Iranian opposition calls for a day of protests on February 14th

Iranian opposition calls for protest on Feb. 14 

Will the wave of revolution that is sweeping through the Arab World revive Iran’s Green Movement? Opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, have called for a day of protests on February 14^th, in support of the popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, sparking lively reaction online.

Numerous student associations across the country have already responded to the appeal and close to 30 000 web users have joined this Facebook group devoted to this day of mobilization.

Cyber censorship has been considerably reinforced in recent weeks and so activists have also been encouraging citizens to take part in the upcoming demonstrations by writing messages on bank notes.

Messages are also springing up in the streets. Written in telephone boxes, and on walls, slogans attacking Tehran’s government have recently been multiplying on the urban landscape.

The demonstrations have not been authorized by the authorities however, although they officially expressed support of the Egyptian uprising which they considered to be an Islamic Revolution: a paradoxical situation according to Mehdi Karroubi who, according to his web site, has been placed under house arrest this week.

But campaigning on the Internet continues nonetheless. Many posters created by anonymous activists are circulating online calling upon Iranians to take to the streets on the 14^th of February. This one is reminding people that the Iranian constitution ensures the right to peaceful demonstrations.

"Supergranny" becomes new Internet superstar 

« The Handbag heroin » and also « Supergranny » : These are just some of the nicknames British web users have been giving to Ann Timson. This 71 year old woman has become a hot topic online ever since this video was posted on the web. We see her chase away 6 men trying to rob a jewelers in Northampton in England. Her intervention has been widely discussed online.  

Scores of Twitter users are hailing Ann Timson’s act and admiring her bravery. They are describing her as a genuine modern day heroine as well as an example for the younger generation.

The thread #supergran has been set up in honour of the online superstar. Web users can pay tribute to her or share the latest pieces of information concerning this extraordinary granny. Some are even wondering if Ann Timson should be awarded an OBE for her exceptional act.

And fans are having a field day on Facebook. And since the video of her exploits was posted online, many groups, like these ones, once again praising her actions, have been set up.

And these exploits have inspired online artists, like the creator of this photomontage depicting the grandmother in a super girl costume.

And video parodies are starting to pour into sharing sites. Here, one web user has added the “wonder woman” theme tune to the images that made Anne Timson famous and given the original video a “Batman” twist.

Grammy Awards live online 

On the 13th of February, it will be possible to follow the 53rd Grammy Awards, the American music industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony live from anywhere in the world via the sites Grammy.com and YouTube.  A temporary online channel devoted entirely to the Grammy Awards, called Grammy Live, is to be set up for the occasion, and will also offer additional videos, and photos.

Barbie and Ken 

Should Barbie take Ken back? It’s up to web users’ to decide. The famous doll duo separated in 2004 but might just get back together for Valentine’s Day. Well, this is the theme of the online campaign launched by toy manufacturer Mattel. Ken tries to win back Barbie using social networks and an online dating site. The scenario is well put together AND web users get to have their say. And so far, fans of the famous blond haired doll do not seem ready to give a potential reconciliation their blessing. 

Video of the day 

The maker of this video, filmed in the Norwegian fjords, had the astonishing idea of practicing his two favourite activities, ice skating and swimming, at the same time. He skates across a frozen lake and then dives into the water for a few lengths, despite the particularly low temperature. This original sporting activity is not likely to attract new enthusiasts very easily.