Nguyen Ayi

Satire
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The Surprising Benefits of Feeding Your Kids Sugary Drinks and Letting Them Play on an iPad All Day

By Nguyen Ayi

As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. We want them to grow up healthy, happy, and smart. But what if I told you that there is a secret to achieving all of this with minimal effort? What if I told you that you could achieve all of this by simply feeding your kids sugary drinks and letting them play on an iPad all day?

Yes, you read that right. According to recent studies, feeding your kids sugary drinks and letting them play on an iPad all day can have some surprising benefits.

Firstly, sugary drinks are packed with energy, which means that your kids will have a constant supply of fuel to keep them going all day long. They won’t need to take naps or slow down, which means that they’ll have more time to learn and explore.

Secondly, iPads are like magic portals to infinite knowledge. Your kids can learn anything they want just by typing it into the search bar. They can learn about history, science, math, and even how to make slime. Who needs school when you have an iPad?

But the benefits don’t stop there. By letting your kids consume copious amounts of sugar and stare at a screen all day long, you’re also teaching them important life skills.

They’ll learn how to multitask, how to ignore their physical needs, and how to tune out the world around them. These skills will come in handy when they grow up and have to work long hours at a desk job.

And let’s not forget the social benefits. By letting your kids indulge in sugary drinks and screen time, you’re giving them a common interest that they can bond over with their peers. They can share their favorite YouTube channels and talk … Read more

Finance
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HCMC: Unsustainable Salaries and Stagnant Jobs

Opinion by Nguyen Thinh

Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam, has been experiencing rapid economic growth over the past few decades. The city has witnessed a surge in foreign investment, an increase in tourism, and a rise in living standards.

However, this growth has not been accompanied by an increase in salaries and job opportunities, leading to an unsustainable cost of living.

The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City has skyrocketed in recent years, with housing and food costs being the primary contributors.

According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living between cities, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 9 million VND (390 USD), while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to 27 million VND (1,170 USD). Additionally, the cost of owning a car or motorbike is high, with gasoline prices being among the highest in Southeast Asia.

Despite the high cost of living, the average salary in Ho Chi Minh City remains low. According to a report by VietnamWorks, a leading job search website in Vietnam, the average salary in the city is around 10 million VND (430 USD) per month. This is significantly lower than the cost of living, making it difficult for residents to make ends meet. Moreover, the job market in the city is highly competitive, with many graduates struggling to find employment opportunities that match their qualifications.

The combination of high living costs and low salaries has resulted in an unsustainable situation for the residents of Ho Chi Minh City. Many people are forced to work multiple jobs or rely on their families for financial support. The lack of affordable housing and transportation options also forces many to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

To address this issue, … Read more

Environment
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Ban Single-Use Plastics Now!

The Plastic Problem in Vietnam: Why a Ban on Single-Use Plastics is Essential

Vietnam has long been known for its natural beauty, with pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes attracting millions of tourists every year. However, this beauty is being threatened by the country’s plastic problem. Vietnam is one of the top contributors to the ocean’s plastic pollution, with an estimated 1.8 million tons of plastic waste being generated every year.

The majority of this plastic waste comes from single-use plastics such as plastic bags, straws, and food packaging. These items are used once and then discarded, often ending up in the environment where they take hundreds of years to decompose. This not only harms marine life, but also affects human health and the economy.

Studies have shown that plastic pollution has a significant impact on marine life, with animals such as sea turtles and dolphins mistaking plastic for food and ingesting it. This can lead to internal injuries and even death. Plastic waste also damages the fishing industry, as fish and other marine life can become entangled in plastic debris or ingest it, leading to decreased population and income for fishermen.

The impact of plastic pollution is not limited to marine life, as it also affects human health. Plastic waste releases toxic chemicals into the environment, which can enter the food chain and harm human health. In addition, plastic waste can clog drains and cause flooding, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases.

Furthermore, the economic impact of plastic pollution is significant, as it affects tourism and the fishing industry. Tourists are less likely to visit beaches that are covered in plastic waste, leading to decreased income for local businesses. In addition, plastic waste damages fishing equipment and decreases the amount of fish caught, leading to decreased income for fishermen.… Read more

News
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Vinahouse: The Rise of a New Genre

By Nguyen Thinh

Vietnam has a rich and diverse music culture, ranging from traditional folk music to modern pop and rock. In recent years, a new genre has emerged that is gaining popularity among young Vietnamese: Vinahouse music.

Vinahouse is a fusion of Vietnamese folk music and Western electronic dance music, with a focus on catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and repetitive hooks. The genre originated in the late 2000s, when DJs began remixing popular Vietnamese songs with electronic beats and synths.

The term “Vinahouse” was coined by Vietnamese DJ Hoaprox, who described it as “a mix of Vietnamese music and house music, but with a unique twist.” Vinahouse quickly gained a following among young people in Vietnam, who found the music to be both fun and nostalgic.

