Nguyen Ayi

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Ben Thanh Station’s Imminent Completion Is Huge

Posted byNguyen Ayi

Opinion And Facts By Kate Cohen

Critics continue to focus on the challenges and setbacks faced during the subway’s construction. While every ambitious project has its fair share of hurdles, it is crucial to recognize the long-term impact and benefits it will bring to Vietnam’s future. This new infrastructure will enhance connectivity, spur economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for residents, making it a noteworthy achievement deserving of much more positive attention.

Vietnam has made remarkable strides in recent years, achieving significant accomplishments that have helped propel its economy and improve the lives of its citizens. However, amidst this era of progress, there seems to be an excess of negativity that undersells the nation’s achievements. One remarkable development that highlights Vietnam’s growth is the opening of a new subway system in 2024, representing a game-changer for public transportation in the country.

According to statistics, Vietnam’s economy has experienced steady growth over the past decade. In 2019, the country’s GDP reached $261 billion, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. Vietnam has also attracted significant foreign investment, with inward FDI reaching $20.38 billion in 2019.

In terms of infrastructure development, the Vietnamese government has allocated a significant portion of its budget to transport projects. In 2020, infrastructure investment accounted for 5.5% of Vietnam’s GDP, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the nation’s transportation systems.

The new subway system in Ho Chi Minh City is anticipated to have a significant impact on reducing traffic congestion. According to a study by the Asian Development Bank, traffic congestion in the city currently costs approximately $1.2 billion per year in lost productivity and wasted fuel. The subway system will not only alleviate this congestion but also reduce travel times for commuters.

The new subway system is also expected to contribute to

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Satire
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Grandpa Makes Rush Hour His Zen Hour

Posted byNguyen Ayi

Ho Chi Minh City—A local grandpa has single-handedly shattered the stereotype that rush hour is chaotic and stressful. With a twinkle in his eye and the spirit of a time traveler, 85-year-old Mr. Nguyen has become the city’s revolutionary icon by embracing rush hour as his ideal time to leisurely explore the bustling streets.

While most sensible individuals avoid the hubbub of honking horns, exhaust fumes, and road rage during peak traffic, Mr. Nguyen has found his own peculiar way to experience the vibrant essence of the city—by moving at a snail’s pace. Armed with a vintage bike, sheer determination, and seemingly no knowledge of the concept of urgency, he fearlessly navigates his way through the sea of cars, motorbikes, and pedestrians with a nostalgic smile etched on his face.

One might assume that the sweet melodies of birds chirping in a nearby park or sipping on ca phe sua da in a tranquil café would be more enticing to a man of Mr. Nguyen’s age. However, this extraordinary grandpa insists that rush hour is the prime time to boldly showcase his ability to test the limits of both patience and sanity.

When asked about his peculiar choices, Mr. Nguyen chuckles heartily, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, my dear children, rush hour is the prime time for me to indulge in a fulfilling, albeit slow-paced, day. Where else can I witness the marvelous displays of traffic acrobatics from both drivers and pedestrians? What joy!”

Mr. Nguyen, with his unquenchable thirst for adventure, finds undeniable satisfaction in the seemingly mundane moments most people would associate with torment. A red light is a vibrant reminder that life is about embracing the present and appreciating the artwork of engines idling around him. Annoyed drivers behind him honk their horns, but cannot fathom

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Vietnamese Trump Supporters: Embracing Ignorance

Posted byNguyen Ayi

It has come to light that Vietnamese citizens have developed an inexplicable affection for former US President Donald Trump. Inspired by his tough business attitude of not paying contractors and his many beautiful wives, the people of Vietnam seem to have overlooked some minor details. It appears they missed out on the 40-count indictment regarding classified documents, and a laundry list of Trump’s close associates having run-ins with the law.

Unbeknownst to the Vietnamese people, Trump’s political guru and onetime chief strategist, Steve Bannon, was charged with defrauding donors in a border wall fundraising campaign. It seems that Bannon’s alleged wrongdoing doesn’t quite match up to their admiration for Trump’s “business acumen” at first glance.

