Asia
Tokyo hosted the world’s first Otaku Summit this past weekend. “Otaku” is a phrase used to describe those who love anime and manga art. The term Otaku used to be a derogatory term, but is now being embraced by those it used to disparage. Half a million people from 18 different countries are expected to take off from their day jobs and attend the expo dressed as their favorite anime characters.
BBC
Europe
This week in Russia, two Russian members of Parliament (MP) were married despite being from disputing, rival political parties. Communist MP Denis Voronekov married One Russia party member Maria Maksakov-Lyensbergs. “There are political differences, but they will spice up our life,” Voronenkov told colleagues after getting right back to work after the wedding. The bride, Maria, told the press that every single member of the 450-seat Duma is invited to the reception party and “really, really hopes” that all will show.
BBC
Middle East
Saudi-led air strikes this past week killed 123 people, according to the Health Ministry. This past Sunday, the powerful Houthi battled in downtown Aden against the Yemeni fighters loyal to the Saudi-backed president Abu-Rabba Mansouri Hadi. Other struggles across the Middle East broke out in countries including Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.
Huffington Post
Africa
This week, CNN started negotiations with a Boko Haram salesmen who sold stolen children on the Black Market. Getting in touch through a grind contact, the man told CNN of running this “unofficial” displaced camp, one of the many that has influenced people fleeing from their home towns. After negotiations to see which child could be “fostered,” the CNN colleague was shown a selection of children and then asked which one he would take. The operative escaped by saying he needed to check with his “madam.” The last phone call with the salesman determined that a child would go for a donation of $500.
CNN
North America
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill that gives businesses a license to discriminate against gays and lesbians and deny them service. Pence claimed that his actions are for defending religious beliefs as protected by the First Amendment right of religious freedom. “This isn’t about disputes between people,” he said “It’s about government outreach, and I’m proud of the people of Indiana for stepping forward.” When asked on ABC’s “This Week” for a yes or no answer on whether it should be legal to discriminate against gays and lesbians, Pence said “What I’m for is protecting the religious liberty… of Hoosiers.”
USA Today
A new book says that where you go to college does not determine who you will be in life. Rather, author Frank Bruni said the economy and colleges are at fault for the increasing stakes for admissions. All college students and their families in the U.S. know the challenge isn’t getting into college, for most. But the challenge is affording the costs of college. However for most upper class and middle class families getting into the “right” school is what makes or breaks a child’s future. In Bruni’s book, he challenges this idea, calling it a misconception due to the change in the modern American system.
Huffington Post
Pittsburgh.
To “establish guidelines and specifications for naming or changing the name of a public property or facility,” the Pittsburgh City Council is meeting Tuesday on the final vote on a new bill that will make it more difficult to legally name public property. The idea came to Councilwoman Darlene Harris after noticing a plaque sitting against her radiator in her office that read “Ravenstahl.” The plaque cost the city tax payers $2,100 last year, all so her office would have a “proper” city name.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
This Monday in Squirrel Hill, The Bring Your Own Bard reading/performance series, presented by Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park, is preforming “Shakespeare’s Financial Advice.” The event will be held at Te Cafe, 2000 Murray Ave. The reading starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, or to register to preform go to www.pittsburghshakespeare.com.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
