As someone who takes an inordinate interest in punctuation, not to mention world affairs, I should feel compelled to opine on this article in The Independent on such grammar devices and the French/English conflict. But I think I'll just let you read it instead.
I actually went there looking for news about Zimbabwe's elections. If you live anywhere other than the United States, you are probably aware that Zimbabwe held an election over the weekend, and results are due to be released today. If you live in the U.S., carry on; you're having your own election crises, which are surely less fraught with danger and intrigue than those in Zimbabwe, where Mugabe has had a 28-year grip on power.
(How's that for some punctuation maneuvering?)
The Guardian indicates Mugabe may be ready to give up power. Good news indeed, though a full stop (period) is not called for—he wants immunity from prosecution in exchange for stepping aside. And there's an £8 million villa involved. [insert cynical comment here] The Times calls this an "African solution to an African problem."
Developing...
For background on Zimbabwe's elections: Q&A: Zimbabwe elections.
There! I think I've taken care of all the major punctuation marks in one post.
