This map shows some of the world’s top selling cars by country. Enjoy!
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Tuesday, January 11, 2011
All You Need To Know About Renewable Energy [Infograhic]
Solar, wind, water and geothermal energy sources are the future of the industry and are expected to create 12 million new jobs through 2030. In West Virginia alone, a mere two percent of the state’s geothermal power could replace its entire electrical capacity. In just one hour, the Sun provides enough power to meet the world’s energy needs for a year.
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Top Five Most Awesome Real Robots
Science fiction has given us a load of awesome robots: Optimus Prime, R2D2, the Terminator. Unfortunately, all of these are – for now, at least – fictional. Today, however, the science fiction author’s eternal dream of highly sophisticated robots becoming commonplace is fast getting closer to fact than fiction. How long will it be until seeing a robot walking down the street won’t be worth a second glance? According to the work of the makers of some of the mechanical marvels below, not very long at all…
5) BigDog
An amazing invention (if pretty creepy to see and hear in action) made by Boston Dynamics et al. Essentially built to function as a robotic pack mule, BigDog is notable for being dynamically stable. Able to navigate icy terrain and even recover its balance when kicked, BigDog’s four legs can effectively allow it to go places where other vehicles can’t. However, the eerie buzzing sound its modified go-kart engine makes coupled with its spidery, uncanny valley plunge-inducing way of movement makes it pretty damn weird to be around.
4) Roomba
The Roomba is a pretty awesome little machine, really. Made by the appropriately named iRobot company, it is arguably one of the most widely used household robots today. A small autonomous vacuum cleaner, the Roomba can safely navigate your home by itself thanks to a variety of intuitive sensors (including the so-called cliff sensors that stop it from falling off ledges or down stairs). While it’s certainly not one of the robotics world’s most exotic creations, it definitely gets one of life’s more mundane tasks done in a cool, science fictiony way. Additionally they are quite popular with modders and hackers; you can even control them with
a Kinect if you know how.
3) AIBO
The AIBO (Artificial Intelligence roBOt, this name also resembling the Japanese word for “pal” or “partner”) was Sony’s breakthrough robot. Able to operate autonomously, the AIBO can move around, see its environment via an inbuilt camera and recognise spoken commands. They became so popular that an AIBO convention was – and continues to be – held in Shinjuku ever year. The first model came out on May the 11th 1999, several different versions of the robot having been released before it was finally discontinued in 2006 (although the trade of second hand AIBOs continues unabated to this day). However, Sony confirmed that there would be support for the latest ERS7 model until 2013, as well as hinting at the ongoing development of the AIBO software for use in other consumer products.
2) QRIO
The QRIO (Quest for cuRIOsity) was, sadly, never available for commercial sale (and would have cost the same as a family saloon car if it had been). Another robot from the Sony stable, the two foot humanoid QRIO was capable of vocal and facial recognition as well as being able to take part in conversations, dance and run (it being awarded a Guinness World Record in 2005 for being the first bipedal robot capable of doing the latter). Its amazingly fluid movements meant that it soon became famous for performing choreographed dance routines at various different events and venues, even starring in the music video for Beck’s song Hell Yes. Alas, what could have been.
1) ASIMO
The ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) was made by Honda, and was first officially unveiled in 2000. Standing at four foot three inches tall, it looks a little like a small astronaut due to its helmet-like head and curved visor. Able to recognise faces, voices and objects, the ASIMO can also hold conversations and carefully navigate its environment in a manner that is both safe for itself and nearby humans. The ASIMO’s “backpack” is actually where its battery is housed, the latest model capable of around forty minutes to one hour of operating time. ASIMO is very well travelled, having made many public appearances worldwide. Let’s face it: robot or not, you know you’ve made it when you have your own show at Disneyland.
Ella is a long time robot fanatic, having been ineffectually trying to recreate them out of cardboard boxes since she was small.
10 Untranslatable Foreign Language Words
If you thought that English could express, explain and verbalize it all – well, guess what? It can not. While English being as comprehensive and vast as we know it to be, there are words from other foreign languages which can’t directly be replaced or translated into English. Here’s a list 10 fascinating words that cannot be (and believe us, people have tried!) directly translated into English.
Each of these words is unique in its own language and the fact that it’s so, makes it incredibly fascinating; given how very delicate and fragile each and every language is to the culture it pertains to!
Here we go!
