15 August 2011

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...

15 August 2011

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.

15 August 2011

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...

15 August 2011

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.

15 August 2011

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...

15 August 2011

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.

15 August 2011

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...

15 August 2011

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.

15 August 2011

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.

15 August 2011

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.

15 August 2011