Have you ever had the urge to Google News countries like Bhutan or Luxembourg to find out what's really happening in the world? Now you don't have to because I've gone and done it for you.
Here's a top story from seven exotic places, one on each continuent. And, what the hell, I threw in a Pacific Island as a bonus horror story.
And no, I had no idea any of this was happening until about an hour ago.
New South Wales, Australia
FLOODING FORCES MASS EVACUATION IN NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA.
Heavy flooding has forced thousands of residents to abandon their homes along the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, on Saturday. Around 19,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as rising floodwaters and strong winds cause major disruption. The situation is expected to worsen with the Macleay River at threat of bursting its banks
Guardian
Namibia, Africa
WOMEN PROTEST MINI-SKIRT BAN IN WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA (VIDEO)
Namibian women were out in the streets of Windhoek in their hundreds, protesting over police intentions to arrest women wearing mini-skirts for "indecency."
Organized by the Women in Solidarity organization, the protest happened after 40 girls were arrested for wearing mini-skirts in December 2012 in Rundu, around 700 kms north of Windhoek.
Top law enforcer in the city, Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga, insists that if women are found outside to be dressed indecently, they will be arrested. He claims that alluring dress provokes rape, adding that those who wear mini-skirts should "cover the essentials."
Digital Journal
Bhutan, Asia
BHUTAN BRINGS CHILDREN'S RIGHTS TO MONASTIC SCHOOLS.
A child protection framework is being set up within the monastic school system. Designed and funded by Unicef Bhutan, it aims to instil the concept of child rights into the monastic orders and, more practically, provide children in the monasteries with a way of reporting violence, neglect, mistreatment or abuse. It aims to forge links between the monastic orders, the police and state child welfare services.
Guardian
Suriname, South America
SURINAME APPROVES BILL THAT BANS SMOKING IN PUBLIC
Legislators in the South American country of Suriname have approved a bill that could mean jail time for people who smoke in public. President Desi Bouterse is expected to sign the bill in upcoming weeks.
People caught smoking outside their homes, cars or other private places could be put behind bars. The bill approved Thursday also bans tobacco advertising and requires that tobacco packages carry graphic warnings about the dangers of smoking.
The World Health Organization found that nearly 40 percent of men in Suriname smoke cigarettes. Among them is Bouterse, a well-known heavy smoker.
The International News
Yukon Territory, North America
ANTI-FRACKING MOVEMENT CONTINUES IN YUKON, CANADA
A group of people in Canada's northwestern Yukon territory concerned about oil and gas development is continuing their anti-fracking campaign. After packing the city council chambers in Yukon's capital city of Whitehorse earlier this week, the group held a news conference this morning outside the Yukon legislature...
"Will there be a full rigorous scientific review? Will the groundwater be tested for drilling to take place and who will pay for it? We believe that the proponents should be paying for it. Who will conduct the scientific review and who will pay for it? Who will make the final decision on the review?"
Alaska Disapath
Luxembourg, Europe:
LUXEMBOURG UNEMPLOYMENT RISES FOR FIFTH MONTH.
Unemployment in Luxembourg rose for the fifth consecutive month in January, data released by the statistical office revealed Friday... The unemployment total rose by 1,829 persons from a year ago... The total has been rising since November 2011.
RTTNews
Antartica
TEAM TO DRAG BIG BOOBS ACROSS ANTARCTICA
In gruelling conditions and travelling solo using skis and kites, Mr Wilson will drag a "boob sled" weighing more than 180kg across the ice in November to raise $1 million for the McGrath Foundation...
The extreme traveller has teamed up with two-time breast cancer survivor Kate Carlyle to promote his Pink Polar Expedition and encourage young women to know and check their breasts...
The record for the fastest solo and unsupported crossing of the Antarctic is 64 days but Mr Wilson is confident he can break that.
Gold Coast
Nauru, Pacific Ocean
NAURU DETAINEES 'SEW LIPS IN PROTEST'
Four detainees at Nauru’s regional processing centre have sewn their lips together in a protest over their conditions, refugee advocates claim.
Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition says 15 men are believed to be on a hunger strike, and four Iranian men have sewn their lips together.
Three senior government ministers have stepped down or been relived from their posts in the past few weeks, with one opposition government spokesman claiming conflict over the Australian-run detention centre is to blame, according to earlier reports.
World News Australia
And there you have it. Breaking news from around the world. Sure beats listening to yet another story about the
sequester censored, no?