Toska – Russian
This word can be described best in the words of Vladimir Nabokov: ‘No single word in English renders all the shades of toska. At its deepest and most painful, it is a sensation of great spiritual anguish, often without any specific cause. At less morbid levels it is a dull ache of the soul, a longing with nothing to long for, a sick pining, a vague restlessness, mental throes, yearning. In particular cases, it may be the desire for somebody of something specific, nostalgia, love-sickness. At the lowest level it grades into ennui, boredom.’
Litost – Czech
According to the famous Milind Kundera, the author of The Unbearable Lightness of Being, ‘As for the meaning of this word, I have looked in vain in other languages for an equivalent, though I find it difficult to imagine how anyone can understand the human soul without it.’
The closest definition of Litost is a state of agony and torment created by the sudden sight of one’s own misery! Deeply provoking?
Prozvonit – Czech
This word means or refers to the act of calling someone on a mobile phone and letting it ring only once so that the person who has been called, calls back, thus saving the money of the original caller.
In Spanish, the word for this is ‘Dar Un Toque’ or, ‘To give a touch’. Surprisingly, this word can be translated into languages other than English.
Torschlusspanik – German
Literally translated, this word means ‘gate closing panic’, but contextually the meaning refers to ‘the fear of diminishing opportunities as one ages.’
This can somewhat explain why so many older/elderly people wish to ‘recapture their youth’ in an attempt to reestablish their passed opportunities.
Wabi Sabi – Japanese
A lot has been written about this profound Japanese concept: but if one tries to understand it in a sentence, this is probably how it would go. ‘A way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the natural cycle of growth and decay.’
L’appel du vide – French
The literal translation of this French expression is ‘The Call of the Void.’
Colloquially it can be used to express the instinctive urge to jump from high places!
Strangely morbid?
Ya’aburnee – Arabic
This incantatory word, both exquisitely beautiful and morbid at once, means, ‘You bury me’, a somewhat declaration of one’s hope that they will die before another person, mostly because of how difficult it would be to be alive without them.
Duende – Spanish
Though originally this word was used to describe ‘a mythical, sprite like entity that possesses humans and created the feeling of awe of one’s surrounding in nature’ – however its meaning has transitioned into describing, ‘the mysterious power that a work of art has over a person to have him deeply moved by it.’
Saudade – Portuguese
A precious, deeply beautiful but haunting word whether it is translatable or not – this word refers ‘to the feeling of longing for something or someone that you love and which is lost.’
Fado music, a type of mournful singing relates to Saudade.
Mamihlapinatapai – Yagan (indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego) an archipelago off the coast of South America.
The word can be described as ‘The wordless, yet meaningful look shared by two people who both desire to initiate something but are both reluctant to start.’
The state of many a could-have-been couples, right?
The Ever Growing Debate On Global Warming (Infographic)
climate change is not only man-made but we have created more than our share of it. The United States alone, with less than 6% of the world’s population, contributes over 25% of the planet’s CO2 pollution. Yet, even with over 2,500 scientists from 130 different countries confirming our role in global warming, we still have deniers.
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Source: Reusable Bags
Top 5 Bill Murray Movies
Being a child of the 1990s I grew up on a TV diet of Ghostbusters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and later, I hate to admit, Power Rangers…
Like most kids, my favourite character from Ghostbusters was Dr. Peter Venkman, played by Bill Murray and as an adult my affection for him and what he brings to his characters is still strong. Through the years I have watched a number of his movies and enjoyed his serious acting roles just as much as his comedy ones. I now want to share the top 5 Bill Murray movies that, for me, stand out above and beyond the rest – so here they are:
5. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Cert 15
IMDB score 7.2
I have to say, this is one of my favourite Wes Anderson films and in my opinion one of Murray’s finest performances, with one critic claiming ‘Murray makes every scene better than the one before’.
The film follows aquatic documentarian Steve Zissou as he tries to avenge the death of his best friend, who was eaten by a ‘Jaguar shark’. The movie, like many of Anderson’s also looks at family relationships, with Ned, Played by Owen Wilson, appearing as Zissou’s long lost son. The relationship between father and son makes for some great deadpan moments, with Murray capturing Zissou’s childish side brilliantly. But there are also moments where Ned and Zissou reflect on their relationship and the result, in a way, is tragic, but amazingly not out of context with the rest of the movie. Dead pan dry humour at its best.
