· August, 2008

Stories about East Asia from August, 2008

Russia, Georgia, U.S.: Michael Lee White's Passport

  31 August 2008

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?

  31 August 2008

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?

  30 August 2008

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.

  30 August 2008

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...

Audio slide of Bangkok rallies

  30 August 2008

Newley Purnell has uploaded an audio slide about huge anti-government rallies in Bangkok. The protesters are demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.

South Korea: Old City Hall

  29 August 2008

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

  29 August 2008

Ryoko from Pingmag interviews Kanako Yaguchi, who brings the art of classic cutting paper techniques to textile and clothing designs.

China: Chinese Lies

  29 August 2008

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

  29 August 2008

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

  29 August 2008

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

  28 August 2008

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: Sex Offender Bracelet

  28 August 2008

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

  28 August 2008

Martin J Frid from Kurashi highlight a local news concerning the creation of a virtual temple online.

Japan: Animal Garbage Bag

  28 August 2008

Edo from Pink tentacle blogs about an animal garbage bag project for promoting environmental awareness.

About our East Asia coverage

Oiwan Lam
Oiwan Lam is the North East Asia editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.

Mong Palatino
Mong Palatino is the South East Asia editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.