Stories about English from September, 2016
Russian Politician Wants Journalists Prosecuted for Sharing Footage of His Ricky Martin Dance
A city councilman in Orlov has filed a police report against local journalists for sharing video footage of him dancing to Ricky Martin’s “Livin la Vida Loca.”
In Tanzania, Expressing Political Opinions on Social Media is Becoming Increasingly Dangerous
Since President John Magufuli won the presidential election in October 2015, 14 people have already being arrested and charged for insulting the president on social media.
Thais in a Crowded Community Are Playing in the ‘World’s First’ Non-Rectangular Football Field
"This unusual football field has proven that designing outside boundaries can help foster creativity used to develop these useful spaces."
Pakistani Actors in Bollywood Become Targets of Hate as the India-Pakistan Tussle Escalates
"...culture and art and sport should be without boundaries and borders. These are the two areas which bring people together and encourage understanding of other cultures."
Facebook Live Video Triggers Presidential Controversy in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago's President Anthony Carmona held a press conference on September 28 to respond to claims against his office, but many questions remain unanswered.
I Am Lucky to Have a Syrian Passport
"Do I appear fidgety? Maybe it is because I don’t understand how someone would ever answer “Yes” to the question: 'Are you a member of a secret banned organization?'"
Luxury ‘Mosquito-Sized’ Flats Are Not Good News for Hong Kong's Poor
"I believe that this is not only a problem related to poverty, but also a significant social problem."
Russian TV Airs ‘Separatist Coca-Cola’ Prank Video As Real News Footage
A practical joke published on YouTube has made it to network television in Russia, where it was aired as real footage of ethnic tension in Ukraine.
Puerto Rican Unity, a Bright Spot in the Darkness of an Archipelago-Wide Blackout
The blackout meant hardship for Puerto Ricans, but it also brought out the best qualities of many.
‘When Your Palms Itch, You Will Receive Money’, and Other African Myths
Africans are sharing common myths they've heard on Twitter under the hashtag #100AfricanMyths.
A Bangladeshi Man Who Knows Hunger All Too Well Provides Affordable Meals for Children in Need
"There was a time when I used to wait in the long lines in front of the temple for a little food," says one of the founders of the venture.
Fidencio Sanchez’s Inspiring Story Highlights the Best of Social Media—and the Plight of Latino Immigrants
"At a time when Donald Trump is calling Mexican immigrants drug dealers and rapists, the image of this hard-working Mexican immigrant has become a defiant symbol that challenges hateful stereotypes."
Vietnamese Land Activist Cấn Thị Thêu Has Braved Violence, Arrest and Prison
"I will live in a way that they will see that their brutality will never threaten our will to fight. We will hold on to our land until the end."
Jordanian Government Ignores Public Backlash, Signs Gas Deal With Israel
Despite significant opposition, Jordan signs controversial gas deal with Israel. Protests planned for this Friday could determine the agreement's future.
A Lavish Iranian TV Series Revises the History of the 1953 Coup for the Post-Nuclear Deal Age
Iran's 1953 coup d'état is widely depicted as a rupture in the modern history of Iran. It is also a Pandora’s box filled with contested narratives.
Trinidad & Tobago's Deadline for Passing US Tax Legislation Looms as Politicians ‘Play Games’
"In essence, every bank in the world will become non-paid informants of the IRS."
Uzbekistan's Late President Islam Karimov Leaves an Enduring and Terrifying Legacy
Unlike his regional counterparts he didn't build a cult of personality, but while in power Uzbekistan's Islam Karimov exercised an iron-fisted control over his citizens—and over narratives about the country.
Artist Draws Attention to the Plight of Child Laborers and Young Women in Myanmar
"Art becomes more important for the people to see and feel the reality, and motivate them to make changes in society."
Jordanian Authorities Impose Media Gag After Writer's Killing
Jordanian authorities have banned media coverage of the assassination of Nahed Hattar, a writer who was shot dead on September 25 by a gunman in the capital Amman.
This Soviet Cartoon Was Too Much for Romania’s Communist Censors
According to the documentary "Chuck Norris vs Communism," Romania's state censorship board actually banned scenes from an episode of the classic Soviet cartoon "Nu Pogodi."
Macedonian ‘Colorful Revolution’ Rallies to Defend Special Prosecutor’s Office
Activists of the “Colorful Revolution” movement have announced a new demonstration planned to take plan in front of the parliament building in Skopje in support of the Special Prosecutor's Office.