Vietnamese Trump enthusiasts also blissfully disregard the fact that Trump’s onetime lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to tax fraud, lying to Congress, and campaign finance violations. He even facilitated hush money payments to women who claimed to have had affairs with the President. But hey, let’s focus on Trump’s ability to maintain a successful marriage, right?

The people of Vietnam seem completely oblivious to the grand jury’s decision to indict Trump on multiple felony counts of business record falsification. It appears that the Vietnamese admiration for Trump’s financial prowess overshadows these minor legal inconveniences.

And what about Paul Manafort, Trump’s onetime campaign chairman? He’s currently serving a 7.5-year sentence for tax and banking crimes, conspiring, and obstructing justice. But let’s not let something as trivial as criminal behavior tarnish our fascination with Trump’s impeccable taste in personnel.

With the Vietnamese people’s unwavering admiration for Trump, it’s evident that they haven’t been paying attention to the long list of individuals surrounding him facing their own legal woes. Roger Stone, a close friend and political adviser, was even convicted of seven charges related to lying … Read more

Satire
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Experienced English Teacher Yearns for Job Listings Filled with Administrative Bullshit and Minimum Wage

Posted byNguyen Ayi

One experienced English teacher has revealed his secret desire to escape the confines of the classroom and instead seek out job listings that include an abundance of administrative nonsense and dubious perks. Mr. Grumbleton, a seasoned educator who wishes to remain anonymous for obvious reasons. According to him, the last thing he wants to do is be in the classroom teaching, and he actively looks for a place that offers mind-numbing bureaucracy and lackluster professional growth opportunities.

“I’m tired of inspiring young minds and making a difference. What I really crave is an environment that’s filled with as much administrative bullshit as possible,” Mr. Grumbleton confessed with a forlorn expression. “Why settle for engaging lessons and enthusiastic students when I can have endless paperwork and tedious meetings? It’s the dream.”

For Mr. Grumbleton, the ideal job listing includes phrases such as “professional development,” “workshops,” and “training.” These triggers send waves of excitement throughout his body as he envisions countless hours spent in mind-numbing workshops that contribute very little to his actual teaching abilities. “I love it when they dangle the promise of growth and learning, only to provide me with PowerPoint presentations that would make anyone question their career choices,” he chuckled.

To add to the allure, Mr. Grumbleton finds it particularly appealing if the job requires him to build demo lessons from scratch. “Because let’s be honest, what I’d really like to do instead of teaching is spend countless nights brainstorming and meticulously crafting perfect lessons, ensuring that my creativity is exhausted even before I step into the classroom,” he explained with a hint of sarcasm.

Another teacher, who we will refer to as Mrs. Gung-Ho, shares Mr. Grumbleton’s unconventional cravings. “Oh, I absolutely love it when there are excessive classroom observations,” she chimed in. “Nothing gets my adrenaline … Read more

CrimeNews
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OBSTRUCTION: Trump requested staff member erase camera footage

Posted byNguyen Ayi

The indictment adds additional charges of obstruction and intentional withholding of national defense information, resulting in a grand total of 40 criminal counts in the ongoing classified documents case.

Cố vấn đặc biệt của Hoa Kỳ Jack Smith đã bổ sung ba cáo buộc hình sự mới chống lại Trump, nâng tổng số cáo buộc lên 40. Ngoài ra, Carlos De Oliveira, một nhân viên bảo trì tại khu nghỉ dưỡng Mar-a-Lago của Trump, đã bị buộc tội âm mưu cản trở công lý vì bị cáo buộc hỗ trợ. Trump trong việc che giấu tài liệu. Theo các công tố viên Hoa Kỳ, Donald Trump đã chỉ thị cho các nhân viên tại khu nghỉ dưỡng ở Florida của ông xóa các video an ninh khi đang bị điều tra vì lưu giữ các tài liệu mật. Một nhân viên thứ hai, De Oliveira, được cho là đã thông báo với một đồng nghiệp rằng Trump muốn xóa các video an ninh sau khi chúng được Bộ Tư pháp trát đòi hầu tòa.

De Oliveira cũng bị buộc tội nói dối FBI trong một cuộc phỏng vấn tự nguyện, khai man rằng không liên quan đến việc di chuyển các hộp tài liệu mật tại Mar-a-Lago. Khi bị các đặc vụ thẩm vấn, De Oliveira phủ nhận mọi thông tin hoặc sự liên quan. Luật sư của De Oliveira vẫn chưa bình luận về các cáo buộc.