4. Rushmore
Cert 15
IMDB Score 7.8
I remember the first time I saw Rushmore; it was a few years after it was released. I actually started watching it by mistake, you know, when you end up watching something unplanned but it actually ends up gripping you? This is undoubtedly an outstanding performance by Murray, who plays self-loathing millionaire Herman Blume, it is so good (and he does it so well in other movies) that I wonder if he has an element of Blume et al in himself.
The story focuses on Max Fischer, played by Jason Schwartzman, a 15 year old school boy who falls for his teacher, Ms Cross. Blume, who has struck up an unlikely friendship with Fisher, also falls for the teacher and what follows is a strange sort of love triangle that will make you laugh and cry as it flitters between drama and comedy.
3. Lost in Translation
Cert 15
IMDB Rating 7.9
I don’t think I have ever wanted another man to get with a girl I fancy so badly. I am referring to Scarlett Johansen and of course Murray, who is playing a character less dark than that of Blume but with the same vulnerability and loneliness. Murray plays 50 something actor, Bob Harris, who is in Tokyo, Japan to film a series of commercials for a whiskey brand, like many of Murray’s characters, you know there is a back story even before you find out what it is, a trait he brings brilliantly to so many of his characters.
However, his time in Tokyo changes when he meets Charlotte, a young new bride who is somewhat neglected by her new spouse, as a result a close friendship ensures, that always threatens to become more, but never does. The film is beautifully shot, full of laughs and innuendo. To me it is probably one of the best movies I have watched where nothing really happens…
P.S This film made me want to do Karaoke when I was in Japan!
2. Ghostbusters
Cert PG
IMDB Rating 7.8
Some of you may be surprised that, after my introduction, Ghostbusters doesn’t top my list! But as Murray has been involved in many great films it was really tough to choose the number one.
In Ghostbusters, Murray rules the roost amongst some of the 80s finest comedians, such as Akroyd and Ramis, who co-wrote the script. He stars as Dr. Peter Venkman, the deadpan, ladies man with a disliking for ghosts and a love for the one liner! My favourite one liner from Murray (Venkman) has to be this:
Dana, “Oh that’s the bedroom nothing ever happens in there” to which Venkman says under his breath “What a crime”. Perhaps I didn’t catch the comedy, but Murray brings Venkman to life with his great delivery!
The story (like I need to say) is about 3 Professors, who study parapsychology. Having lost their funding they set up an organisation known as The Ghostbusters, which removes ghostly beings from New York City homes, of course early in the film they employ Winston (I actually thought Winston Churchill was black because of this when I was a child) as the fourth Ghostbuster. With the team complete they set about defeating the evil demi-god Gozer the Gozerian.
1. Groundhog Day
Cert PG
IMDB Rating 8.2
I have seen this film so many times I could actually play Murray’s part! And with good reason! This comedy comes when Murray is at his very best; a great script to start, Groundhog Day is story about change, yet Phil Connors (Murray) lives the same day over and over again helping him on a path of self-realisation (Concluding he is an Ass-hole).
Accepting his fate, he begins to see that his producer, Rita, played by Andie MacDowell, is actually the love he has been looking for and sets about trying a wide range of techniques to win her love, but being an ‘Ass-hole’ his attempts lead to many comedic moments.
My favourite line from the film is:
Rita: “I studied 19th Century French poetry” to which Phil laughs and says “What a waste of time”
Classic line! Like many of Murray’s films, this one is about change and it is the realisation of his own actions and his love for Rita that saves him from his fate.
I think the main reason I chose this film over Ghostbusters was because Murray carries the whole thing, whereas in Ghostbusters he has other strong comedic actors for support, in Groundhog Day he is in every scene (practically) and without him I don’t think it would have had the same success.
There are so many great Murray films, or films where he has played a supporting role, that films such as Kingpin, Scrooged even Tootsie haven’t even made the top ten, 6 to 10 can be seen below in the ‘Best of the rest’ section.
BEST of the rest
10. Caddyshack
CERT 15
IMDB Rating 7.2
9. The Man Who Knew Too Little
CERT 12
IMDB Rating 6.3
8. Stripes
CERT 15
IMDB Rating 6.8
7. Ghostbusters 2
CERT PG
IMDB Rating 6.2
6. What About Bob?
CERT PG
IMDB Rating 6.8
17% Of All Teachers Have a Second Job [Infographic]
- ul 18, 2011
- infographic
Teachers often don’t get the credit they deserve and of course they don’t get paid enough. The fact that 17% of all teachers have a second job says it all. Teaching definitely isn’t a profession for the faint of heart as it requires patience and a lot of it. This infographic highlights some interesting numbers related to teaching. For example, the average annual salary of a teacher is $53,910 which to be honest is on a lower end for all the crap they have to go through. Anyways, here’s the infographic so you can soak up the data yourself.
