Peace Corps Malagasy Language Intro Document

Peace Corps Malagasy Language Intro Document

We came across the document below and it seemed like a good place to start to familiarize ourselves with Mada's native language of Malagasy (the 'sy' is pronounced 'sh')--French is the official language in the country but isn't widely spoken in the remote villages.

We have always had an appreciation for the Peace Corps because one of our grandmothers (Granny Nanny Darling) worked for the PC in Equador.  The PC website has a variety of interesting resources, including vignettes from past volunteers: 

http://collection.peacecorps.gov/cdm/search/collection/p15105coll6!p9009coll2/field/all/mode/all/conn/and/rmcoll/p9009coll13/order/title/ad/asc

LINK:
http://files.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/audio/languagelessons/madagascar/MG_Malagasy_Language_Lessons.pdf

Lemurs, Rosewood and Gibson Guitars

Lemurs, Rosewood and Gibson Guitars

Film outlines effects of illegal logging on lemurs.  This film is evidently what exposed Gibson's use of illegal rosewood on their (your) guitars.  Gibson eventually paid $300K in fines.

Mark your calendars, the expose film premieres 18 December at 8PM on Animal Planet. 

LINKS:
http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0806-gibson-doj-lacey.html
http://downtown.wmctv.com/news/news/58234-endangered-lemurs-could-be-connected-gibson-raid
http://youtu.be/tdX-_KzLFYo