Feb 12, 2011: Egyptian laptop flock in the middle of revolution

From the Boston Globe's Big Picture comes this shot of anti-government bloggers, working from Tahrir Square. The official caption says "Despite government attempts to shut down the Internet and limit communications, organizers have been adept at using a variety of media and electronic workarounds to coordinate the rallies."

It looks like they've been using the cell network to do tethering; despite government's attempts to shut off the net, somebody left the lights on... and somebody managed to get power and outlet strips so this group could charge up and get word out to the world.

Amazing paradigm shift...

Was the second one taken in Egypt?
It should be scorching out there this time of year, instead it looks more like England

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griff Amazing paradigm shift...

In the middle of all that, they're taking time to play a multiplayer first person shooter. Amazing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by lupin..the..3rd Not really. The death toll for these protests is over 200, with over 1000 injured. Had he elected to stay in power, the people would have stormed the palace and killed him, and his wife. Mubarak knew this all too well, which is why he fled the palace by helicopter last week. Social media and the internet just gave status updates to the world, like a virtual tv new reporter- They were not an influencing factor in anything, nor did they displace traditional weapons in any way. But it does make for a clever sign.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl Was the second one taken in Egypt? It should be scorching out there this time of year, instead it looks more like England

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perry Winkle I have a friend in Glasgow. Apparently there were enough Arabs there to put on a pretty good demonstration in support of the revolution. I believe it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl Egyptians. They're geographically Africans y'see. But thanks for the possible answer. It makes sense to me. And yes, London is full of Arabs (Elvis Costello)

Now let's all hope it doesn't turn into another inept "student", enabling radical religious dominated government.

Iran comes to mind... They kick out someone undesired and eventually end up with a pathological idiot who's religiously backed as a President for Life - who's much worse.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spexxvet In the middle of all that, they're taking time to play a multiplayer first person shooter. Amazing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt What you call them can vary, but Arab is not incorrect in general. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_people

Nice, Egypt is on my list one day.

What makes me chuckle is that just about every sign you see held up in the crowd is in English .... and if there is Arabic on it, it is smaller and almost a subtitle ... So all the signs are just made for the journalists and CNN, not for the people of Egypt.

I spent a month there, and have some close friends from the country. I'm very proud of them for finally standing up for themselves.

I do think the internet was a big influence on their ability to mobilize and coordinate, as well as keep spirits up. I would think it would be easier to face tanks and tear gas when you know people around the world are behind you (in spirit).

I followed every moment with live streaming broadcasts, multiple live blogs and twitter feed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloridaDragon So all the signs are just made for the journalists and CNN, not for the people of Egypt.