Stories from Quick Reads from April, 2007
Iraq: The Sound of Bombs
“If this morning’s blasts have an explanation last night’s explosions remain of unknown origin and nature. Last night there were more than two dozen explosions that could be heard from...
Egypt: From Fisk to Heykal
A week or two ago The Independent ran a portrait-interview of Muhammad Hassanein Heykal by Robert Fisk. It was a rather odd piece — an ode of admiration and self-admiration...
Algeria: Say Camel in 40 Words
Algerian blogger and linguist Lameen Souag draws our attention to the fact that there are more than 40 words used in Arabic to mean and describe camels.
Oman: Why No FM Stations?
“If I'm not mistaken the law governing the licensing of private TV and radio stations came out in August 2004 and the license fee structure was agreed by committee overseeing...
Bahrain: Multi-Cast a First!
Bahraini blogger Mahmood Al Yousif took part in a multi-cast, the first in the Middle East, in which an Egyptian judge accused of plagiarism was expected to make an appearance....
Guyana: Sarwan New W.I. Captain
Voice of Guyana International is thrilled that Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan is “being entrusted with the arduous task of taking West Indies cricket forward”, following former captain Brian Lara's recent retirement...
Cuba: The truth of the truth
mi isla al mediodia quotes Carlos Varela's lyrics to make a statement (ES) on truth.
Japan: Media has its eyes wide shut
Ampontan posted a detailed and scathing attack on American media (notably CNN and AP) for their failure to catch the “story staring them in the face”: “In the past two...
Japan: What will happen after Golden Week?
Social Democratic Party MP Hosaka Nobuto and former diplomat Amaki Naoto say things will start moving in the Diet after Golden Week (one week period with several national holidays). Hosaka...
France: Expelling Illegal Immigrants
Continuing the debate on expelling illegal immigrants living in France, SEMEtt ou l'étincelle noire (Fr) writes about a political asylee who was shipped back to Liberia, a group of long-term...
Why is adultery illegal in Senegal?
Why is adultery illegal in Senegal? (Fr) Women are still considered the property of men and religion a justification for law, whether or not you are a believer, the Blog...
China: Please, no more rural healthcare propaganda!
Chris O'Brien from Beijing Newspeak blogged about the editorial process of a Xinhua article about China rural healthcare system: it was immensely frustrating that the story had to go through...
China: Prison Break
Joel Martinsen from DANWEI has translated a BBS post, Musings on the Chinese version of Prison Break, which addressed the question: how would a Chinese Prison Break be adapted so...
China: Slogans with Chinese characteristics
Banyue from DANWEI blogged some outrageous Chinese slogans, such as: Popularize the first child, control the second child, exterminate the third child, Whoever does not follow family planning will have...
China: An Eye for an Eye
The dog abuse case in Nanjing has resulted in furious internet response and real life threat: “You burned that dog to death and therefore I want you ‘dead'!” ESWN translated...
Japan: Baby Crying Contest
James from Japan Probe posted some photos from the annual baby crying contest.
Myanmar: Electricity and Internet
As internet is becomes more popular in Mayanmar, the electricity supply gets more and more irregular. Myat Thura has more.
Brunei: Brunei Girl, Sex and Relationship
Katie-Ella who calls herself “an old married woman” but remembers being a teenager once writes a post for “young women out there who are still finding their way, (hopefully) enjoying...
Mali: presidential elections in Mali
Sociolingo's Mali blogs about today's presidential elections in Mali: “So far all is quiet here in Bamako on polling day. There seems to be a little apathy in the city...
Africa: more African than thou
Koluki posts photos from the “drum jam session” at the White House and asks, “… ON THE PATH TO SELF-RIGHTEOUS “MORE AFRICAN THAN THOU”?”
Africa: ingenuity at a young age
Afrigadget on ingenuity of African children: “Most African children are forced to create their own toys from scratch. Below are some samplings of what they make with what’s available. Old...