Top 10 Unfortunate Product Names
So we’re all aware that marketers can do a bad ass job of convincing us to buy stuff – especially the kind we have no need for at all! Let’s just gloat over the few times in the annals of history – they’ve gotten it all wrong.
Want to know how? You don’t have to look too far. Following is a list of 10 most unfortunately names products. Prepare for the smirks and the occasional bouts of giggles. Here we go!
Wii
Well, this one simply needed to be included – maybe the people who had devised the name for this one weren’t really familiar with the fact that British English speakers (including most of the Commonwealth) refer to ‘urine’ as … well, big guess… ‘Wee!’
Let’s say for example: ‘Ooh, I’m so dying to for a wee!’ Every instance when someone mentions, ‘Wii’ one tends to think of … big guess again… ‘Wee!’
Let’s play with our Wii, really takes on a whole new meaning when you speak British English!
You bet!
Elephant Beautiful Balls
Really?! As the leader in Innovative Billiards, Elephant Balls, Ltd. (EBL) totally offers a full range of Billiard Merchandize for the enthusiasts at all levels. From high quality pool tables and furniture, to the most unique ball sets and effective training tools in the world they have the perfect gift for even the person, who even has it all!
Point to note – Of course! Who in the hell has Elephant Balls?!
Gray Poupon
Grey Poupon, a Dijon mustard is now made by Kraft Foods. It’s presently the best selling Dijon style mustard in the United States. You know what, though: Thanks – but no thanks! Anyway, here’s the original commercial –
Sars
Remember SARS? Well, this drink, made by Golden Circle, unfortunately shares its names with the SARS virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). There have been two pandemic of SARS reported in the recent years.
This drink is sarsaparilla flavored and is sold in all New Zealand supermarkets, and maybe in other countries where Golden Circle products are found.
JussiPussi
A really ‘interesting’ bread product made by Finnish Company Primula. Frankly, I’m quite speechless and a more than a little amused.
Kagome
Founded by Ichitaro Kanie, a Japanese pioneer in tomato cultivation in 1899, Kagome has grown to become the largest producer of Japanese tomato products and a major producer of other fruit and vegetable foods. Unfortunately, in Portuguese and probably Spanish, this word actually sounds like — ‘I shit myself’!!!
I.beat Blaxx
Want an mp3 player but don’t like the Apple range of iPods? Well, look no further than the German Company Trekstor that produces the I.beat Blaxx.
Trekstor seems to have renamed the black edition of the I.beat to just ‘Blaxx’ – wonder why?
Vagisil
Vagisil is a full line of feminine hygiene products made by Combe Incorporated. In 2007, Vagisil introduced the Vagisil Screening Kit.
Thankfully they get straight to the point, don’t they?
Anusol
Anusol is an over the counter medication that can be used to treat hemorrhoids also known as Piles. The Anusol range includes creams, ointments and the popular (really?!) suppository form of treatment.
For those who’re not aware, suppositories are waxy stuffs you stick up your bum! Here’s seriously hoping you don’t need a price check on this one next time you’re visiting the super market.
Ayds
Ayds (pronounced as Aids) was a diet candy from the 1980s. In 1982, the NY Times reported that the active ingredient in Ayds was phenylpropanolamine – a substance that was ruled by the FDA as ‘not recognized as safe.’
Oh and here’s a bonus, check out this truly cringe-worthy advertisement for Ayds:
A Librarian’s Worth Around The World [Infographic]
Here’s an interesting fact to get you started with: U.S. public library card holders outnumber Amazon.com customers by 5 to 1. Libraries aren’t dead yet and hopefully they will never will. For more information and data as to what a librarian is worth, take a look at this interesting infographic below.
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ImageSource:MastersinEducation.org
Top 10 Myths About Metal Music
Metal and its many subgenres have been explored by people across the world for over 40 years now. Naturally, there are such a wide range of misjudgments that have reared up over time that it’s imperative that people are made aware about ‘totally’ misunderstood this music really is!
Here is a list of top then myths that overshadow the phenomena that ‘metal’ really is and the truths that accompany them!
