Top 5 Books of 2010

We close off 2010 in literary style. There are some good books for review due next year and we hope to read them as we reset the clock on our annual book reading goal. Before we do that it is worth taking a moment and share the top 5 books of 2010. It was a difficult choice, but I have restricted the list to 2010 releases. The list of course reflects my preferences and as always, I am interested to read yours - if only to detect what I may have missed this year.

(5) The Shallows by Nicholas Carr puts forward the argument that the internet is changing us in ways we may not have realised before. According to Carr despite the wide benefits the internet has brought, it is also having a fundamental impact on the physiology of our brains, altering not only the way we perceive reality but how we actually take in information and process it. Scary and fun though it starts off somewhat slow. It makes our list because it tackles a shockingly important if not scary subject.

Top 10 News Stories in 2010

As the end of the year approaches, we are now looking forward to 2011 hoping and praying of a brighter year for Zambia. The challenges of 2010 fade as our people dream of new possibilities next year. But it’s also worthwhile to reflect on what’s changed in the last 12 months. This discipline allows us to collect and consider our thoughts and proceed forward with confidence. I have compiled a list of the top 10 Zambia stories from 2010. Admittedly, this is inherently subjective, but I have tried to reflect stories which were most read and debated across many of Zambia's public forums.

10) KCM Pollutes Kafue River Again  

We asked "was something brewing in Kafue river?". The answer was a definite "yes". The town of Chingola suffered once again recent more mining effluent from Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Tailings Leach Plant (TLP) leaving most of the townships without tap water.  Media reports spoke of high river poisoining and peasant farmers living along the river picking the dead fish for consumption. The company was fined a meagre K21m which did not please the victims. This story is vital because 2010 became another year in which we were reminded of the environmental genocide which continue to be perpetuated by mining companies in league with corrupt government officials who have failed to implement responsible environmental policies.

Agents of Injustice : Political Parties

Agents of Injustice : Parliamentarians

Agents of Injustice : Civil Servants

Agents of Injustice : Chiefs

Agents of Injustice : International NGOs

Agents of Injustice : Foreign Corporations

Agents of Injustice : The Judiciary

Agents of Injustice : Trade Unions

Agents of Injustice : The Police

Agents of Injustice : The Church

Agents of Injustice : The Media

The deve

Merry Xmas and Happy 2011

Dear Friends,

Every economist needs a break to recharge the batteries.
In that vein, in line with previous practice, I will be taking the next four weeks off writing and will resume on 1 January 2011. During this period I hope to meet with readers across the length and breadth of our country.

Huge thanks for all your support this year. Your encouragement and many website visits has kept me coming back to write more.

During period, I trust you will take time to visit all the three websites I have maintained throughout the year:

House of Chiefs - Political, social and economic perspectives on traditional authorities in Zambia
Zambian Economist - Economic perspectives on Zambia
Zambia Elections - All things concerning the 2011 elections

Special thanks to those who have signed up via Facebook and Twitter pages. It has been encouraging to see these mediums become a central part of the websites.

I trust its not too early to wish  you a wonderful Xmas and fantastic 2011!!

May the Lord keep you safe and secure during the festive period.

Chola Mukanga
Founder, Zambian Economist
http://www.zambian-economist.com
Email : cho@zambian-economist.com
Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/cholamukanga