The Brains Behind Vietnam’s Meme Explosion
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- Published on 21 March 2014
- Written by Claudia Davaar Lambie.
Vietnamese netizens have embraced internet memes which employ a mix of humour and satire to create a new lens with which to view everything from daily life to pop culture. In a recent interview, Vietmeme’s Patrick Sharbugh spoke with two pioneering Vietnamese, An Khung An Tung (Duy An) and Minh Chanh who have helped usher in the era of meme culture in Vietnam.
Morning News Roundup: Not Allowed to Board, Passenger Threatens to Blow Up Jetstar Pacific Plane
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- Published on 21 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Not allowed to board, passenger threatens to rocket Jetstar Pacific’s plane [VietNamNet]
Vietnam expressways get Japan tech [Bangkok Post]
Vietnam, Russia to construct $500 mln atomic energy center [Tuoi Tre]
The Evolution of Can Gio – From Desert to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
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- Published on 20 March 2014
- Written by Eric San Juan.
It's hard to associate Saigon with one of the biggest and most valuable mangrove forests in Vietnam, and yet it makes sense. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Can Gio, part of the Ho Chi Minh City municipality, is located about 30 km away from the city center.
[Slideshow] A Morning on the Bitexco Tower's Helipad
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- Published on 20 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Since it’s rarely (if ever) used for helicopters, the Bitexco Tower’s notoriously underutilized helicopter landing pad has become something of an urban legend. Last month, the editors of the TP. Hồ Chí Minh: MEGA City photo book were granted access to the helipad and made use of its position as one of the city's highest open-air locations to snap some stunning photos.
Hoi An’s $4 Billion Casino Project Back on Track
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- Published on 20 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
As Vietnamese authorities continue to debate reducing gambling restrictions on locals, the long-stalled $4 billion casino project appears to be back on track with a US investor recently taking over the project, according to Thanh Nien.
Vietnamese Businessman Rescued from Chinese Kidnappers who Demanded $323,000 Ransom
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- Published on 20 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
After a month of captivity, a Vietnamese businessman and his interpreter, being held for a $323,000 ransom, were rescued by Chinese police last week, reports Tuoi Tre.
Morning News Roundup: Polluted Rivers, Dwindling Groundwater Threaten Vietnam City Supply
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- Published on 20 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Red tape hinders construction of HCMC underground parking lots [VietNamNet]
Polluted rivers, dwindling groundwater threaten Vietnam city supply [Thanh Nien]
Exhibition showcases metal artefacts made in northern Vietnam during Bronze Age [The Star]
[Updated] End of an Era? Authorities Reportedly Crack Down on Bui Vien Street Drinking
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- Published on 19 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
[Update Below] Bui Vien, the land of drunken backpackers and general debauchery, underwent a makeover yesterday when police removed motorbikes and plastic furniture from the area’s sidewalks, according to witnesses.
Behold: The Mekong Delta as Viewed from Space
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- Published on 19 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
This sweet image of the Mekong Delta is a composite of 3 pictures taken between January and November 2007 by Envisat, an Earth-observing satellite.
Old Saigon Building of the Week: Former Clinique Saint-Paul
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- Published on 19 March 2014
- Written by Tim Doling.
For those condemned to a long daily commute along that busiest of city arteries, Điện Biên Phủ street, the clean, elegant lines of the Hồ Chí Minh City Eye Hospital (Bệnh viện Mắt, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, www.benhvienmat.com) – the former Clinique Saint-Paul – offer a refreshing contrast to the surrounding urban clutter.
Vietnam’s First McDonald’s Has Served More than 400,000 Customers
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- Published on 19 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Henry Nguyen, owner of Good Day Hospitality, which operates McDonald's in Vietnam, announced yesterday that the company’s first Vietnamese branch served over 400,000 customers in its first month of operation, according to Bloomberg.
Morning News Roundup: Norway’s Crown Prince to visit Vietnam
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- Published on 19 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Vietnam seeks to reduce citizens’ papers with new ID card [Thanh Nien]
Vietnam’s mobile apps industry starts to toddle [VietNamNet]
Study says Vietnam at H7N9 risk as two new cases noted [Cidrap]
[Video] Saigon Street Scenes (1940-1950)
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- Published on 18 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
This is one of the harder old Saigon videos to make sense of since it’s a compilation of clips filmed between 1940 and 1950, starkly different times in the country's history (World War 2 will do that).
Survey: 38% of Vietnamese Support Same-Sex Marriage
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- Published on 18 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
In a recent survey conducted by Vietnam’s Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment and the Health Strategy and Policy Institute (that’s a mouthful!), more than one-third of respondents supported a proposed law to legalize same sex marriage, according to VietNamNet.
Hanoi's 7×18 House: Rethinking Urban Housing in Vietnam
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- Published on 18 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Hanoi-based, AHL architects associates continues to develop designs for sustainable urban housing in Vietnam. Their latest project, the 7×18 house, was built with local materials while taking into account geographic and cultural demands.
[Video] Vietnamese Students Cross Raging Floodwaters to Get to School
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- Published on 18 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Education is one of the most valued possessions in Vietnamese society and many children outside of the country’s urban centers expend a great deal of time and energy and, in some cases, risk their lives to obtain it.
Vietnam Announces Online Visa System
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- Published on 18 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
For foreigners traveling to Vietnam, getting a visa is set to get a bit easier as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Information and Communications have announced a new online visa system, reports VietNamNet.
Morning News Roundup: Korean Company Director Found Dead in Vietnam
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- Published on 18 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Big players' entry to hot up Vietnam cable TV market [Thanh Nien]
E-payment catches on with Vietnamese consumers [SGGP]
Vietnam to Lower Key Policy Rates to Support Economic Growth [Business Week]
Future Saigon: Renderings of Nguyen Cu Trinh Centre
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- Published on 17 March 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
There are big plans in the works to remake the intersection of Tran Dinh Xu, Nguyen Trai, Cong Quynh and Nguyen Cu Trinh in District 1.
The Second Portion 'Red' Opens at the Observatory
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- Published on 17 March 2014
- Written by Zelda Rudzitsky.
Upon entering the gallery section, visitors find themselves in a dark space lit only by Le Brothers’ video installations on the wall and by the shiny red reflections coming from the two cage-like sculptures adjacent the entrance door.