Heavy Metal
The Myth: The music is called “Heavy Metal”
So let’s start with a rather easy one. Most people are of the belief that the name of harsh sounding screams (re: dissonance) and heavily twined/strained/distorted guitars is: ‘Heavy Metal’.
Let’s get this straight and over with. Metal has hundreds of subgenres and ‘Heavy Metal’ is barely even one of them! So yea, bands such as Cream, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath created a unique sound thereby creating the way for metal bands; and while these bands can be called heavy metal – there is this disturbing majority of non-metal heads, especially the elderly people and young girls who refer to all rock music as heavy metal! That just doesn’t cut it you know!
Barbarian
The Myth: Metal musicians are uneducated freaks who can’t form sentences
A rather common myth but a widely believed one! Most people think that metal-lyrics are rather simple, inane, stupid and worthless. That’s just not true! In reality, most metal musicians are highly intelligent, focused people who are capable of writing piercing, deep and reasonably meaningful lyrics.
As an example let us talk about the black metal band Bathory who derived a lot of their music from classic composers. How’s that for barbarian?
Anti Religion
The Myth: All metal is against religion
In the opinion of most non-metal heads, metal bands hate religion. But that’s not true…. almost. In most cases, metal is not anti-religious but there is often a certain disapproval of Christianity and forms of Christianity. There are however, may religious artists like the American Metalcore band As I Lay Dying, David Dramian or Disturbed.
It can be said that religion is not very well liked in Metal, but it’s not exactly hated. There are of course exceptions everywhere.
Satanic
The Myth: Metal promotes Satanism
Let’s put this in perspective. There are actually very few black metal musicians that have satanic beliefs, and those that do, try hard to promote the fact. The genre of music that does feature satanic themes and imagery is called Black Metal, which is derived from Venom’s Thrash album – Black Metal.
There are few death and thrash metal like Slayer, Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angels that feature Satanism. It is safe to say that most metal musicians do not practice such beliefs over all!
Crime
The Myth: Metal promotes criminal activity, like murder
There have been people in the metal community who have been tied into crime and murder; there really is only one predominant case: that of Varg Vikernes which is relevant, really.
It has been stated by most metal bands that have violent or disturbing lyrics or imagery that their content is not to be taken seriously. The most notable case is of Cannibal Corpse who are infamous for their lyrics which often elaborates on the more gruesome depictions of sexual fetishism, death and murder.
Sexism
The Myth: Metal is sexist
Though it may look like that much of metal, especially in the 80s was aimed at trivializing sex and women, it’s not really the case anymore. There are many bands, especially those of Black, Grind and Doom metal genres that avoid the ‘sex’ topic absolutely.
Fascist
The Myth: Metal musicians have fascist, racist or neo-Nazi beliefs
It’s mostly a stage presence issue for most bands; though many musicians claim that they believe certain races and ethnic groups are better or worse than others. A valid example may be former Gorgoroth vocalist Gaahl who is not only homosexual but has stated that he harbors racist views. However, he claims he is not serious about them and tries not to project his views openly.
Children
The Myth: Metal is bad for children
A lot of Metal is direction-ed towards children and teens as a less serious, even less harmful way to cope with stress. There’s a lot worse available out there, make note!
There are people who may claim that metal poisons the minds of their children – it is openly a case of perspective and much is left to debate on this issue!
Talent-less
The Myth: Metal takes no skill to play
Oh well. Ask any professional and he will categorically state that metal and jazz are among the two most difficult genres to play. Although it may seem that most metal musicians may thrash around, trying to hide behind distortion — the fast riffs and extreme percussion are almost always real without any synthesized material!
The subgenres that do tend to edit their music digitally are metal core, industrial and grind. Mostly everything else is legit!
Screamo
The Myth: Metal vocals is just screaming
If you’re a metal enthusiast, then probably at some point or the other you must have heard someone say, ‘Hey, can these guys actually even sing?’
That’s really annoying to metal heads as the fact of matter is that metal vocals are really, very really difficult! And though it may appear its all effortless, metal vocals range greatly from growling, to screaming, to shrieking — and well, just everything else in between.
Next time when someone tries to belittle or marginalize, just go ahead and tell them, ‘It’s simply just different!’
Facebook Vs. Google+: The Battle Of The Internet Titans [Infographic]
Some people say Google+ has it all; that it is the perfect mix between Facebook and Twitter. Below are some side by side comparisons, including privacy, chat and friends, between Facebook and Google+. Will this battle of Internet titans go the distance or will Google+ get the knockout and become the new Social Media Heavyweight Champion of the World?
