Joe Henley reflects on his fascination with individuals who carve out their own unique spaces in the world, particularly those who don't fit into conventional roles. He recounts his encounter with Ladybeard, a performer who combines masculinity with the aesthetics of kawaii culture, during a metal band performance in Hong Kong. Ladybeard's striking appearance in a nurse's outfit amidst a mosh pit left a lasting impression on Henley, who sees Ladybeard as a figure who helps others embrace their own idiosyncrasies.

Myanmar's metal scene is thriving despite the country's political turmoil. The article highlights the resilience and growth of various subcultures, including punk, hip-hop, and metal, in Yangon. Key figures like Kyaw Kyaw and Darko C. are noted for their roles in the music scene and their willingness to speak out against military actions. The metal scene, though nascent, is gaining momentum with bands like Senanga Privuta, Jeksetra, and Last Days of Beethoven leading the charge. The article also touches on the broader cultural and political context, including the Rohingya crisis and the impact of increased internet access on social dynamics.

Myanmar's burgeoning metal scene is thriving despite the country's political turmoil. The article highlights the resilience and growth of various subcultures, including punk, hip-hop, and metal, in Yangon. Key figures like Kyaw Kyaw and Darko C. are noted for their roles in advocating against military actions and promoting cultural expression. The metal scene, though nascent, is gaining momentum with bands like Senanga Privuta, Jeksetra, and Last Days of Beethoven leading the charge. The article also touches on the broader socio-political context, including the Rohingya crisis and the impact of international non-profits like Turning Tables in fostering artistic freedom.

The article discusses the plight of a Filipino migrant worker, Aliw, who worked in Taiwan and is owed NT$600,000 in unpaid overtime by her employer, a nursing home. Despite winning a legal case, her employer appealed, and she had to leave Taiwan as her visa expired. The article highlights the broader issue of migrant workers in Taiwan, particularly caregivers, who often work long hours without days off and are not adequately protected under the Labor Standards Act. Migrant workers face exploitation and have little leverage in negotiating fair working conditions. The Serve the People Association and other organizations are advocating for better legal protection for migrant workers, but progress is slow. The article also touches on the role of the Philippine government in educating workers about their rights abroad.

The article discusses the efforts of two Taiwanese artists, Sangpuy Katetepan and Bulareyaung Pagarlava, in preserving Aboriginal traditions and culture. Sangpuy, a singer/songwriter from the Pinuyumayan community, and Bulareyaung, a Cloud Gate Dance Theatre performer from the Paiwan people, are both passionate about reviving their native languages and traditions. Sangpuy's dedication to his culture led him to extend his training in the Pinuyumayan language and delay his personal ambitions. His latest album, 'Dalan,' aims to teach the younger generation their ancestral language through music. Bulareyaung, who had distanced himself from his roots, is now reconnecting with his Paiwan heritage and encouraging youth to preserve their culture while following their dreams. The article highlights their shared belief in the importance of language as a key to cultural identity.

The article by Joe Henley discusses the plight of domestic workers in Taiwan, focusing on the experiences of Filipino workers who face long hours, physical and sexual abuse, and have little legal protection. Ruby Comida and other migrant workers are highlighted, sharing their stories of abuse and exploitation by employers and brokers. The article details how workers are trapped in a cycle of debt, paying high fees to brokers and agencies, and how the legal system in Taiwan fails to protect them adequately. It also covers the efforts of advocacy groups like Migranteng Kababaihan sa Taiwan (MKT) and individuals like Lennon Wong from the Serve the People Association, who are working to raise awareness and help migrant workers fight for their rights. The article touches on the upcoming One Billion Rising event in Taipei, which aims to highlight the exploitation of female migrant workers globally.

The article by Joe Henley highlights the plight of migrant workers in Taiwan, focusing on their exploitation and lack of legal protection. It narrates the story of Gil, a Filipino migrant worker subjected to slave-like conditions on a fishing vessel. Despite the promise of a better life, he faced physical abuse and threats from his captain. The article also discusses the role of NGOs like Migranteng Kababaihan sa Taiwan (MKT) and Serve the People Association (SPA) in aiding these workers. It criticizes the Taiwanese brokerage system that overcharges and mistreats migrant workers, who are excluded from the Labor Standards Act protections. The piece also touches on the efforts of young Taiwanese activists and the importance of changing societal attitudes towards migrant workers. The article ends with a call for recognition of the shared humanity and the contributions of migrant workers to Taiwan.

The article focuses on the Lien-Cheng Saxophone Company, a family-owned business in Taiwan that is facing challenges in continuing its legacy. The company, which has been in the Chang family for three generations, was founded by Chang Lien-cheng who built his first saxophone in the 1940s. The current owner, Chang Tsung-yao, and his wife Wang Tsai-jui are running the company with a commitment to maintaining its Made-in-Taiwan brand. However, they struggle to find young apprentices willing to learn the intricate craft of saxophone making. Despite the challenges, Chang Tsung-yao's four daughters are prepared to take over the business, with the second-youngest, Chang Yu-fang, expressing a strong desire to continue the family tradition.

Typhoon Morakot, one of the deadliest typhoons in Taiwan's history, struck on August 8, 2009, devastating the indigenous village of Makazayazaya and resulting in over 600 deaths. Survivors from the Paiwan indigenous group were forced to evacuate and relocate to Rinari, a new town built by the Pingtung county government and World Vision Taiwan. Despite the new settlement, the Paiwan people face unemployment, cultural disconnection, and environmental threats exacerbated by climate change. Efforts to reclaim traditional farmlands and return to their ancestral home have been hindered by a lack of resources and political will. The Paiwan continue to lobby for land rights and seek opportunities for self-sufficiency and cultural preservation.