2Bangkok Top Stories of Year 2005

Bangkok Newspapers by 2Bangkok.com

Thailand's best blog provides a short by highly useful summary of the major stories in the country for the year 2005, along with plenty of hotlinks for more information.

2Bangkok.com picks the top stories of 2005
December 29, 2005

While some stories appear as screaming headlines and points of controversy for a week and then are forgotten, others have lasting impact and lead to other controversies. This year's top stories largely chart the misery of the TRT party in the first year after its historic election win.

1. The year started with Thaksin's triumph at the polls (ThaiElections.com). This air of invincibility probably contributed to a series of aggressive stances by the PM challenging critics' patriotism which led to...

2. A series of aggressive lawsuits against government critics (T is for trouble in the age of libel, The Nation, July 29, 2005, Libel suits being used to intimidate, The Nation, August 17, 2005) which seemed to be an attempt to create a Singapore-style of order in the media (Aura of fear pervades Thai media, IHT, October 5, 2005).

2Bangkok Link

Malaysian Courts Rule on Religion After Death

Petronas Towers Kuala Lumpur

In a rather disturbing and revealing judgment, a Malaysian civil court has ruled that a Hindu mountain climber and national hero must be buried as a Muslim, despite the pleas of his wife that her deceased husband remained a Hindu until his early demise. But an Islamic court had ruled that Mr. Moorthy had converted to Islam, and the civil courts are helpless in matters relating to religion.

Nobody stands a chance today against the Islamic legal system that now dominates the legal system of the country; fundamentalist Islamic control of Malaysia continues to grow.

Muslim burial for Malaysian hero

Mr Moorthy's widow was in tears after Wednesday's ruling. A Malaysian mountaineering hero will be buried as a Muslim, against the wishes of his Hindu wife, who denied he had converted to Islam before his death.

The decision follows a High Court ruling that it cannot override the country's Islamic courts in matters of religious conversion.

An Islamic court had said the man, M Moorthy, had become a Muslim last year.

Lawyers say the case highlights problems faced by non-Muslims dealing with Malaysia's Islamic justice system. "So much for good interracial relations," Haris Mohamad Ibrahim, a lawyer representing Malaysia's Bar Council, told The Associated Press.

"The judge has just told the widow and her family to go back and leave the body of their beloved to be buried by strangers."

M Moorthy, 36, was a Hindu when he became a national hero in 1997 as a member of the first Malaysian expedition to conquer Mount Everest. But when he died a week ago family supporters and state Islamic officials jostled one another at the mortuary as each tried to claim his body.

An Islamic Sharia court subsequently upheld a claim by his former colleagues in the army that he had become a Muslim last year.

However his family, who want him to have a Hindu funeral, were not allowed to appear before the court to dispute his conversion because they are not Muslims.

The family went to the civil court and argued that Mr Moorthy was a practising Hindu right up to a recent accident when he fell from his wheelchair and lapsed into a coma. They say he was even interviewed for local television two months ago about his preparations for the Hindu festival of Diwali.

But the High Court agreed with government lawyers who argued the civil court had no jurisdiction.

Lawyers for the dead man's relatives say the ruling leaves non-Muslims little protection in family disputes considered under Islamic law.

Most Malaysians are Muslim but the country's constitution guarantees freedom of worship for all.

BBC Link

Malaysia's Plan for the Great Pyramid

Merdeka Day 2005 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia's minister of defence recently announced plans to send a delegation of Malaysians to Egypt to decorate the Great Pyramid of Giza with flags of all the major Islamic countries in the world. Another sign that fundamentalist Islam, along with a fair amount of nationalistic jingoism, has captured the fertile imagination of the rulers of Malaysia.

And since when did the ancient empires of Egypt go Muslim? I thought it was all about cats and reincarnation.

Malaysia's plan for Great Pyramid suffers setback

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian authorities suffered a setback on Wednesday in their plan to send a 35-member team to drape Egypt's Great Pyramid at Giza with the flags of the world's 57 Muslim countries.

The chairman of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, the body responsible for the Giza site, said in Cairo that he would not allow it to be draped. "This cannot take place," chairman Zahi Hawass said. "The pyramid cannot be draped by any person in this world. Nobody is allowed to do this."

Malaysia's Defence Minister Najib Razak announced the project during a ceremony on Tuesday, when he presented a Malaysian flag to the team's leaders.

Najib said the expedition, which had been planned for May 18, is a "commendable effort," and comes in response to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's call to raise Malaysia's profile in the world.

The flag-draping event, sponsored by Malaysia's Youth and Sports Ministry and the Selangor state government, had been slated to be broadcast live on a Malaysian TV channel.

But Hawass ruled out giving permission to the so-called Malaysian Peace Mission team for the project which would involve climbing the 4,600-year-old World Heritage site.

"Why should I allow them to drape it?" Hawass said. "If they want to make propaganda, let them do it somewhere else. They can do it in any other place in Cairo."

Gulf News Link

Muslim Women Lose Out in Malaysia

Merdeka Day 2005

While it's very sad the treatment of Muslim women throughout most of the Islamic world, the fairer sex was generally treated with respect and honor in the more moderate Muslim nations of Indonesia and Malaysia....until recently. As Malaysia has slowly moved into a more fundamentalist pattern, laws are being enacted and changed to reduce the civil and legal rights of Muslim women, moving them towards the same status as the Muslim women in Saudi Arabia. And you know what that means.

Women’s fury in Malaysia
building up over Islamic bill

KUALA LUMPUR: A rebellion is stirring in Malaysia over new legislation, which critics say undermines the rights of Muslim women by making it easier for men to take multiple wives and claim property after divorce.

The government was forced to strike down opposition in the usually tame upper house Senate to push through the bill last week, only to face an avalanche of protest from civil-society groups and ordinary citizens.

Much of the opposition to the bill is being led by educated, vocal and affluent Muslim Malaysian women, who are worst affected by the new property-division rules.

Letters pages in the usually tightly controlled media have also been full of complaints over the “Islamic Family Law” bill, which affects Malaysia’s Muslims, who make up about 60 percent of the population of 26 million people.

“Now I learn that if my husband were to marry another, he has the right to my property to support his new lifestyle!” wrote one outraged reader of the New Straits Times.

“Another provision makes it easier for men to obtain divorce . . . it is hard to imagine how much easier it can be, given the current situation where men can divorce their wives for no reason and even via SMS,” said another.

Malaysian Muslim men are allowed four wives under Islamic law, but under the new amendments they no longer have to prove they are financially capable of treating all their wives equally before taking on another.

On taking a new wife, men can now seize property belonging to existing wives, and they are also given new rights to claim assets after a divorce, as well as less obligation to pay compensation and maintenance.

“They are giving more rights to the men while taking back the traditional Muslim women’s rights,” said Razlina Razali from Sisters in Islam, one of several activist groups in an alliance demanding that the bill be abandoned.

Manila Times Link

Chinese Products in America

Cheongsam Body Painting

Would it be possible for an American family to go an entire year without using a single product made in China? I don't think so, considering the vast economic influence of major American retailers who specialize in Chinese products, including WalMart and Costco. But some nutty American family has tried the resist the tide.

The funny thing about China's ascent is that we, as a nation, could shut the whole thing down in a week. Jump-start a "Just Say No to Chinese Products Week," and the empire will collapse amid the chaos of overloaded cargo ships in Long Beach harbor. I doubt we could pull it off. Americans may be famously patriotic, but look closely, and you'll see who makes the flag magnets on their car bumpers. These days China delivers every major holiday, Fourth of July included.

I don't know what we will do after Dec. 31 when our family's embargo comes to its official end. China-free living has been a hassle. I have discovered for myself that China doesn't control every aspect of our daily lives, but if you take a close look at the underside of boxes in the toy department, I promise it will give you pause.

Christian Science Monitor Link

Chinese Tourists in Thailand

Cheongsam Body Painting

The fastest growing segment of tourism throughout Southeast Asia are the Chinese, whose soaring numbers will soon eclipse the Japanese as they take their place as the ethnic tourism engine of the region. Some tourist venues may not appreciate their rough and sometimes uncouth ways, but everyone loves their money, so diplomacy has become the key world among shop owners and others in the local tourism industry.

Ugly Americans of Asia?

However, catering to China's newly rich has its downside, though most Thais are too polite to say so publicly. Just as brash Americans attract glances from Parisian sophisticates, Chinese tourists have acquired a reputation in Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia as loud, pushy bumpkins with table manners that leave much to be desired.

