| One Million+ Chinese Take Civil Service Exam Posted: 27 Nov 2012 01:08 PM PST | On Sunday, a record-high of nearly 1.12 million applicants took the annual civil service exam in China, an additional 150000 from last year. The admission rate for 109 jobs is greater than one thousand to one. Some of the most desirable positions have a hiring rate of over 9000 to one. Shanghai resident Xu Zhengqing says jobs in the civil service are full of perks. [Xu Zhengqing, Shanghai Resident]: (male, mandarin, 1st in footage) "Civil service is known as a permanent rice bowl, well paid and good welfare benefits. The job is more stable than other jobs, generally. For an ordinary Chinese, admission to the civil service is equivalent to the chance to be promoted." Xu says civil servants' friends and family can all benefit making civil service jobs very desirable, and there's also a desire for many to use their jobs to make a name for themselves in the Chinese Communist Party. [Lan Shu, Party Critic]: (male, mandarin, 2nd in footage) "Working for the regime of one-party dictatorship, the role of civil servants is actually the Party connection. That is why they can be invested with considerable power and privileges when they become civil servants." Lan Shu says that in the US, the most talented people often choose to go into the private sector first. And many renowned politicians are actually successful businessmen. They turned to politics to achieve their political ideals and to serve the community. [Lan Shu, Party Critic]: (male, mandarin, 3rd in footage) "In the West <b>...</b> | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 02:08 | More in News & Politics |
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| Guizhou Reporter Freed After Exposing Boys' Deaths Posted: 27 Nov 2012 12:50 PM PST | The man who first reported the death of five boys in Guizhou province on November 17th has been allowed to return home. But Li Yuanlong no longer appears to be free to speak his mind. [Li Yuanlong, Recently Detained Citizen Reporter] "It's hard to say, it's all in the past, I'm not in a position to say much else because I've received a lot of pressure." Li's son confirmed on Monday that state-security officials forced Li to take a "holiday" after he reported the deaths. Now, even though Li's back home, he remains under their surveillance. Despite the treatment he received at the hands of authorities, Li is glad to have exposed the issue. [Li Yuanlong, Recently Detained Citizen Reporter] "Without the reporting, this case would not have gained so much attention. In the end, I have achieved what I wanted with my writing." The five boys, aged between 9 and 13-years-old were cousins who had died inside a dumpster from carbon monoxide poisoning. They had lit a fire during the night to keep warm. The news spread quickly on the Chinese internet and sparked nationwide outrage. It also cast light on China's growing wealth gap. Eight officials were sacked or suspended after the boys' deaths. Within two days, Guizhou authorities also managed to set aside nearly $10 million for what they say will address the plight of street kids. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 01:20 | More in News & Politics |
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| Bo Xilai's Police Tortured Mob Suspect into Framing Lawyer Posted: 27 Nov 2012 12:41 PM PST | There are fresh allegations that disgraced officials Bo Xilai and Wang Lijun led a campaign of torture to extract evidence while he was the Party Chief of Chongqing. The family of businessman, Gong Gangmo, convicted in 2010 for gang crimes spoke with NTD this week, saying they were forced to frame his lawyer, but now want the truth to be told. [Gong Ganghua, Brother of Convicted Businessman] "Why did they want to frame Li Zhuang? Because he knew my brother was innocent. All the accusations of murder or drug trafficking against my brother were false." Gong's brother, hired former Beijing lawyer, Li Zhuang, back in 2009. During Bo and Wang's anti-crime campaign, Gong Gangmo was accused of and then arrested for leading a mob. Gong Ganghua says his brother was tortured for days on end to confess, and when he spoke out about the torture, police forced him to frame Li by alleging Li had coaching him to fabricate the torture claims. [Gong Ganghua, Brother of Convicted Businessman] "My brother was told to cooperate with the Chongqing Special Cases Task Force, otherwise they would have executed him." In February 2010, Li Zhuang was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in jail for fabricating evidence and obstructing justice. Gong was convicted for gang related crimes but escaped the death penalty. Li Zhuang was released in June 2011 and has been appealing his conviction ever since. His case gained traction this year after Bo was purged from office. China's top prosecution office <b>...</b> | Views: 4 1 ratings | | Time: 02:11 | More in News & Politics |
