"Volver" by Almodovar @ Saigon Outcast
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- Published on 10 September 2013
This Thursday, Saigon Outcast continues to offer us high quality world cinema. This time is Pedro Almodovar's turn with 'Volver" (2006).
Environmentalism and Sustainability Gaining Steam in Vietnam
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- Published on 10 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Vietnam is slowly but surely understanding the need for sustainable development and a clean environment. We’ve recently seen the erection of green homes, establishment of green-focused youth clubs and a new fleet of CNG busses. But there’s a great deal of work to be done to reinforce these mentalities on a national scale.
American Teacher Killed by Truck in District 7
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- Published on 09 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
An American English teacher was hit by a truck and died this morning on Luu Trong Lu st. in District 7.
Vietnamese Tech Startup of the Month – September Edition: Digi-Gps
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- Published on 09 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Digi-GPS, a local Vietnamese startup, seeks to apply high-technology to our decidedly analog motorbikes. The company has launched two security-minded products to help bike owners feel secure - SmartBike and the SmartLock.
Minimalist Nest House in Binh Duong
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- Published on 09 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
The Nest house was designed for a middle-aged architecture writer. The house, located on the outskirts of the new city in Thuận An, Binh Duong Province, seeks to blend urbanism with a variety of architecture styles that match its surroundings.
Three of Saigon’s Oldest Banh Mi Shops
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- Published on 09 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Banh mi has been an iconic Vietnamese staple since French colonization brought bread to the region in the 18th century. Though the French have come and gone (and come and gone again), the soft, airy baguettes remain one of the country’s most popular foods. With its lengthy history, it’s no surprise that there are a number of banh mi shops in Saigon that have endured the ages, some serving the same sandwiches for more than 50 years. Here are three of the city’s oldest shops, profiled by Vietnam Net.
A History of Vietnamese Banknotes
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- Published on 09 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
These days, you’d be hard pressed to find Vietnamese coins as with a maximum value of VND5,000, inflation has rendered them virtually useless. However, even though banknotes have existed in Vietnam since the 14th century, coins were the country’s preferred currency until 1947.
What the Phở Happened Last Weekend? 10 Stories You May Have Missed
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- Published on 09 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
- State firms pay highest wages [VietnamNet]
- Tony Blair strikes new deals to advise Vietnam and Peru [The Telegraph]
- Authorities revoke license of clinic with Chinese 'doctors’ [Tuoi Tre]
Old Saigon Picture of the Day: City of Bikes
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- Published on 06 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
A slower mode of transportation for a slower time.
Vietnam, Neighbors Pledge to End Dog Meat Trade
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- Published on 06 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
At a recent meeting in Hanoi, the four governments agreed in principle on a strategy to end the trafficking of dogs between Vietnam and its neighbors, which is estimated at 5 million animals annually.
Slideshow: Vintage Vietnamese Hairdos Recreated by Top Stylists
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- Published on 06 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
When we posted an article featuring Vietnamese album art from the 60s and 70s a few months back, we found the singers’ hair styles to be some of the more intriguing details.
Vietnam Set to Become World’s Largest Motorbike Producer
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- Published on 06 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Slowly but surely, Vietnam is becoming the favored location for large scale motorbike manufacturing. If the trend continues, analysts predict that within 10 years, Vietnam will become the global leader in the industry.
Saigon From Above
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- Published on 05 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Photographer Gian Thanh Son is completing a book and preparing a special exhibition, "Discovering Saigon from the air."
With the help of special forces helicopter Regiment 917 (Air Division 370), Son was able to capture his home city from the air, a dream of his for many years:
Vietnam: The Land of Nike
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- Published on 05 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
According to AmCham Vietnam, 98% of Nike footwear is produced in Asia with Vietnam leading the pack followed by China and Indonesia.
In the 2013 fiscal year, Vietnam, which houses at least 10 Nike factories, accounts for 42% of total footwear manufacturing while China and Indonesia account for 30% and 26% respectively.
Everyone's A DJ Presents: Shimmy Shimmy Coco Pop
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- Published on 05 September 2013
Everyone's A DJ presents 'Shimmy Shimmy Coco Pop' - a 50s/60s rock'n'roll/motown dance party!
From the organisers:
Six Suffocate in Fish Oil Tank
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- Published on 05 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Well this is a sad story. Yesterday morning, six employees of the IDI Fisheries Factory in Binh Thanh Commun, Dong Thap Province suffocated from catfish oil fumes while taking samples.
Morning Links: Two Drunken Foreigners to be Expelled for Disturbing Acts
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- Published on 05 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
- Vietnam expects 6 pct GDP growth in two years [xinhuanet]
- Foreign firms in Vietnam complain about deteriorating business climate, consider quitting [Thanh Nien]
- More Vietnamese men using silicone to enlarge their penises [Thanh Nien]
Has Da Nang’s Bubble Burst?
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- Published on 04 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
After a decade of breakneck development, Da Nang’s luster is starting to wear off. Overly reliant on a once-booming real estate sector, the city’s coffers are drying up as investments slow and large-scale development projects stall.
Why Sustainable Development is Vital For Vietnam's Future
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- Published on 04 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Green building is starting to take off in Vietnam. Over the past few months, we’ve seen a number of ‘green’ homes sprout up across Saigon, using open floor plans, sustainable materials and plants that accommodate the city’s tropical climate. As buildings represent one the largest consumers of energy in the country, it’s vital that green building practices are adopted on a large scale, especially since Vietnam faces massive energy deficits in the coming decades. But Saigon’s skyline continues to develop in an increasingly ‘international style,’ where sleek design trumps sustainability.
Morning Links: $2 Million Weasel Coffee Farm in Da Lat
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- Published on 04 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
- Cambodian import turns a Saigon staple [Thanh Nien]
- Journalist jailed for fatal road accident [Thanh Nien]
- Vietnam Stocks to Climb 12% by Year-End on Valuations, PXP Says [Bloomberg]