One of the key features of Vinahouse music is its use of traditional Vietnamese instruments, such as the đàn bầu (monochord) and the đàn tranh (zither), alongside electronic beats and synths. This fusion of old and new creates a unique sound that is both modern and rooted in Vietnamese culture.

Vinahouse music has also been embraced by Vietnamese celebrities and social media influencers, who use it in their videos and performances. The genre has become a symbol of youth culture in Vietnam, with Vinahouse parties and events drawing large crowds of young people.

However, Vinahouse music has also faced criticism from some quarters for its repetitive nature and lack of originality. Some have accused Vinahouse DJs of simply remixing existing songs without adding anything new or innovative.

Despite these criticisms, Vinahouse music continues to grow in popularity in Vietnam and beyond. The genre has even begun to attract international attention, with Vinahouse DJs performing at festivals and clubs in Asia and Europe.

Vinahouse music represents a new and exciting chapter in Vietnam’s music … Read more

Environment
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Cars Are Making Vietnam’s Cities Unlivable

Opinion By Nguyen Ayi

Vietnam’s extensive use of cars has caused several traffic problems that have paved the way for traditional motorbikes and bicycles to take over the roads. Cars take up a lot of space and require wider roads, which is not possible in Vietnam’s urban areas. On the other hand, motorbikes and bicycles are narrow and agile, allowing them to navigate through traffic with ease.

The traffic congestion caused by cars leads to longer commute times and reduced productivity. Additionally, cars produce more pollution than motorbikes and bicycles, which contributes to air pollution and climate change.

Motorbikes and bicycles have been a part of Vietnamese culture for a long time, and they offer several benefits. They require less fuel, are more affordable, and are easier to maintain. Moreover, they offer a sense of community as people ride together and help each other out in times of need.

The Vietnamese government has recognized the benefits of motorbikes and bicycles and has taken measures to promote their use. For example, bicycle lanes have been introduced in some cities, and the government has offered subsidies for those who choose to use motorbikes and bicycles instead of cars.

In conclusion, cars in Vietnam are causing significant traffic problems that are detrimental to the country’s productivity and environment. Traditional motorbikes and bicycles offer a superior alternative that is more affordable, eco-friendly, and culturally significant. By promoting the use of motorbikes and bicycles, Vietnam can tackle its traffic issues and build a sustainable future.

EducationExpat VoicesNews
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Happy Labor Day To English Teachers Being Exploited!

By Nguyen Thinh

There is a growing concern about English centers in Vietnam using part-time workers to skirt labor laws. By treating these workers as independent contractors instead of employees, these centers can avoid paying benefits and proper salaries. This not only exploits the workers but also creates an uneven playing field for those English centers that do follow labor laws and pay their employees fairly.

It is also a common practice within these centers to schedule part-time teachers with the hours many countries in Asia consider full-time teaching hours. The centers often require unpaid training hours and require daily availability.

The use of part-time workers also affects the quality of education provided by these English centers. As part-time workers, these teachers may not have the same level of commitment and investment in their students as full-time employees.

Furthermore, the high turnover rate of part-time workers can result in inconsistency and instability in the center’s curriculum and teaching methods.

English centers in Vietnam must follow labor laws and treat their workers fairly. This includes providing benefits and paying payroll taxes as required by law. Additionally, centers should invest in their employees by offering paid training and development opportunities, as well as fair wages and job security. By doing so, English centers can not only improve the quality of education they provide but also create a positive and sustainable work environment for their employees.

Currently, lacking any oversight, most English centers in Vietnam have become a Ponzi scheme for the owners, investors, and board members while the parents, students, and teachers are left behind.

News
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Why Your Brew Is More Expensive

By Nguyen Thinh

Whether it is beer or a cafe brew, rising rents, and the desire to be upscale is driving up the costs of your regular brews.

Gone are the days of a 10k beer or coffee.

Vietnam’s craft beer scene has been rapidly growing in recent years, with new breweries and taprooms popping up all over the country. While this is an exciting development for beer enthusiasts, it has also made beer drinking more expensive.

Craft beer prices are often double or triple those of local commercial beers. This is because craft beer is typically brewed in smaller batches using higher-quality ingredients, which drives up production costs. Additionally, many craft beer bars and taprooms are located in upscale areas where rents are high, which also drives up prices.

Despite these challenges, the craft beer scene in Vietnam shows no signs of slowing down. Many people are willing to pay a premium for the unique flavors and experiences that craft beer offers. With a growing middle class and a greater appreciation for quality over quantity, craft beer has found a niche in Vietnam’s beer market.

One of the reasons why craft beer has become so popular in Vietnam is because it offers a departure from the traditional lagers and pilsners that dominate the market. Craft brewers experiment with different brewing techniques, ingredients, and flavors, resulting in a wide range of beer styles that appeal to a variety of tastes.

Craft beer also offers a more personalized experience. Many breweries and taprooms offer tours and tastings, allowing customers to learn about the brewing process and sample different beers. This creates a sense of community and loyalty among craft beer enthusiasts, who often seek out new breweries and taprooms to try.

While the rise of craft beer has made beer drinking … Read more