidate with Russia.


Seychelles: Monitoring Seychelles Whale Sharks · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Report from the first week of monitoring whale sharks in Seychelles :”The first day saw an impressive 10 in-water encounters which we all hoped was a sign of great things to come… the 10 encounters after completion of photo ID revealed only 1 new shark and 3 previously identified sharks.”


This person advising Hindus to look into their religious texts is not a Muslim Scholar. His name is Acharya Prashant Sharma, a Hindu - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
May 19, 2023
A video is circulating on social media that features a bearded man advising Hindus to read their religious texts to protect themselves. The claim accompanying the video suggests that the man is a Muslim scholar. Let’s examine the truthfulness of this claim through this fact-checking article.
Claim: The video depicts a Muslim scholar making provocative statements against Muslims and advising Hindus to read their religious texts to learn how to protect themselves.
Fact: The individual in the video is not a Muslim scholar but Acharya Prashant Sharma, a Hindu affiliated with the Arya Samaj Hindu organization. Therefore the claim made in the post is False.
While skimming through the comment section, we found a user mentioning that the person in the viral video is not a Muslim scholar. Instead, they identified the person as Acharya Prashant Sharma. Another user said he belongs to the Arya Samaj, a Hindu organization.
Upon searching for Acharya Prashant Sharma on the internet, we found a Facebook page which contains videos and photos of the same man featured in the viral video. Acharya Prashant Sharma posts content on Hinduism on this page. The page’s introduction, translated from Hindi, states, “The aim is to make Vedic philosophy accessible to you.”
On Acharya Prashant Sharma’s Facebook page, we discovered the original longer version of the viral video titled “Udaipur Hatyakhand” (Killing of a Hindu Tailor Kanhaiya Lal by two Muslim men). In the video, he advises Hindus to read their religious texts to protect themselves. A portion of this video, starting from 1.47 Seconds, is what we see in the viral post. Acharya Prashant also uploaded a smaller version of this video on Twitter, where he said, ‘They have learned terror from Quran, what have you learned from Vedas? Don’t be afraid, have to fight.’
This evidence establishes that the person in the viral video is Acharya Prashant Sharma, who makes content related to the Hindu religion and posts on social media. Further research by us also revealed that he is not a Muslim scholar.
Acharya Prashant Sharma’s clarification
Videos with similar claims went viral on social media last year, after which Acharya Prashant Sharma shared a post on his Facebook page where he attached screenshots of social media posts and WhatsApp forwards that refer to him as a Muslim scholar. In this post, he questions the claim, stating, “Hey brother, which Muslim recites Veda mantras in Hindi and Sanskrit like this?” He further mentions that the media organization Aaj Tak contacted him for a fact check.
In an interview with Boom Live, Acharya Prashant Sharma confirmed that he is a Hindu and is associated with the Arya Samaj. He clarifies that it is incorrect to associate him with any other religion.
To sum up, it is evident that the man featured in the video is not a Muslim scholar but Acharya Prashant Sharma, a Hindu associated with the Arya Samaj Hindu organization.


