Alternative Asian News TV Blog: news

Showing posts with label news. Show all posts

2/17/16

Virgin Mice Science Research In Japan

In a new study from Japan, results have shown that virgin mice preferred watching mice fight videos and receiving morphine injections rather than watching mice erotica and mice sniffing videos. The research was done by Japanese scientists Shigeru Watanabe from Keio University, Kazutaka Shinozuka with the RIKEN Brain Science Institute and Takefumi Kikusui from Azabu University and was published in the scientific journal "Animal Cognition."

Virgin mice prefer watching fight videos to sex... by tomonewsus

Although Japan does not have a big drug problem, this study may partly explain why violent anime is so popular in Japan and all over the world. It may also partially reveal why many young Japanese men and women are not interested in sex these days.

About this study, Barbara Kenig at the University of Zurich in Switzerland told New Scientist: "There is a debate over whether time spent with a specific cue is a good proxy for preference. Mice might just need longer to gain information on whether the objects signal any kind of danger."

2/14/16

The Vapors Were Right

Back in the amazing '80s The Vapors wrote this hit song "Turning Japanese":

Well they were right and we did it. But it would be hard to believe that this is what they had in mind:

Courtesy of: Visual Capitalist

But...

"I trust that many of you are familiar with the story of Peter Pan, in which it says, ‘the moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it’. Yes, what we need is a positive attitude and conviction." - Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda

OK Mr. Kuroda many people all over the globe would now be very happy to see you demonstrate your new superhuman ability by diving off the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi Tower and flying like Peter Pan on Monday morning live NHK news.

See more at Visual Capitalist

Edit: This is almost as good as last September's meltdown by US Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen when she either had a stroke or came to a sudden realization that her private organization is responsible for the destruction of the world economy:

1/26/16

The Simpsons Invade China & Go Global

For decades, Japan's Hello Kitty icon has been the world's leading soft power fictional character seen across the globe and is now the centerpiece of the current worldwide "kawaii" sensation. And since 1974, Sanrio has made everything imaginable with some form of the world's cutest little white Japanese Bobtail cat with a red bow. Recently, Sanrio even made a Hello Chucky doll and it sold out in less than 48 hours.

But that is now about to be challenged by America's most lovable and comical family from the fictional town of Springfield - The Simpsons. On Friday 20th Century Fox announced that the world's first Simpsons store will open in Beijing, China in March with an additional store opening in Shanghai in June. Following that will be a global expansion of up to 100 stores. This announcement comes after The Simpsons were previously banned in 2006 for a controversial episode about Homer visiting China.

Here is a recent CNN News video on this development:

Could this be the proverbial last nail in the communist coffin? Maybe.

1/15/16

Because Taiwan: The Church of The Glass Slipper

For centuries, Japan has religiously worshiped the steel phallus. And then, partly as a result of all of that hard work, in 2006 Kurara Chibana won the Miss Universe title in her famous Ninja High Heels.

So, not to be outdone by any of that, and in an effort to attract more female members to its congregation, we now have Taiwan's new wtf spectacular development of the church of the glass slipper now completed and about to open next month:

Because Taiwan: The Church of The Glass Slipper

It is tempting to make fun of this, but since it is an actual church of some kind or another I will tread lightly as blasphemy will mean the eternal damnation of my sole. ;)

DPRK Female Soldiers in Uniforms & High Heels!

1/11/16

David Bowie: "Look up here, I'm in Heaven"

From DavidBowie.com

"David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief."

In this song "Lazarus" he sings "Look up here, I'm in Heaven"

Quite a fitting stage exit from this world, indeed. RIP.

Note: The sold out off Broadway play Lazarus written By David Bowie & Enda Walsh continues through January 20th. Most likely it will be continued for a much longer run.

See all related previous posts here.

10/25/13

Taipei Zoo Pandas Yuan Yuan and Yuanzai Part 2

Via Taipei Zoo October 23, 2013

Earlier this year in August, the Taipei Zoo released the cutest Giant Panda videos ever seen in the history of the internets. These starred momma Yuan Yuan and her then one-month-old cub Yuanzai. These highly emotional short clips went mega viral and were broadcast on many international television news stations and are still quite popular all over the world wide web.

