Following Mugabe vs. Tsvangirai and the Last King of Scotland

Current events are not only interesting but an easy way to start conversations. In the US we don't get much exposure to international news compared to some of the local stories that get jammed down our throat. While stories like Natalee Holloway, and going way back in the day Michael Fay (remember? caning in Singapore) catch the national media attention, a lot of significant global stories simply don't get much attention. Especially if they don't directly involve Americans.

I'd like to recommend you start following one of the stories I have been following as of late, the election and run off in Zimbabwe between Robert Mugabe (probably the most intimidating 84 year old you'll see) and the President of the MDC Party, Morgan Tsvangirai. Trying to sort out potential media bias and gaining a better understanding of the political environment in Zimbabwe is, to me, quite interesting.

Similarly, might I recommend the movie The Last King of Scotland. Not only is Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Idi Amin one of the best performances I've ever seen, the entire movie and story (though hollywoodisized some) are absolutely fantastic.