The Supreme Court leaks keep coming — and that’s good
Parker Higgins
May 11, 2022
In the week since Politico dropped its blockbuster reporting on a draft Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the floodgates of leaks have opened. Just today, Politico has reported on more confidential information regarding the status of that opinion, and at least The Washington Post and CNN appear to have anonymous sourcing close to the court.
These leaks, and the reporting they enable, are a good thing. The journalism we’ve seen on this important issue affecting the rights of hundreds of millions of Americans is a critical public service. Nevertheless, in the past week many political commentators have turned their attention to the leak itself and the perceived transgression from long-standing norms that it represents. One outlet memorably called the leak “the gravest, most unforgivable sin.”
These attacks on the leaks are nonsense. We've come to expect criticism of reporters who have unearthed sensitive or embarrassing information that is nonetheless newsworthy; it's no better to go after the source who provided those facts.
Threats to press freedom around the world are at an all-time high. Sign up to stay up to date and take action to protect journalists and whistleblowers everywhere.
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Others have argued that point vociferously in the past week. Matt Pearce at the Los Angeles Times has called for more leaks from the Supreme Court, while Jay Willis at the Supreme Court-focused publication Balls and Strikes has gone so far as to provide his Signal information for would-be leakers. At New York Magazine David Klion argues that even without the “who” and the “why” of the leak, we can describe it as a public service and “good, actually,” and at Politico, the outlet that kicked off this firestorm, Jack Shafer defended the leak and condemned the “veil of secrecy” that hangs over the deliberations from the highest court in the land.
In a sense, most of the arguments about the identity of the source behind these “unprecedented” leaks are a sideshow. (And in fact, leaks from the Supreme Court have happened before and already many times since!) This is not a whodunit story, but a significant legal development that could mean the restriction of long-established rights for hundreds of millions of Americans, with dangerous or lethal consequences. Ultimately, the story has informed the public of a consequential government decision of historic importance. That is what journalism is supposed to do.
We don't yet know — and indeed, may never know — the identity of the original leaker, or what motivated their disclosure. But the focus on their identity misses the point. We do know that in subsequent reporting, the pace of new reporting from inside the court has grown. And despite the hand-wringing from conservative commentators, at least some of the anonymous sourcing is coming from the political right.
For example, the Post has spoken with unnamed “conservatives close to the court” — apparently close enough to provide an account of a private conference among the justices. That account echoes earlier discussions on the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial page.
There's no ideological purity test for sources, nor should there be. Leakers, whistleblowers, and other sources frequently come with baggage or “impure” motivations for their disclosures. The job of the journalist is to distill the newsworthy information into a reported story.
Whether the leaker in this case was a liberal frustrated with the direction of the court, a conservative aiming to discipline a majority into holding together, or somebody else entirely, the reporters have an opportunity and a duty to report the facts they can provide.
As frequent Supreme Court litigator Theodore Boutrous put it, “Reporters have the right and indeed an obligation to try to get secret information from every branch of the government and the First Amendment protects their efforts to do so.”
The Supreme Court is a tremendously powerful and influential institution, and yet it has largely resisted the same forces toward transparency that have affected large parts of the executive and legislative branches. The people bound by its rulings deserve to know how it works.


Pakistan: Top Ten Pakistani Bloggers · Global Voices
Rezwan

S A J Shiraji at Light Within blog lists his favorite top ten Pakistani bloggers.


Colombia: “Outside the Lourdes Church, the bodies of two men” · Global Voices
David Sasaki

“Around 11pm on Sunday night, November 5th, responding to a phone call by a passer-by, police inves- tigators in Bogota found two men sitting on the steps outside the Lourdes Church in Bogota. One of the men had an arm around the other man's shoulder. Neither man was alive.” So begins Andres Duque in a post that looks into possible explanations for the men's death and analyzes how the Colombian media reported the story.


Japan and South Korea: Cross Media Ownership · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Niphonese translated some bloggers discussion about the change of regulation on cross media ownership in Japan and its implication on freedom of press by looking into the experience in South Korea.


2023: APC Presidential Candidate Expected To Come From The South - El- Rufai - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
Publisher (A.M)
March 10, 2022
According to him, the southern caucus of the ruling party will then
decide which part of the area the candidate will come from.
He stated this on Wednesday and explained that the national
chairmanship post of the party will be from the northern part of Nigeria.
Governor El-Rufai also believes the APC will retain the presidential
seat, arguing that the party has all it takes to do that.


Two New Iraqi Blogs  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Iraq Blog Count introduces us to two new Iraqi blogs.


Serbia: Reuters Coverage of “Black Market” · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Belgraded writes about the persistence of Serbia's “black market” and comments on Reuters’ coverage of it.


