Words: Loaned by the French, Borrowed by the Vietnamese
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- Published on 18 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
From pho and banh mi to motorbike culture, elements of French influence can still be found throughout Vietnamese society. The Vietnamese language also contains dozens of French 'loan words' that, while often spelled and pronounced a bit differently, serve as a reminder of the country's colonial past. And, unless you have a grasp on both French and Vietnamese, many of them don't seem particularly obvious.
Wine for Cats now Available in Japan (Yes, Really)
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- Published on 18 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
It’s been a while since we’ve checked in with our Japanese neighbors who always seem to be one-upping the world when it comes to whacky products. We present to you – cat wine.
Morning News Roundup: Vegetable Prices Jump After Storm Nari
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- Published on 18 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
Government decrees support for atomic energy studies [Nhan Dan]
Oil refinery projects erected all across Vietnam [Tuoi Tre]
Vietnam cyber crime rising in 2013 - Vietnam Economic Times [Reuters]
4 Vietnamese among dead in Laos air crash [Thanh Nien]
Celeb. Chef, Bobby Chinn's Crusade for Safer Food in Vietnam
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- Published on 17 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
Vietnam may have some of the best food in the world but the country has recently struggled with food safety issues. Over the past few months, stories about tainted noodles and street drinks have been popping up in the local media, raising concerns among the public. A recent article from VOA News profiles celebrity chef, Bobby Chinn, who is trying to raise awareness about both food safety and sustainable fishing in Vietnam.
Typhoon Nari Leaves Path of Death and Destruction Across SE Asia
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- Published on 17 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
As Typhoon Nari swept through SE Asia this week, it left a path of death and destruction from the Philippines to Laos. Thousands of homes were destroyed, dozens of lives were lost and it may have even been responsible for yesterday's fatal plane crash in Loas.
Video: Girl Causes Accident, Brushes it off Like a Boss
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- Published on 17 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Even though drivers in Vietnam seem to have mastered driving the wrong way on one way streets, this tactic can still result in accidents. Especially when the offender drives in the middle of the road.
In the video below, a female biker causes a motorbike pileup and brushes it off like nothing happened, even with drivers yelling at her. Props for staying cool as a cucumber but still a dick move if you ask us.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnamese Want City, Airport, Avenue Named After Gen. Giap
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- Published on 17 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
Half of Vietnam’s industrial sewage dumped into rivers untreated [Thanh Nien]
Vietnamese want city, airport, avenue named after Gen. Giap [Tuoi Tre]
Vinalines former head guilty of corruption [Seashipnews]
Vietnam's Tea Industry Needs to Become More Sustainable [Teanewsdirect]
Old Saigon Picture of the Day: Looking Up (1966)
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- Published on 16 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
This striking image was taken from above Saigon's streets in 1966.
It's images like this that make one wonder where their subjects are today.
How Saigon's Largest Canal Cleaned up Its Act
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- Published on 16 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
You’ve likely observed groups of men fishing along the banks of Saigon’s Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal and wondered how fish could survive in its waters. Apparently it’s a bit cleaner than we may think. While the waters are still not pristine, a recent piece in Bloomberg outlined the canal's transition from smelly eyesore to public space.
Slideshow: On the Red Carpet of "Am Muu Giay Got Nhon"
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- Published on 16 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
On Monday, Saigoneer attended the premier of the highly anticipated film, "Am Muu Giay Got Nhon" ("How to Fight in Six Inch Heels").
Since the movie was directed and produced by Viet Kieu and focuses on fashion, the premier attracted Vietnam's film and fashion A-listers.
With camera bulbs flashing, music blasting and celebrities striking glamorous poses, we were more attracted by the spectacle of it all than the overwhelming star power.
Students Need Their Sleepy-Sleepy Time
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- Published on 16 October 2013
- Written by Peter Cornish.
Renowned for their love of sleepy-sleepy time and the obligatory after lunch snoozes, Vietnamese parents are once again up in arms at the hours of a normal school day.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam's Chief Warns Against Growing Economic Divide, Again
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- Published on 16 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Vietnam Vows Dong and Interest-Rate Stability for Growth [Bloomberg]
US alliance says Vietnam software piracy decreasing [Thanh Nien]
Dogs in Vietnam: Not just for dinner anymore [Reuters]
Paris Orchestra to perform in HCMC [Tuoi Tre]
Thrift Shop 2 - Make it a Better Place! @ Saigon Outcast
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- Published on 16 October 2013
Saigon Outcast and Work Hard Play Hard got back to collaborate again for their second ‘Thrift shop 2 – Make it a better place’ event.
The aims of the event are to raise awareness of “Recycle, reuse and reduce” as well as to collect useful items to donate to charity organization for people in need from the local community.
Typhoon Nari Devastating Central Vietnam
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- Published on 15 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
After wreaking havoc on the Philippines where it killed 13 people, Typhoon Nari made landfall this morning in central Vietnam, causing massive flooding, power outages and destruction of property.
Manga and Cosplay in Vietnam
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- Published on 15 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
Vietnam is a melting pot for Asian culture and loves to imitate the trends of its neighbors. From economics (China/South Korea) to music (South Korea/Japan) Vietnamese are truly masters of emulation, for better or for worse. One trend that has been gaining popularity is Japanese-inspired manga comics which have cult following across the world.
"Rear Window" - Screening @ deciBel
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- Published on 15 October 2013
Psycho, Vertigo, Rear Window, The Birds and North by NorthWest are usually the first titles to burst out of people’s mouth when mentioning the name Alfred Hitchcock.
Morning Links: Mass Evacuations in Vietnam for Typhoon Nari
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- Published on 15 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Vietnam Vows to Boost Political Trust With China During Li Visit [Business Week]
Sustainable tourism in Vietnam inspires film [ABC]
Killer drunk drivers stalk Vietnam roads [Thanh Nien]
Mass evacuations in Vietnam for typhoon Nari [Economic Times]
Street Signs: Nguyễn Huệ - Part 1
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- Published on 14 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
In this edition of “Street Signs,” we take a closer look at Nguyen Hue, one of Vietnam’s most prominent folk heroes and successful military commanders. While he died before his vision for Vietnam was realized, his conquests ushered in a century of Vietnamese unification.
[Video] Celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain in Vietnam
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- Published on 14 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Gordon Ramsay isn't the only celebrity chef obsessed with Vietnam. But unlike Ramsay, New York chef, Anthony Bourdain, has a surprisingly close connection to Vietnam, cultivated over many visits since 2000.
[Updated] Ministry Approves Increased 3G Fees
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- Published on 14 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
[Update Below] Vietnamese telecommunication companies are awaiting a decision by the Ministry of Information and Communication that would double 3G fees in the country.