Well, just the other day the Taipei Zoo did it again and has now brought us a very cute behind-the-scenes look at baby Yuanzai as she gets lost after an examination and, literally, stumbles into momma's bamboo grazing grounds:

Note: Due to the recent popularity of this video, playback
may be slower than normal.

10/11/13

"Fukuppy" Fukushima's New Corporate Character

In an effort to alleviate the fear of Fukushima's ongoing nuclear disaster and food safety, the Fukushima Industries Corporation (a refrigerator/freezer manufacturer) has recently unveiled an all-new corporate character named "Fukuppy":

On the introduction page for this character it begins with this question and answer:

Q. Where were you born Fukuppy?

A. I was born in a Fukushima refrigerator.

The character also states that it is not yet a male or female because it is still an egg (with wings). It goes on to explain that it enjoys eating alot of food and is always on patrol and checking out the quality of meat, fish and vegetables in all new refrigerators. Also, to be fair, most likely, the Japanese pronunciation of this new oddity is "FOO-KU-PEA" or 「ふくっぴ」. And perhaps the logic behind this is that by putting a raw egg in one's refrigerator, somehow it will then indicate if any food has become irradiated. Mmmkkaaaayy...

Related:

Japanese Pluto-kun Your Plutonium Friend!

News Documentary on Food Safety in Japan

9/17/13

Korea's Web Damsel Chip-Chan Goes Outside?

Chip Chan as previously seen on her live video webcams.

Via The Kernel September 15, 2013

Recently in second-best Korea it was reported that a young woman was literally "trapped" on the internet inside of her own live video webcams! This damsel-in-distress news quickly made its way to 4chan and then exploded across the Asian internets. Many viewers struggled to interpret her scribbled signs and one time when she remained motionless for hours, several others began to wonder if the web had been trolled by a corpse!

Well, even though it is well known that there are no girls on the internet, it turned out that she is a real, living young Korean woman residing somewhere in Seoul. She has been given the nickname of "Chip-Chan" partly based on her own self-scribed Engrish history as seen on her personal blog entitled "Verichip for criminal destroys me". And in the below video, it does appear that she actually goes outside:

Mmmmkay.... so we have a woman in trouble. She suddenly gets discovered by millions of guys on the web who are now all fully registered members of her fan club base known as "Chippies". Then soon afterwards she seems to either find the way out of her "trap" or she went to sleep in one of her filing cabinets as she has been known to do in the past. Whadayathink? WTF Actual right? Because Korea right? Pr0n site promo right? Incidentally, the local authorities are aware of this woman and they know her real, true identity and address in case anyone is worried.

But probably the most likely outcome is that Chip-Chan is now actually dating some of her very own "Chippies" and no longer is "afraid of sleeping" so to say. Well either way, her live video webcams are still up and running even though she has temporarily disappeared from the spotlight.

See also:

Korean Kids Sing The Ramones

Buy A North Korean Bride Only $50,000!!!

From North Korea: 'Pyongyang Style' by Steve Gong

8/31/13

Dennis Rodman To Go Back to North Korea

Via Huff Post Live August 29, 2013

Just pause for a second and realize how incredibly MAGNIFICENT this title is: "Dennis Rodman Headed Back To North Korea". Seriously, with the way world events are now happening, this could turn out to be one of the greatest headlines of all of 2013:

"Dennis Rodman Headed Back To North Korea"

AWESOME!!!

OK, let's break it down some. Back in March of this year, the five-time NBA Champion, seven-time NBA rebound king and NBA Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Rodman visited Kim Jong Un and the Pirate Bay (temporarily) moved to Pyongyang. And since his first visit, other political events have occurred that could make this next trip a whole lot more meaningful if Rodman can successfully secure the release of Korean/American citizen Kenneth Bae. However, that is one big, huge "if", indeed.

