Prisons Purging Books on Faith From Libraries
By Laurie Goodstein
NYTimes, Published: September 10, 2007

Actually, it's a censorship exercise... they've come up with a list of 150 "approved" books on all different religions and that's all you can have in the prison library! What next? I wonder who's brilliant idea this was.

I dug this up recently. An oldie but goodie - one of those email forwards from years and years ago. The 'Britons' part may be a bit exaggerated, but the whole thing is pretty hilarious.

Fwd: English - what's yor favourite line?

The English did invent the English Language, but they cannot use it effectively (i.e. with as few words as possible ) when communicating their intentions. Just compare these few phrases that Malaysians and Britons use to say the same thing:

Britons: I'm sorry, Sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.
Malaysians: No Stock!

RETURNING A CALL...
Britons: Hello, this is John Travolta. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
Malaysians: Hallo, who page?

WHEN SOMEONE IS IN THE WAY...
Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?
Malaysians: S-kews !

WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY...
Britons: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysians: No-nid.

WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION...
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me
Malaysians: (while pointing at door) Can or not?

WHEN ASKING TO BE EXCUSED...
Britons: If you would excuse me for a moment, I have to go to gents/ladies. Please carry on without me, it would only take a moment.
Malaysians: Toy lert, toy lert.

WHEN ENTERTAINING...
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.
Malaysians: Don't shy, leh!

WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE...
Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysians: Where got?

WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER...
Britons: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysians: Doe-waaaan.

WHEN DECIDING ON A PLAN OF ACTION...
Britons: What do you propose we do now that the movie's sold out and all the restaurants are closed?
Malaysians: So how?

WHEN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION...
Britons: Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about...
Malaysians: You mad, ha?

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE...
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice, I'm trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysians: Shaddap lah!

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU...
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time. Do I know you?
Malaysians: See what see?