Morning Links: Crime on the Rise in HCMC
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- Published on 12 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
- Vietnam lifts radiation inspection on Japanese food imports [Global Post]
- Vietnam’s farm produce exports remain precarious [VietnamNet]
- Will threat to pull out of Vietnam give more power to corporate lobby? [Thanh Nien]
China's $1.9 Billion Mooncake Industry
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- Published on 11 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Vietnam might consume a lot of mooncakes during the mid-autumn festival, but it has nothing on China.
The country of over one billion has more than 10,000 mooncake manufacturers which produce over 280,000 metric tons of the holiday staple annually, valued at $1.9 billion according to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. 2 million of the cakes end up in the garbage each year.
Slideshow: Gang of Taxi Drivers Destroys Truck Driver After Accident Near Tan Son Nhat
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- Published on 11 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Yesterday at 11:30, a battle royal occurred near Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat airport between a truck driver and gaggle (we’re pretty sure this is the technical term) of taxi drivers.
Decree: Foreign Workers Without Work Permits to be Deported
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- Published on 11 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Following in the footsteps of other ASEAN nations like Malaysia, a new government decree, set to go into effect on November 1st, includes provisions for deporting foreign workers in Vietnam who don’t have a work permit. While it seems to be targeting unskilled laborers and medical practitioners, it also specifically calls out those working in education.
5 Arrested in Massive Saigon Nike Theft
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- Published on 11 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Vietnam may be the land of Nike but the company’s pricey shoes make them a prime target for thievery. Earlier this week, A Ho Chi Minh City court sentenced five men to up to 15 years in prison for stealing huge shipments of shoes on their way to international markets.
Morning Links: Unfinished Billion Dollar Casino Projects
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- Published on 11 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
- Shiseido Vietnam builds US$30 million plant in Dong Nai [VoV]
- Bulgarians held for stealing money using fake ATM cards [Tuoi Tre]
A Day in the Life of a Saigon Drainage Worker
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- Published on 10 September 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
As much of Saigon was built on swampland, drainage is vital to the city’s development and progress. Yet with each heavy rain, large swaths of the city become inundated and streets come to resemble small rivers. Though Saigon’s drainage system leaves much to be desired, there are those who toil underneath the streets, doing their best to keep the sewer clean while wadding thorough toxic waste and hypodermic needles.
'Brother' by Takeshi Kitano @ deciBel Lounge
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- Published on 10 September 2013
Mutli-talented Japanese director, Takeshi Kitano (also known as Beat Takeshi) has truly done everything that could be done in showbiz and in the world of culture: film director, film editor, poet, actor, singer, screenwriter and much more. However, outside of his native country Japan, he is mostly known for his films.
"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.
