Stories about English from September, 2013
Bhutan: Electoral Laws Need To Be Changed
Yeshey Dorji welcomes the move of the Bhutanese National Council to initiate a discussion on the electoral corruptions that were reported during the country's last General Elections the possible amendments the electoral laws require.
India: The Prime Minister Nominee & His Criminal Records
“Can a person with Criminal Records become the PM of India?” – asks Dr. Abdul Ruff while discussing the nomination of the right wing leader and Gujarat chief-minister Narendra Modi. He is the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance for the upcoming 2014 Indian general...
Gazans Call to End Rafah Border Suffering
"Human dignity has become a joke. International law is nothing but empty, powerless words printed in books," writes Gazan student Shahd Abu Salama, who is stranded at the Rafah Crossing.
South Korea: President's Failed Welfare Promise Sparks Criticism
President Park is under fire for her retreat on campaign promises of higher pension and tuition subsidies. Critics say her campaign pledges adopted against her own identity as a conservative candidate, helped Park to rake in more votes in the last presidential election. @metempirics gathered relevant links and web reactions [ko] in...
Syrian-Palestinian Refugees of Rap: “The Age of Silence is Over”
After the Assad regime destroyed their UN-funded studio, Sawt Al Shaab (The Voice of the People), in the Yarmouk refugee camp, Refugees of Rap has regrouped. Read more here.
Why Indonesia Should Not Raise its Minimum Wage
Rocky Intan explains why a minimum wage hike in Indonesia will harm the country's economy: National and local leaders should resist pressure by some union leaders for an increase in the minimum wage. The increase has not been in line with inflation, unlike what the protesters claim. Moreover, the raise...
Phuket-themed Stamps in Thailand
Mark Jochim features Thailand stamps that showcase the beauty and culture of Phuket, a popular island tourism destination. Interestingly, he notes that Phuket-themed stamps do not include the famous beaches of Phuket.
VIDEO: Filmpoem “Prayer of Fear” Stuns Egypt
The Egyptian citizen collective Mosireen has been tirelessly documenting the #Jan25 revolution and the events that followed in images and documentaries. One of their very last creations is “Prayer of Fear”, a filmpoem by Mahmoud Ezzat narrated by Mosireen member Salma Said. Between roving and painful memories, the filmpoem stuns...
Chinese City Invites Web Users to Correct Its ‘Chinglish’
To attract more foreigners to work in Shenzhen, the city has launched a campaign to wipe out poorly translated public signs.
Boko Haram Militants Kill Up to 50 Nigerian University Students
The students were asleep in their college dormitory when the armed gunmen attacked. Boko Haram has been behind many deadly attacks in the region recently.
Saudi Clergyman Delivers Ground-breaking Science on Why Women Shouldn't Drive
Women in Saudi Arabia should not drive because driving will have adverse effects on their pelvis and ovaries, says a religious scholar. No Kidding.
‘How Much Are You Paid?’ Young Nigerians Ask Their Members of Parliament
Young Nigerians on and offline ask their members of Parliament some hard questions.
Chinese Rethink Capital Punishment after Execution of Xia Junfeng
The public opinion in China is in support of capital punishment. However, many netizens reflect upon their stand after the execution of street vendor Xia Junfeng. Offbeat China highlights the discussion.
Crowd-funding Revives Australian Climate Council After Government Axe
Following the axing of the Australian government Climate Commission it has been reborn as the not-for-profit Climate Council thanks to crowd-funding.
Russian News Websites Black Out to Protest Journalist's Arrest
A photographer was among the 30 activists arrested by Russian border guards on board Greenpeace's Arctic Sunrise. His detention has riled up Russian journalists and other media figures.
“You Can Kick Female Flight Attendants” in Kazakhstan
A former government official in Kazakhstan recently kicked a female flight attendant, reportedly because she did not speak Kazakh. The story has caused a stir on social media. Blogger Pivovar offers [ru] the most interesting and most widely shared Twitter posts on this incident, such as the one below: Казахстан-2013: бить...
GV Face: Retweeting Terrorists? The Westgate Mall Attacks
In this week's edition of our Google Hangout series GV Face, we discuss the role of social media in the aftermath of the devastating attack in Kenya.
Russia’s Hunger Games
There are two hunger strikes in Russia today, one by a famous Pussy Riot member and another by a mothers' group. What do the different receptions online say about Russia?
Tajik President's Reelection Bid Finds Support Online
With less than six weeks to go before presidential elections, Tajikistan's incumbent leader has found unexpected support from some bloggers.
Kyrgyzstan: “It is Impossible to Propagandize Homosexuality”
Prominent Kyrgyzstani blogger Bektour Iskander reflects [ru] on on the recent law banning gay ‘propaganda’ in Russia and speculations that some Kyrgyz human-rights NGOs are engaged in such propaganda: It is impossible to propagandize homosexuality. Because a heterosexual cannot turn into a gay, even if she/he communicates with hundreds of...
