The Rambutan | Leigh McKiernon | Substack

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Epstein Coverage Generates Enough Content to Distract Nation from Literally Everything Else

Congress halts legislative duties as Epstein coverage dominates national attention. Protesters too distracted to care.

Jan 7 • Leigh McKiernon

Indonesia Divided Over Whether Stand-Up Comedy Is Still Funny or Now Illegal

A viral stand-up performance has reignited national debate over whether comedy remains protected expression or a legal risk.

Jan 7 • Leigh McKiernon

Kennedy Center Renaming Sparks Boycott From People Who Just Googled What the Kennedy Center Is

Outrage over the Kennedy Center’s new name has sparked national protest... mostly from people who’ve never been to a show.

Jan 6 • Leigh McKiernon

Khamenei Flees Iran for Sadiq Khan’s Spare Bedroom in East London

Iran’s Supreme Leader reportedly flees to London and is now staying in Mayor Sadiq Khan’s spare bedroom amid rising unrest and global controversy.

Jan 6 • Leigh McKiernon

Tourism Authority Assures Public Fewer Foreign Tourists Will “Improve Authenticity”

With tourism numbers down, Thai officials promote authenticity and cultural value as the country’s new selling point.

Jan 6 • Leigh McKiernon

Pentagon Clarifies Smuggler Boat Was Destroyed for Its Own Safety

The Pentagon says a smuggler boat was destroyed not as an act of force, but for its own safety, describing it as “a very dangerous boat.”

Jan 5 • Leigh McKiernon

New Penal Code Criminalizes Insulting President, Netizens Accept Challenge

A new law in Indonesia bans insulting the president. The internet, predictably, considers this a personal invitation.

Jan 5 • Leigh McKiernon

Man Attends A&E For Sore Throat After Being Told GP Appointment Available In 2027

A man rushed to A&E with a sore throat after discovering the next GP appointment available was in the summer of 2027.

Jan 4 • Leigh McKiernon

Indonesia

Indonesian Official Says He’s Innocent Because He Wasn’t Given Vest

Indonesian suspect in KPK sting sparks legal chaos, arguing that without the symbolic orange vest, no formal arrest can be recognized.

Jan 11 • Leigh McKiernon

New AI Passes Turing Test by Immediately Getting Banned in Indonesia

Indonesia suspends AI chatbot that reportedly mimicked local online behavior a little too accurately.

Jan 10 • Leigh McKiernon

Indonesia Divided Over Whether Stand-Up Comedy Is Still Funny or Now Illegal

A viral stand-up performance has reignited national debate over whether comedy remains protected expression or a legal risk.

Jan 7 • Leigh McKiernon

New Penal Code Criminalizes Insulting President, Netizens Accept Challenge

A new law in Indonesia bans insulting the president. The internet, predictably, considers this a personal invitation.

Jan 5 • Leigh McKiernon

National Exam Replaced With Single Question: ‘Do You Know Someone on the Inside?’

National exams are out, referrals are in. Indonesia’s new education reform goes viral with its one-question test.

Jan 3 • Leigh McKiernon

Singapore

Core Inflation Falls To 1.2%, Singaporeans Still Feel Everything Costs ‘About Double’

Core inflation dips to 1.2%, prompting nationwide confusion as grocery receipts continue to induce mild panic attacks.

Jan 3 • Leigh McKiernon

Grab Raises Fees Again, Says It’s to Help Customers “Appreciate Walking”

Grab says its latest fee increase is designed to encourage walking, fitness, and character-building among Singapore customers.

Jan 1 • Leigh McKiernon

Orchard Road Deploys Christmas Crowd Control Measures to Protect Shoppers From Each Other

Singapore launches crowd control patrols along Orchard Road to manage holiday shoppers before someone loses an eye... or a spot in the Zara queue.

Dec 30, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Founder Who Refused VC Funding Forced to Eat Lunch at Regular Restaurant

After refusing VC funding, a Singapore startup founder faces the unthinkable... eating at Subway like a regular person.

Nov 20, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Indonesia Considers Rebranding as ‘South-South-East Singapore’ to Boost Investment Appeal

Indonesia eyes investor attention with new name proposal: 'South-South-East Singapore.' Can rebranding attract more global capital?

Nov 18, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

College Graduates Celebrate Degree by Returning to Old High School Job

After earning degrees, Singaporean youth find themselves back in the same food court jobs they held at 17.

Nov 9, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Agoda Launches New Travel Service: One-Way Trip Out the Door With NDA

Agoda launches the "Final Journey Package," a premium layoff experience featuring severance, disclaimers, and a free lesson in corporate psychology.

Oct 13, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Founders to Be Awarded for Best ARR "Performance" at This Year’s Startup Oscars

Southeast Asia hosts its first Startup Oscars, awarding founders for the most wildly creative ARR claims in the region’s tech scene.

Oct 2, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Malaysia

Court Rules Former PM Not Eligible for House Arrest Because ‘House Too Big’

A Malaysian court rejected Najib Razak’s house arrest request after determining his “house” meets the legal definition of a palace.

Dec 30, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Rosmah Joins ‘Women in Finance’ Panel After Money Laundering Charges Dropped

Rosmah returns to public life with a keynote at a women’s finance event, showcasing her take on “high-impact capital” after her legal acquittal.

