Rizal and his crewmates, under the command of Captain Li, struggle to learn the fishing techniques aboard a boat. The captain, impatient and aggressive, teaches them hastily and punishes any slowness or mistakes with physical reprimands. The crew works through fear and exhaustion, setting hooks and bait into the sea in hopes of catching tuna. Despite their hard work, the captain denies them food until the work is done, emphasizing the harsh conditions they face.

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.

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.

Heavy metal music in Cuba faces significant challenges due to government control, limited internet access, and financial and logistical difficulties. Despite these obstacles, a dedicated scene exists, with bands like Zeus, Agonizer, and Combat Noise persevering through censorship and resource scarcity. The Cuban Rock Agency and Brutal Fest, organized by French expatriate David Chapet, provide some support for the genre. Bands often struggle to record music and tour abroad, but they continue to create and perform, reflecting the resilience of Cuban metal musicians.

Dhaka, Bangladesh, has a thriving extreme metal scene that pays homage to old school metal, with bands drawing inspiration from the country's British colonial history and current social and political issues. Bands like Warfaze, Artcell, Bloodlust, Orator, and Severe Dementia have achieved mainstream success, with some gaining international attention. The scene is characterized by a mix of thrash, death metal, and black metal, with bands often addressing historical conflicts, secularism, and anti-religious sentiments. Despite challenges such as visa issues, the bands continue to produce music and perform locally and internationally.

The article discusses the plight of migrant workers in Taiwan, focusing on the case of Supriyanto, an Indonesian fisherman who died aboard the Fu Tzu Chun fishing vessel. The contract he signed allowed for his body to be disposed of at sea, highlighting the lack of protection for migrant workers. Despite two crewmen dying under suspicious circumstances, the ship continues to operate, and the manpower agency continues to recruit workers. Migrant workers in Taiwan, including domestic caregivers and fishermen, are not covered by the Labour Standards Act and are vulnerable to exploitation, including overcharging, excessive working hours, and sexual abuse. The article also covers the efforts of organizations like the Yilan Migrant Fishermen Union and the Serve the People Association to support migrant workers and push for better treatment and legal protections. It mentions the upcoming Distant Water Fisheries Act and the government's

The article, written by Joe Henley, provides a historical overview of the punk music scene in Taiwan. It traces the origins back to the band LTK Commune, which emerged after the lifting of martial law in the late 1980s. The article discusses the evolution of the scene, highlighting bands that followed the politically-conscious path and others that adopted a more apolitical, pop-punk approach. It mentions the influence of movements like the Sunflower movement on punk artists and the challenges faced by the scene, such as the closure of the iconic venue Underworld. Despite these challenges, the article asserts that punk in Taiwan is still alive, with new bands like Noise Book and Accomplices carrying the torch. The article concludes by mentioning an upcoming show featuring Noise Book and other punk bands at Revolver in Taipei.

The article highlights astronomical events expected to occur in December, including meteor showers that could result in up to 120 meteors per hour. Additionally, a planetary alignment is anticipated, featuring a string of four planets and the moon, which will be visible above the southern horizon. These events present an exciting opportunity for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness spectacular natural phenomena in the night sky.

The article explores the rich street food culture of Taiwan, highlighting local favorites and where to find them. Stinky tofu, a fermented dish, is a national treasure best enjoyed at Tonghua Night Market. Beef noodles, a simple yet flavorful dish, have a festival dedicated to them in Taipei, with Hong Pai restaurant being a recommended spot for budget-friendly options. Iron eggs, a chewy snack, are a specialty in Danshui. Taiwanese style fried chicken, known for its sweetness, is ubiquitous across the country. Shaved ice, particularly mango shaved ice, is a summer favorite, with Ice Monster being a popular destination. Xiao long bao, a type of steamed bun, is best found at Ding Tai Feng. Oyster omelets, a Taiwan original, are recommended at Lai Chi in Ning Shia Night Market. Pig blood cake, a street food staple, is widely available in night markets. Gua bao, a Taiwanese hamburger, is a must-try in Tainan. Ba wan, a meat-filled dough disc, originates from Changhua City. The article provides a culinary tour of Taiwan's street food, emphasizing the unique flavors and historical significance of each dish.

The article tells the story of A-dao, a Vietnamese migrant worker in Taiwan, who suffered severe burns in a workplace accident at a marble processing facility. Despite the high cost of his medical treatment and rehabilitation, A-dao's employer has been reluctant to provide adequate compensation, forcing him to take legal action. The article highlights the plight of migrant workers in Taiwan, who often have to pay high brokerage fees, have little legal protection, and are forced to work dangerous jobs. A-dao's case is contrasted with the immediate assistance offered to Taiwanese victims of a separate accident, underscoring the disparities in treatment between local and migrant workers. The article also discusses the broader issues of workers' rights and the legal hurdles faced by migrant workers seeking justice.