UK: From Downton to Sherlock: US TV’s British Invasion
When the fourth series of Downton Abbey premiered in the US on 5 January to more than 10m viewers and a new ratings record, it was hardly a surprise. ...
When a Downton Abbey season is in full swing, it provides millions of US viewers with a safe haven from the vulgarity and violence of so much TV programming. Lord Grantham is never going to be revealed as a human-liver-eating serial killer; Lady Mary is never going to join the Real Housewives of Yorkshire. ...
BBC
Cote d'Ivoire: Cote d'Ivoire’s Black Culture Institute to Help Africa Rise Again
“‘Thian Téré’ means ’the age of truth', because the truth must be uncovered and Africa’s glory must be restored.
The goal of the Thian Téré Band therefore is to revive the truth and in the process restore the confidence of Africa and its people in their potential", says Ahmed. ...
All Africa
Canada: Is it the ‘Persian’ or ‘Arabian’ Gulf? Toronto protest sets record straight
It’s like calling Lake Ontario “Lake New York,” one protester said.
Pop quiz: what is the name of the saltwater gulf dividing Iran from several Arab states?
It depends whom you ask. ...
The Star
Mexico: Celebración Para Los Niños to Benefit RISE & Sendero
The biggest and best charity event of the season, Celebración Para Los Niños - benefiting the children from Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE) and Sendero de Esperanza y Amor (Sendero) is just around the corner on February 8th from 5 to 9 pm. The event will again this year be held in the stunningly beautiful Gran Salon of the NOW Amber/SECRETS Vallarta Bay Resorts, located behind Coppel on Medina Asencio near Plaza Las Glorias. ...
Banderas News
Czech Republic: Poll: Over half of customers buy furniture online
More than one half of Czech customers bought furniture via the Internet last year spending around 16,000 Kč on average, 1,000 Kč less than the year before, according to the Furniture 2014 poll carried out by company Incoma GfK. ...
Prague Post
Estonia: Voting Every Day - Not Once Every Four Years
Considering that technology has transformed society into a modern village and that secure channels of electronic voting exist, Maaleht journalist Alo Lõhmus asks why Estonia isn’t moving toward direct democracy. ...
ERR
Italy: Man faces prison for stealing pistachios
A man who allegedly stole a €2.99 packet of pistachios from a supermarket in Genoa is due to stand trial and, if found guilty, could go to prison for up to six months. ...
The Local
Japan: Famed Sanriku Railway soon back to pre-disaster operations
MIYAKO, Iwate Prefecture--A railway that was thrown out of action by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster will be back to full strength this spring. ...
The Asahi Shimbun
*Image of African women via Shutterstock.
