Stories about Humor from November, 2012
Chinese Netizens React: People’s Daily Fooled by The Onion
Chinese newspaper People’s Daily made a fool of itself this week when it seriously reported that the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was named Sexiest Man Alive by The Onion, a satire newspaper from the United States.
China: Top 10 horrible figures of 2012?
This week, Chinese internet users come up with their own list of the “10 Most Horrid People of 2012.” The list was shared on Sina Weibo by “Weekly Commentary” [zh] (每周评论), but was deleted on Nov 26. China Media Project translated the deleted post.
A Glimpse of the Human Moment of Chinese Leaders
A Chinese micro-blogger, Wang Dongdong tweeted the above image on Sina Weibo, China’s Twitter on November 23, which has been retweeted over 103,000 times. The blogger [zh] said, I really like this picture. Why doesn’t our media give us more images of leaders like this one, instead of always making them look...
In Russia, Fake News Sounds Real
A Russian version of The Onion wreaks havoc on unsuspecting bloggers. Could it be a Kremlin plot? That's probably a hoax!
Israelis React to Barak's Retirement from Politics
Israel's Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak, who previously served as Israel's Prime Minister (1999-2001) and IDF Chief of Staff (1991-1995), made a surprise announcement in a press conference today, saying he will be retiring from politics as we wants to spend more time with his family. Israeli netizens react to his resignation.
Ivorian and Russian Bloggers Make Light of the Electoral Fiasco for the Presidency of the French Conservative Party
Ivorians should abstain from bombing the Head Quarters of the UMP (The main Conservative Party) in France and help them move forward with the recount. Notre Vision in Côte d'Ivoire draws a humourous parallel [fr] between the fiasco during the latest election [fr] to select the new leader of the UMP party...
Rise of Bulgaria's Tomato Revolution
On November 24, people gathered in front of the Bulgarian Parliament in the capital city of Sofia, thus officializing what has become known as the 'Tomato Revolution.' Rayna Stamboliyska reports.
United Russia MPs Object to Online Satire
United Russia MPs threaten to take humorous website to court for libel. The outrage, however, was likely provoked by an internet tabloid.
Trinidad & Tobago: Bond…Jack Bond?
aka_lol compares James Bond and Jack Warner.
Arab League on Gaza: “Blah Blah… Blah Blah Blah”
The Arab League is meeting at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, to discuss Gaza - and netizens aren't holding their breath or being optimistic about a strong reaction. Sultan AlQassemi tweets: "Live update from Arab League meeting on Gaza aggression by Israel: We will not tolerate blah blah! We must stand with blah blah bah."
Lurkmore or Lurkless? The Russian Internet Blacklist In Action
A new Russian law that threatens Internet censorship came into effect on November 1. This week, netizen outrage followed the blocking of one particularly popular website by Russian ISPs. The site in question was Lurkmore, a Wikipedia-like compendium of articles on Internet culture and memes, written in an irreverent style with heavy use of Internet jargon.
Israeli Netizens Celebrate Romney's Defeat
Israeli netizens closely followed the elections in the United States, many of them staying up until the early morning hours to find out who of the candidates crossed the 270 electoral vote threshold. The Israeli social media and blogosphere scene is dominated by people who lean to the Left and thus most hoped that Obama would be re-elected. Liberal Israelis are generally disappointed with Obama's inaction regarding the peace process and human rights violations inside Israel, but Romney is seen as the worst of the two.
Cameroonian Twitter Users Celebrate Biya's 30 years Anniversary with Sarcasm
“@JeanYvesMorio [fr]: November 6, 1982, I woke up without running water nor electricity. November 6 2012, I woke up without running water nor electricity #30anssansmourir ,!–more–> On Twitter, Cameroonian Jean Yves Morio makes light of the fact that president Paul Biya has been in power for thirty years to this day and yet...
Chinese Political Joke on Beijing Weather
As the 18th Chinese Party Congress is approaching, censorship measure has been tightened. Below is a translation of a funny short story circulated [zh] in Chinese social media: Recently the imperial capital's weather suddenly changed. In the evening, a security old man said: “look! suddenly the sky has changed!” A...
Top 10 Global ‘Gangnam Style’ Parodies
South Korean rapper Psy's catchy song and goofy dance hit 'Gangnam Style' has broken the Guinness World record for the most "liked" video in YouTube history and spawned countless parodies. Here are the 10 best copycats of Gangnam Style picked from a slew of meme videos.
Germany: Satire Magazine Calls for Complimentary Ph.D.s
After a series of scandals surrounding the academic achievements of German politicians who cheated on their dissertations, the online satire magazine“Der Postillon” is now calling for a complimentary Ph.D. [de] for all politicans: This way, the embarrassing and politically dishonorable rescinding of doctorates can be avoided. The Ministry of Education...
If Catalonia Declares Independence From Spain, Invasion?
Various people, among them four members of the European Parliament, have spoken of a possible military intervention in Catalonia, Spain, if the region attempts to secede, provoking an avalanche of commentary from netizens.
