“Best mom”on bank noteSeoul: South Korea’s central bank chose the face of Korean motherhood as the first woman to be featured on its bank notes, but women’s rights groups say the selection only reinforces sexist stereotypes. Shin Saimdang, known for raising a famed Confucian scholar and having a deft hand in painting, will grace the new 50,000 won note when it debuts in early 2009, the Bank of Korea said. Shin, whose nickname is “wise mother,” gave birth to the 16th-century scholar Yi I, also known by his pen name Yulgok. The central bank said she was selected “to promote gender equality and women’s articipation in society.” Shin will appear on the second-highest valued note after the new 100,000 bill is also issued in 2009. Christmas with a serial killerBerlin: A German advent calendar for children has become a hot seller since word got out it has a picture of a notorious serial killer on it. The cartoon calendar shows Fritz Haarmann, who murdered 24 young men and boys in the 1920s, lurking under a tree with a hatchet next to the door for December 1. Below him, Santa Claus hands out presents to children in a festive-looking Hanover. A local tourism office included the serial killer alongside 23 other celebrities in the northern city, including philosopher Gottfried Leibniz and hard rock band The Scorpions. “People are queuing up to buy the calendar now,” said a surprised Hans Nolte, director of the city’s tourism board. Nolte said he expected the initial 20,000 copy run of the calendar to sell out soon as orders were pouring in from Berlin, Vienna and other parts of Austria. Borat’s backNew york: Borat, the fictional Kazakh reporter, is back—with a guide book to “the glorious nation of Kazakhstan” and “minor nation of US and A.” Q. Do you prefer Kazakhstan or the USA?A. I very much preferring Kazakhstan! My Astana Funworld Resort—it have beautiful beaches, no jellyfish, shark, or any other marine life. Q. Which people are smarter?A. Kazakh peoples is definite has more powerful brains. Government scientist, Dr. Yamak, have prove that our Premier Nazarbamshev have IQ of 412. Q. When can people expect to see you in Kazakhstan?A. I already in Kazakhstan, living very happilys with my new wife. This morning, I was awoke, after which I remove my wife from her cage. I then attach her to her plough and send her into the fields. Q. Who do you favour for President in the United States?A. I cannot believe it possible a woman can become Premier of US and A. I personal would like the basketball player, Barak Obamas—to be Premier.” (Reuters)
