Stories from August, 2013
Teacher Protests Over Education Reform Paralyze Mexico City
Members and supporters of the CNTE have been protesting in Mexico City against education reforms already passed, seeking to repeal them.
A Historian's Pessimistic Farewell to Macedonia
Historian, analyst and blogger Harald Schenker, who has lived in Macedonia since 1999 and is now moving to Switzerland, created social network buzz with his farewell post, addressed to a “failing Macedonia”, in which he provides a diagnosis for the country's demise and a plea for rebuilding Macedonian society. The...
Serbian National Parachuter Ejected from Team for Disgruntled Facebook Comments
Aleksandar Cvetković described on his Facebook how the Serbian parachuting team traveled to Russia to participate in the European championships only to find that Serbian officials hadn't paid for anything.
Ghana Awaits Judgement in Legal Battle for Presidency
Streets are deserted, shops are closed, markets are empty and some bar owners will not sell alcohol today as the nations anxiously wait for the presidential election petition judgement.
‘The Worst Tours’ Unveils Darker Side of Portugal's Top Travel Destination
An alternative tours agency takes visitors through "the other side" of the city of Porto to show them what life is really like under austerity .
Hong Kong's Civil Disobedience Campaign Seeks Inspiration from Martin Luther King
Democrats in Hong Kong are planning to occupy the city center and struggle for universal suffrage. Martin Luther King's civil disobedience campaign serves as their inspiration.
China's Decision on Cultural Reform
China's current crackdown on online rumors is consistent with the official decision [zh] released after the Sixth Plenum of the 17th Party Congress in October 2011. Oxford scholar Rogier Creemers from China Copyright and Media blog translated this official document, titled Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Decision Concerning Deepening Cultural Structural...
Campaigning for a Smoke-Free Southeast Asia
Review of several anti-smoking campaigns in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Plus an advisory from Philippine health authorities against the dangers of promoting e-cigarettes
Not a Single Liberian Student Passed This Year's University Admission Test
"No one in that country is even smart enough to cheat?" one shocked Twitter user asked.
Russia's Unpopular but “Necessary” Illegal Immigrant Camps
At the end of July, Moscow's Governor proposed a new detention center for illegal immigrants on a former military base near the Yegoryevsky district. Not everyone is thrilled.
Choosing ‘Exile’ Over Break-up, US Citizens Follow ‘Banned’ Spouses Abroad
Families tell their stories online through social media, where they also raise awareness about their cases and pressure US legislators to include their families in the much anticipated immigration reform.
Strike in Colombia Gains Momentum
Colombia's national strike, which began with an agrarian strike on August 19, is “gaining momentum with shows of support from the citizenry”, as Steven Cohen writes in Colombia Reports: More than 10,000 people participated in “cacerolazos” — protests in which participants bang on kitchen pots and pans — held throughout...
Missing ‘Bar Heaven’ Patrons in Mexico Found Dead
The bodies of the missing youth from #BarHeaven have been uncovered in a secret grave in Mexico State.
Trinidad & Tobago: No Action on Dog Control Act
Trinidadian diaspora blogger Jumbie's Watch, upset over the news that another person has been mauled to death by a pit bull, wonders why the President hasn't yet proclaimed The Dog Control Act.
Conference on Water Ends with ‘Empty Statements’ in Tajikistan
Tajikistan recently hosted an international conference on water. The event has failed to impress the country's social media users who believe that large summits are less effective than tangible efforts to resolve water-related problems.
‘Million People March’ Against Corruption in the Philippines
Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered in Manila and several cities in the Philippines to denounce rampant corruption in the government.
Russia's Political Firebrand: What Makes Navalny Tick?
Russia's best-known political blogger earned his fame fighting corruption in the private sector, but may now face five years' jail time on (possibly trumped-up) embezzlement charges. In the meantime, he's running for mayor of Moscow.
Peruvian Runners Win Mexico City Marathon
Peruvian athletes Raúl Pacheco and Gladys Tejeda won their respective categories in the Mexico City Marathon [es]. Pacheco won the male category, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:16,53 hours. Meanwhile, the 2:37,32 time achieved by Tejeda gave her the first place in the female category. Peruvian sports...
Kyrgyzstan to Become a ‘Beam of Light’ in the ‘Dark’ Region?
Blogger Bektour Iskender suggests [ru] that “free” Kyrgyzstan should allow citizens of the less free nations in Central Asia, particularly Turkmenistan, to stay in the country visa-free: OK, we have [visa-free regime] for citizens of 44 developed nations. This is great. However, I believe that Kyrgyzstan as the most free country...
It Started With a Kiss: Footballer Causes Homophobia Debate in Brazil
A photo showing a footballer kissing a male friend has caused much controversy and debate on social media as machismo and acceptance go face to face.