Even tour operators concede that their Chinese customers can be rude and bossy when they hit the road.

"They're not very cultured, and they've just started making money, so when they leave their country I'm afraid they act like big shots," says Ren Jingli, a Beijing travel agent who escorts groups to Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

But as they bustle through the temples and markets of Southeast Asia, Chinese tourists are following a well-worn path on the tourist trail. "It's a bit like the Japanese in the early days - they want cheap, they always bargain you down, looking for the lowest level," says Andrew Wood, general manager of a Bangkok hotel that caters to Asian tours.

Christian Science Monitor Link

Poipet Immigration Fiasco

Poipet Immigration Scene

The Letters to the Editor section in today's Bangkok Post has a complaint about the chaotic and potentially dangerous situation at the Thai immigration facility at Poipet, heading from Bangkok into Cambodia and onward to either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. I've been through this hellish border experience a few times, and can only agree with the letter, and continue to wonder why the Thai government is incapable of improving this long-running problem.

Immigration at Poipet border a disgrace

On Saturday, Nov 19, I was travelling from Bangkok for a visit to Angkor Wat which necessitated passing through immigration at the Thai border. The immigration process was a disgrace.

The temperature was in the 90s F, there were several hundred people and the wait to pass through customs took over 3-1/2 hours. There were children and elderly people and the crowd was totally unruly. Several people fainted.

Finally, I was afraid for my life when hundreds of impatient people started shoving and pushing from the back. First, we were told that the Immigration Office does not have enough funding for proper staffing. Second, we were told that customs intentionally slows the process to deter the gamblers who wish to go to Cambodia. However, I was also told that well-known gamblers are able to expedite the process through special arrangements.

Additionally, the air conditioning was broken and there was one small fan working in a room crammed with hundreds of distressed people. Be aware also that the toilet facilities on the Thai border were disgusting and infinitely better once we passed into Cambodia. I was with a group of Thai friends who were deeply embarrassed by such poor handling by a government official. My point of argument is: why the Immigration Office does not make a special arrangement in granting visas for those who intend to travel to Angkor Wat or Siem Reap province?

In reference to Business Post of Dec 5, showing the new road construction between Poipet-Siem Reap, a distance of 147km, in order to facilitate trade, investment and tourism, I am very much in doubt, when one government department says one thing, but the Immigration Office does the opposite by intentionally slowing down the immigration process at Poipet. I presume the two different departments do not coordinate with each other or use common sense. When the road is completed, I hope the immigration at Poipet will wake up and change their attitude.

SUSAN ALLEN

Bizarre Stories from the Philippines

Arroyo/Crash Posters by Snoecks

A young Filipino-America, currently living in the States but heading over to PI next month, has posted a collection of bizarre stories from his mother country. Some very funny reading, including one about the fighting cock that murdered the master.

Stray Coconuter Bizarre Stories

Hung at Dawn

Hung at Dawn by M Ravi


Shanmugan Executed


Van Tuong Ngyuen Executed

Although it's very unlikely that this book about the death penalty in Singapore will ever reach the bookstores in San Francisco, it seems an important work that should be read by the residents of Singapore and elsewhere in Southeast Asia who are concerned with the nagging questions about capital punishment.

Hung at Dawn is an account of three death penalty cases in Singapore detailing exposing the inadequacies of police investigations, courtroom trials and the clemency pleas that prefers to err on the side of hanging convicts.

The book cover resembles one of those sensational best-selling Singapore ghost stories series, coated in black with big, red imposing fonts and a spine-chilling title. The book is, however, far from being fictional. The stories are not fairy tales but real-life events.

Singapore Democrat Book Review

Cambodia Stories from Escape Artist

Angkor Wat

The always informative and colorful monthly email newsletter from Escape Artist features a pair of short stories about Cambodia, one with a message of hope and another about the collision of Western medicine and Eastern miracles.

What is there to say about Cambodia and a people who have suffered, and still suffer so much? Sale of children for both the purposes of labour and for sexual exploitation is a huge problem, but it is a result of extreme poverty about which the Cambodian government is trying to do something. There are other glimmers of hope. Ten years ago a group of back-packers set up a shelter for the street children of Phomn Penh. They quickly realized that this was no solution since the children stayed only a few weeks and left.

What was needed to keep them was work and money. Since one of the back-packers was a cook they decided to open a small restaurant which they called “Friends”. There they trained the street kids to cook, clean and wait on tables. In ten years this fabulous place has prospered beyond all expectation. Now virtually ALL the staff of these first rate restaurants are trained by Friends, and Friends is run by young Cambodians.

I have never been in a more pleasant restaurant where people help one another constantly and patiently and there are so many brilliant smiles. They have even printed a wonderful cook book of Cambodian food called The Best of Friends. A cynic would say these young people have been trained into servitude. A realist would say they have been saved from the degradation of the street, that they are happy and proud of what they are, and that they are a tremendous success story.

Escape Artist Cambodia Friends Story

When word got out that there was a monk blessed with the ability to heal, desperate patients came from all over Cambodia. We were still more than a kilometer away from Wat Serey Soupein, but already, we found ourselves driving through a crowded village, which hadn't existed just a few weeks earlier. The rainy season and the unaccustomed press of crowds had churned the dirty streets into mud, as hundred of people busied themselves with the activities of daily life, buying and preparing food, caring for loved ones, and praying for a cure.

Around a bend, the road opened up onto a huge field where hundreds more milled about, talking, waiting, hoping. At the end of the field, beside the small temple, was a large, bamboo hut, with no walls. Here, the most gravely-ill patients, lie waiting for the monk to cure them, knowing it was a race against time. Stepping into the hut, I saw rows of bodies laid out before me, like in a military field hospital.

One man had an enlarged head, swollen to alarming proportions. He had some type of medical tube tapped to the top of his skull, inserted into his nose. With great effort, an old man, who looked barely alive, raised his head ever slightly to see who I was. On another bed, a young woman, completely reduced to skin and bones, lie suffering at death's door.

Escape Artist Cambodia Monk Story

Dasa Books Newsletter by Don Gilliland

Existential Treatise by Dean Barrett

The above photo has absolutely nothing to do with this post, but I somehow located several book cover images on fictional novels penned by the legendary writer in Bangkok, Dean Barrett, and wanted to post them before my hard drive crashes (again). Dean seems to be doing quite well these days, and is consistently aggressive about marketing his works, along with another famous Bangkok writer, Christopher Moore. I see their names and book titles, and announcements of public signings all over the place, and hope it's working for them. I know several other writers in the Big Mango who have failed in their dream profession, and it hasn't been a pretty picture. No, I won't name names, but some of you know.

My holidays were just superb as I took BART from San Francisco to a town about one hour northeast of town, and hanged out with my Mom from Sacramento, my Sister who lives in Ione, her husband Stan, their daughter Heather and her Iranian husband Payam, their crazed little kid named Dylan, and Payam's mother. Great group of people.

In other news, Don Gilliland, owner of Dasa Books in Bangkok, offers an email newsletter with insight into the publishing community and other stuff. I'm going to subscribe and see what he's got to say.......

This week Bangkok got just what it has been waiting for: another new shopping center! But this just isn't any run-of-the-mill emporium; this is Siam Paragon, a mammoth monstrosity that promises those with disposable income an orgasmic shopping experience beyond compare.

And just so no one misses it, Siam Paragon was built in the heart of Bangkok’s main shopping district; conveniently situated next to Siam Center, Siam Discovery Center, and Siam Square. What's up next, Siam Regurgitate Center? Enough already! But apparently it's not enough for some diehards. Built on the grounds of the old Siam Intercontinental Hotel, Siam Paragon has over 500,000 square meters of retail space, all housed in an ultra sleek and shiny high-tech façade.

The developers of Siam Paragon are hoping it will become a magnet for tourist shoppers and also attract the legions of well-heeled Thais that previously fled the kingdom for shopping sprees in Singapore and Hong Kong. Tucked away in the inner bowels of Siam Paragon is Siam Ocean World, billed as Southeast Asia's largest aquarium, with over 30,000 marine animals on hand for your gawking pleasure. That's right, now you don't have venture all the way to the chambers of the Thai Senate to look at sharks.

Besides the underwater wonders, Siam Paragon has hundreds of upscale retail shops, eating establishments, car showrooms, cinemas, bowling lanes, an opera house, and not one but three Starbucks outlets. One wonders if there will be a dress code just to enter the premises.