Libya: A Dutch letter to Gheddaffi, “We burn migrants.” · Global Voices
Haitham Sabbah

On the 26th of October 2005 a fire raged in the Dutch Schiphol Airport Detention Centre. Eleven migrants died.
In an Open Letter to Gheddaffi a Dutch media-activist informs the Libyan president about the fate of three Libyan citizens. One died in the fire; another survived but “was treated in a sub-human way” by Dutch authorities; and third stands accused of starting the fire and still in custody, even after two separate judges ordered his immediate release in the last weeks… “None of them were accused of any crime or violation, not even of trespassing. Being declared ‘illegal’ doesn't constitute a criminal offense according to Dutch law. Yet [..] they usually suffer the same restrictions as suspects of common crimes, or worse even when they are housed in temporary facilities like ‘detention-boats’, hangars, or containers.“


AWCON 2022: Super Falcons Beat Black Queens Of Ghana To Reach Final Round - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
October 25, 2021
A lone goal defeat in Accra the nine-time African champions survived with a 2-1 aggregate win over their hosts.
Both teams finished with 10 players after Ghana’s captain Portia Boakye was dismissed for a second bookable offence, and minutes after, Nigeria’s left back Glory Ogbonna was expelled by Ivorian referee Zomadre Sonia Kore.
The lively Princella Adubea got Ghana’s goal midway into the second half as the Super Falcons were expecting adherence to fair play principle.
Afterwards, captain Asisat Oshoala, missed an opportunity to draw Nigeria level.
With the strong scent of blood, the Black Queens launched onslaught after onslaught but could not get the goal that would have tied the fixture and make penalty shootout inevitable at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Falcons progressed to the final round where they play the Lady Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, in February 2022.


Buhari Signs Law Changing Nigeria Prisons To Nigeria Correctional Service - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
Publisher (F.BA)
August 15, 2019
President Muhammadu Buhari hassigned into law the billing changing the name of the Nigeria Prisons Service,NPS to Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS.
Presidential aide on National AssemblySenate, Matters Ita Enang said the Presidential assent to the act repealed theNPS Act.
According to the Act, there are twomain faculties of the Correctional Service, namely Custodial Service andNon-Custodial Service. He said the Custodial Service would take custody andcontrol of persons legally interned in safe, secure and humane conditions.
It also has mandate to betransmission of remand persons to and from Courts in motorized formations;identifying the existence and causes of anti-social behaviours of inmates;conducting risk and needs assessment aimed at developing appropriatecorrectional treatment methods for reformation, rehabilitation andreintegration among others.
It is also mandated to empowerinmates through the deployment of educational and vocational skills trainingprogrammes, and facilitating incentives, income generation through CustodialCentres, farms and industries.


Kebbi varsity VC assures justice for murdered student | EduCeleb
3rd March 2021
The Vice-Chancellor of the Kebbi State University of Science and Techology Aliero (KSUSTA), Prof Bashar Ladan Aliero, has assured the students of the university and family of the Sharif Zuru, who was alledgely killed by a mob, that justice will prevail over the perpetrators.
The Vice-Chancellor, who made the comment in a statement issued by the university’s Public Relation Officer, Mallam Hussaini Adamu, disclosed that the Nigeria Police has made some arrests.
According to the statement, “the management of the University of Science and Technology Aliero in Kebbi State describes as unfortunate the incident that led to the death of one of the student of the university.
“The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Bashar Ladan Aliero, shares with the family of the decease the grief of the irreparable lost. The Vice-Chancellor of the university also on behalf of the management expressed deep sympathy to all those that lost their properties.
“Swift action taken by the security agencies in particular Nigeria Police Force to have taken the deceased to hospital and curtailing further escalation of the incident have also been appreciated by the management of the university.
“The police have already made arrest, and the management of the university assured that everything possible would be done to ensure that Justice will take its due cause.”
The university added that a delegation of the University led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr Sahabi Suleiman Manga accompanied by University Librarian, Dr Salisu Adamu Aliero, Deputy Dean Students Affairs, Dr Yale Ibrahim, Head of Department Biochemistry, Dr Ibrahim Babangiga, Senior Lecturer Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Dr Yusuf Danladi Kanya and other senior principal officers of the university had paid a condolence visit to the family of the student that passed away.
The statement quoted that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor behalf of the management condoling with the family and pray to Allah to grant perfect rest in peace to the soul of the deceased.