Now, of course, this time around there will be more haters. And they're going to say that Rodman's a "traitor" and a "media whore" et al. And that Vice unethically manipulated and then paid off the DPRK elite etc. Or that the White House is secretly setting up the visit since it is now uninvited blah blah blah. But, maybe the real reason why this wonderful reunion is happening again is very simple and very human: Dennis Rodman and Kim Jong Un are just good friends.

And is there any better reason than that?

Associated Press/AP news video of Dennis Rodman returning to North Korea on September 3, 2013:

Related:

Vice HBO Documentary "Basketball Diplomacy"

Vice, Rodman, Globetrotters Meet DPRK Players

NKBA Kim Jong Un & Dennis Rodman Video Game

8/24/13

Edward Snowden Short Film From Hong Kong

Via Entertainment Weekly June 30, 2013

Just released about a month ago, here is the very first short film about American surveillance secrets whistle blower Edward Snowden and his controversial Hong Kong international spy debut entitled "Verax":

"Verax" was Snowden's secret codename and it means "truth teller" in Latin.

CREDITS:

Directed and produced by
Jeff Floro 謝夫發露 (Junk Shot)
Edwin Lee 李健恩 (Fallout Media)
Shawn Tse 謝兆龍 (Junk Shot)
Marcus Tsui 崔正傑 (Immortal Peach)

Associate producer
Cassandra Chan (Slate Takes)

Written by
Edwin Lee
Marcus Tsui

See also:

Shocking Undercover North Korean News Video

8/13/13

Mother & Baby Panda Rejoined @ Taipei Zoo

Just over a month ago, first-time mother panda Yuanyuan gave birth to a beautiful daughter named Yuanzai at the Taipei Zoo. However, Yuanyuan accidentally broke Yuanzai's foot while carrying her. There was some concern that the mother might kill or eat the baby so they had to temporarily separate the two. The zoo's nurses and veterinarians took very good care of the baby panda and on August 12th, mother and baby met for a brief, but very emotional moment.

Then earlier today (Aug 13th) both mother and baby were reunited and Yuanyuan breastfed Yuanzai with no problems. Below is an incredible video of the two coming together again:

See also:

Because China: Panda Bully on China Airways

Chinese Pigs Chasing Chinese Pigs

8/4/13

Chinese Pigs Chasing Chinese Pigs

Via Metro.co.uk and ITN August 4th 2013

Yes, that headline is correct as a truckload of piglets overturned in Guiyang province in southwest China forcing highway police to chase after the escaped squealing swine. A truly hilarious modern-day episode of The Keystone Cops followed as the speedy piglets continued to evade the slow, dumbfounded police officers trying to apprehend them. Here is a very funny ITN news video of this comic chase scene:

Of course the police finally caught them, but they didn't go away quietly.

7/30/13

Chinese Female Special Forces Photo

Embiggen

Via Xinhua English.news.cn July 30, 2013

Just released earlier today, here is a nice shot from Xinhua English.new's photo essay on the Soldiers of China's female special forces unit. Editor: Fang Yang

Related:

Because China: People's Liberation Army in Action!

Chinese Military Multifunction Shovel Demo Video

7/16/13

Flawed Fukushima Fruit & Vegetables w/ Radiation

Fresh Fukushima Fruit & Vegetables w/ Radiation

Two-Headed Corn

Via MSN Now July 15, 2013

Recent photos from a Korean website of many irradiated and malformed fruit and vegetables from Fukushima, Japan have gone viral and are now being reported by mainstream news entities. And these are not pretty pictures, indeed:

Deformed Peaches

Hand-Shaped Radish

Giant Cabbages

More photos...

Related:

Fukushima Deformed Baby Rabbit w/ No Ears

News Documentary on Food Safety in Japan

7/9/13

Chinese Police Fire on Tibetan Monks

Via The Guardian July 9, 2013

According to the US-based International Campaign for Tibet, Chinese police opened fire on a group of Tibetan monks that was gathered on a sacred mountain to celebrate the 78th birthday of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. Two monks were shot in the head and others were seriously injured by the surprise attack that included the use of tear gas. The ICT group is now demanding that the US government pressure the Chinese government into investigating these shootings of unarmed Tibetans. Chinese security officials have used severe methods of crowd control in Tibet in the past, but the use of firearms is rare. Here is an audio recording of this news report from The Guardian:

UPDATE: Via Radio Free Asia

"At least eight Tibetans were injured when Chinese police fired gunshots and used tear gas to disperse about 1,000 monks and nuns who had gathered in a restive county in Sichuan province at the weekend to mark the birthday of Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, according to local residents and exile groups."