Dec 16, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Kuala Lumpur Skyscrapers Now Feature Traditional Kampung Houses on Rooftops

KUALA LUMPUR – Several skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur have adopted a novel approach to integrate traditional Malaysian culture with modern architecture by…

Jul 13, 2024 • Leigh McKiernon

Malaysia Street Vendors Compete in ‘Most Creative Nasi Lemak’ Contest

KUALA LUMPUR – The aroma of coconut rice and spicy sambal filled the air as street vendors from across Malaysia gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the…

Jul 12, 2024 • Leigh McKiernon

India

Experts Conclude India Doesn’t Need Trade Deals, Just One Relative Abroad

Experts claim India’s global trade already runs through family networks, questioning the need for formal trade agreements.

Jan 4 • Leigh McKiernon

Delhi Bans Non‑BS6 Vehicles. Upgrades Every Politician’s Car Overnight

Delhi’s ban on non-BS6 vehicles aims to curb pollution, but questions arise over how political fleets appeared to upgrade overnight.

Jan 2 • Leigh McKiernon

India's DGCA Forms Committee to Study Why Airline With ‘Go’ in Name Keeps Stopping

India’s aviation regulator has formed a high‑level committee to investigate why an airline named ‘Go’ keeps cancelling flights across the country.

Dec 28, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Thailand

Tourism Authority Assures Public Fewer Foreign Tourists Will “Improve Authenticity”

With tourism numbers down, Thai officials promote authenticity and cultural value as the country’s new selling point.

Jan 6 • Leigh McKiernon

Thai Village Hosts 'Longest Wai' Competition to Honor Elders

PATTAYA —The small village of Nong Pradu in Thailand’s Chonburi Province played host to an event this past weekend: the "Longest Wai" competition.

Jul 13, 2024 • Leigh McKiernon

Thai Schools Implement ‘Smile Exams’ to Ensure Students Maintain National Reputation

BANGKOK – Thailand's Ministry of Education has unveiled a new initiative aimed at bolstering the nation's image through an unconventional method…

Jul 12, 2024 • Leigh McKiernon

The Philippines

Sara Duterte Trust Rating Rises After Saying Absolutely Nothing For Several Weeks

Silence is the message: Duterte’s trust rating spikes after weeks of not making eye contact with the public or the microphone.

Dec 31, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Philippines Demands SEA Games Add Karaoke as Official Sport, Threatens Boycott

Karaoke might become a competitive SEA Games event if the Philippines gets its way. Officials call it the nation’s “true sport."

Dec 17, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Philippine Banks Offer ‘VIP Remittance Lanes’ for High-Volume OFW Senders

MANILA—Several major banks in the Philippines have introduced 'VIP Remittance Lanes' for high-volume senders to enhance the remittance experience for…

Jul 15, 2024 • Leigh McKiernon

Barangay Implements Curfew to Ensure Families Spend More Time Watching Teleseryes Together

MANILA— A barangay in Manila has implemented a curfew aimed at ensuring families spend more time together watching popular teleseryes.

Jul 12, 2024 • Leigh McKiernon

Vietnam

Anti-Corruption Drive Succeeds After Officials Run Out of Drawers to Hide Money In

Ongoing anti-corruption investigations in Vietnam reveal logistical strains within government offices as enforcement intensifies.

Jan 1 • Leigh McKiernon

Myanmar

China Praises Myanmar Election For Bravely Redefining ‘Choice’

China has praised Myanmar’s recent election, calling it a positive step toward stability and democratic development despite international criticism.

Jan 2 • Leigh McKiernon

Myanmar State Media Declares Election a Success Hours Before It Begins

Myanmar’s state media declares election a “success” hours before polls open, citing unanimous support and zero participation issues.

Dec 29, 2025 • Leigh McKiernon

Reality TV Show ‘Escape the Junta’ Challenges Contestants to Flee the Country

YANGON - A new show titled "Escape the Junta" has emerged in Myanmar, challenging contestants to flee the country under the nation's oppressive military…

Jul 25, 2024 • Leigh McKiernon

Yangon Bakery Hires Retired Generals to Enforce Queue Discipline During Morning Rush

YANGON — A popular bakery in Yangon has enlisted the help of retired military generals to maintain order during the chaotic morning rush.

Jul 12, 2024 • Leigh McKiernon

World

Trump Invades Greenland, Renames It ‘Orange Land’

Greenland is renamed Orange Land after a formal announcement from Trump, with officials insisting the move is “very legal.”

Jan 8 • Leigh McKiernon

Epstein Coverage Generates Enough Content to Distract Nation from Literally Everything Else

Congress halts legislative duties as Epstein coverage dominates national attention. Protesters too distracted to care.

Jan 7 • Leigh McKiernon

Kennedy Center Renaming Sparks Boycott From People Who Just Googled What the Kennedy Center Is

Outrage over the Kennedy Center’s new name has sparked national protest... mostly from people who’ve never been to a show.

Jan 6 • Leigh McKiernon

Khamenei Flees Iran for Sadiq Khan’s Spare Bedroom in East London

Iran’s Supreme Leader reportedly flees to London and is now staying in Mayor Sadiq Khan’s spare bedroom amid rising unrest and global controversy.

Jan 6 • Leigh McKiernon

Pentagon Clarifies Smuggler Boat Was Destroyed for Its Own Safety

The Pentagon says a smuggler boat was destroyed not as an act of force, but for its own safety, describing it as “a very dangerous boat.”

Jan 5 • Leigh McKiernon

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