The News

There are many things I've come to love about East Africa: the people, the countryside, the differing tribal customs. One of the many traditions here is that I believe EVERY man in Kenya feels a strong compulsion to read the Daily Nation or The Star, the national newspapers, first thing in the morning. Even if he cannot afford a current issue, the man will still be sitting along the roadside, under a tree, or in a car or perhaps leaned up against a building reading his morning paper.

At home I rarely have interest or desire to read our 12 page Adobe Press or even the SLO Tribune. I'm not sure why, but here in Kenya the paper is fascinating, not only giving great insights into local culture, but also enlightening and humoring me. For example, check out this article:

"If You React to Issues, Try Responding." The author Wale Akinyemi's bi-line is: "When demands come, many people do not recognize them as opportunities because they come dressed as problems."

Matter-of-factly he states, "You can actually tell responders from reactors by just listening to people talk about difficult issues. The reactors always speak of the problems. When they gather with their friends, all they do is to discuss different angles of the problem. They leave the meeting with no solutions, but more sides to the problem. Such are the people who blame the system, the government, and everyone else but themselves when things go wrong. On the other hand, when responders talk, they discuss solutions. They fill their minds with solutions. Even when the problems escalate, they are as excited as a rookie fire man who has been waiting for his first real fire so that he can put to practice what he has prepared for. Responders eventually become leaders."

Now, seriously, can it be put any plainer?

I am perfectly clear that the Kenyan men I know are reading the Nation to keep abreast of politics and economy, but for me, I find great delight in many of the articles I get to read here with the African perspective, so very much like our own. Lucky for me, Sunday's coming where there is an entire section devoted just to women with new styles, new creams and lotions and potions, and the always new suggestions on how to keep your man happy and content.