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| US Secretary of Navy Mabus in Beijing amidst China's Rising Tensions with Neighbors Posted: 27 Nov 2012 12:35 PM PST | The US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus is in China this week, and today he met with Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie in Beijing. The visit comes as the Chinese regime flexed its military muscle, showing off its modified second-hand aircraft carrier over the weekend. Ahead of his meeting with Mabus, Liang gave assurances that China's military build up poses no threat to the world. Still, the Asian giant has been locked in territorial disputes with several of its neighbors, many of whom are allies to the United States. China has told the US not to get involved, which is contrary to the intervention plans of President Barack Obama's "pivot" to Asia strategy. Mabus' visit to China will include meetings with other military officials. He will also tour Chinese naval facilities. The United States, Japan and several Southeast Asian nations have expressed worries about China's massive defence spending and expanding naval reach. All have highlighted Beijing's lack of transparency. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 1 0 ratings | | Time: 01:00 | More in News & Politics |
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| Monkeys Treated Like Gods in Thailand Posted: 27 Nov 2012 06:22 AM PST | Hundreds of monkeys turn up to feast on fruits during a festival just for them. In Thailand monkeys are deemed as gods and catering to them is serious business. On Sunday (Nov. 25th) more than 3 thousand of these simian deities enjoyed a fruit banquet in the 24th Annual Festival in Lopburi Province, Thailand. Youngyuth Kitwatananusont is a successful hotelier and the event organizer. He hopes by giving delicious fruits to the monkeys, they will reward him with luck in his business. Kitwatananusont believes the monkeys are soldiers of Hindu god Narai, and they brought him luck after he started worshipping King Narai who reigned from 1656 to 1688. The three pagodas in the city are believed to be King Narai's palace. Locals believe the monkeys are the King's soldiers or protectors, so they do not harm the monkeys. More than four tons of fruit and desserts were spread out across the front of the Hindu temple, along with decorations made up of flags from the Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) members. [Youngyuth Kitwatananuson, Monkey Festival Organizer]: "This year, the theme of the party is 'Monkey Party ASEAN' to celebrate ASEAN to becoming one community. All of the decorations, flags, and dolls are related to ASEAN countries to promote ASEAN's tourism." After years of feeding the monkeys, the event became known to tourists from both local and abroad. [Sam Smith, British Tourist]: "We heard about the monkey festival. But I didn't think it would be anything like <b>...</b> | Views: 57 6 ratings | | Time: 01:48 | More in Pets & Animals |
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| China News - November 26, 2012: "Sex Tape" Official Linked to Bo Xilai Posted: 26 Nov 2012 03:16 PM PST | In today's NTD China News, disgraced Chinese official Bo Xilai has been linked to Lei Zhengfu, a Chongqing official sacked last Friday over a leaked sex-tape. China's new passport continues to draw controversy, after the Chinese regime included a map that claimed areas under dispute with Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan and India as Chinese territory. 23 miners have been killed after a gas explosion at a mine in Guizhou province on Saturday. Five others escaped with injuries. Tibetan activists say the suppression in Tibet has intensified, as self-immolation protests spiked after the Chinese leadership transition. The owner of a five-story house in the middle of a highway in Zhejiang province has spoken about why he refused to give up his home. A trainee teacher has slammed a nationwide initiative to provide "healthy lunches" to rural school kids, revealing online they're being fed no more than a small bottle of milk and a thin piece of bread for lunch. Chinese film, the "Beijing Blues" takes the "Golden Horse Award" in Taiwan over the weekend. The annual film awards, dubbed the "Chinese Oscars" recognizes outstanding Chinese-language films, but the latest award has drawn controversy. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 180 7 ratings | | Time: 18:56 | More in Shows |
