Asia
Japanese pachinko addiction fuels multi-billion dollar industry
Gambling is illegal in Japan, much to the consternation of American casino companies. Gaming, however, isn't. Enter pachinko. Determined to be a game, people spend a great deal of money in the hopes of winning rewards.
Myanmar opposition already showing itself in young democracy's parliament
Myanmar's National League for Democracy is a small piece of the country's parliament. But already its flexing its muscle as the nascent parliament begins to deal with real issue that will shape the country's future.
Migrant workers in Thailand in line for a raise -- if they can prove they're legal
Thailand's work force is comprised of a large number of migrant workers, some of whom are in the country illegally. But for those who can prove they're in the country legally, they're set to get a raise, as well as access to government benefits.
Pakistani man turns dust into treasure
Afsiroon Naqas scrapes dirt off the ground of the Rawalpindi, Pakistan, market. He's not trying to clean the place up, but rather to find little bits of gold that through a little bit of alchemy he can turn into $8 of gold — which he uses to feed his family.
Pakistanis question government's use of bans on cell phones, other tech
Pakistan's government likes to ban things. On New Year's eve, it instituted bans on particular ways of using motorbikes. But that's perhaps one of the milder bans. On several occasions this year, the government has banned the use of cell phones, social media and even motorbikes entirely.
Asian market in Missouri becomes hub of many different immigrant communities
Chong's Oriental Market in Columbia, Mo., has been serving the city's Asian community for nearly 25 years. But as the community has diversified, owner Daewun Shin has added staples and ingredients from a whole host of other communities, especially those from Africa.
Popularity of 'white weddings' surges in Japan, leads to shortage of officiants
Many Japanese women look forward to having a Western-style, Christian wedding ceremony -- because they like the pageantry of it all. But as they become more popular, there aren't enough caucasian ministers, deemed essential to the true "white wedding," to conduct them all.
NATO sees 2013 as an optimistic year for Afghanistan
With only a few weeks left in December and the New Year fast approaching, many find time to reflect on the past year's accomplishments and look toward the future. But with the ongoing conflict in Syria and preparations to transfer lead responsibility in Afghanistan, NATO has a lot to prepare for.
As Mayan 'end of the world' nears, Chinese especially interested in preparing
Various people around the world are looking to Dec. 21, the last day on an ancient Mayan calendar, as the end of the world. And while that theory has long been discredited, some people, especially in China, are madly preparing for that day.
Myanmar protests test government commitment to political reforms
A Chinese company is moving to begin a large copper mining project in rural Myanmar, but its running into stiff resistance from monks and local farmers who say they're being taken advantage of. Police moved in with water cannons and fire bombs -- but the national government says that won't happen again.
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(21 May, 2013 08:58:54)Stop moaning everyone - unbelievable and endless queue of worlds biggest collection of all minded moaning Minnie's -
PUdden N Tane (20 May, 2013 09:40:50)Take her crayons away then put her in the corner. How could anyone even 'think' they are doing right by the picture when they make ...
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Womprat (20 May, 2013 02:50:44)There were no swamp rats. There were Womprats, though.
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Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:59:28)You're quite right. Sorry about that! Jonathan Kealing PRI.org
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My Other Car's the Tardis (20 May, 2013 11:37:03)I think you dropped a letter in the album's title: "Ela" is "she"--not "he"--in Portuguese.