Somalian children win guns in radio contest

From Reuters

Children in Somalia have been given guns, cash and religious books for winning a radio contest, according to reports.

The BBC reported the first-place winners of a contest in which the kids recited the Koran on the air received an AK-47 and the equivalent of $700, while the second place winners got an AK-47 and $500. Third place winners were given two hand grenades and $400. All the winners were also given religious books.

"Youths should use one hand for education and the other for a gun to defend Islam," senior al-Shabab official Mukhtar Robow told those attending the ceremony in Elasha, 20 km from Mogadishu, the BBC reported.

The radio contest on Andulus radio, linked to al-Qaida, was held during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

BBC correspondent Mohamed Moalumni reported this is the third year the contest has been held.

Life inside Somalia is hard.

On the limit.

What do ship captains do to protect themselves.

Since they can't legally carry firearms ship captains have several deterrent methods to deal with the threat.

Catching up with the Pirates

With naval blockades and patrols things have become even more risky and deadly for the pirates. 

What gets targeted most might not be what you think.

Slow moving ships are always an easy target.  However you'd be surpised to see that fishing ships are among the top of the list.  The red number show the total number of that type of ship that was attacked.  While the white number inside is human hostages taken.  Click to enlarge.

Strike zones

Let's take a look at the map of hits.  As you can see the farther out they go the less effective they are.  They also have some favorite spots that are in the path of shipping lanes.

New topic is Somali Pirates!

The pirates of Somalia risk their lives for booty that is worth millions.  Mega tankers and richmens yachts are just some of the tasty treats they look for.

Start of Part 2

Start of Part 2

Malagantana: Fiat 500 art car from Mozambique

Malagantana: Fiat 500 art car from Mozambique – A decorated artist uses a Fiat 500 as his inspirational canvas to help raise funds for charity.

To celebrate the official opening of Mozambique’s premier Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealership in Maputo on the 5th April, a very special Fiat 500 was revealed – a car designed and painted by award-winning Mozambican artist, Malangatana Valente Ngwenya. The work, entitled “The Italian Woman” quite literally takes Malangatana’s artistic vision from the gallery and onto the street. Somewhat poignantly, the Malangatana 500 was the last piece ever crafted by the artist as he sadly passed away on the 5th January 2011.

(Source topcarspeed.com)

Piri-Piri Sauce - Cuisine of Mozambique

 

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 6 sprigs parsley, chopped (or 2 Tablespoons dried parsley)
• 1 cup butter or oil

Procedure

1. Combine all the ingredients together in a saucepan and heat on low for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Serve with cooked shrimp. Piri-piri may also accompany chicken, seafood, and most meats.

Two Mozambican men have been given 21-year jail sentences for rhino poaching

Two Mozambican men have been given 21-year jail sentences for rhino poaching in Zimbabwe, the independent Newsday paper reported Friday.
Those terms are longer than ones usually given for rape and murder.

Poachers have killed out at least 14 rhino in Zimbabwe's nature reserves so far this year, principally for their horn, which is believed to have magical, cancer-curing properties in some Eastern countries.
(Source M&C news)

Meaning of the Mozambique Flag

The current version of the Flag was adopted on May 1, 1983.  The three main colors represent the following.  The black stripe is for Africa.  The green Stripe is for the riches of the land.  The yellow stripe is for the wealth of minerals in the land.  The two small white stripes means peace.   The red stands for the struggle of independence.  The Other items such as the star is sign of Marxism.  The open book shows the need to keep learning throughout life.  The garden hoe shows the hard working agricultural parts of the country.  Finally last but definitely not least, is the AK-47 with a full mag and bayonet showing strength and power with the will to fight for freedom and defense. 

Mozambique's Flag