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| Teacher Slams 50c "Healthy Lunch" Aid Program Posted: 26 Nov 2012 01:22 PM PST | It was meant to be a new initiative to feed rural school kids, but a plan to provide lunch to students has now been criticized as vastly inadequate. It began with these posts on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo on October 30. The author, identified by Chinese media as Xiao Liang, says this small bottle of milk and thin piece of bread is the so-called "healthy lunch" that local education officials are giving to elementary school kids. The meager lunch is part of a nationwide campaign central authorities launched in October 2011. Xiao Liang is a training teacher at a rural elementary school in Hunan province. It's one of the recipients of the $2.5 billion dollar budget for the initiative. That might sound like a lot of money, but under the policy, each kid is slated to get just 3 yuan—that's less than 50 pennies. And according to the Xiao Liang, the milk and bread costs even less than that—suggesting that at least a third of the funding intended for the kids is going elsewhere. More than three weeks after her first posts, Chinese state-run media are now chiming in. They say the 3 yuan per student allocation is not enough to feed kids. Authorities are also urged to ensure the billions of dollars earmarked for the students are not misappropriated. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 59 5 ratings | | Time: 01:15 | More in News & Politics |
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| Taiwan's "Golden Horse" Goes to Chinese Film Posted: 26 Nov 2012 01:19 PM PST | Widely known as the "Chinese Oscar," Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards honored the best Chinese-language films of the past year. On Saturday (November 24), in Taiwan's Yilan County, nominees walked down the red carpet under a barrage of camera flashes from press and fans alike. The slightly drizzly weather did not stop these stars from shinning. Taiwanese actress Gwei Lun-mei walked away with the best leading actress award for her role in "Gf*Bf." The 28-year-old beauty has made her career in high school romances. [Gwei Lun-mei, Best Actress Winner]: "I've never thought I would win this award...to receive this award at this time is really an important encouragement for me. I love to act in movies and I will be able to act again in the next few days, I think that's the happiest thing." Best Actor went to Hong Kong actor Lau Ching Wang for his role in "Life Without Principle." Lau plays a loyal gangster who receives a fortune by accident. This is the 48-year-old actor's first award and second nomination in the Golden Horse Film Awards, but he's already won best leading actor three times in the smaller Hong Kong Film Awards. But the big surprise came when China's "Beijing Blues," with its entirely unheard of cast, walked away with Best Feature Film. The Golden Horse Film Awards is the largest film festival for Chinese-language films. The festival began in 1962 and but it wasn't till the 90's that films from mainland China became eligible for entry. In 1982, both Hong Kong and <b>...</b> | Views: 8 2 ratings | | Time: 00:38 | More in News & Politics |
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| Mass Outdoor Yoga Class in Mexico City Posted: 26 Nov 2012 11:29 AM PST | Thousands of yoga aficionados converge on downtown Mexico City to meditate, stretch and bend in the bustling capital. Full story: Some fifteen thousand woke up early Sunday morning for a mass yoga class in Mexico City. The Naam Yoga aficionados met under the capital city's Revolution Monument for an open air session. Beneath the city's skyscrapers and through the occasional traffic snarls, citizens of the city excercised by stretching and meditating. The event offered many of the city's residents a rare chance to come together. Mexico City has been a central location in the drug wars ravaging the country. [Cloe De La Garza, Mexico City Resident]: "It starts to unite hearts and in a way that expands what the the majority want. Because I think that we see in the news that Mexico has problems but we, the majority, want peace. I think that these things are a great way to come together." Naam Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years. It combines eastern yogic practices with kabbalah teachings. Many celebrities have begun practicing it, including Madonna and Demi Moore. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 59 4 ratings | | Time: 01:04 | More in Travel & Events |