Pope Appeals For Peace In Ukraine After Latest Russian Bombardments - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
Publisher (F.BA)
October 12, 2022
Francis told his general audience on Wednesday in Saint Peter’s square as he once again called for an end to the war. He prays the cry of the people will be heard and that those who hold the fate of war in their hands will stop the violence.
His appeal is coming after a wave of Russian bombardments on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure at the start of the week. The pontiff has repeatedly called for peace in the country under attack by Russia during his public speeches.
The 85-year-old will pray for peace at the Colosseum in Rome with representatives of other religions. The Community of Sant’Egidio, a lay Catholic association, organised the meeting under the motto “Cry of Peace”.


Anguilla: The Impact of Blogging    · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Corruption-free Anguilla rates the usefulness of his blog by measuring how it has (and has not) influenced change.


Russia: Conversation With Litvinenko’s Widow, Part 12 · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Installment #12 of Marina Litvinenko's interview has been translated and posted at A Step At A Time.


Green Bay Packers Foundation awards grant to St. Thomas More High School | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
St. Thomas More High School
December 9, 2018
St. Thomas More High School is proud to announce that the school has received a $6,000 grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation to support the continued growth of our Academic Support Services. The Packers Foundation awarded grants to 230 Wisconsin nonprofit organizations at a Lambeau Field luncheon on December 5, 2018.
Providing our diverse student body with individualized support that keeps them on track for success in college and beyond, St. Thomas More’s Academic Support Services includes our MORE Enrichment afterschool program, the Academic Resource Center, and the Enrichment Period. Managed by our student services department, these programs offer personalized academic interventions through supplemental, applied instruction; interactive math, reading, grammar, and writing software; and training in soft, 21 Century skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.
“The Academic Resource Center and MORE Enrichment provide our students with more opportunities to meet with their teachers and tutors individually across different subject areas,” explained dean of academics Kevin Dineen. “Students who participate in MORE Enrichment and the Academic Resource Center consistently improve their skills and class performances, thus having a greater positive impact on their academic confidence.”
Open throughout the school day, the Academic Resource Center is staffed by rotating teachers from different academic departments, providing students with supplemental instruction from subject experts. The afterschool extension of the Academic Resource Center, MORE Enrichment started in 2016 with a focus on math, and the program now offers supplemental instruction in five subjects. Along with St. Thomas More classroom teachers, undergraduates at the Marquette University College of Education also assist students during MORE Enrichment. Part of our new block class schedule, the Enrichment Period provides students with additional time to access support services and participate in seminars to build their collegiate and professional skills, such as note taking, time management, collaboration, and critical thinking.
“Because of the support of grantmakers like the Green Bay Packers Foundation, our Academic Support Services, especially MORE Enrichment, have grown into an incredibly effective and unique resource for our students,” president Mary McIntosh said. “We thank the Packers for their commitment to the Wisconsin community and hope that the team’s support encourages other donors to give back as well.”
“We’re proud to recognize these outstanding recipient organizations, who are all doing incredible work in our communities,” Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy said at the luncheon and in a press release. “As a community-owned team, we are inspired by the efforts of these organizations and the positive impact they have on those that they serve.”
About St. Thomas More High School
Located on Milwaukee’s historic and diverse south side, St. Thomas More High School provides young men and women with the foundation to lead humbly, to always seek truth and knowledge, and to answer God’s call to serve. St. Thomas More’s teaching staff includes two Ph.Ds., five Kohl Teacher Fellows, two fellows at the University of Wisconsin’s Center for the Study of the American Constitution, a Project Lead the Way Master teacher, and the 2017 & 2018 Wisconsin Art Teacher of the Year. For more information about St. Thomas More High School, please visit tmore.org.


Thai Airways Blacks Out Logo After Runway Accident · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

