Showing 1 - 10 of 24
Thailand's most unlikely A-list celebrity
Oped, Roger Crutchley, Published on 22/09/2024
» Unless you have been in hibernation for the past few weeks you may have noticed that making the news has been the two-month-old female pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng (Bouncy Pork) which has been attracting large crowds to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. The little hippo, which acquired its name due to its "bouncy" behaviour has become an internet celebrity and indeed, an international star. She even made a guest appearance on the BBC World news.
Securing the Mekong's water future
Oped, Published on 18/09/2024
» Today, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Mekong River Commission (MRC) kick off a second round of talks about water security.
Old dam, new debate
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/09/2024
» It has become a pattern for almost every government to revive the controversial Kaeng Sua Ten Dam project when there is a big flood in provinces located in the Mae Yom River's basin, such as Phrae, Sukhothai, Phichit, and Phitsanulok provinces. The Pheu Thai-led-government is no exception.
Activists' fate awaits action
News, Editorial, Published on 02/09/2024
» Last Friday marked International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Unlike in the past, the return of a Shinawatra family member to Government House has rekindled hope the new prime minister will help locate political activists -- many of whom were affiliated with the red-shirt movement -- who disappeared in neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Laos.
Seed bomb threat to forest ecology
Editorial, Published on 01/09/2024
» Despite public concern over invasive species like the blackchin tilapia, which is rapidly spreading and threatening river and marine ecosystems nationwide, forest authorities are now putting rainforests at risk by seed bombing with non-native species. This reckless action must stop.
Ukraine's Kursk push -- a bold or risky move?
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 17/08/2024
» Ukraine's cross-border attack into the Kursk region of Russia last week has triggered the usual claims and counter-claims. First, former Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia had taken 420 square km of territory from Ukrainian forces since June 14 along the old front line in the east.
Is AI a curse or a blessing for education?
Oped, Published on 17/08/2024
» My collegiate rowing coach at the University of Western Ontario was an eccentric West German named Dr Volker Nolte, a stocky and imposing figure who was only funny when he didn't mean to be. He was a biomechanics wizard, obsessing over the countervailing forces of the rower and shell, currents and winds, blades and water. In the early 80s, as part of his doctoral research, he designed a sliding rigger that moved along the hull of the boat on slides in tandem with the rower, which, when compared to a fixed rigger, effectively doubled the force and propulsion of every stroke. It made second-tier rowers competitive with the best in the world.
City's anti-rat crusade has never been this normal
News, Stephen Mihm, Published on 13/08/2024
» New York City's mayor, Eric Adams, has opened up a new front of his war on rats. Mr Adams, who already made headlines for appointing a "rat czar" last year, has escalated his campaign against the city's ubiquitous rodents. Last week, he announced the creation of the "Rat Pack", which he billed as an "elite squad of anti-rat activists" who will take the fight to the enemy.
Beatniks, beards, duffel coats and music
Roger Crutchley, Published on 11/08/2024
» There seems to be daily protests going on around the world including England. It is uncomfortable witnessing in my home country scenes of bricks being lobbed through windows, doors kicked in, businesses boarded up and terrified shopkeepers pulling down the shutters. Thankfully, things appear to have temporarily calmed down and hopefully it will stay that way.
Triathletes are lab rats for Seine cleanup stunt
News, David Fickling, Published on 01/08/2024
» What's not to like about a sparkling bathing spot in the middle of a global city?