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| More than 1000 Tibetan Students Protests Against Chinese Authorities Nov 26, 2012 Posted: 27 Nov 2012 06:02 AM PST | On November 26 at around 6am Tibet time, over 1000 students from the medical school in Chabcha village,Serchen County, Tsolho region, Amdo, eastern Tibet, held a demonstration in protest against China's oppressive policies in Tibet. Demonstrators called for equality and freedom amongst all ethnic groups in the People's Republic, and a reconstituted government. Link to photos www.facebook.com Two hours into the protest, Chinese police arrived and began to beat the students, 14 of whom were injured and four of whom were taken to hospital for emergency treatment. Police surrounded the medical school, trapping the students in the grounds and refusing the students' families permission to enter. Mobile phone and internet connections are currently restricted in Chabcha village. The parents could not contact their children as the security forces have sealed off the school. | Views: 1 1 ratings | | Time: 00:40 | More in News & Politics |
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| Protestors Demand End to Mine Posted: 26 Nov 2012 01:45 PM PST | Burmese activists say the Chinese-backed copper mine damages the environment. | Views: 28 1 ratings | | Time: 01:21 | More in News & Politics |
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| What Evil Lurks In the World of Finance? Posted: 21 Nov 2012 11:55 AM PST | Watch the full Keiser Report E370 here: www.youtube.com In this episode, Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert ask, "who knows what evil lurks in the heart of the global financial system?" And find the answer is that "the Shadow banking system knows!" The shadow banking system has grown to $67 trillion and has the power to cloud men's minds so they cannot see the fraud. In the second half, Max Keiser talks to Jan Skoyles of the Real Asset Company about clients wanting to park their gold in Singapore and about what is happening in the gold market in China. Follow Max Keiser on Twitter: twitter.com Watch all Keiser Report shows here: www.youtube.com (E1-E200) www.youtube.com (E201-current) RT LIVE rt.com Subscribe to RT! www.youtube.com Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com Follow us on Twitter twitter.com Follow us on Google+ plus.google.com RT (Russia Today) is a global news network broadcasting from Moscow and Washington studios. RT is the first news channel to break the 500 million YouTube views benchmark. | Views: 5171 152 ratings | | Time: 01:45 | More in News & Politics |
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| South Pole Marathon Runners Battle Sub Zero Temperature Posted: 26 Nov 2012 09:57 PM PST | Runners braved the elements in the ninth Antarctic marathon, with the winner, Scot, Andrew Murray, adding to his victory in the North Pole earlier in 2012. Full story: They may be poles apart but this year's North Pole Marathon winner Andrew Murray has triumphed at the Antarctic Ice Marathon, on Wednesday (November 21). Demelza Farr from Sydney made a double too, winning the women's race to add to her North Pole Marathon victory in April of this year. The eigth Antarctic Ice Marathon took place in perfect conditions. 46 athletes from 15 countries braved the sub-zero temperatures and completed the 42.2 kilometer (26.2 mile) race at the bottom of the world. The race was a battle between the Spanish runner Luis Marcos and the 2012 North Pole marathon winner, Andrew Murray, from Scotland. [Andrew Murray, Great Britain Runner]: "Amazing conditions actually, it's only -15. Amazing visibility, all the mountains are out. It's not bad under foot. There are soft bits but what an experience. It's amazing, fantastic race." The lead was constantly changing between the two. But Murray pulled away on the 22-mile marker and landed a comfortable win in a course record time of 3:41.15 hrs. Luis came in second some 8 minutes later. Eleven ladies took part in the women's competition. Demelza Farr from Sydney, Australia proved a decisive winner in a time of 5:09:43. [Demelza Farr, Australia Runner]: "God I wanted it so bad, I never thought I would do this. My back was in so much pain, I had a <b>...</b> | Views: 80 5 ratings | | Time: 02:45 | More in News & Politics |
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| What Five Boys' Deaths Revealed About China's Development Posted: 26 Nov 2012 07:13 PM PST | Full Episode: youtu.be Did China's economic development lead to the death of five children in Guizhou province? The boys' bodies were discovered inside a dumpster last week. They died from monoxide poisoning after lighting charcoal in the dumpster to stay warm. The five young boys were cousins whose parents left their rural hometown to find work in the city, and are part of China's 50 million "left behind children". Watch this China Focus to find out why Chinese netizens think their deaths were an inevitable result of China's development. | Views: 97 1 ratings | | Time: 00:15 | More in News & Politics |