A Thai Airways plane skidded off the runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok last Sunday after it suffered a landing-gear failure. The plane which departed from Guangzhou, China carried 288 passengers and 14 cabin crew. According to the airline, 14 passengers received minor injuries.
An Airbus Thai Airways plane. Image from Flickr user Aero Icarus, (CC BY-SA 2.0)
TG679 Guangzhou-Bangkok experienced incident while landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport.14 passengers were slightly injured and sent to hospital.
— Thai Airways (@ThaiAirways) September 8, 2013
But it was the airline decision to cover the plane logo with a black paint in an apparent bid to protect its image which made the global headlines. The airline claimed that it was standard “crisis communication rule”. However, the global airline network Star Alliance denied that it has a policy of covering up plane logos during accidents:
Regarding the painting over of logos on the aircraft of @ThaiAirways flight 679. This is not in line with @staralliance crisis (1/2)
— Star Alliance (@staralliance) September 9, 2013
guidelines. It would appear that the official quoted was misinformed. (2/2)
— Star Alliance (@staralliance) September 9, 2013
This was subsequently confirmed by Thai Airways
2. Thai Air statement contd: “…the Company also clarifies that it is NOT a Star Alliance policy or procedure to de-identify aircraft.”
— Newley Purnell (@newley) September 9, 2013
Covering the Thai Airways logo with a black paint. Image from @RichardBarrow
This video was taken after the landing accident:
Below are some reactions on Twitter
I bet @ThaiAirways is now regretting painting over their logo. These days with social media, airlines cannot get away with that anymore.
— Richard Barrow (@RichardBarrow) September 10, 2013
@RichardBarrow @ThaiAirways best approach, has always worked for me, don’t crash your planes. That way you save on black paint.
— Stuart McDonald (@travelfish) September 10, 2013
Blocking out the airline logo little help to travellers who now face delays at airport until Wednesday. http://t.co/Wa8tKsw35t
— Justin Barnett (@beemababy) September 10, 2013
@staralliance How could they be misinformed? Maybe pre-alliance crisis guidelines? I'm not saying what they did was wrong, just strange
— Agust Beaumont (@Saragermen) September 9, 2013
Some passengers have complained that they received little assistance from airline personnel after the accident. But airline officials have denied this accusation.


China: Control 2.0 Mastermind · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

David Bandurski from China Media Project gave more background about the propaganda event in the “eluding the cat” case, especially on the mastermind behind the control 2.0 strategy.


Ghana: Ghana’s Police Force Online · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Emmanuel is happy about Ghana's police force being online: “That they have a website, which can be reached at http://www.ghanapolice.info/main.htm can only go to confirm that they're well-ensconced in the 21st century.”


Bahamas: Beautifying Nassau?   · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“I believed that finally, instead of just talking about it, Mr. Ingraham would set as one of his top priorities the changing of downtown Nassau from a freight depot to a beautiful tourist attraction.”  Sidney Sweeting at WeblogBahamas.com is disappointed to learn that beautification of the Bahamas capital is not high on the government's list of priorities.


A photoshopped image is being shared as the Golden Temple (Amritsar) on Diwali - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
October 28, 2019
A photo is being shared widely on social media with the claim that it was taken at Golden Temple (Amritsar) on Diwali. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
Diwali photo taken at Golden Temple, Amritsar.
Fact: It is an edited photo. The photo has been manipulated to place lanterns in the sky. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
When the photo is cropped and ran through Yandex Reverse Image Search, the original photo can be found in an article – ‘The Golden Temple’ by Emily Polar, a travel photographer. In the original photo, it can be found that there are no sky lanterns. They have been placed using photo-editing software. The sky lanterns photo was found to be taken during the Thai festival of Loy Krathong.
On the photo posted on Facebook, it can be found that ‘@navkaranbrar’ is written at the bottom. So, when searched on Google, the Facebook and Twitter accounts of Navkaran Brar can be found. On his accounts, it can be found that he posted similar images and called them his ‘artworks’.
To sum it up, a photoshopped image is being shared as the Golden Temple (Amritsar) on Diwali.
Did you watch our new Episode of the DECODE series?


Lebanon’s War, Again · Global Voices
Yazan Badran

How will the Lebanese get over their past if they don't discuss it, says Syrian blogger  Abu Kareem. “Many if not most Lebanese children get their education in non-secular schools that teach different versions of the history of Lebanon. All schools, however, seem to agree on one thing; when it comes to the history of the civil war, no one talks about it. It is as if history stopped in 1975 only to resume in 1991,” he writes.


Trinidad & Tobago: Watchful Eye · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

This Beach Called Life is keeping a close eye on the weather.