Dasa Books Newsletter Link

The Southeast Asia Earthquake and Tsunami Blog

Tsunami Destruction at Khao Lak

I've got a Bloglines RSS subscription to this blog, which has been relatively quiet over the last six months, but has suddenly sprung back to life as we approach the one-year anniversary of the tragic event. A few recommended links:

Tsunami Anniversary Trek by Evelyn Rodriguez

800 Tsunami Bodies Remain Unnamed in Thailand

Most of Japan's Bilateral Tsunami Aid Remains Untouched

A New Blog from Aceh

Southeast Asia Earthquake and Tsunami Blog

Christmas in Thailand by Richard

Christmas in Thailand by Richard

Richard at Thai-Blogs always seems to come up with some great stories about Thailand, such as last week's report on his three-day visit to Kanchanaburi, complimented by his excellent photography. Richard is a decent writer, but his photography really shines, such as this portrait recently taken at the school he works at in Samut Prakan. Great work, Richard!

Richard at Thai-Blogs

Samui Complaint

Dean Barrett Novel

I've always had a good time on Samui over the last decade or so that I've visited the island, but I'm also hearing more reports about trouble in paradise, mostly centered around the taxi and transportation cartels that often try to fleece the Western tourist. Pattaya has the same problem as does Phuket.

Another problem is the completely inadequate infrastructure, mostly apparent at the two most popular beaches of Chaweng and Lamai. During a visit a few years ago, we had a few days of rain and the entire beach roads in both communities were buried under deep water for almost a week. Doesn't anyone in Samui know how to build a drainage system?

I've also heard complaints about corrupt police, but hell, that goes on everywhere in Thailand.

The following letter to the editor in the Bangkok Post is over the top, and somewhat suspicious due to its generalized nature (who beat this guy up? an unhappy taxi driver?), but it has stirred up a storm in the Post over the last week.

Horrible people live on Samui
Bangkok Post
21 Dec 2005

While touring through the North of your beautiful country I noted repeated negative stories and letters relating to Koh Samui, which almost caused me to avoid the island. But I did not, and instead, took the opportunity to evaluate conditions for myself.

There, for the first time, I encountered an almost overwhelming number of mean people. This was especially surprising, and barely unbelievable, after meeting so many wonderful Thais in other places; but I guarantee your readers that that is exactly what happened, and in spades.

Reports of murderous driving are vastly understated, but the high probability of death or injury by motorbike was overshadowed by the continuous hassle with street people. Most particularly, the threatening Thai men-cum-cab drivers of that ilk, who push the boundaries of civilised people.

Residents told me they live in fear of the mafia and the police who resemble them (or maybe vice versa). And yes, like so many others, I was attacked for no apparent reason, and then discovered that a police report is a joke (to them); and my hospital bills far exceeded the fine given to the Thai man who attacked me from behind.

The unprovoked attack, which would have been assault with a deadly weapon and/or attempted murder in any civilised place, is all too common on Samui and hardly remarkable. The attacker was friendly with the police and totally unconcerned. He laughed as he paid a small fine and then threatened me again as he walked out the door. The policeman giggled.

My embassy is unaware of any pattern developing, but perhaps the walls and barbed-wire surrounding them obstructed their view. Nevertheless, in a short time I heard many strong-arm and intimidation stories from other tourists, and from local residents powerless in the face of massive police corruption.

It is surprising to discover that a tourist's life is worth less than 1,000 baht on Koh Samui; but the experience was reminiscent of that last year when a policeman killed two Western tourists; except I was not drinking and did not know my attacker; and it happened in broad daylight and in full view of more than 100 Thai people.

Significantly, not one Thai person responded to cries for help, or telephoned the police when asked to do so. In fact, they locked their doors and turned their backs.

Discussing this matter with several high-level island officials, all whom insisted they not be quoted fearing for their own lives, I was encouraged in the strongest possible terms to urge tourists with similar experiences to write to newspapers and travel magazines and shout these outrages loud and often. I promise to do so.

My life is worth more than a few baht but my resources will be used to warn every English-language publication possible about the animals running loose on Samui. I loved my visit to Thailand (excluding Samui), but unfortunately most westerners will probably not make that fine distinction after reading my account of it.

NAME WITHHELD

And today, two responses which seem to support the negative comments of the original poster. If any of this is true, what in the world is going on in Thailand?

No one to defend Samui's reputation
Bangkok Post
Dec 23, 2005

Recent weeks have seen many letters in the English-language press pointing out the glaring troubles Koh Samui is facing. As a long-time resident and tourism business owner I, like many others, stand to lose if these letters have an effect on tourist arrivals. As the letter from "Name Withheld" (Postbag, Dec 21) came one day after an incident with an irresponsible taxi driver who turned violent when I dared to blare my horn at him, I feel compelled to write.

Name Withheld's letter was arguably the most dramatic and ardent plea yet. I was tempted upon finishing NW's letter to consider that had Phuket been the victim of a string of so many intensely critical observations, articulate voices from that island's movers and shakers would have come forward and pointed out the unfairness of the sweeping generalisations. I wondered, where are the voices of Samui's civic and business leaders? Is there no one to come forward and defend the island's reputation?

I suspect that, like myself, they all realise that things have gotten so out of hand, bad publicity may be the only hope for the changes so desperately needed.

ANOTHER NAME WITHHELD
Koh Samui

************************

Island in need of a new, clean sheriff
Bangkok Post
Dec 23, 2005

With regard to "Horrible people live on Samui" (Postbag, Dec 21), I can confirm as a resident that no law and order exists on Samui, and that ordinary people are terrorised by the negative effects of corrupt police and other government officials.

A certain late-night establishment in central Chaweng beach has for more than one year been blaring out loud techno music till 6am every morning, keeping the numerous residents in nearby houses, bungalows, hotels, guest houses and rooms for rent sleepless all night long. Any requests to the police have been ignored as they obviously appear to be cashing in on the illegal disturbances.

In fact, the police might even have been telling the nightspot owners the names of those who have been complaining because they have received threats to keep quiet and not complain. The local government prefers to ignore any complaints from local residents who are kept sleepless and lose business as tourists have been checking out of their hotels because of unbearable noise. Samui needs a new sheriff in town, an honest and decent police chief who is not there to fill his pockets but to care for the well-being of all Samui residents and visitors. As it is today, ordinary people are powerless and have no protection.

SAMUI RESIDENT AND UK CITIZEN

Boeing Flight to Asia

I'm waving on the right!

My latest flight to Asia could have been better, though Gadling reminds me about the perils of not flying first class.

Gadling Link

Bai Ling, Hai Sun and ImageThief

Bai Ling

Who to choose for Asian Icon of 2005? Bai Ling looks good, but you've probably never met my former wife Hai Sun from Beijing who in the looks department would put Bai in the dust. The perfect nose.

In other news, Will with ImageThief continues to produce the most snarky, incisive, and funny hilarious words from China. Put him in your RSS Bloglines reader.

Beijing Needs a Giant Monster Attack

When you are asked to name the great, metropolitan cities of the world, you will naturally consider certain factors. It's not always size that makes the difference. If it was, then Chongqing would be the capital of the planet, a role I think we can all agree that Chongqing, for all its charms, is not quite ready for. Sure, size has its place, but it's the more abstract qualities that really elevate certain cities to greatness, and that probably influence your choices: political influence; rich history; culture; cuisine; cosmopolitan buzz; and so on.

Beijing has most of this --it's working on the cosmopolitan buzz-- but it conspicuously lacks the one other factor that defines many of the world's other great metropolises: a giant monster attack.

I've been giving this a lot of thought lately (a sure sign that the holidays are leading to a work slowdown), and I've come to the conclusion that Beijing cannot be a great, global metropolis until it is attacked by its own giant monster. Thanks to the encyclopaedic reference information contained in two invaluable websites, Stomptokyo.com and Giantmonstermovies.com, I've been able to research some of the cities that have been on the receiving end of giant monsters. Sure, you all know that Tokyo has had a fifty year kaiju infestation that has included Godzilla, Gamera and friends. New York got King Kong on multiple occasions plus, as a bonus, the Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (by the way, that's 180,000 feet, or about six times deeper than the deepest part of the ocean). London was attacked by Gorgo. San Francisco got the five-armed octopus of It Came from Beneath the Sea. The list has also has some surprises, including some of Beijing's key, regional rivals and a few cities you'd never expect.

Image Thief Link

My Vote: Weather

Kong


Osho


Pamela

Kudos to Melinda Gates who has finally loosed the economic wallet of her husband, and Bono who continues his fight against the corporate world, but the award should have been given to Weather.

Jakarta Merry Holidays

Merry Holidays from Jakarta

Fred Burks Holiday Message Link

Funny Signs in Thailand

Bangkok Recorder Party Photo

Always a great source of amusement.

Funny Signs in Thailand Link

Religion Quiz

Religious Nuts?

Meet An Athetist Link

Shanghaiist Best Music List 2005

Not on the Shanghaiist Best Music List

I'm not sure about the musical tastes of the five guys who run Shanghaiist, who have recently announced their favorite lists for the year and only included one musical group that I kinda recognize: Foo Fighters. Guess I'm so far behind the loop, that's it's way to late to catch up......and I don't really care. After all, I've got KCSM piping out hot, fresh, commercial-free jazz around the clock every day of the year, so who needs to keep up on the latest rock band?

Shanghaiist presents The Best Albums of 2005

Since Shanghaiist kicked off in July this year, we’ve inflicted opinion after opinion on you, our faithful readership. Here comes a whole bunch more.

This time we’ve taken it upon ourselves to inform you about the best music released in 2005. Specifically, the top 25 albums of the year (summed up in exactly 25 words each).

The list was painstakingly compiled by five Shanghaiist contributors. We say painstakingly because some of us absolutely loathed the choices of the others — in fact, not a single album appeared in all five lists.

For the record, the five contributors comprised three Americans, a Scot and an Aussie. And judging from the complete absence of Chinese music from the list, it might be wise if next time we convince one of our Shanghainese friends to lend a hand. (Actually, as always, we encourage all of you to submit your own lists, thoughts, suggestions, insults-about-our-mothers as comments at the end of this very long post.)

Shanghaiist Link

Weblog Awards Asia Results

Wendy


Mr. Brown (#2), Cory Doctorow, Wendy (#1), Mr. Miyagi (#3)

Sorry about the lack of posts lately, but I haven't been able to locate anything juicy and unique for your perusal. Happens sometimes and rather than just fill with space with senseless drivel, I'll leave some space for both of us.

Mom emailed yesterday and said she checked my blog, and noticed that all the right-side stuff had been pushed down to the bottom of the very, very long page. Yep, that sometimes happens when I include a very long URL in a post, and Blogger can't conveniently break the URL into smaller segments (I need to do that), and so it just gives up and pushed the entire sidebar down to the bottom. Frankly, I really don't care that much since I get tired of looking at my mugshot, but gotta keep Mom happy, so maybe I'll track down the problem today and get things back to normal.

Normal, yuck.

By the way, as we all expected, Wendy has run away with first prize in the Weblogs race, but Mr. Brown did an admirable job of hanging in for second. He should have taken Miyagi's advice yesterday: don a pink tutu and swim across the Singapore River for cocktails with Nick Leeson at the pub. But Brown can't swim! That's really lame.

I'm so glad I wasn't nominated in that popularity contest just to save my ego from being completely crushed, but we all need to prepare starting now (today) and how to beat the evil empire of Xiaxue next year and in all future years to come. At least I'm glad to report I voted daily for ESWN and kept him out of the lonely basement, as if he cares.

Best Asian Blog

Xiaxue 49.70 % (14715)

mrbrown 39.29 % (11634)

Mr. Miyagi 4.07 % (1206)

Simon World 1.46 % (431)

The Marmot's Hole 0.95 % (282)

Hongkie Town 0.69 % (204)

asiapundit 0.65 % (191)

Sassy Lawyer 0.61 % (182)

Hemlock's Diary 0.59 % (174)

Frog in a Well 0.43 % (128)

Our Man In Hanoi 0.39 % (116)

the shaky kaiser 0.35 % (104)

ESWN 0.29 % (85)

Shanghai Diaries 0.28 % (83)

Sinosplice 0.24 % (72)

Total votes: 29607

Weblog Awards Link

Singapore Zouk Party

Singapore, not Bangkok

Hottest party of the year may not be at some nightclub in Bangkok, but over at sleepy Sentosa Island where Zouk rules the roost once a year. Bangkok bars and nightclubs in "tourist zones" must now close at 1am, but Singapore, under conditions, will allow the party to go on all night.

By the time we made it across the bridge to Sentosa island and the snaking queue for entry, it was 9. The huge crowds were all set to party, with throngs of bikini-clad women and shirtless men... good bods all, too. Siloso beach had been converted to a huge sandy carnival with food and drink stalls, bungy-bounce and spin rides, stiltwalkers, fortune-tellers and body-art points. The latter's clientele included several bold women and men who got painted on at very interesting locations.

Clippings from Resfest 2005 were screened as warm-up, before Zouk's resident DJs took over at the 3 different stages. This year saw a new stage for live performances by local rock bands. We enjoyed pieces by Concave Scream, Ronin and Tiramisu - the frontman of Tiramisu is one heckuva bundle of energy within his lean frame, jumping around the stage, entertainingly mad.

But by far the best stage, with longest dance-ability in our op, was the Mambo-Jambo / Hip-Hop one. Zouk DJs djB and Sonny spun the crowd favorite retro pop hits. The crowd was already having loads of fun when Cash Money took over much past midnight, and the floor went berserk. He teased us with ancient soundtrack everyone could sing along to, tested us with old skool, warmed us with familiar hits from the 80s-90s, rewarded us with the latest chartbusters... here was one of the best DJs I've ever witnessed, he mixed and matched and scratched and mashed it all up like you wouldn't believe, pleasing and enthusing and interacting with the crowd and made us want more - simply an awesome few hours!!

ZoukOut Link

Tiger Temple Thailand

Tiger Temple Kanchanaburi Thailand


Tending the Flock


An Afternoon Walk


Big Kitty on Leash

Richard at Thai-Blogs.com recently took an escape from the wonderlands of Samut Prakan to wander around Kanchanaburi and enjoy the local sights, including the now famous Tiger Temple up the road. He was disappointed at the men in blue frocks who now tend the animals but seems to support the idea of increased visitors payments to hopefully construct new and larger facilities for the endangered tigers. And the admission price is the same for Thais and farangs - a policy that always warms my heart. Hope that map of Sangklaburi in my Thailand Handbook was OK, but it's been almost a decade from when I first visited that town, so changes are sure.

In other news, the other ringmeister at thaiblogs (that would be Steve from Suphanburi) has some clues about life in the Kingdom.

Since our popular Webmastering buddie here, the certain…Mr Richard has decided to start up a bit of a funky series on travelling in Thailand I thought I’d complement his fine work with a blog along similar lines ….oh well, kind of!

Of course, ‘Unseen Thailand’ is a bit of an exaggeration! Thailand's Tourism Board has been using this slogan for a few years now but have failed to do little but point every single tourist in the same dull direction. So, I thought I’d take the opportunity to steal this catch-phrase and point yous all in a far clearer direction.

DO’S

>Do on eat on the street, perhaps the best food to be had – you have just as much chance of coming down with a case of the ‘Indian-belly’ at the nearest 5 star hotel.

>Do visit a local morning market – a truly unforgettable experience of smelly meats, loud vendors and a fleet of vegetable carts waiting to run you over.

>Do take a motorbike-taxi ride, speeding through the traffic like a Loony Tunes character you’ll be in for one darned… ‘scary experience’.

>Do try the local speciality ‘Papaya-Pok-Pok’(Somtum), if not… then the Thais will say ‘You have never truly been to Thailand’.

>Do, even if you don’t speak a word of Thai, stay in the middle of Nakhorn Nowhere or Buffaloburi for a few days , better than experiencing some corny episode of ‘Survivor Series’.

>Do pop over the Thai-Cambodian border into the border town of Poipet for the night, some folks may say it’s the worst border town dump in the world – but it’s one heck of an unforgettable wild-west experience.

>Do have a bevvie at some shack upcountry karaoke bar, can witness the local drunkards fighting over who is going to sing the next song.

>Do venture into Bangkok’s very own slum district of Klong Tery at 2 in the morning, completely off the tourist track…no further explanation necessary.

>Do hang around South Pattaya for the evening, great fun seeing all the newly-arrived naughty Arab males being chatted up by a 6 foot 2 ladyboy they think… is an actual girl.

>Do take the countryside train, even though the journey itself may feel like it takes a lifetime, it’s a great way to get a real feel for the rural Thai ways.

>Do take up the opportunity of staying with a Thai family, another great way to experience the life-style of the locals.

DON’TS

> Don’t go to a Farang infested beach, go to a Thai-style one – excellent place to see the locals stroll along the beach in long-sleeved jackets, huge huts and 50 proof sunblock plastered all over their faces.

>Don’t, as a male, bother buying some over-priced drink for a girl in a bar – completely pointless, just pop along to your nearest dept store and you’ll find lotsa lovely sales-assistant girls waiting to be chatted up for free.

>Don’t take one of Bangkok’s spanking new yellow air-con buses, enjoy the thrills and spills instead in one of the capital’s little green doorless three and a half wheeled ones, a truly manic experience.

>Don’t go on one of those pricey hotel tour-boat rides up the Chao Praya River, for the grand sum of nine baht - take a ride on the local express boat, you’ll get exactly the same view!

>Don’t spend all your time hanging around the usual tourist-haunted temples, go to a local upcountry one instead and you can chat to all the resident monks about ….football, latest Nokia models and the newest DVD releases.

>Don’t stay in and write postcards all night, enjoy an evening of ‘All the fun of the Temple Fair’, meditation and chanting are out – darts, bingo and bouncy castles are in.

>Don’t waste your valuable time at boring Farang discos, Bangkok’s massive Thai-style ones are one heck of an eye-opener.

>And don’t sacrifice any more of your precious time applying for a long-term visa in Thailand, the authorities in charge are highly experienced in wasting as much of your time as heavenly possible.

>Don’t fork out for a pricey ticket on Thai Airways, just take Air Asia instead - even though you may be delayed for an average of four hours you’ll be saving a small fortune. Even Thailand’s very own Prime Minister himself once said “Our national carrier is over-priced and a load of rubbish".

>Don’t hang around some gory guesthouse watching movies all night, check out the local TV Soap Operas, great insight into the mentality of the 'Thai family life'.

>And finally, don’t spend all your time in the city, at the beach or a tourist-orientated hill resort – take a trip into the countryside of Thailand’s very own ‘north-east’ (Isarn), lotsa rice whiskey, grilled chicken, sticky rice and friendly locals – not to be missed.

As usual, just a bitta fun and not too be taken too seriously - if you can think of any more advice to .....truly unseen Thailand... i'll look forward to reading them in the comments below

Thai Blogs via Steve Link

Uluwatu Cafe by Barrie

Uluwatu Cafe by Barrie

It's a very simple shot, but a strong reminder that I desperately need to get back to Bali........soon.

Barrie in Bali Link

Holiday Greetings from Singapore

Happy Holidays from Singapore

Not sure if this is from Mr. Miyagi or one of his links, but it's the best reminder that the BEST girl watching venue in Southeast Asia is NOT Sukumvit in Bangkok but rather Orchard Road on any given Sunday afternoon. There otta be a law against this sorta stuff, but there isn't, so enjoy.

Singapore Handbook by Carl Parkes

Singapore Handbook by Carl Parkes

Amazon Link for Singapore Handbook by Carl Parkes

Singapore Internet Censorship

Singapore Sex Guide

I know, I know, that criticizing the government of Singapore is like shooting fish in a barrel, but it's hard to resist, since the government seems to shoot itself in the foot on an almost daily basis. But I'm a fair trade critic and am willing to criticize my own government and everybody else around the world that stops journalists and the free press from doing their job.

Oh, the first edition of my Southeast Asia Handbook from Moon Publications is banned in Singapore, though you can find it in the "restricted" list at their National Library. Oh, and the first edition of my Singapore Handbook from Moon Publications was also banned. Oh, and I was strip searched coming into Singapore and my kris daggers from Indonesia were confiscated. Took me a year to get those back. Oh, and my Kodachrome slides processed in Australia and delivered to me on Bencoolen Street were searched and some semi-porn shots from Manila were confiscated. I was told to go down to the Singapore police station and get them back.

Sure, right.

Also, my Singapore Handbook from Moon Publications is the best guidebook ever written to that country. ever.

You're banned, Singapore!
A website has barred S'pore surfers to protest hanging as an execution method here

A headline like "Singapore bans website" wouldn't raise eyebrows one bit, as we know that the Media Development Authority (MDA) monitors the web and occasionally restricts access to websites based on their content — the most recent being a gay-related website which the MDA did not name.

When a website is banned by the MDA, you can't access it from your browser if you're in Singapore. Even if you wanted to find out, the MDA won't reveal its name or URL, according to the news report. So, as you can imagine, if a website is blocked or banned, it effectively disappears from the local bit of cyberspace. But what happens when a website bans Singapore?

Direct your browser to www.putfile.com — the website of a company that provides free online file storage and sharing services — and if you're surfing from Singapore, you'll be transferred to a page with a message titled: "Putfile says goodbye to Singapore". As far as I know, this is the first time a website has banned access to its services from a particular geographical location. You'll have to ask your technologically-savvy friends how this is done, because I don't know how to explain it.

Voicing its opposition to the method of capital punishment used in Singapore, Putfile's message reads: "While Putfile is not a human rights campaigning organisation, we believe that if a country must have the death penalty, there is no need for it be barbaric."

And Putfile assured users from Singapore that they would "be happy to restore service following any positive move from the Government of Singapore towards abolition of hanging as an execution method."

Putfile's decision last week to terminate services to Singapore residents sparked a heated debate on the company's own forums as well as on several others, though the company has since removed the thread.

Some commentators were scathing of the company's decision, labelling it a publicity stunt, and an unintelligent one to boot.

One website dedicated to news about peer-to-peer file sharing, p2pnet.net, ran the story about the furore, which garnered comments such as: "Stupid, you think Singapore will care? There are plenty of business/services in line to serve the Singaporean. Your stupidity is your biggest lost (sic)."

Today Online Link

15 Years Ago

Netscape Founders

I'll never forget that day in 1991 when I wandered into the public library here in San Francisco and fired up their computer and got on the internet for the first time, and was able to read the Bangkok Post without having to spend $2.50 for a hard copy from the Thai grocery store on Geary Blvd. (it's now closed). The next day I spent $2500 for a new computer with modem, and the world changed.

Thank you Tim, Marc and everybody else involved with this life changing revolution.

In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee launched the World Wide Web, a multimedia branch of the Internet.

With Berners-Lee's "http protocol," computer jockeys the world over began making the Net easier to use with point-and-click programs. Browsers such as Mosaic and, later, Netscape Navigator would help popularize the Web, and let a billion Web pages bloom.

Anyone could access the network, and anyone could decide what went online. The Web became a powerful, liberating force that brought people closer together, and shaped new businesses. Take Yahoo, which started as a quirky list favorite links that turned into the go-to site of the 90s. Or Hotmail, one of the first Web services to give away e-mail for free. And Ebay, which linked up buyers and sellers of nearly everything to become the world's biggest trading post.

And of course Amazon, the online behemoth of books. These were the great companies of the so-called "new economy," fueled by venture capitalist sugar daddies and excitable Nasdaq punters.

CNN Link

American Values

George W. Bush Tramps on Liberty

I hope everybody understands that as an American I am proud of my country and our values, but I disagree with the principals laid out by my current president. He will someday be out of office and hopefully disgraced as the charlatan that he has always been. And then America can restore our original values and re-enter the world as a beacon and not a scourge. On behalf of many Americans, I apologize for the behavior of my country, but remain assured that we will (eventually) do the right thing. Give us time. We will change.

The United States has tied with Myanmar, the former Burma, for sixth place among countries that are holding the most journalists behind bars, according to a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Each country is jailing five journalists. The United States is holding four Iraqi journalists in detention centers in Iraq and one Sudanese, a cameraman who works for Al Jazeera, at the United States Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. None of the five have been charged with a specific crime.

This year, China topped the list of countries with the most journalists - 32 - in jail, many of them for activity on the Internet. This is the seventh year in a row in which China has led the list.

Fifteen of the Chinese journalists are being held under national security legislation for writing critically about the Communist Party online, the report said.

Magnoy's Samsara Link

Wendy Wins

Wendy and her Evil Twin

Love her or hate her, Wendy has won the Asia blog contest (again), in some part due to her great Photoshop skills. Mr. Brown never had a chance. Do check out this photo surrealism from Wendy. It's great stuff.

Xiaxue Link

Bangkok Event

Deep Dish in Bangkok

It continually amazes me that bands, DJs, VJs, and others completely unknown to the western world can go to Bangkok and get top billing in some nightclub or trendy restaurant.

Burmese Generals Move to Maymyo

The President of Burma

So who wants to live down in the sweltering lowlands of Pyinmana? Certainly not the generals who rule Burma, who are now constructing their villas high up in the cooler climes of Maymyo. British high tea at the Candicraig anyone?

Heads in the Clouds
The Irrawaddy
December 14, 2005

While foreign observers have been puzzling over the Burmese military regime's weird decision to move the capital from Rangoon more than 300 kilometres north to Pyinmana, in an even more bizarre twist the generals have been quietly building themselves their own little hilltop paradise well away from the new city.

The new project to enable the ruling brass to live in cool luxury is in Maymyo, also known as Pyin U Lwin, 67 kilometres east of Mandalay and one hour's flight from Pyinmana.

The Irrawaddy acquired exclusive pictures showing work on some of the new mansions, with their large gardens. Business sources say there will be about 30. No expense has apparently been spared to allow the generals to live in what is basically a resort, complete with an artificial beach and a man-made stretch of water to lap onto it.

That's not all. Workers are also constructing replicas of some of Burma's landmarks, including: Rangoon's Shwedagon and Mon State's Kyaiktiyo pagodas, Mandalay palace, and Mrauk U, Arakan State's old capital. Oh, and there's also going to be a replica of the popular Irrawaddy delta resort of Chaung Tha, which is probably where the fake beach comes in.

Local sources say the generals include junta chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe, and his two main lieutenants, Deputy Snr-Gen Maung Aye and Gen Shwe Man, who will have the three largest mansions, each with its 3-acre compound. The top brass are believed to intend to use the resort during the hot-season months March-May, and then plan to retire there.

Maymyo's small airport is also being renovated to facilitate more flights to Pyinmana.

Construction work on the mansions is supervised by government engineers, but contracts have been awarded to Rangoon-based private companies, such as Htoo Trading Company and Asia World. A director of the Htoo Trading Company confirmed that the company was involved in construction there, but added: "We are only doing interior design work for the three largest houses."

Seven Rangoon companies are involved in building the replicas. It is not known how the junta is financing the massive project in impoverished Burma.

Maymyo was a garrison town from 1915 during colonial days. The British developed it as a hill station because of its cooler, almost alpine climate, then moved to the station from sweaty Rangoon during the hot season. The name Maymyo means May Town in Burmese, after the town's first British administrator, Colonel May.

It is also home to Burma's "West Point," the Defense Services Academy, and a famous attraction there is the National Botanical Gardens. After Burma gained its independence in 1948, the name of the town was officially changed to Pyin U Lwin, but it is still known as Maymyo.

Irrawaddy Link

Thailand's Wealthiest Citizens

Thanksin Says No

Oh to belong to the richest and most politically powerful family in the country. Some eye-opening figures posted today in the MCOT website.

PM Thaksin's daughter Thailand's richest stockholder for 2nd year at US$0.5 billion
BANGKOK
Dec 13, 2005
(TNA)

Pinthongtha Shinawatra, daughter of Prime Minister Thaksin, has retained the title of Thailand's richest stockholder for two consecutive years, with an estimated Bt19 billion (US$475 million) worth of corporate stock in her portfolio.

According to Money and Banking Magazine and lecturers at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Commerce and Accounting, Ms. Pinthongtha currently owns 14.6 per cent of the telecommunication giant Shin Corp's stock, worth Bt18 billion, and 28.9 per cent of SC Asset Corp's stock (the property development unit of the family businesses), worth Bt1 billion.

The country's second richest stockholder is Bannapot Damapong, brother of Mr. Thaksin's wife, Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra. Mr. Bannapot owns 13.4 per cent of Shin Corp. stocks, worth Bt16 billion.

Land & House Co president Anant Asavapokhin, who topped the list of the country's 500 richest stockholders in 2002 and 2003, has become the third richest with Bt15 billion in stock in his portfolio.

Panthongthae Shinawatra, only son of the prime minister, ranks fourth on the list with 9.8 per cent of Shin Corp stock, worth Bt12 billion, while Premchai Kannasutra, CEO of ItalianThai Development Corp, ranks fifth with eight billion baht in stocks.

Paethongtharn Shinawatra, remaining daughter of the prime minister, ranks 45th, holding about Bt1billion baht in stock, compared to Khunying Pojaman, Mr. Thaksin's wife, who ranks 397th with only Bt116 million worth of stock.

Yinglak Shinawatra, the prime minister's sister, ranks 62nd with Bt820 million in stock.

The Shinawatra Family has become the country's richest with a combined Bt33 billion in stocks.

The Asavapokhin Family ranks second with Bt17 billion in stocks, the Maleenont Family ranks third with Bt16 billion, the Damapong Family is fourth with Bt16 billion and the Chirathiwat Family ranks fifth with Bt15 billion.(TNA)-E008

MCOT Link

Devan Nair and Lee Kuan Yew

Devan Nair and Lee Kuan Yew

Sunday watching the (American) football games and it wasn't pretty. Oakland lost again by a margin of error and my hometeam was completely devastated by those coffee swilling grunts up in Seattle. In other news, Devan Nair has died and Singaporeans around the world remember his significant contributions to the establishment of their country.

So ex-President Devan Nair has passed away. Customarily we say only nice things about dead people. And in Singapore, nice things generally mean things that are nice according to the establishment, the ruling party, the Powers That Be. This confuses Mr Wang somewhat because ex-President Devan Nair, in more recent years, has himself said many things which the establishment wouldn't think of as very nice. For example, Devan Nair spoke loudly in support of certain well-known opposition figures. Even bumbling idiots like Chee Soon Juan, whom Mr Wang detests.

Mister Wang Link

The Filipino Diaspora: Saudi Arabia

Fort Santiago Manila with Star of David

Imagine leaving your home and barangay in the Philippines to live and work in a foreign country such as Saudi Arabia, where almost everything familiar is against the law. A Filipino reports from Saudi, and it ain't pretty.

SAUDI ARABIA is home to Islam's two Holy places, Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah (Medina). It is a country where women are still fighting for the right to drive and unmarried couples who mix in public risk the anger of the mutawah, the stern-faced religious police armed with thin wooden canes. It is a country where words like alcohol, sex, rape, mini-skirt, prostitute, Christmas, communism, and anything that connotes Christianity, "immorality," or godlessness are taboo and not allowed to appear in newspapers and magazines. It is also a country that has hired fun-loving and eager Filipinos by the hundreds of thousands at a time for the last three decades. Up to now, no day passes without a Filipino boarding a plane to work there.

Many OFWs spend several years working in Saudi Arabia. But they never get used to its culture. All alcoholic drinks, for instance, are prohibited in the Kingdom, not exactly comforting for Filipinos used to the delights of San Mig after a hard day's work. Yet these delights can still be had, although very expensively, including the sadiqui, a concoction of rice and yeast that tastes like lambanog (a fiery drink made from the nectar of coconut flowers) and that Filipinos have managed to source secretly.

Philippines Center for Investigative Journalism Link

Jewish Star of David in Manila

Boracay Sunset by Carl Parkes

Carlos Celdran has just posted an old photograph of the Jewish Star of David above a gate at Fort Santiago, and asks for some help about the origins. Interesting question. Were Jews involved in old Manila and why is there a carving of the slaughter of the Moors above the Jewish insignia? Do see the link and provide some background.

Oy! Does anybody out there know why there is a star of David hanging above the Fort Santiago gate in this turn of the century photograph? I don't remember the Israeli Occupation period in Philippine History so it really is quite a curious sight. I received this photo through an email being circulated by a man named Jeff Yap who is also wondering the same thing.

Thanks man, for raising the question. And anybody out there got some answers to this? I wonder if it has any connection to the fact that right above the star is a wooden carving of Saint James beheading some Moors.

Carlos Celdran Link

Papua New Guinea Life

Sepik River Kids by Carl Parkes

The Australian guy who has been working in Papua New Guinea for the last two years is soon to pack up his bags, and hopefully start a long journey around Southeast Asia, and hopefully will continue his blog on his new adventures. In the meantime, he's sending stuff back home and posting a few final thoughts on his time in PNG, such as this summary of the best and worst of times.

The My Choice Awards

and the winners go to ...

Best overall week ...
Going to Manus for work and spending it tripping out to a remote island on a banana boat, heading into Manus island interior via the Manus highway (or goat track) and saving a cuscus from becoming kai kai.

Most scariest moment ...
Climbing two thirds up an active volcano and finally realising that the thing was erupting boulders the size of VW beetles ... a hasty retreat was made.

Most exhausting event ...
Trekking for 7 days over the Kokoda Track, which meant 96 kms overland but climbing up a combined height of two thirds of Mount Everest (and going down again).

Best moment of instant celebrity ...
Flying into a remote highlands village with my white haired mother and being swamped by the entire population.

Best PNG location visited ...
The remote Balaun island, part of the Manus trip. I had always wanted to visited a remote pacific island .. this felt very much like it.

Best non-PNG location visited ...
Biak in Indonesia. Cheap food, cheap accommodation, great scenery, great weather, great company .. all good.

Biggest culture shock moment ...
Eating a cuscus foreleg on the second Mt Wilhelm trip. Nice .. tastes like lamb .. not much of it though.

Biggest culturally awkward moment ...
Expected to cry at a Western Highlands funeral. The tears didn't well up.

Worst health moment ...
Urinating a dark red colour while having Malaria in a place without a doctor.

Lifetime changing award ...
Growing up quickly when driving a car full of computers and having guns pointed at you by rascal gangs on the side of the road.

Most thrilling individual moment ...
Making it to the top of Mount Wilhelm the first time ... I laughed and cried at the same time.

and finally ...

Best thing discovered ...
Meeting some of the best friends I have ever made .. including some fantastic locals with lion hearts and some brilliant ex-pats including some very special people. See you on the other side.

Papua New Guinea Life Link

Dowry in Thailand

Dean Barrett Novel

OK. So you've lost your mind and fallen in love with the bargirl from Bangkok or Pattaya, and decide to throw your fate to the wind and marry the girl from Buriram. The buffalo may be ill, and the folks need a new truck, but you must first pay a token dowry to the parents before you marry the girl of your dreams. Stickman covers the issue today in his weekly column.

A Sin Sot FAQ

Ever since the opening piece in the column a few weeks back about the guy who was asked for what was essentially a 2,000,000 baht dowry, both myself and the Mrs. have been inundated with questions about the issue of the dowry, or sin sot as it is known in Thai. In an effort to put the sin sot issue to bed once and for all, what follows is a FAQ outlining sin sot in Thailand.

What is the sin sot?

Sin sot is often translated as dowry. It is money AND gold given by the groom to his bride (but usually retained and managed by her parents, at least initially) on the day of their wedding, or sometimes, at the engagement ceremony. I personally believe that "bride price" is a better term than dowry.

What is the reason for the sin sot?

There are several reasons for the payment of the sin sot.

Traditionally in Thailand the wife would leave the family home upon marriage and move in with her husband’s family. As her family had lost a set of hands, and thus labour, the sin sot was compensation of sorts for this.

The sin sot is also seen as re-imbursing the family for the cost of raising a child.

The sin sot is supposedly seen as a means of showing that the groom is able to take care (financially) of his bride. Personally, I think this is absolutely daft and would question how anyone could feel this is a valid reason.

Finally, the sin sot is seen as a sort of guarantee money so that if the husband leaves his wife, she is guaranteed to have some money to look after herself. Remember, in Thailand in the past, and still to some extent today, a woman who has divorced is looked upon as spoiled goods, and is hardly ideal material for a wife. So if she has been divorced, she might struggle to have a good life and the sin sot money could be used to make sure she doesn't go hungry.

Stickman Link

Memoirs of a Geisha: Review and Comments

Not Memoirs

The post below may not break any new ground, but the comments are worth checking out.

I suspect that Memoirs of a Geisha most likely deserves the wrath of the Japanese press, but is right now really the low point of cultural understanding between Hollywood and Japan? Remember when Japanese businessmen were murdering women and using high-tech devices to cover up the video evidence only to be foiled by Wesley Snipes? ("Always bet on black") Americans in 2005 may think Japan is samurai and kimono, but c'mon, do you really think they don't remember that the guy who can eat the most hot dogs in twelve minutes is Japanese?

PliInk Link

Thailand Elite Card Fiasco

Thailand Elite Card

The Thailand Elite Card continues to be the amazing fiasco of the government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, as once again pointed out in a pithy post in Pattaya Today.

Thai elite card changes direction
Pattaya Today

ItÂ’s a while since we heard about the elite card, organized by Thailand Privilege Card on the initiative of the prime minister, so how are things going? There are now around 1,300 members clutching their little plastic which is a bit of a shortfall from the target of 100,000 luxury travellers interested in a lifetime club membership for a one-off fee of US$25,000.

The elite card was launched in 2003 with a great fanfare but never really gripped the farang publicÂ’s imagination even though, to this day, there remains a dedicated immigration checkpoint line at Bangkok airport for the privileged few.

The sort of privileges on offer were said to be hassle free visas (youÂ’d only to have to leave the country once every 6 months), discounts at golf courses and spas, limousine taxi from the airport, special treats at first class hotels. Initially, there were also suggestions that the elite card would be the golden key to opening a foreignerÂ’s right to hold freehold land in his or her own name. However, later clarification meant that you would not actually be in possession of the deeds since a foreigner canÂ’t hold freehold land in his own name.

So the whole thing went round in circles and was soon forgotten. Another early problem was that the privileges on offer were mostly to be found via other routes, such as holding a platinum card of some credit card companies or having a lot of air miles (or reward points) or being a VIP in some prestigious company. You didnÂ’t actually need, in other words, to fork out $25,000 to be treated specially by airlines or to use the beauty salon in a posh hotel for free.

As for golf, well you could do as well joining the Pattaya Sports Club, or some folk believed. Even visas have got much simpler for everyone. So you donÂ’t need an elite card to live almost indefinitely in Thailand provided you have some cash, a pensiodependentpendant Thai relative. Now the president of TPC, Choksiri Robboonpha admits that the elite card project made some major miscalculations. He explains that he has decided to forego numbers and focus on the clubÂ’s exclusivity instead. The elite card is now for quality members who spend at least 10 times more than the average tourists and invest billions of baht in the country. This sounds sound much like the chap with the knotted handkerchief from Bolton who has a few bob in his pocket and fancies a free jacuzzi.

Choksiri emphasises that the elite card venture is not a failed programme. Rather, it’s a revamped one. The core benefits are still there such as immigration privileges, access to personal assistants, free spa services and the rest, but there are some intriguing extras. For example, elite card blurb refers to “opening doors that would otherwise remain closed” and provide “powerful connections” which could benefit a member’s business.

Well, now, you donÂ’t see that on Visa or Mastercard application form., EliteÂ’s main marketing remains targeted at Asia, though not exclusively, and the company now has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing as well as Brussels and London.

The new direct flights between Bangkok and Moscow are expected to boost Russian interest in the elite card too. There the nouveau riche, very much the product of the downfall of communism, seem to have money to burn and in US currency at that. ItÂ’s never easy to resurrect an idea or a name that got off to a bad start, which ThailandÂ’s elite card certainly did. It reminds you of the restauranteur who promised to wash his hands more often after customers complained of food poisoning: they didnÂ’t return.

The real point about the elite card is that the members have to feel subjectively like they are privileged and pampered VIPS. It’s an inner satisfaction like travelling first class on an intercontinental flight or being invited to the prime minister’s birthday party. If the new elite management can persuade foreigners they are indeed “special”, the idea may yet take root. But it won’t be easy. A reader has sent in this: Symptoms of Bird Flu – 1. high fever; 2. congestion; 3. nausea; 4. fatigue; 5. aching in the joints; 6. irresistible urge to crap on somebody’s windshield.

At a recent posh Pattaya bar’s birthday party, a distinguished guest enquired of a waiter if they stocked any red wine. The waiter replied that indeed they did. The guest then asked if the waiter knew from whence the wine came and, on finding out that the lad did not, asked to him to find out. The waiter returned a couple of minutes later and explained, “They say the wine’s from Friendship”. Now that the south area of the recently rebuilt Soi Bukao is more or less ready for occupancy, they say that foreigners are queuing up to purchase leases and start paying rent and key money on the concrete boxes on offer.

Our lawyer in the know says that 80% of the wannabe entrepreneurs are from UK. The best of British to them. The recent scare that bars and clubs would have to close at midnight came from national press reports about not selling alcoholic drinks in supermarkets, shops and petrol stations after the witching hours. But the ban, due to come into effect in January, doesnÂ’t apply to the entertainment sector, so rest easy (for now anyway). Although Pattaya is knee deep in lawyers and people purporting to be same, they are very loathe to be available on Friday evenings and through the weekend which is often the time that farangs can find themselves as guests of the police station. Good scope here for a reputable law firm, properly marketed, which can fill the gap. We hear rumours that a Pattaya businessman is thinking about opening a chain of Balti curry houses, British style, in the resort.