Click image to enlarge
[Via: Single Grain]
Top 10 Politically Incorrect Kids Books
It’s pretty unfortunate that in the recent times, the responsibility of raising our kids to be respectful of others has been literally taken over by the Government. In practically every country of the Western World, political correctness is becoming the way and books are being torn away from the public eye and even off the shelves!
Many of these books make their way back with print revisions but there are some of those that have vanished entirely for the time being at least.
Here’s a list of top 10 books that are considered blatantly politically incorrect. Now… you be the judge.
10. Little House on the Prairie – 1935, Laura Ingalls Wilder
Owing to its treatment of American Indians (the Osage figure particularly, in the story), this book is considered off limits. And even though Laura Ingalls Wilder gives the readers an important historical look at the reigning social perspective through this book, it is still considered… well, politically incorrect.
This book is based on the premise of decades old memories of the author’s childhood in the Midwest region of the United States during the late 19th century.
9. Huckleberry Finn – 1884, Mark Twain
This book is without a doubt the most blatantly challenged book in the history of America. Even to this date, constant efforts are made to make this more palatable (re: suitable) for a modern audience.
Even though the Southern Society that this book satirized was a quarter century in the past by the time of the publication of this book – it however became immediately surrounded by controversy and has remained so until this day.
CBS TV went even so far as to produce a made-for-TV version of Finn that comprised no black cast members, no mention of slavery and sans the critical character, Jim.
8. Kim – 1900, Rudyard Kipling
The book is about the travels of an Anglo-Irish boy, Kim, who sojourns across the Indian continent. The depiction of Colonial India as was presented in the book is considered highly controversial by many people. Rudyard Kipling is incontrovertibly famous his ‘Jungle Book’.
7. Babar the Elephant – 1931, Jean de Brunhoff
A popular French children’s fictional character, Babar, The Elephant first appeared in the L’Histoire de Babar. According to some critiques and writers, it has been argued that though superficially delightful, these stories are offensive from a moral and political paradigm for their justification of French Colonial ideas.
6. Noddy and Bigears – 1949, Enid Blyton
Accused of homosexuality in recent times, Noddy and Bigears are two of Enid Blyton’s characters that have come under the fire of scrutiny because of various scenes in the books where they are shown to have shared a bed.
As ridiculous as it sounds, modern editions of the books have yet had those scenes removed, as that of any mention of the naughty golliwogs that live in the woods.
5. Dr Dolittle – 1920, Hugh Lofting
Owing to the usage of derogatory terms and the stereotypical depiction of certain ethnic groups, both in writing and illustration, the books have been accused of racism.
The Editions in the US sometimes has alterations made from the 1960s, but those books went out of print in the 1970s.
To mark the centenary of Lofting’s birth in 1986, new editions were published which had such passages rewritten or removed. The illustrations that were deemed offending were either removed/or, and replaced with unpublished Lofting’s originals, or entirely altered.
4. Little Black Sambo – 1899, Helen Bannerman
Even though this book is about an Indian boy, the illustrations in the original European version depict Sambo using ‘dark iconography’ – with black skin, wild curly hair and very bright red lips.
Also, the word ‘Sambo’ is long known to be a racial slur against the blacks. However, since the story in itself does not contain any racist ideas, recent publications tell the same story, only new images have replaced the originals.
3. The Three Golliwogs – 1946, Enid Blyton
This book is about three friendly golliwogs that find an abandoned house in the woods and move in.
The controversy surrounding this book, and infact, many of Blyton’s books is simply accorded to the fact that Golliwog character is now considered to be racist. Golliwogs have been depicted as being both villains and heroes.
2. Tintin au Congo – 1930, Hergé
The main criticisms surrounding the book, Tintin in the Congo can be accorded to the racist and colonialist views some believe this book depicts, and of course, the violence against animals angle. Herge is known to have later claimed that he was only projecting the views of those times. When the album was redrawn in 1946, Herge removed many references to the fact that Congo was a Belgian Colony at that time.
1. Ten Little Niggers – 1860, Septimus Winner
There remains no need to be explained why this rhyme is now considered politically correct and racially offensive. It is found in the adults’ novel Ten Little Niggers which is known as ‘And Then There Was None’. It’s Christie’s bestselling novel.
It has been derived from the original rhyme by Winner which was written for his minstrel show – however, in his original it was called ‘Ten Little Injuns.’
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