Stories about Humor from February, 2016
Desperate for Safer Roads, Russians Are Literally Filling Potholes with Money
In the past five weeks, there’s been a new slew of pothole-related scandals. Depending on your attitude about lousy public services and motorways, these stories will either entertain or disconcert.
Disenfranchised Hongkongers Flood Their Chief Executive's Facebook Page with New ‘Angry’ Emoji
Hongkongers are making their feelings about the head of their government known, thanks to the launch of Facebook's new "Reactions" feature, which gives them the freedom to express their disapproval.
Animator Chronicles His Family's Experience Emigrating With the Caribbean's ‘Windrush Generation’
"While many of the Windrush Generation experienced similar circumstances arriving in Britain, not much is actually documented. Animation can help to bridge generational gaps when the story is relevant."
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi Briefly Goes Up for Sale on eBay
A bid offering Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi for sale went up on eBay minutes after he said he would even sell himself to bail out the country.
When Elections Are a Joke, the People Tell Election Jokes
Election fraud and other misdeeds have been a widespread problem in the Balkans. As the saying goes, 'If I didn't laugh, I'd cry.'
World's Oldest President, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Turns 92
"I have died many times. I have actually beaten Jesus Christ because he only died once."
Who Needs Elephants When You Can Play Polo Driving Around in Rickshaws? (Feel Free to Sing, Too.)
An innovative and intense game introduced by an expat luxury hotelier has become an annual event in Sri Lanka, where Tuk-Tuk Polo is increasingly all the rage.
Egyptian Satirist Bassem Youssef Slams the Military with Kofta_Time Hashtag
"I will take the AIDS from the patient then give it to him as a skewer of Kofta to nourish him," announced army Major General Ibrahim Abdel-Atty in 2014.
Thirty Saudi Religious Police Complete Course on How to Fight Black Magic
Thirty members of the Commission for the Protection of Virtue and Prevention of Vice completed a five-day course on how to fight black magic, identify sorcerers and even break their spells.
China's Media Wants You to Love the State as Much as You Love Your Family
"...you can't cut your connection with your father for the emperor's sake. The expression of 'showing filial piety to the state' is absolutely ridiculous."
A New Poster Shows Just How Desperate Japan's Hated Opposition Party Is for Votes
Japan's DPJ has released an election poster that asks voters to hold their nose and vote for them. Desperate?
Satirists React to Arrest of Prominent Egyptian Cartoonist Islam Gawish
Egyptian cartoonist Islam Gawish was detained briefly for running a website without a license and drawing cartoons with "political connotations." He was released after a backlash on social media.
The Next Time You're in Moscow, Don't Bother Trying the Shawarma
Moscow awoke earlier this week to find that the city has a new face. Before dawn on February 9, the mayor's office tore down roughly a hundred small businesses.
Hilarious Animated History of Japan Gets Rave Reviews—Including From Japanese
Bill Wurtz's compelling video history of Japan has gone viral, collecting millions of views in just over one week.
Macedonia's Former Prime Minister Threatens Revenge in Troubling Speech
"There are no hidden messages in Gruevski’s speech. He presented all of his views in the manner of a fierce populist, who will not hesitate in his quest for power"
Unbelievable: Saudi Arabia's Vice Police Arrests a “Female” Mascot
Saudi Arabia's religious police arrested a "female" mascot.
How an Indian Singer's Impromptu Inflight Performance Led to Crew Members’ Suspension
"We really need to grow up! Flights tend to be boring - so what if Sonu Nigam sang a song? How is that a 'security threat'?"
Meet Brazil's (Literally) Most Sung Hero: The Japanese Federale
“Oh my God, I'm done for. The Japanese Federale is knocking at my door.”
Did Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Fall for Spam Scam?
"During my free time I read about you and learn how to be successful."
Twitter-Based Doodling Community Inspires Creativity Across Eastern and Central Europe
Dozens of artists and amateurs take part in a Twitter-based drawing initiative every week with the aim of bringing more fun and art to the Internet.
Why Is a Russian Art Museum Granting Free Admission to Women Wearing 4-Inch Stilettos?
The music video has 32 million views in just three weeks. Even for one of Russia’s most popular rock bands, Leningrad’s new song stands out as an exceptionally popular hit.
