Stories from December, 2013
Malagasy Genius Seeking Happiness off the Grid
Malagasy genius decides that what he wants is a normal life, away from all the public attention..
Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia
The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development has published a policy briefer that tackled the extent of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Many Southeast Asian countries are at...
Beer Looting Ignited Internet Meme in Vietnam
The public looting of an overturned beer truck in Vietnam early this month generated an Internet meme. Many criticized the looters for stealing beer instead of helping the truck driver.
Hundreds of Local Chinese Lawmakers Dismissed Over Massive Bribery Scandal
518 Hengyang lawmakers and 68 staff members were found to have accepted bribes, and 512 lawmakers were dismissed.
South Korean Pres. Vows Pre-emptive Strikes on Social Media Rumors
Is South Korea government gearing up toward social media censorship? The latest official remark by President Park (full transcript [ko]) had Korean net users worried. Park, addressing “those rumors spreading via social...
Art in the Trolley – Invading Public Spaces in Quito
Art in the Trolley is an initiative of intervention in the public spaces of Quito's transportation system known as the Trolleybus. Get to know them.
The Best of Infoactivism LATAM 2013
The SocialTIC team lists "The Year's Best in Latin American Infoactivism," projects and events that inspired them to use the TIC to generate social impact in 2013.
PHOTOS: Humans of Southeast Asia
Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York Facebook page has inspired many photographers in Southeast Asia to share photos and stories of ordinary people in the streets in their respective countries
Widespread Power Outages Leave Argentines Dying of Heat
Record high temperaturas provokes energy crisis in Argentina, leaving many citizens in the dark.
China's Hunan Province: “96.6% Complete on Democracy and Rule of Law”
China's Hunan Party Secretary Xu Shousheng published a report on Hunan Daily that says “Hunan province is 96.6% complete on democracy and rule of law.” The statement has been ridiculed...
Mandela's lesson for Hong Kong
Sa Law from left21 wrote a piece on Nelson Mandela and his lesson for Hong Kong, a city where migrant workers are living in apartheid. Due to their long working...
The Return of Chairman Mao Worship in China
The celebration of Chair Mao's 120th birthday has seen a return of personality worship in China.
Ukrainian Protesters Play Lennon's “Imagine” Live to Riot Police
On December 18, 2013, American musician and composer Sean Lennon (son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono) shared a photo on his Facebook wall, depicting a pianist playing John Lennon's...
Iran: Two Poets Arrested
Poets Mehdi Mousavi and Fatemeh Ekhtesari disappeared in Iran. News reported that the two have been detained since early December. More than two hundred people signed an online petition and...
The Challenges And The Future Of Microcredit In Bangladesh
Scott MacMillan and Priom Ahmed at BRAC blog cites a report from the World Bank’s Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) which identifies five trends that will define the...
Contemplating Nelson Mandela's Legacy in South Asia
"Nepali leaders have a lot to learn from Mandela's statesmanship, integrity, and lack of political ambition."
Chinese President Xi Jinping Eats Steam Buns
The news about Chinese President Xi Jingping in a small restaurant eating steam buns with common people was first appeared in Weibo and spread through mainstream media outlets. ChinaSMACK translated...
9 Things the Russian Government Says Are “Gay Propaganda”
Russian state censors have revised the criteria for identifying information online that supposedly endangers minors. One new report tries to clarify the definition of "gay propaganda."
China's Southern Media Group Turns Back on Anti-Censorship Supporters
The newspaper issued testimony that supports the prosecution of activists who took part in an anti-censorship protest in support of the paper.
An Open Letter to Arvind Kejriwal
Satire blog AmreekanDesi writes an open letter to the newly elected chief minister of Delhi, anti-corruption crusader Arvind Kejriwal: Now that you’ve given us this hope, please don’t let us...
South Korea: Reason Behind Movie ‘The Attorney's Box Office Smash
South Korean movie ‘The Attorney’ which depicts the early life of ex-President Roh who started as a civil rights lawyer resisting against dictatorial regimes, has drawn over 4 million admissions in...
