This story speaks about the people of the twenty-ninth century who live in fairyland. The year is 2889, the date 25th July and the place is the office block of the Managing Editor of the Earth Herald, the world's largest newspaper. In this futuristic story written in 1889, the writer describes how he visualizes the world a thousand years later - a world of technological advancements where newspapers are not printed but 'spoken'.

First came the earthquake, then the sea retreated. I was coming back. The wave was high, almost to the horizon it seemed. But it was the biggest wave that I will ever see. It was round and square with a snowdrift of white foam at its head. I had turned fourteen and was not easily scared. The wave would break on the shore, maybe even strand a few Bluefin in the sharp grass. I could wrap the fish in palm leaves, bake it and return home with dinner. Mama would serve it with rice cooked in coconut oil. I rubbed my stomach and smiled. But then I remembered. Mama would not cook. She had returned to the village with a headache. The earthquake had given her a migraine. Tonight, Papa would cook. The wave rumbled closer. It made a noise like all the creatures of the world rolled up in a ball. The lion's roar, bull's bellow, even the snakes hiss. How fabulous!

English plays a vital role in increasing opportunities around the world; it provides access to the information with which individuals can learn and develop and it provides access to the networks which are vital in building and maintaining economic links. Perhaps more importantly, it provides a common language to share knowledge and ideas and to create the kind of relationships which go beyond a simple deal or contract. It enables people to explore cultural differences and to create the kind of trust and understanding which is vital in negotiating and agreeing on our common future. English has become essential for international communication. Economic growth means that more jobs require English; the expansion of education means that English is needed by more people for studying; and for a growing, globalized, urban middle class English plays a greater role in both their work and personal lives. A quarter of lower primary school students are now first-generation learners who have little support from the family and community and must rely for their learning on what happens in school. A minimum proficiency level in English is increasingly regarded as an entrance requirement for university.

Memories of My Dad
He wasn't a hero
Known by the world,
But a hero he was
To his little girl.
My daddy was God,
Who knew all things.
And better than Santa,
With the gifts he'd bring.
I knew his voice
Before I could speak.
And loved it when
He would sing me to sleep.