Influenza A(H1N1)

Be it communication campaigns by the public health authorities or videos created by net users, influenza A(H1N1) prevention videos are on the rise on share sites. The web is mobilising while the world prepares for the foreseen pandemic.
http://video.pandemicflu.gov/?&fr_story=9f8203c6a357ca4a01ea1ba0ef30afb2dabe5ad8&autoplay=true&skin=oneclip&rf=FRONT_PAGE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT-Ktx8Qpc0

As the return to school draws near, children and teens are the target audience for most of these videos posted online, as young people are one of the most at risk groups from the virus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LKatmKZCpE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X43WkGRtPNU

Dutch researchers have launched this free game online to raise awareness amongst net users about the worldwide campaign to fight the virus. The game is a realistic simulation in which the player is head of a medical centre and must work to limit the spread of the virus. The player has EUR2 billion at their disposal and a range measures to utilise from the distribution of masks to the closure of schools.
http://www.thegreatflu.com/

And to increase research into the virus, a US institution has teamed up with Google to launch this online platform. It allows scientists to quickly share their discoveries with each other online concerning influenza A.
http://knol.google.com/k/plos/plos-currents-influenza/28qm4w0q65e4w/1#

Finally, while a vaccine is sought, the net is overrun with preventative products. Many sites selling virus prevention products have been launched. Antiseptic gels, disinfectant wipes, anti-contamination door handles…
http://www.girodmedical.com/grippe-rr24
http://www.grosseron.com/OO/Assets/Client/ftp/GROSSERON/UTILISATION%20ULNA.WMV

Ramdan 2.0

The weekend just gone marked the start of the sacred month of Ramadan, celebrated by one and a half billion people worldwide. US President, Barack Obama took the opportunity to speak to Muslims around the world in both English and Arabic, in a video posted on the White House website.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R4KfYuDrvU

For many practicing Muslims festivities include fasting, praying and, for some, Twittering. A Muslim man from New York suggests that his fellow faithful use the micro blogging site to post their favourite verses from the Koran each day.
http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23quran

And while many will abandon social networks to avoid all distractions, others will use Facebook to gather practical information about prayer and end of fast times.
http://facebook-mirror.enix.org/apps/application.php?id=29306175285

Similarly, many applications for mobile phones have recently been designed to allow users to consult the month’s religious calendar, find the right direction for Mecca when praying, or read the Koran at any given time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKeVIv8erp8

Online shopping portals have changed their look for the occasion, just like most of the big brands around Christmas time. The aim being to attract more consumers, specifically those concerned with reconciling the practicing of their religion with purchasing power.
http://www.al-kanz.org/2009/08/19/ramadan-internet/

Many net users are using their blogs to recount their experience of Ramadan. They talk about organising the shopping for the holiday and what they buy, share recipes and describe local traditions, for example, in Egypt they light Ramadan lanterns.
http://mramdhen.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/arabic-food-recipes/posts/tag/ramadan+recipes/
http://allaboutegypt.org/tag/fawani/

Afghan elections

In partnership with several NGOs and new technology companies, the US Agency for International Development has just posted online this interactive map of Afghanistan. Its aim is to allow net users to report incidents or irregularities that occurred during the Presidential and Provincial elections held last Thursday. The net is being used as a tool to increase transparency in the electoral process.
http://news.geocommons.com/afghanistanelection09

British Yamakasis

These British guys are Youtube stars, they are known for their urban acrobatics which are done in the style of ‘Yamakasi’ street stunt artists. And for their new series of videos, the two men have focused on interactivity. Net users can chose which stunt they will perform in their video. Their skill is just as impressive each time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxK-QmM4AM8

Video of the Day

Nearly two million net users have already discovered this dog that apparently dislikes President Barack Obama. Whenever Obama’s name is mentioned, he refuses doggy treats and turns his head away. His owner, who clearly didn’t vote Democrat at the last elections, plays along, pretending to be just discovering the reaction of his four legged friend, which was obviously trained to react this way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XivhwO_zWWg "> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XivhwO_zWWg