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| China Uncensored - This Is Why They Don't Allow Guns in China Posted: 26 Nov 2012 06:05 PM PST | You know what they say, if you can't beat 'em, BUILD YOUR OWN ROCKET LAUNCHER! On this episode of China Uncensored, Chris Chappell shows you just why it is the Chinese government doesn't allow its citizens to own guns. HINT: its because they'd be able to fight back. Forced evictions are on the rise as corrupt officials seize land from homeowners and offer little in the way of compensation. Unless you count brutally beating people who resist compensation, in which case you probably need a psychologist. The result is "nail houses," solitary homes that are left sticking out of construction sites like nails. And whether its self-immolation, homemade cannons, or even an online videogame, Chinese people are finding ways to fight back. Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: www.facebook.com | Views: 448 14 ratings | | Time: 00:23 | More in News & Politics |
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| Mursi Meets With Senior Judges Over Decree Posted: 26 Nov 2012 05:52 PM PST | Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi met with the Supreme Judicial Council to try and calm the recent protests over his decree. Full story: Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi met with senior judges on Monday in an attempt to calm the recent riots over his decree. On Thursday, Mursi seized sweeping powers by decree, which sparked violent protests across the country along with a sharp drop in the Egyptian stock market. Many protesters are camped in Cairo's Tahrir Square. Thousands gathered there for the funeral procession of an Egyptian activist killed last week after being injured at the square during clashes. Another procession was held in Damanhour for another person killed during an attack at a Muslim Brotherhood office. The president expressed earlier that his decree was only temporary, and stated that he was confident the country would overcome the violence. The Judges' Club, representing judges throughout Egypt, were among one of the groups to call for a nationwide strike. However, the Supreme Judicial Council, the nation's top judicial body, was more reserved. Mursi met with some of the judges at the presidential palace, and the two groups are looking to limit the scope of the new powers. Nevertheless, many protesters have stated that they will only be satisfied if the decree is completely retracted. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 4 2 ratings | | Time: 01:17 | More in News & Politics |
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| ''Dallas'' Star Larry Hagman Loses Battle with Throat Cancer Posted: 26 Nov 2012 05:50 PM PST | Actor Larry Hagman, who played JR Ewing in ''Dallas,'' dies after a battle with throat cancer. Full Story: Larry Hagman, who created one of American television's most supreme villains in the conniving, amoral oilman JR Ewing of "Dallas," died on Friday (November 23), according to a co-star. Dallas Morning News reported that Hagman, 81, passed away at a Dallas hospital from complications from his battle with throat cancer. He suffered from liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver in the 1990s after decades of drinking. Linda Gray, who played JR's long-suffering wife, Sue Ellen, was with Hagman in Dallas when he died. Hagman's mother was stage and movie star Mary Martin. He became a star himself in 1965 on "I Dream of Jeannie," a popular television sitcom in which he played Major Anthony Nelson, an astronaut who discovers a beautiful genie in a bottle. "Dallas," which made its premiere on the CBS network in 1978, made Hagman a superstar. The night-time soap opera featured the bad behavior of a fabulously wealthy Texas family replete with back-stabbing, double-dealing, family feuds, violence and adultery. In the middle of it all stood Hagman's black-hearted JR Ewing - grinning wickedly in a broad cowboy hat and boots, plotting how to cheat his business competitors and cheat on his wife. He was the villain TV viewers loved to despise during the show's 356-episode run from 1978 to 1991. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook <b>...</b> | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 01:33 | More in Entertainment |