Morphed picture shared as portrait of PM Modi inside the house of a Gujarat auto-driver where Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal dined - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
September 14, 2022
A picture is being shared on social media claiming that Arvind Kejriwal quickly left the house of the Gujarat auto-driver who invited him for dinner when he saw a portrait of PM Modi in his house. It claims that he just had food and left without eating sweets. Let’s fact-check the claim through this article.
Claim: Arvind Kejriwal left the house of the Gujarat auto-driver who invited him for dinner after he saw a portrait of PM Modi inside his home.
Fact: The photo captured during Arvind Kejriwal’s visit to a Gujarat auto-driver’s house for dinner was published by various media outlets in their news reports. The original picture does not contain a portrait of PM Modi. It is digitally added to the original picture. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
To know the exact details behind the picture, we performed a reverse image search on Google and were led to multiple news media reports which contained the same image (here and here). Reportedly, upon an invitation he received from an auto-driver of Gujarat, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, visited the man’s home in Gujarat for dinner.
Kejriwal has posted a few pictures of this meeting on Twitter. The image in the viral post is also part of these pictures. However, there is a difference; the image from the viral post contains a portrait of PM Narendra Modi, while the picture posted by Arvind Kejriwal has some other photograph in the same place.
Another picture captured from a different angle also shows a different portrait in place of the PM Modi’s portrait shared in the viral post.  With this evidence, we can conclude that the post’s picture is digitally morphed, and a portrait of Narendra Modi was added.
To summarise, a morphed picture is being shared as portrait of PM Modi inside the house of a Gujarat man where Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal dined.


Argentina: Buenos Aires Blog Roundup · Global Voices
David Sasaki

After a week-long bandwidthless break, Alan Patrick is back with the latest and greatest from anglophone Buenos Aires bloggers.


Ghana: International Media Summit · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

The Trials & Tribulations of a Freshly-Arrived Denizen…of Ghana attended the Africa's International Media Summit 2006, in Accra, Ghana.


Only Citizens Fall in Iraq’s Car Bombings  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Around 29 people were killed and 126 injured in eight car bombings in Iraq today [Nov 27, 2012]. Iraqi blogger Wamith comments [ar]:
@wamith: Many citizens fall but no one from the government falls in the Iraq bombings


