Stories about Humor from February, 2015
Bolivia Might Have the World's Most Devoted ‘Simpsons’ Fans
Across Bolivia, people took to the streets in protest after a local TV network shuffled the 'The Simpsons' out of its normal time slot for a reality TV show.
Whoever Said Japanese Students’ Indoor Shoes Had to Be Boring?
Parents and children alike are personalizing students' "uwabaki", or indoor shoes. Students, teachers, and visitors are all required to remove their street shoes before entering the school.
It's a Lock In!: Tajikistan's Ruling Party Holds Pre-election Rallies by Force
Mass public participation is not just desirable in Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's heavily-managed democracy, it is mandatory.
Spanish Mayor's 'Pearls' Inspire a Thousand Lame Excuses for Failing Class
The mayor of a small town in Spain made the dubious claim that the head of alternative party Podemos failed her in university three times "for wearing pearls."
The Politics of ‘Wining’ in Trinidad & Tobago
Did a candidate for prime-minister just 'wine' on a female reveller at the carnival? This political scandal is a potent cocktail of sex, race and patriarchy.
Quiz: Are You At Risk of Becoming a Terrorist?
The quiz is inspired by a US government survey that is used to catch individuals at risk of turning to radical violence or communities at risk of incubating extremist ideologies.
Trolling Russia's Hearts and Minds
Last week, users of the image-board 2ch.hk launched a campaign to test Russians’ gullibility, when it comes to information about the Donbas separatists’ “fallen heroes.”
For a Cleric From Saudi Arabia, Earth Does Not Spin. For Others, the Sun Rotates Around Earth
Saudi cleric Sheikh Bandar al-Khaibari is adamant the Earth does not rotate. How then, if the Earth rotates, and China rotates, would anyone get from Sharjah to China?
Ireland's Cricket World Cup Win Against West Indies No Laughing Matter
Irish satirical website Waterford Whispers News certainly enjoyed the Ireland cricket teams’ victory over the West Indies on 16 February in Nelson, New Zealand: THERE were concerns this morning among the Irish Cricket Union after the success of the Ireland team at the World Cup caused massive strain on the...
Australia and New Zealand Score Big Wins in ‘St Valentine’s Day Massacre’ at Cricket World Cup
Host countries for the Cricket World Cup 2015 New Zealand and Australia have had easy victories over Sri Lanka and England. Twitter hashtag #AUSvENG was hot during the game.
Hungry for a Meme? Try Japan's ‘English French Toast’
This isn't exactly high-end fusion food. The somewhat contradictory nature of the local Japanese treat's name has become a minor Internet meme.
A Tennis Star’s Twitter Conversation with an Argentinian President Parody Account
A famous tennis player thought she was talking to Argentina's president on Twitter last week, but she actually engaged a popular parody account.
Goofy ‘Go Shopping Every Day’ Video Makes Serious Social Commentary About Hong Kong
The video captures the public's resentment towards police's excessive use of force. Production team Mocking Jer believes humor can help people understand what's happening in Hong Kong.
Tajik Official Calls His President ‘the Sun’
In a republic often lacking electricity during the freezing months, Emomali Rahmon is 'the sun that turned the cold winter of the nation into a green spring.'
Red Chinese New Year Envelopes Get a Yellow Umbrella Makeover in Hong Kong
Pro-democracy activists have given a twist to the traditional red envelopes, which normally carry seasonal greetings, to support the Umbrella Revolution.
Filipinos Ask ‘Where Is the President?’ After He Skips Arrival Honors for Slain Police
Forty-four policemen died in a special operation to capture the alleged mastermind of the 2002 Bali bombings. President Aquino attended a car event instead of the arrival honors.
Trinidad & Tobago's ‘Pass-the-Buck’ Politics
Her attorney general faces obstruction-of-justice charges, but the prime minister has laid the blame for her government's woes elsewhere.
The Tajik President's 82-Year-Old Former Maths Teacher Cannot Pass an Exam to Register as an Opposition Candidate
'All politics is local.' In Tajikistan, politics is even more local than usual.