Những cáo buộc này được công khai ngay sau khi Trump thông báo rằng các luật sư của ông đã gặp các quan chức Bộ Tư pháp để điều tra nỗ lực lật ngược kết quả bầu cử năm 2020 của ông. Điều này cho thấy rằng các cáo buộc hình sự bổ sung chống lại Trump có thể sắp xảy ra.… Read more

EnvironmentNewsOpinion
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Vietnam’s Rare Earth Mining Expansion: Profits And Green-Washing?

Posted byNguyen Ayi

Opinion by Karen Cohen

Vietnam, known for its vast untapped rare earth resources, is ramping up its efforts to expand mining activities in this sector. The potential economic benefits are undeniable, with billions in profits expected for both energy companies and government-connected oligarchs. However, amidst these promises, questions arise concerning the environmental impact of rare earth mining and whether governments are truly prioritizing sustainability or merely engaging in green-washing.

Vietnam’s Rare Earth Potential:

Vietnam has joined the ranks of China, Russia, and Brazil as one of the world’s leading countries in terms of untapped rare earth resources. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2023, Vietnam boasts a staggering 22,000,000 metric tons of rare earth reserves. Furthermore, a plan signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha reveals Vietnam’s goal to mine two million metric tons of rare earths annually by 2030 (Tuoi Tre).

Environmental Concerns:

The negative environmental impact of rare earth mining is well-documented, and it is vital to discern whether governments truly prioritize sustainable practices in their pursuit of profits. China serves as a cautionary tale, with its rare earth industry causing severe damage to the ecological environment, including the destruction of vegetation, pollution of surface water, groundwater, and farmland, and even landslides and clogged rivers (China’s State Council).

The Danger of Toxic Waste:

Both the mining and processing of rare earths contribute to mountains of toxic waste, leading to significant environmental and health hazards. For every ton of rare earth produced, staggering amounts of waste are generated, including 13 kg of dust, 9,600-12,000 cubic meters of waste gas, 75 cubic meters of wastewater, and one ton of radioactive residue. Rare earth ores often contain radioactive thorium and uranium, resulting in particularly detrimental health effects. In total, the production … Read more

NewsOpinion
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Ho Chi Minh City’s Sidewalk Fees Threaten Its Vibrant Street Food Culture

Posted byNguyen Ayi

Opinion By Kate Cohen

The sidewalk fees, as proposed by the authorities, are nothing short of a ‘poor tax.’

Ho Chi Minh City, with its bustling streets and delicious street food, has long been regarded as a food lover’s paradise. Sidewalks filled with fragrant stalls serving affordable and tasty culinary delights have not only become an integral part of the city’s unique identity but also a lifeline for many locals during challenging economic times. However, the recently imposed sidewalk fees by the authorities threaten to dismantle this vibrant street food scene, adversely impacting both the city’s cultural heritage and struggling entrepreneurs.

The Unique Street Food Culture at Stake:

Street food is deeply rooted in the fabric of Ho Chi Minh City’s identity. The city’s sidewalks have served as a canvas for vendors to showcase their culinary talents, allowing locals and tourists alike to experience the true flavors of Vietnam. From Chao to Bánh Xèo, the street food scene offers a diverse range of affordable options, enabling people of all economic backgrounds to indulge in the city’s gastronomic delights.

Survival in Challenging Economic Times:

For many street vendors, the sidewalk stalls are not just a means of making a livelihood but a symbol of resilience amidst economic hardships. The sidewalk trade provides an entry point to entrepreneurship for those with limited resources, enabling them to earn a decent income and support their families. By charging exorbitant fees for the use of sidewalk space, the city officials are effectively squeezing the lifeblood out of these small businesses, pushing them towards closure.

The Poor Tax Dilemma:

The sidewalk fees, as proposed by the authorities, are nothing short of a ‘poor tax.’ This regressive measure disproportionately affects the vulnerable sections of society, punishing struggling entrepreneurs who relied on the sidewalks to survive. With fees … Read more