15 August 2011

Stories from 15 August 2011

Russia: “On the Eve of Collapse”

  15 August 2011

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.”

Cuba: First “Gay” Marriage

  15 August 2011

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.

Estonia: A Breivik of Tallinn?

  15 August 2011

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

  15 August 2011

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

  15 August 2011

“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.”

Colombia Eliminated from FIFA U-20 World Cup

  15 August 2011

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.

Trinidad & Tobago: Fork in the Road for England

  15 August 2011

“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...

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

  15 August 2011

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

  15 August 2011

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

  15 August 2011

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.