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| Hobbits and Fans Mingle in Middle Earth Market Ahead of Movie Posted: 26 Nov 2012 05:11 PM PST | Wellington's Waitangi Park transformed into the "Shire" with the Hobbit Artisans Market on Sunday ahead of the World Premier of Sir Peter Jackson's film, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." Hundreds of people came to see some of the artists who made props and costumes for the film, with some dressing up for the occasion. Many were proud that their city was home to the WETA Workshop studio where the film was made and has now been dubbed the Middle Of Middle Earth. [Ana, Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Fan] "We are here to celebrate the Hobbit. We've returned to Middle Earth, we are Middle Earth." [Alysha, Lord of the Tings and Hobbit Fan] "We're here to celebrate the film, Peter Jackson and WETA Workshop and yeah, just love it." Barry Eldridge's company, Stansborough Textiles was contacted by Warner Bros. Consumer products to make the Mystical Silver Scarf worn by Gandalf, played by Sir Ian McKellan in the film. Standsborough Textiles also provided hundreds of pelts to be made into hats and furniture coverings for the Hobbit Trilogy, examples of which were on display at the market. [Elf Eldridge, Stansborough Textile Company] "So, these pelts here are the Standsborough Grey's. The flock of grey sheep that we use to make all the kind of fabrics. So, we did a bunch of cloaks for Lord Of the Rings which is this fellow here is wearing, as well as supplying a bunch of pelts for the Hobbit. These appear throughout the film. We're not sure where though because we haven't seen the <b>...</b> | Views: 75 4 ratings | | Time: 02:37 | More in News & Politics |
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| William and Kate Attend Wales Rugby Match Posted: 26 Nov 2012 03:39 PM PST | The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive to watch Wales take on New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The Duke of Cambridge accompanied by his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, was the special guest as Wales took on New Zealand in Saturday's autumn international at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The Duchess was presented with a bouquet by eight-year-old Isabella House. William and Kate met a number of injured former players who are beneficiaries of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust (WRCT). Prince William agreed to become patron of the trust earlier this year. It was set up 40 years ago to support players who were seriously injured while playing rugby in Wales. The trust works closely with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and member clubs to care for players who have been seriously injured on the rugby field. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 6 2 ratings | | Time: 00:47 | More in Sports |
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| Construction of New Road Becomes Highway to Hell Posted: 26 Nov 2012 02:42 PM PST | Luo Baogen looks out at the freeway that now encircles his home, the last remnant of a village that once had over a thousand residents. Now he's surrounded by ashphalt. Everyone else moved out over four years ago when construction on the new road began. But the 67-year-old farmer and his wife refused to move. So authorities simply built the road around their home. [Luo Baogen, Farmer]: "What can I do? I was born here. It's fine if the government buries me here. I won't move if they only give me 260000 yuan. How can I rebuild a house like this with only 260000 yuan?" Luo's home has become what Chinese people call a "nail house." Forced evictions and demolitions are on the rise in China. Nail House has become a term for the houses that remain after others have been demolished, sticking up like a nail, doomed to be hammered down. But Luo said on Saturday (November 24) that he isn't looking for trouble. He just wants a fair shake. [Luo Baogen, Farmer]: "I'm not a nail house! How can this be a nail house? What I want is for the government to build me a similar home. I don't want their money. If the country needs my land, I should leave." An army of netizens has rallied around his story. Even nearby villagers sympathize with his plight. [Zhao Miaoqin, Nearby Villager]: "This building being in the middle of the road is a threat to people's safety, so I think it needs to be demolished. But when they knock it down, they should give reasonable compensation, to ensure his basic <b>...</b> | Views: 4 6 ratings | | Time: 02:12 | More in News & Politics |
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