Welcome back NYU Shanghai! We hope you have all had a wonderful and restful winter break. To keep you updated on the news around the world while you adjust back into the chaos of the new semester, here’s a brief update:

China’s Addictive Seasoning - MSG has been present in Chinese cuisine for a while now. However, recently health inspectors came across a couple of dozen restaurants using opium poppy capsules to create addiction. Poppy capsules have more than twenty types of alkaloids, some of which are found in morphine and cocaine.

Colonialist Rhodes on Display - Oxford University has decided not to take down the statue of the 19th century colonialist Cecil Rhodes. The decision came after a group of student campaigners debated removing the statue, due to the implied remembrance of Britain's imperialist past.

Variety of Sizes - Often criticized for its production of absurd Barbie body shapes, Mattel Inc finally came out with a broad variety of Barbie doll sizes and colors. Now, kids can choose between “petite”, “tall” and “curvy” Barbie dolls, seven different skin-tones and 22 different eye colors. Following years of backlash regarding Mattel’s further enforcement of gender stereotypes, the marketing team hopes this well help Barbie dolls improve their reputation in the consumer market.

Latest Islamic State Execution Video - The Islamic State strikes once again with its most recent propaganda video. The video features an execution of a blond Frenchman accused of spying. The killing was carried out by a French-speaking jihadi claiming the man was was guilty of alleged apostasy and also advocated perpetuating the war on the West.

Resentful Elephants - Following the start of a fight against deforestation, the Myanmar government banned the export of raw timber. With the new policy in place, a large number of elephants have left the labor market and are now agitated. Due to their steady workflow in Myanmar, elephants have been able to remain healthy and live twice as long as their fellows in European zoos.

Sixth Australian Open Title for Djokovic - Novak Djokovic swept aside Andy Murray in three straight sets on January 31. Melbourne’s Grand Slam audience witnessed the sixth win for the 28-year old male tennis player, who is currently ranked number 1 according to the Association of Tennis Professionals.

This article was written by Lana Kugli. Please send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Chloe Haddaway