Stories about English from November, 2016
Call for Sugar Tax on Beverages Ignites Nanny State Debate Down Under
"Rather than considering a sugar tax, it'd be more useful if there was a fresh fruit and veg subsidy for low income earners and pensioners"
In Iran, the Kurdish Struggle Remains in the Shadows
The Kurdish struggle remains one of the most compelling storylines of the Middle East. The Kurds of Iran are active, but often ignored by the international community.
Sriracha, a Truly Global Sauce with a Big Heap of Vietnamese Love
"...whenever I post a message on Facebook or maybe like email my friends asking them if they want anything from California...the number one answer is Sriracha sauce."
A Bahraini Mannequin Challenge Tackles the Country's Stereotypes
"In this clip, we do not mean one section [of society]. We mean all of you, all of society."
An American Traveler Accuses Macedonian Customs of Corruption After ‘Ordeal’ at the Border
Rick Ray uploaded a video saying officials confiscated his drone -- not because he did anything wrong, but because they wanted to resell it for profit.
A Peek Behind the Curtains at Russian Esquire Reveals Debate on Putin Coverage
In a public exchange, Esquire's chief editor asked not to “burden” readers with politics, after an editor made a recent remark by Vladimir Putin the “quote of the day” online.
How My Father Recorded 100 Days of Curfew In Kashmir
"According to Google Maps, my father has his free movement restricted to 990 metres, 10 metres less than a kilometre."
Brazilian Activists Outsmart Facebook's Censorship of the Female Nipple
"What are the real differences between one portrait and another? What is offensive in one nipple that isn't in the other?"
Complaint of Moldy Buns Triggers Wave of Harassment at Chinese University
A students was forced to make a public apology after accusing his school cafeteria of selling moldy buns. He has now left Weibo, after receiving a flood of harassing comments.
Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri Bans Photojournalist for this ‘Unofficial’ Photo
Hussein Baydoun was barred from photographing the PM after this image was published. Photographs he took during last year's ‘you stink’ protests against government corruption were featured in numerous outlets.
Sleeping or Dead – Part 4: “We Declared It a Revolution For Freedom”
"For them our triumphant chants for freedom have been a sort of rape, and now is their chance for revenge."
Leader of Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Movement ‘Bersih’ Arrested Under Anti-Terror Law
"Is this the type of country that we Malaysians want to live in, where corruption runs amok, elections are rigged and innocents are placed behind bars?"
Despite Challenges, Volunteerism is Giving Young Jamaicans Hope
"Volunteers make our communities safer; they stand up for human rights and lobby for positive change [...] Their collective efforts can make Jamaica a more vibrant, healthy country."
After Officers Kill 15-Year-Old “Known Pest”, Trindadians Take Aim at Police Tactics
"I am not saying either was right or wrong but excuse me if I DON'T take the word of the esteemed members of the T&T Police Service as gospel!!"
Bangladeshis Watch Launch of Uber in Their Country With Relief and Caution
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is known for its lack of public transport and notorious traffic jams.
South Africa's Youngest Novelist, 7-year-old Michelle Nkamankeng, Wants to Inspire Others
Michelle Nkamankeng, 7, has taken the internet and the literary world by storm with her first book in a series of four, "Waiting for the Waves".
I’m Qatari, and I Want to Be Able to Decide For Myself Who I Marry
"My marriage changed me. It took my outside my bubble, and made me question our culture’s values."
Brazil Superior Court Rules in Google's Favor, Against ‘Right to Be Forgotten’
The court ruled that forcing search engines to adjudicate removal requests would give too much responsibility to search engines, effectively making them into digital censors.
Seeing Central Asia in Bolivia's Migration Experience
"Migration triggers a variety of reactions in both the person that emigrates and in his or her family members."
Melbourne’s Networked Society Symposium Explores Digital Landscape
The threats and opportunities presented by our digital world and the rise of the 'Fifth Estate' were explored at a symposium at Melbourne University's Networked Society Institute.
Eastern Aleppo Health Director: Due to Systematic Attacks Against Hospitals, All Are Now Out of Service
As the Syrian regime and Russian government continue their assault on besieged Eastern Aleppo, the Aleppo Health Directorate announced that all remaining hospitals in Aleppo are out of service.