"They said that policemen also beat some in the crowd and smashed the windows of vehicles used to ferry the monks and nuns to the lower slopes of a mountain regarded as sacred in Tawu (in Chinese, Daofu) county on Saturday to commemorate the Dalai Lama's 78th birthday."

Continued...

7/4/13

Meanwhile in Qingdao, China...

Massive Green Algae Invasion in Qingdao China

Via The Telegraph Friday, July 5, 2013

A massive green algae invasion has landed in Qingdao and other seaside areas in Eastern China. The algae is reported to not be toxic to humans or damaging to water quality. But, apparently, it really stinks! Here is a BBC News video on this largest-ever swarm of the harmless "sea lettuce":

See also:

Chinese Army Kills Asian Hornets' Nest With Fire

Shanhaiguan: Where The Great Wall Meets The Sea

7/3/13

US Citizen Kenneth Bae In DPRK Prison

Via CNN July 3, 2013

An American citizen currently being held in a North Korean prison, pleaded for forgiveness and help from the US Government yesterday in an exclusive video from CNN.

In a trial in Pyongyang on April 30, 2013 Pae Jun Ho aka Kenneth Bae was convicted of "hostile acts to bring down its government" and for planning religious activities against the state, according to KCNA. Bae confessed to all of his "crimes" and was given a 15-year sentence of hard labor.

"Although my health is not good, I am being patient and coping well," Bae said. "And I hope that with the help of the North Korean government and the United States, I will be released soon."

A pro North Korean group located in Tokyo, Choson Sinbo, was granted permission to make this interview video which they gave to CNN:

6/9/13

The Writing on the Great Wall

As we reported almost two years ago, there has been a mega boom of graffiti and street art exploding throughout China. And as we can see in the above pic, the writing is now on The Great Wall. But what does it mean? Why did they write on the Great Wall?

Looking at it a bit closer, It seems as if this tag was written in some kind of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Perhaps this message is some kind of protest? Maybe. With government land grabs still going on more land riots and revolts keep happening all the time in China. Usually, that kind of unrest happens out in the countryside amongst farmers and other country folk.

So let's look even closer at the above glyphics, and sure enough, we can see just about every character is a farmer or someone working with an animal. So, therefore, it is a very good possibility that this is some kind of protest art. Especially when government officials recently ordered a construction crew to crush a protester to death with a steamroller machine! (WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS)

NMA TV on Facebook's David Choe

China: The Great Wall of Graffiti

6/7/13

Liu Bolin Sticks To His Guns in NYC

A modern-day "Invisible Man" Chinese performance artist Liu Bolin and his team pulled off another amazing camouflage act in New York at Eli Klein Fine Art earlier this week.

His performance art/live painting show was entitled "Gun Rack 2013". And apparently it took aim at arms control methods throughout the world. Bolin's New York agency also claimed that this work was inspired by a new Chinese law that requires individuals to present identification and registration when buying certain knives.

According to gallery owner Eli Klein "These are all real weapons, not replicas. They were legal to have in the gallery as they were modified to fire blanks. Zachary Bako filmed the entire event and made this short fast forward time lapse video:

Related:

Liu Bolin: China's #1 'Forever Alone' Artist

6/5/13

DPRK Kid's Day "LET'S MILITARY!"

It is now being reported that there was a somewhat large Children's Day celebration at Pyongyang's Mangyongdae Amusement Park on June 2, 2013. This first-time event featured various games, dances and competitions. Children dressed up in traditional Korean clothes while playing together in musical groups and competing together in various playground games. Some children also shot arrows at a target that resembled an American soldier! This event also included children dressed up in cute replica military uniforms. And what Children's Day celebration would not be complete without a full-on miniature rocket launcher in a MILITARY PARADE!!! Check it out: