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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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What Not To Do in Foreign Lands

Tabloid offers how-to guide for provoking international incidents

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(Newser) – Taking its cue from the infamous shoe-toss of an Iraqi journalist—a sign of high contempt in his culture—the Daily Mirror presents a how-to guide for provoking international incidents:

  • Buddhist countries: Nothing raises eyebrows or ire more than a pat on the head, as that's where locals believe the seat of the soul is located.

  • Russia: Flash your hosts the "OK" sign to give an insult with a sexual undertone.
  • Japan: After receiving someone’s business card, immediately fling it onto your desk.
  • Korea: Smile at a stranger and show your contempt for his lack of intelligence.
  • Argentina: Arrive punctually for a dinner date to clearly express your level of greed.
For the rest, click below.

A Toyota senior manager, left, exchanges his name card with a visitor. To immediately stuff a received business card into one's back pocket would be the height of insult in Japan.
A Toyota senior manager, left, exchanges his name card with a visitor. To immediately stuff a received business card into one's back pocket would be the height of insult in Japan.   (AP Photo)
A video still from Sunday's toss.
A video still from Sunday's toss.   (AP Photo)
Sri Lankan Buddhist devotees pray at a temple near Colombo. Tapping on a Buddhist's head is considered insulting as they believe it to be the residence of one's soul.
Sri Lankan Buddhist devotees pray at a temple near Colombo. Tapping on a Buddhist's head is considered insulting as they believe it to be the residence of one's soul.   (AP Photo)
Um Sa'aad, sister of Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi, wails as she holds a shoe of her brother at his Baghdad apartment.
Um Sa'aad, sister of Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi, wails as she holds a shoe of her brother at his Baghdad apartment.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
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