Stories about English from April, 2008
Zimbabwe: Pay Day Facts
Pay day in Zimbabwe: “Today is pay day. I received a gross wage of just under $860 million. I also received benefits being $400 million dollars as a transport allowance and $67 million as a housing allowance. These benefits were awarded by the government as some sort of assistance towards...
Rising Voices Seeks Micro-Grant Proposals for Health-Related New Media Outreach
Rising Voices, the outreach arm of Global Voices, in collaboration with the Open Society Institute Public Health Program’s Health Media Initiative, is now accepting project proposals for the third round of microgrant funding of up to $5,000 for new media outreach projects focused especially on public health issues involving marginalized populations.
Cuba: Las Damas de Blanco
It has been the most discussed topic in the Cuban blogosphere over the last week: the arrest of Las Damas de Blanco as they staged a peaceful demonstration for the release of their husbands, jailed by the Castro regime.
South Africa: Jacob Zuma – marketer of the year
Jacob Zuma's marketing strategy works: “But there has been a noticeable shift in attitude amongst (mostly) white, middle class South Africans to a man who used to be famous for kangas, baby oil and homophobia. Jacob Zuma is making one of the most impressive comebacks in South African political history....
Special report on Vietnam censored
Saigon Blues writes that the current issue of The Economist which has a special report on Vietnam has been subjected to censorship in Vietnam.
Thailand: Boycott Tesco Lotus campaign
British company Tesco Lotus has sued three Thai journalists in just one month for writing about the “aggressive” operations of the global retailer in Thailand. As a protest, Fable supports a worldwide boycott campaign of Tesco Lotus.
Vietnam ends adoption program with U.S.
American couple and bloggers Robert and Lesa went to Vietnam 16 months ago to adopt a girl. Imagine their disappointment as Vietnam ends its adoption program with the United States
Malaysia: Parliament begins session
My Life My Stories comments on the opening session of Malaysia's Parliament: “Parliament is like a wet market. Shouting everywhere, speaking without raising hand to get approval and of course calling each other nickname.”
Indonesia: Praying and shopping
Indonesia Matters reports that people in West Java are flocking to shopping malls in order to pray.
South Africa: Should South Africans boycott Chinese products?
Sarah asks, So, could South Africans boycott Chinese products with any justification?: “Consumer boycotts have long been a means for ordinary consumers to express their anger with a country and hit regimes where it hurts most, in their wallets – even if only indirectly.”
Philippines: Civilian supremacy in Cabinet
A Filipino lawmaker-blogger hopes that the next defense chief of the Philippines will still come from the civilian sector.
Zimbabwe: Election humour on YouTube
Ethan writes “Dark humor about Zimbabwe”: “You might have missed it, because I buried it at the bottom of the last (long) post. What follows below is a very funny radio segment from a South African morning comedy show.”
Ethiopia: Teddy Afro denied bail
Nazret links to an article about the Ethiopian musician Teddy Afro: “The Federal High Court of Ethiopia has this morning denied bail for the release of Tewodros Kassahun (Teddy Afro). The 30-year-old sensational singer, who is accused of a hit and run homicide, will spend the duration of his trial...
Nigeria: British Airways must apologise
The British Airways must apologise for mistreating Nigerians: “yes, I think its time for the Nigerian government to take seriously the issue of how Nigerians are treated in the international scene. They should take it so seriously to the extent that the next Nigerian seen at any airport will receive...
Kenya: ICT and democratic processes
ICT, democratic processes and empowerment in Kenya: “There were varied topics and speakers, but I was very impressed by the presentations of two Kenyan women who are at the forefront of impacting ICT policy and enhancing innovative ways of using the Internet for networking. They are Alice Munyua and Ory...
South Africa: Be a guest blogger on SA Rocks
Do you want to be a guest blogger on South Africa Rocks?: “I am looking for someone to take control of the theme for SA Rocks for a week. I’ll need you to motivate why you want to blog on SA Rocks. What posts you might have in mind, lined...
D.R. of Congo: Penis Theft
Penis theft in the Democratic Republic of Congo: “It's pretty amazing that nobody commented on Penis Theft in Kinshasa, but despite the lack of popularity of this topic, I have more to say about it…”
Cuba: Passing Sentence
Child of the Revolution, Uncommon Sense and Ninety miles away…in another country all comment on Raul Castro's decision “to commute most death sentences to 30 years to life in prison.”
Bahamas: Abuse of Power
In the Bahamas, Womanish Words blogs about an environmental fundraiser gone awry: “The Royal Bahamian Police Force needs to know that we the new and awakened public doesn’t sit by silently anymore when bad cops are allowed to run rampant, to violate our human rights in raids like this one.”
Nigeria: Mobile TV
Yomi writes about Mobile TV in Nigeria: “Subscribers on the MTN Nigeria network can now watch up to 10 DSTV television channels on mobile phones. The channels include: SuperSport, Channel O, Africa Magic, and Cartoon Network, among others.”
D.R. of Congo: Kinshasa Soundtrack
A musical gift from the Democratic Republic of Congo: “To celebrate a couple of years in the Congo, here’s a mixtape just for Extra Extra readers. (Songs should stream when clicked. If they don’t, please let me know and I’ll scratch my head and bleat a bit.)”
