Stories from 15 August 2011
Russia: “On the Eve of Collapse”
To mark the upcoming 20th anniversary of the August 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, OpenDemocracy.net publishes two excerpts from Susan Richards’ 1990 book, “Epics of Everyday Life: Encounters in a Changing Russia.”
Hungary: New Law on Churches and Scientology
Eva S. Balogh of Hungarian Spectrum writes about Hungary's new law on churches – according to which the legal status of a church is to be decided by the parliament – and the alleged role of the Church of Scientology in the adoption of this law.
Cuba: First “Gay” Marriage
This past weekend, a gay man and a trans-sexual woman, got married. In Cuba - on the same day that Fidel Castro turned 85. Bloggers weigh in on the landmark event, including Cuba's most well-known netizen, Yoani Sanchez, who acted as matron of honour.
Czech Republic: Gay Pride in Prague and Politics
The Reference Frame comments on the politics surrounding Prague's first gay pride parade.
The Balkans, Norway: Anders Breivik and Srđa Trifković
Eric Gordy of East Ethnia writes about the Balkan dimension of the July 22 terrorist attacks in Norway: “[…] [Anders Breivik] has the revelation that his path to violent idiocy began with his shock at the Kosovo bombing campaign in 1999. So to the other sets of concerns he understands...
U.S.: The Soviet Arts Experience in Chicago
Poemless posts an overview of some of the current exhibitions taking place in Chicago as part of The Soviet Arts Experience, “a 16-month-long showcase of works by artists who created under (and in response to) the Politburo of the Soviet Union.”
Estonia: A Breivik of Tallinn?
Giustino of Itching for Eestimaa draws parallels between the confused motives of Oslo killer Anders Breivik and Karen Drambjan and his failed attempt at attacking the Estonian Ministry of Defence in Tallinn on 11 August.
Pakistan: Celebrating Independence Day
This year, on August 14, Pakistan's Independence Day was celebrated with jubilation not only in the streets but also in the blogosphere. Netizens posted about Pakistan, praying for its prosperity and success.
Mexico City's 1000th Gay Wedding
“Mexican national José Carlos Gómez and the Dutch Tjarda Olaf Helias became the 1000th gay couple to legally wed in Mexico City”, writes Aguachile, and adds: “I don't know about yours, but neither one of those thousand has made my own marriage feel threatened in the slightest.”
El Salvador: Reopening Wounds or Paving the Way for Reconciliation?
Mike in Central American Politics comments on the implications of the news of the nine former soldiers who “turned themselves into authorities one week ago. The men are wanted by a Spanish court for the killing of six Jesuits and their housekeeper and her daughter at the University of Central...
Colombia Eliminated from FIFA U-20 World Cup
In EquinoXio [es] blogger Marsares [es] is covering [es] the U-20 Football World Cup taking place in Colombia from July 29 to August 20 with the participation of 24 countries. Colombia, the host, was eliminated [es] in a game against Mexico, generating all kinds of reactions online.
Cuba: “Las Damas” – The Struggle Continues
Attacks allegedly continue against Cuba's Ladies in White.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Woman Killed, Victim of Domestic Violence
As yet another young woman becomes a victim of domestic violence, Abeni says: “A weariness fills my soul…and within my weariness is a growing despair that we are a long way from turning around this situation. Sometimes it is hard being a woman.”
Trinidad & Tobago: Fork in the Road for England
“Just as there are two exits in Clapham Junction station, there are two paths for England. One takes us down the road of xenophobic, society-crushing finger pointing and name-calling. The other path is to a society we all feel a part of”: Outlish posts an interesting youth perspective on the...
Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica: Twitter Lit Wit
Annie Paul is impressed at the “Bolt-like capacities” with which Trinidadian netizens took on the Twitter hashtag #bookswithalettermissing. Check out her post for some real gems.
Zambia: Netizen Launches Vlog Ahead of Elections
As Zambians are getting ready for the country's September 20 tripartite elections, a Zambian political activist has decided to put across his political and socio-economic messages through videos. He shares his videos on YouTube.
Google Logos Celebrate Indian and Korean Independence Days
BuzzInTech posted about Google's celebrations of South Korean and Indian independence days on August 15 by using its special logos in their countries’ Google main search page.
Iran: 12th century book was censored
Iranian authorities decided after 900 years to censor “Khosrow and Shirin” book. “Khosrow and Shirin” depicts the love of Sassanian king Khosrow II towards an Armenian princess, Shirin. Khashak blog writes [fa] which parts have been censored.
Japan: How to Unplug Your Life and Save Electricity
People in Japan have been unplugging their lives as electricity-saving measures have been implemented to cope with power shortages. The effectiveness of the measures is yet to be proven but many have taken this opportunity to change their power consuming life style.
Mexico: Celebrating Cantinflas’ 100th Birthday
This August, Mexico celebrates one hundred years of the birth of comedian Mario Moreno, better known as Cantinflas. Considered a comedy icon, Cantinflas made his audience reflect on the contrast between the poor and the rich in a unique way.
Bangladesh: Tragic Deaths Puts the Spotlight on Road Safety
The untimely death of award-winning film director Tareque Masud and internationally renowned cameraman and TV journalist Ashfaque Munier Mishuk in a road accident has shocked Bangladeshis. Netizens are mourning their death and are asking questions about the road safety on Bangladeshi highways.
