Stories from 21 January 2014
Cartoon Character ‘Meena’ Changes South Asian Attitudes Towards Girls
"Since her inception 14 years ago she has shown millions of women and girls what can be achieved."
Work on the Panama Canal Continues for Now
The GUPC continues its work on the Panama Canal despite threats to suspend construction. Meanwhile the Canal Authority is holding the company's feet to the fire.
Young Romanian Builds First Car Entirely Made of LEGO Blocks
20-year-old Raul Oaida from Romania has built what many dreamed of as children – the world’s first life-size LEGO car. The car, including the engine which actually runs, was built using 500,000 LEGO pieces. The vehicle can only achieve a speed of some 20 to 30 kilometers per hour, but...
Rare Roma Holocaust Documentation Center to Open in Hungary
A Roma Holocaust center is planned to be opened in the southern Hungarian city of Pecs by the end of 2014. The documentation center is the joint effort of the local municipality of Pecs and the Hungarian Roma minority, and will also collaborate with the Pecs University in teaching students...
“It Has Become Hard to Breathe”: Tajikistan's Capital Gets a Coal Plant… and Hazardous Dust
As Dushanbe's new coal-fired power plant begins to supply electricity, rising levels of coal dust set off alarm bells in the city.
Iran:Tehran Welcomes China's Help to Launch the National Internet
Iranian authorities in the Ministry of Information recently met with their Chinese counterparts and said they welcome China's experience to launch Iran's national internet.” Amin Sabeti tweeted: #China will help #Iran to launch the National Information Network or the National Internet http://t.co/nhLSmQRMnv @Liberationtech @lorenzoFB — Amin Sabeti (@AminSabeti) January 20,...
Malaysian Prime Minister Sparks Water Spinach Meme Over Rising Prices
Reacting to protests against rising food prices, Malaysia's prime minister reminded the public that the price of kangkung or water spinach has gone down. This remark unleashed a kangkung meme
Pacific Climate Warriors: “We Are Not Drowning, We Are Fighting”
A new campaign seeks to change the image of Pacific Islanders as passive victims to warriors of peace against climate change.
Who Actually Lives in the Houses Built After Haiti's Earthquake?
Expensive yet poorly constructed, squatters reign in homes that were intended for Haiti's earthquake victims.
Gender-Based Violence Epidemic Hits Sex Workers in Honduras
Despite the fact that sex work is legal in Honduras, many groups and individuals view their actions as immoral. Those who murder sex workers believe they can literally treat these human beings as garbage to be disposed of. Such violence takes place against the broader backdrop of widespread gender- and sexuality-based violence...
Lunar New Year Ad From A Desperate Chinese Mom
The letter said: To my son Peng, I’ve made many calls to you, but you never picked up. This ad is probably the only thing that can reach you. Mom and dad won’t force you to get married any more. Please go back home for Spring Festival this year! Loving...
Most Annoying Emoticons and Expressions in Chinese Online Communication
An online survey has revealed a list of the most objectionable expressions and emoticons in online communication of 2013. More from Nanfang insider.
Chinese Civil Servants Demand Higher Salaries
People's Congress representative from Guangdong province suggested the government to increase civil servants’ salaries. Indeed their basic salaries are low, but they enjoy huge benefits and subsidies. The proposal immediately stirred up hot reactions from netizens. ChinaSMACK curates the story in English.
Bermuda: Gambling with Democracy?
catch a fire explains why he got involved in a petition for a referendum on casino gambling in Bermuda, then publishes a follow-up post asking: What does that say for our democracy when people are afraid to sign a petition that they support because they fear consequences from the Government...
Philippine Typhoon Haiyan Victims Complain of Slow Relief and Substandard Shelters
Dead bodies are still being retrieved in the Visayas two months after typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. Temporary shelters were also exposed to be overpriced and substandard
Korean Seniors Prompt Boycott of McDonald's and Get McResolution
Korean elderly made headlines in New York City, as they loitered at McDonald's from early in the morning till well after dark - a not unfamiliar scene to South Koreans.
Trinidad & Tobago: The Faces of Heroes
Samuel ‘Boy’ Walrond is the most remarkable artist in Trinidad and Tobago that you probably do not know exists. That he has never been nationally recognised for his ability, or…the epic span of his life’s work, is an example of society’s failure to identify and honour its heroes. Repeating Islands...
Self Defense Against Drug Cartels or the Mexican Government in Michoacán?
In an effort to bring peace to the state of Michoacán, the government has sent the military to disarm citizen self-defense groups who have taken up arms against organized crime.
Indonesian Maid Says She Was Beaten, Starved and Burned in Hong Kong
Another damning case of foreign maid abuse has recently been exposed in Hong Kong. Activist groups are working together to end this modern-day slave system.