China: Propaganda Against U.S. Ambassador Backfires · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Since the escape of blind civic rights activist Chen Guangcheng into the U.S embassy, the U.S Ambassador Gary Locke has become the major target for media attack in Bejing. However, so far each piece of political propaganda has resulted in a backfire.
A number of state-controlled newspapers are involved in the propaganda campaign but Beijing Daily is the most high sounding one. On May 4, 2012 it published an editorial, “Reading the Measly Performance of U.S. Politicians through the Chen Guangcheng Affair” and openly criticized Gary Locke for playing “little tricks” (via China Media Project):
. . . It must be said that for some time, the American Embassy in China and the new U.S ambassador to China, Gary Locke, have used various means that are incommensurate with their roles and responsibilities — their “little tricks” have continued unabated. This causes people to ask, is it the role of this ambassador to do his utmost to advance the U.S.-China relationship, bridge gaps and eliminate misunderstandings, or is it to hatch schemes and bound out into Chinese society to make trouble, manufacturing new and greater fissures between China and the United States.
Many netizens were outraged by such propaganda and attacked the newspapers for losing their consciences. By 8 p.m on May 4, the term “Beijing Daily” (北京日報） had become unsearchable [zh]. The political spoof below, a imitation of political prosecution during the Cultural Revolution, reflects the popular sentiment towards the Chinese propaganda machine's attack on Gary Locke (via China Media Project). The photo's caption read: “The only way out for Ambassador Locke is to be whole-hearted corrupt!”:
Gary Locke's little trick. Via China Media Project
The latest round of attack by Beijing Daily came through its official Sina Weibo account on May 14 demanding that Gary Locke disclose his personal assets. China Media Project has translated some of the immediate responses from Sina Weibo:
@Liu Yadong [zh]: No matter whether its praise or criticism your dishing out, it must be based on a deep understanding of the other side. Seen from a many sides, Beijing Daily‘s demand that Gary Locke disclose his personal finances is a basic error. It shows a basic lack of understanding of American society: how can that country’s top politicians possibly keep their personal assets secret! To openly make such a childish demand perhaps also reveals the closed-up nature of this newspaper, its lack of international perspective. This is a lesson!
@Zhao Chu [zh]: Beijing Daily is a joke. For them to make a joke like this just shows they’re a bunch of stupid pigs at the top.
In early morning the next day, the newspapers removed its comment and re-post the same comment by adding a re-post in front of the message [deleted]. It continued to attract a lot of criticism. The China Media Project has captured and translated some from the comment thread:
@半拉北京人: His assets were disclosed back in 2010. Why doesn’t he teach Chinese official how to disclose [their assets]?
@辣笔小飞: Beijing Daily, are you really dumb, or just playing dumb? You think that just by having this title “Beijing” to back you up you can lead public opinion astray?
@无梦的八戒: Of course Gary Locke’s personal assets have been disclosed. And what about the assets of those imperial officials [of ours]?
@天恩0120: Oh, editors and comrades of Beijing Daily, how are you? How tough things are for you. It’s just that the residence of the Ambassador and the cars he rides in are about the image of America. No matter how we try to refine the idea of whether or not Gary Locke is corrupt, there’s the looming issue of our leaders living in Zhongnanhai. And how much more resplendent are those official residences? Why don’t you have a look.
@老男人的小日子: “What about that post asking Locke to disclose his assets? How was that deleted? How humiliating for the Party!
In less than an hour or so, the post was removed again. However, it couldn't stop netizens from laughing about its self-humiliating move:
wh_w：严重怀疑北京日报脑残或被收买了.洛有无目的另说，麻烦別拿家丑和人家的优势对比。有些方面祖国是相当落后的
buckforland：北京日报挺幽默的，一巴掌打过去竟打回自己的脸上了。
lpcysy：纽约时报：我们美国多民主，可以公开要求骆家辉公布财产 北京日报：我们中国也民主，可以公开要求骆家辉公布财产
haistone1：感谢北京日报的良苦用心，引起了全社会对官员财产公开的高度关注。


Energy Assistance helps eligible residents pay bills and avoid disconnection | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services
April 17, 2018
The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services is providing extended hours today through May 15 for homeowners and renters to apply for Energy Assistance, a one-time average benefit of $550 for eligible residents to cover a portion of their energy costs.
“With the changeable weather in Milwaukee County, it’s critical that our residents have access to utility service in their homes,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “In March alone, this program disbursed over $1.2 M, helping more than 4,000 people in the county establish payment plans and avoid disconnection. Energy Assistance is a lifeline for many Milwaukee County residents, and I encourage anyone who might need a little help to learn more.”
Extended hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Eligible residents can schedule appointments to apply for Energy Assistance prior to May 15, 2018 to receive a benefit. They can call 414-270-4-MKE, or go online to www.energyassistancemke.org. There are also flexible walk-in options at six service locations:
For eligible residents who plan to apply for benefits on May 3 at the Energy Assistance location at 5663 S 27th Street between 3 and 5 p.m., they’ll receive a free coupon book for Wisconsin Dells with hundreds more in savings from 103.7 KISS FM.
For more information on eligibility or to schedule an appointment, visit www.energyassistancemke.org.
About the Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program
The Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program, administered by the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services’ Management Services Division, helps more than 58,000 Milwaukee County households each year stay safe, warn and make their energy bills more affordable. In partnership with UMOS and Community Advocates, and funding largely provided by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Energy Assistance Program’s help amounts to almost $40 million in benefits, including utility bill assistance, emergency furnace repair and replacement, and assistance with payment plans and disconnections. See more at EnergyAssistanceMKE.org.
About the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services
The Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) empowers safe, healthy, meaningful lives by ensuring that no one in need goes unserved. Whether it be experiencing homelessness, a mental health crisis, incarceration as a youth or caring for a child with disabilities, DHHS connects individuals and families to resources that can help. Using best practices from the social service sector, DHHS collaborates within its divisions and with community partners to provide personalized services that are integrated, trauma-informed, evidence-based and drive positive outcomes. Committed to performance excellence, DHHS is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to overcome challenges and create opportunities to become self-sufficient, strengthen their families and create a healthy, stable and safe community. DHHS is comprised of five divisions: Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division, Division of Youth & Family Services, Disabilities Services Division, Housing Division and Management Services Division. For more information visit county.milwaukee.gov/HealthAndHumanServices.


