POST FORDISM 

Ethiopia is pulling out all the stops, hosting its first gathering of superfans of the classic Volkswagen beetle, who hope to fuel love for the curvy, easy-to-maintain car.

Ethiopia's first satellite was sent into space, a landmark achievement for the ambitious country that also caps a banner year for Africa's involvement in space.

It will send back data on the environment and weather patterns in the Horn of Africa -- a boon for a country dependent on agriculture and forestry and vulnerable to flood, drought and other climate perils.

Read more: http://u.afp.com/JFLs