Stories about English from January, 2016
Deus Ex Putina
According to a Russian news site and a whole lot of bloggers, Vladimir Putin’s ex-wife, Lyudmila, has remarried. The RuNet also thinks it's found her Facebook account.
Old Postcards Reveal Forgotten World War I Memories in Macedonia
Made between 1914 and 1918, these photos not only document military aspects of World War I, but also provide views of places and people caught within its maelstrom.
After Schoolboys’ Murders, Trinidadians Slam Racial Stereotypes and Media's Sensationalism
"The blatant outright Hate has been allowed to flourish because we've stood by with heads buried deep. [...] What you allow will continue…"
Meet the Thai Facebook User Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Insulting the Monarchy
"It made me question why Thailand is still so poor, and why the poor in Thailand are so repressed.”
‘Homophobes Are People Too’ Campaign Challenges Macedonia's Hostility Toward LGBT People
The human rights reality for LGBT people in Macedonia is poor, with systemic impunity for hate crimes against sexual and gender minorities in the country.
The Russian Government ‘Embraces’ Transparency
Russia is finally embracing transparency—so long as it poses no threat to political stability, writes Andrei Jvirblis in this openDemocracy Russia overview of the Kremlin's open government efforts.
Thanks to the New York Public Library, India’s Bygone Days Are Just a Click Away
The New York Public Library has released more than 180,000 digitized items in the public domain. Readers can now access and download these archived materials from the library for free.
Salt and Loathing in St. Petersburg
What has in the past helped defeat French legions and German divisions is also an ordinary concern for Russians. Usually, there's little cause for celebration, when considering the Russian winter.
Three Foreign Lawyers Have Returned Home Safely, But What’s Life Like for Local Attorneys in Tajikistan?
What's the difference between a Tajik and a non-Tajik lawyer? In Tajikistan, detained foreign attorneys have a better chance of remaining unharmed and securing a quick release.
What You Need to Know About the Recent Job Protests in Tunisia
Five years later, Tunisians are back on the streets protesting for "jobs, freedom and dignity." Tunisian blogger Afef Abrougui tells us what happened.
Social Media Slams India's Judgmental Journalist
"I wasn’t abused, I wasn’t beaten, I wasn’t molested, I wasn’t raped.” Actor Sunny Leone has moved beyond her porn star past -- why can't the journalist who interviewed her?
Ugandans Take a Dig at President Museveni With 30-Year-Old Photos
As President Museveni seeks to be re-elected for a sixth term, Ugandans are using the hashtag #1986pictures to share their memories of that time -- and their political discontent.
Chinese Netizens Climb Over the Great Firewall to Go After Advocates of Taiwanese Independence
A mainland Chinese netizens’ movement aimed at silencing pro-independence Taiwanese "through civilized methods” has become a humourous emoji battle and a tech lesson in scaling the Great Firewall of China.
Viewers in Trinidad and Tobago Ready the Toilet Paper for This Year’s Soca Music Competition
The International Soca Monarch competition has become a popular aspect of Trinidad and Tobago's annual Carnival celebrations, but this year's semi-finals left a lot to be desired.
The Only Hero in Russia Who Isn't Named Putin
While Ramzan Kadyrov isn’t Russia’s president, he is far more than a mere regional figure, and the past few weeks have offered only the latest evidence of his “talents.”
Russian LGBT Activist Fined for ‘Propaganda of Homosexuality’ Online
LGBT activist Sergey Alekseenko was accused of "gay propaganda" after posting a quote from a state regulator's report describing another LGBT community on social media.
Can Our Children Be Safe? Pakistanis Ask After University Attack
"This is going to be a test.. a harsh one.. comparisons will be drawn.. you can't have winners when children have been snatched from parents"
Photos of a Misty Morning Sun Rising Over Myanmar's Last Royal Capital
Photographer Zaw Zaw captured the beauty of Mandalay during one morning above Myanmar's last royal capital.
The Air Pollution in Macedonia Is Bringing People Into the Streets, And There’s an App for That
The open data app "My Air" has helped spark massive protests, making Macedonian citizens aware of the results of air-pollution monitoring. Then came the DDoS attacks and government pressure.
The Ever-Blurring Line Between Entertainment and Politics in China and Taiwan
A teenage K-pop performer's apology for waving a Republic of China flag—interpreted as supporting Taiwanese independence—recently went viral.
A New Wave of Protests Sweeps São Paulo Against Public Transportation Fare Hikes
One study found that public transport in 21 Brazilian cities are among the most costly in the world in relation to average salary, outranking London, Tokyo and New York.
