Tag Archives: south

‘District 9’ determined not to stick to formula

Science fiction flicks featuring aliens can be a little formulaic: Aliens invade American territory, mass destruction ensues, and nine times out of 10, Will Smith rides to the rescue But the alien-infested “District 9,” opening in theaters Friday, takes things in a different direction — if the producer may say so himself. “It’s utterly original,” producer Peter Jackson — yes, “Lord of the Rings” helmsman Peter Jackson — told Entertainment Weekly. “In an industry that’s looking to make movies out of every obscure TV show, or sequels, or video games, you look at ‘District 9’ and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen,” he said.

Georgia, South Ossetia trade jabs

The former Soviet republic of Georgia and one of its breakaway territories, Russia-backed South Ossetia, accused each other of violating the cease-fire that ended last year’s Russian-Georgian war, days before the conflict’s anniversary. The European Union, which monitors the boundary in place since the 2008 conflict, said on Tuesday it had not seen any evidence to confirm either side’s claims but expressed concern about the allegations. “The EU urges all sides to refrain from any statement or action that may lead to increased tensions at this particularly sensitive time,” the union said in a statement issued Tuesday

Will High-Heel-Friendly Streets Keep Seoul’s Women Happy?

By 2010, Seoul’s women should officially be happy — at least the ones with driver’s licenses. In May, the city government started to paint 4,929 public and private parking places pink throughout the city, with thousands more slated to go under the brush next year.

South African policeman kills self while guarding Mandela’s home

A South African policeman guarding former South African President Nelson Mandela’s home shot and killed himself Saturday, police said. The police sergeant, who was working for the police VIP unit, killed himself while on duty at the guard house outside Mandela’s Johannesburg home, National Police spokeswoman Sally de Beer said.

Analyst: Undersea cable can boost connections

The SEACOM cable being promoted as a computer lifeline for Africa will contribute to social upliftment but not immediately, a telecommunications analyst says. James Hodge, who specializes in competition and regulation, says initially SEACOM will predominantly benefit those already connected. Hodge said it will not initially change the lives of those poor people, sitting in the rural areas without lights or electricity.

The Outrage of South Africa’s Poor Threatens Their President, Jacob Zuma

South African President Jacob Zuma has a problem: the very underclass that swept him into office last April on his promise to deliver them a better life have run out of patience, and they’re venting their outrage on the streets. Little more than a year after the country’s impoverished black townships erupted in a wave of violence directed at migrants from neighboring African countries, tires are once again burning on the streets as crowds protesting the lack of resources in their communities clash with police in images sometimes reminiscent of the apartheid era. Recent weeks have seen a wave of angry and at times violent protests and strikes break out across the country.