Stories about East Asia from August, 2008
Egypt: Respecting Traffic Lights
What does people's attitudes towards crossing the road have to do with where their country stands in the world? Egyptian blogger Egyptian in the USA brings us the answer in this translation from Arabic.
Russia, Georgia, U.S.: Michael Lee White's Passport
LJ user olegpanfilov2 links (RUS) to a newspaper story (ENG) on Michael Lee White, a China-based U.S. citizen whose passport was allegedly stolen “during a flight from Moscow to New York” in Dec. 2005. Last week, “a Russian general […] displayed a blown-up photo” of the passport and claimed that...
China: gold medals=a great power in sports?
51 gold medals, a comment of "truly exceptional" from IOC, and spectacular images left to the world, China held a real party of sports in 16-day Olympics. But does this achievement necessarily mean China has been a super power in sports, and even common people could fully enjoy the glory and health brought by sports?
Thailand: People’s coup or putsch?
Since Tuesday, anti-government protesters have invaded Thailand’s Government House demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. The rallyists, estimated to be as low as 3,000 to as high as 25,000, are members of the People's Alliance for Democracy
Korea: Korean Mata Hari – North Korean Spy Scandal.
While the Beijing Olympics was held, Koreans were excited about news of a series of medals. It even seemed that hot attention to political issues and arguments among the citizens since the inauguration of the new President have slowly diminished. The rate of support for the new President, which drastically...
Appeal of Singapore-based Burmese patriots
Jacob's Weblog uploads a petition letter by supporters of the six Burmese activists who were denied of visa extension by Singapore's immigration authorities.
Singapore: Blogger-dissident still in jail
Gopalan Nair gives an update about his case. The US-based Singapore activist was jailed by Singapore authorities last May for insulting a judge and other officials.
Audio slide of Bangkok rallies
Newley Purnell has uploaded an audio slide about huge anti-government rallies in Bangkok. The protesters are demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.
Rotaractors’ views on Indonesia
Rotaract Club Semanggi Jakarta has created a blog to gather the perception of other Rotaractors all over the world about Indonesia.
South Korea: Old City Hall
Scribblings of the Metropolitician found it hard to believe that the South Korean government could demolish the old city hall building without much public consultation and debate.
Japan: Paper Art
Ryoko from Pingmag interviews Kanako Yaguchi, who brings the art of classic cutting paper techniques to textile and clothing designs.
China: Chinese Lies
C. W. Hayford from Chinese History group blog goes into various literature sources for discussing the “Chinese character” in relation to “face” and “lie”. It gives some background about the various Olympic “lies” happened.
China: The Cost of a Gold Medal
Zhaomu re-posted a forum article which calculated the cost of a gold medal exemplified by the Olympic shooting team. It is estimated that a gold medal costs between RMB30 – 80 millions (around US4.5 – 10 million).
Costa Rica: President Arias Asks Dalai Lama to Postpone Visit
Costa Rican president Oscar Arias asked Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama to postpone a private visit to the country, citing that Arias won't be in the country to receive him. However, many bloggers believe that the request coincided with a planned official visit from Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Japan: Ministry study on biological roots of withdrawal and rage
Starting next year, a team of researchers recruited by the Japanese Ministry of Education will commit themselves to studying the connection between brain structure and sociability. Their aim will be the analysis of structures of the brain that control mechanisms such as sleep rhythm and stress tolerance, in order to prevent -- and eventually cure -- those disorders which affect social relations.
South Korea: Leftwing Economist Arrested for Subversion
Robert Koehler criticizes the South Korean government for arresting a most renowned economist for speaking out against capitalism under the excuse of violation of the National Security Law.
South Korea: Religion Divide
Kotaji gives some political background about the anti-president Lee Myung-Bak demonstration by thousands of Buddhist Monk.
South Korea: Sex Offender Bracelet
Korea Beat translated a local news about the implementation of sex offender bracelets policy: beginning on September 1st the bracelets will be able to report the movements of sex offenders 24 hours a day.
Japan: Virtual Temple
Martin J Frid from Kurashi highlight a local news concerning the creation of a virtual temple online.
Japan: Animal Garbage Bag
Edo from Pink tentacle blogs about an animal garbage bag project for promoting environmental awareness.
China: Translating New York Times Olympic Report
Black and White Cat shows how the Xinhua has translated the New York Times Olympic Report into Chinese.
About our East Asia coverage
Oiwan Lam is the North East Asia editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
Nevin Thompson is the Japan editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