Armenia: Public Art · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Zarchka writes about mixed up priorities regarding the placement and treatment of public art in Armenia.


Georgia: SandraBuses · Global Voices
Nathan Hamm

Ben Wheeler reports that Tbilisi's recently purchases Dutch buses have been a major headache.


Hong Kong: American whispers · Global Voices
Luisetta Mudie

EastSouthWestNorth translates excerpts from a gossip column in the popular weekly magazine Next about some howlers spotted on a U.S. State Department-affiliated Web site purporting to give information about Hong Kong.


Brazil: “Proud Cariocas” · Global Voices
David Sasaki

Made in Brazil has a preview of Rio's Gay Pride Parade, which will take place this weekend.


5 things to know and do the weekend of Oct. 28 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
October 28, 2022
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.
Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is an annual holiday originating in Mexico but celebrated all over Latin America and the United States. The holiday exists to remember and celebrate the lives of the dead through joyful remembrance as opposed to solemn reflection.
Latino Arts Inc.’s annual Day of the Dead ofrendas exhibit is on now. You can view ofrendas that community members have constructed to remember loved ones who have passed on. The exhibit is on through Nov. 18, but the opening reception will be starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 at Latino Arts Inc., located at 1028 S. 9th St.
You can also celebrate Dia de los Muertos at other events this weekend. More information on our recent list of ways to celebrate Dia de los Muertos and Halloween here.
Organized by El Conquistador Newspaper, the 11th annual Latino Family Expo and Festival will feature free indoor trick-or-treating, a children’s area, a resource fair, Latino cultural exhibits and live entertainment. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Augustine Preparatory School, located at 2607 S. 5th St.
The Amani Youth Council, made up of young people from or around the Amani neighborhood, is holding a gathering at Moody Park featuring a costume contest, snacks and giveaways, including a Thanksgiving feast. The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Moody Park Pavilion, located at 2201 W. Auer Ave.
Bicycling nerds are invited to this meetup organized by Red Bike & Green-Milwaukee and are encouraged to dress as their favorite historical figure or fictional character and then do a short neighborhood ride. The meetup takes place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2344 N. 16th St.
There is a general election coming up on Nov. 8. You can vote early now through Nov. 5 at times and locations listed here.
Souls to the Polls, a nonprofit led by local faith leaders that encourages voting, has organized two events to get out the vote this weekend. Details below:
“Turn up the vote” is a free concert at Red Arrow Park, also known as Dontre Hamilton Park, where attendees can also vote early. The concert takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 at 920 N. Water St.
“Souls to the Polls Sunday” is a meetup in Midtown to vote early. A rally begins at noon, but nearby polls are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Midtown Shopping Center, located at 5700 W. Capitol Drive.
La Revo Books hosts this book signing, film screening and conversation with Simón Sedillo, author of “Weapons, Drugs, and Money: Crime, Corruption, and Community Based Liberation in the US/Mexico Neoliberal Military Political Economy.” The event takes place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at La Finca Coffeehouse, located at 3558 E. Sivyer Ave. in St. Francis.


Cuba: Castro & Penn  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

American actor Sean Penn's interview with Raul Castro is being widely commented on by Cuban bloggers:
Child of the Revolution, The Cuban Triangle and Havana Times.


Zimbabwe: Reacting to mid-term budget statement · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Zimbabwean blogger's reaction to mid-term budget statement, This blogger listened to the radio today in amazement…Part one aired on the radio this morning was a brief monetary statement from Gono – a digestible 20 minutes. Part two was a long, boring, dragged out drone from Robert Mugabe.


Friendster now owned by a Malaysian firm · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Popular social networking site Friendster was recently acquired by a Malaysian firm. Friendster is the leading social network site in Southeast Asia.