Stories about French from October, 2008
Frightful Facts or Fantastical Fictions?
This third part of the "Lore, ghosts, demons and frights" series has arrived, and we are looking this time a bit beyond the Latin American borders. With this last installment, we seek out the Chupacabras, stick our heads into Voudou rites, observe examples of exorcism and inquire after a cannibal murderer who has become a Venezuelan legend.
BOBs: Global Videobloggers Compete for Award Part 2
Earlier this week we visited the videoblogs of some of the nominees for the BOBs, Deutsche Welle's Best of Blogs awards. On this second part, we'll see which other videobloggers from all over the globe are nominated and what your choices will be when you decide to vote for your...
D.R. Congo: Confusion Reigns in Goma
Two months ago fighting resumed in the DR Congo's Eastern province of North Kivu between the rebel group led by Laurent Nkunda and government forces, in violation of a peace accord signed in January. The fighting has intensified during the last 6 days and, although a cease-fire was announced, the situation remains uncertain in Goma. Here are a few impressions from bloggers on the ground.
Tax incentives to invest Africa: chance for development or more Françafrique?
Le Pangolin [Fr] posts an excerpt from Le Journal du Dimanche on a new provision that would reduce taxes for French companies that invest in developing countries, “especially in Africa.” According to the excerpt, one logic behind the provision would be to encourage more private investment in the hopes that it...
New law gives tax incentives to French companies investing in Africa
Le Pangolin discusses a new provision offering tax incentives to French companies who invest in developing countries [Fr] in particular Africa.
Morocco: Barça Fan Jailed for Superlative Statement
Many bloggers were shocked last week to learn that a young Moroccan man had been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for what seemed like such a minor "crime." The young man, a Barça (FC Barcelona, a soccer team) fan, allegedly wrote “God, Nation, Barça” on the blackboard at his school. Morocco's motto is "God, Nation, King."
Republic of Congo: Ernest Kombo's Passing
Congopages announces the death of Ernest Kombo. Kombo was Bishop of Owando. He died in France, where he was being treated for cancer.
Cote D'Ivoire: MTN and Orange vie for customers
Competition between mobile providers Orange and MTN is heating up in Cote D'Ivoire, writes L'observatoire des médias [Fr], who has photos of a new ad campaign.
Bloggers fear impact of economic crisis on Madagascar
Developing countries like Madagascar fear that a reduction in aid due to the economic crisis will severely hinder the progress made in social development and the reduction of extreme poverty.
Moroccans for Obama?
"When the Americans are getting ready to elect a president, the whole world holds its breath," writes Moroccon blogger, Robin des Blogs [Fr]. It's a sentiment held by many around the world, but some Moroccon netizens aren't sure which outcome--an Obama or a McCain presidency--would be best for Morocco.
Hong Kong: Banned Halloween Ads
Every year, the Ocean Park in Hong Kong would organize Halloween party for attracting visitors. However, its advertisements faced a lot of complaints from the public. This year, some of its clips were banned. But one of the the banned clip is now circulated via youtube and has attracted a...
Japan: Who can you call about Google Street View?
Blogger Hiromitsu Takagi [高木浩光] takes up the story [ja] of Google vice president Kent Walker's Q&A at a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 29th, highlighting statements [ja] by Google Japan director Kōichirō Tsujino [辻野晃一郎] claiming that people who would like images from the company's Street View service to be...
