Stories from 20 January 2014
One Million Yuan to Hire a Girlfriend for Chinese New Year
"I'm too busy with work, mom is pressuring me to get married, so I sincerely plan to hire a girlfriend to take home."
Despite Controversial Past, Indian PM Candidate Narendra Modi's Star on the Rise
Chief Minister of India's western state Gujarat Narendra Modi is a polemic figure for his hotly debated role in the deadly 2002 riots in the state between Hindus and Muslims.
Uruguay Among 10 Most Ethical Destinations for Fourth Consecutive Year
Every year, Ethical Traveler chooses the top ten countries to visit in the developing world. These countries must demonstrate commitment to the conservation of their natural resources.
South Korea Accused of Rewriting History in High School Textbook
The South Korean government is blamed for favoring textbooks that support their political views and grant them excuses for their past flaws.
Is the Vybz Kartel Trial an Opportunity for Jamaica?
Jamaican music has always captured the global imagination, especially when celebrities become outlaws. One blogger suggests that the Vbyz Kartel murder trial holds valuable lessons about legal and social justice.
European Citizens Call for the Protection of Media Pluralism
“European institutions should safeguard the right to free, independent and pluralistic information”. The quote, from the Media Initiative website, summarizes the main idea behind a pan-European campaign that aims at urging the...
How Much Longer Can Russia's Zuckerberg, Pavel Durov, Survive at Vkontakte?
Today, the notoriously Kremlin-connected newspaper Izvestia published an article claiming that Durov had resigned as head of Vkontakte, taking most of the staff with him to work on another project.
Jamaica: MLK Recognises the Role of Garvey
Diaspora litblogger Geoffrey Philp uses the occasion of Martin Luther King Day to agitate for the exoneration of the late Jamaican Pan-Africanist, Marcus Garvey.
Catherine Samba-Panza, Mayor of Bangui, Elected as Transitional President of Central African Republic
After Michel Djotodia stepped down as president [fr] two weeks ago, the Central African Republic (CAR) Parliament elected Catherine Samba-Panza [fr], former mayor of Bangui, as the transitional president in charge of stabilizing...
Photos: Chinese New Year Holiday Travel Rush
The Spring Festival, or lunar new year, is China's most important holiday for family reunions. According to The Ministry of Transportation, around 258 million train trips are estimated to be made...
Massive Street Protests against Constitutional Reform in Burkina Faso
On January 18, thousands of Burkinabe citizens took to the streets of Ouagadougou [fr] to protest against proposed changes of the constitution that would allow current president Campaoré to run for...
Dr. House Hits Sore Spot with Russians
British actor Hugh Laurie caused quite a stir on the RuNet this weekend, when he reacted vehemently to a Guardian article describing Vladimir Putin's views on homosexuality