You know the sort of thing – huge bowls of curry with Indian breads the size of cartwheels. In spite of claims to the contrary, nobody in Pattaya is offering hot suppers Bradford style and the idea could take off very well. Don’t forget the work permits lads, or you won’t last a fortnight. It’s doubtful if Noel Coward ever visited Bangkok, but there’s a tale that he did. Apparently, the night security manager knocked on his hotel door and asked him whether he had a gentleman in his room. Coward replied from inside the room, “Just a moment and I’ll ask him.”

Pattaya Today Link

Richard Pryor v. Eugene McCarthy

Richard Pryor


Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, 1989


Pryor, two daughters, wife, brother-in-law

The death of Richard Pryor has long been assumed, as he has been battling with disease for many years after decades of personal hell. Eugene McCarthy also died yesterday - and I was a big fan of Eugene in his salad days - but it is Pryor that really tugs at my heart. After an early appreciation of milk-toast Bill Cosby, it was Pryor that torn open the envelope and brought black American humor into the mainstream. He will be missed.

The New York Times eulogy linked below is well worth reading.

New York Times Link

Memoirs of a Geisha: Geisha Revolt

Japanese Ladies by Carl Parkes



Female Monk by Carl Parkes



Nikko Festival by Carl Parkes

Early reviews of Memoirs are less than flattering, and compare the Geisha movie with Showgirls (which I loved), so you could expect the authentic geishas to have something to say about the movie, as reported by those twin icons of Asian blogosphere, Mr. Brown and The Peking Duck.

Also, go Mr. Brown in the Asian blogging popularity contest. He's now edging out Wendy, the post-op transexual from Geylang.

KYOTO, Japan (AFP) - In Gion, the fabled entertainment district of this ancient city where Hollywood's "Memoirs of a Geisha" is set, there is not a geisha to be found.

True, there are women clad in respectably stiff kimonos who entertain men in a tradition that has endured for centuries. But they call themselves "geiko" - performing girls. Not "geisha," the term bandied about by the hostesses of the red-light areas.

Kneeling on the floor of her wooden house in Gion, Mamehiro feels that foreign novels and films have misrepresented the geishas so often that even many Japanese don't understand the profession correctly.

"That is one thing that bothers me the most," Mamehiro says. "I sometimes have customers -- excuse me for saying this, but often old men from the countryside -- ask me if I was sold to this place in payment for debts."

But Gion's geishas hardly encourage outsiders to learn about them. Gion is not only exclusive but even cliquish. Unless introduced by a regular customer in the neighborhood, a newcomer cannot even step into a decent tea house, the place that organizes a night with a geiko. Once your face is known, however, Gion's tea houses will show you a very good time with exquisite food, drinks, dancing and music with the best hostesses -- geiko.

For most people, even in Kyoto, the closest they will get to the mysterious demimonde will be watching the star-studded "Memoirs of a Geisha," released in the United States Friday and in Japan Saturday under the title "Sayuri."

The film was directed by Rob Marshall, whose last film "Chicago" won six Oscars including best picture in 2003, adapting Arthur Golden's book which has sold more than four million copies in English since it was published in 1997.

Co-produced by Steven Spielberg, the movie tells of a little girl from a poor fishing village who is sold to a Gion geisha house and achieves legendary status, secretly falling in love on the way with a rich businessman.

The book was criticized by its subject, former geisha Mineko Iwasaki, who accused Golden of making the legendary Japanese hostesses seem like prostitutes. For the "geiko" of Gion, their profession is far more nuanced. Some past geishas in other districts offered sex and the geiko say that foreigners often mistake them for prostitutes because of their showy outfits.

The geiko believe they are far different, preserving a sophisticated tradition and creating a fantasy world in which modern concepts such as gender equality have yet to enter.

As soon as they finish Japan's compulsory education at the age of 15, girls in Gion start training in the performing arts, gracious social etiquette and conversation skills, which all will be necessary when they host customers at a tea house's hosting room.

They are soon called "maiko" -- dancing girls. Becoming more skilled in dancing and performing musical instruments, usually around age 20, they finally assume the title of geiko.

Mamehiro, now 36, moved into a geiko house upon graduation from middle school, just like the around 90 other geiko currently serving in Gion, and went through an apprenticeship for five years to learn the social graces.

"One tough thing in the process of becoming a full-fledged geiko is to eat meals in other people's house," she says, referring to the apprenticeship. "A geiko house brings you up as if you were a child of the house."

The aspiring geikos learn how to show respect to the elder girls and the mother of the house. Phrases such as "Excuse me for taking a bath before you" and "Excuse me for going before you" into a hallway become second nature.

Unlike about half the young geiko who are attracted to the glamorous world from outside Kyoto, Mamehiro, born Akiko Maeda, came from a family of one of the geiko houses in Gion. But it did not exempt her from serving an apprenticeship to learn the secrets of the profession.

Yahoo Link

Yawning Bread on Singapore Censorship

Political Demonstration in Singapore

Yawning Bread isn't much of a blogger, and you only expect a handful of posts each month, but when he open his yawning mouth, you need to pay attention. He recently posted about Singapore politics, censorship and the media.

Yawning Bread
December 2005
Too few people for democracy?

A few civil servants might have spilled their morning coffee when they saw a news report in the Straits Times on 6 December 2005.

Is the government going to disown their actions?

The newspaper reported on a Time magazine (issue 12 Dec 2005) interview with former Prime Minister (now Minister Mentor) Lee Kuan Yew. Time reporters Michael Elliot, Zoher Abdoolcarim and Simon Elegant asked him about a documentary on Singapore Democratic Party chief Chee Soon Juan that had been banned from the Singapore International Film Festival in March. Soon after, the police began investigating Martyn See, the producer of the video, under the Films Act. [1]

Lee replied, "Well, if you had asked me, I would have said to hell with it. But the censor, the enforcer, he will continue until he is told the law has changed. And it will change."

(Source: 'MM Lee speaks on politics in Singapore, faith', Straits Times 6 Dec 2005)

With that, he pulled the rug from under the Media Development Authority, who first reported See to the police, and the Police who have been pursuing their intimidating investigations. Not to mention the senior civil servants in the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversee these bodies.

It would be hard, now that the old man from the mountain has spoken, to continue to harass See and his friends in the film-making community, and to carry through on the threat of prosecuting him. They have lost the moral high ground, even if they ever held it.

Yet, Lee said the censor would "continue" until he is told the law has changed. Beside the ambiguity of such a reply, any intelligent reader should be prompted to ask, well, wasn't Lee part of the government that introduced the law in the first place?

Indeed he was. The part of the Films Act that deals with "party political films" was introduced in 1998, when Lee was Senior Minister in Goh Chok Tong's cabinet. Are we to believe that he had no part to play in it?

Yawning Bread Link

Another summary from tomorrow.sg:

Recommended by catatonic: "The author very critically and eloquently disects MM Lee's comments in a recent Time magazine interview. An author of many cutting edge and insightful articles who provides a clear alternative voice. This article discusses Lee's view of the Films Act, the recent MDA induced brouhaha surrounding Martyn See's Singapore Rebel and of course the usual PAP complain/slur that we just do not have enough good people. It also provides a deeper analysis of how ministerial dictate leads to a change in our laws. In essence, the article provides much insight into how much the views of one man impact how this nation is governed."

Tsunami Art from South Asia

Tsunami Art

As we approach the first anniversary of the great Asian tsunami of 2004, Bengal artists remember the holocaust.

We were fortunate to come across these extraordinary artworks in the summer of 2005. Created in a workshop of patua, travelling scroll-painters in West Bengal, India, they graphically depict the terrible events of the tsunami of December 26, 2004. Organized by the Asian Heritage Foundation in India, the scrolls were produced and marketed as a means of raising funds for tsunami relief. Like the patachitra scrolls and paintings by Montu Chitrakar and others we show on the previous pages, these scrolls follow the conventions of an age-old narrative tradition. The scrolls are by various artists, all of whom by convention share the surname Chitrakar, meaning painter, whether actually related or not.
The Asian Heritage Foundation provides the following background:

"The Patuas, or travelling scroll painters and storytellers from West Bengal, india, have never been so far from home. Marginalized by television and film, these artists sing traditional tales from mythology and interpret contemporary events, improvising new lyrics. As travelling showmen they are complete artists: painters, scriptwriters, singers, performers, all in one. Painting stories on handmade scrolls called Pat, then setting them to music for rural audiences, the Patuas faced the predicament of many of our folk artists, who travl farther to earn less, often mass-produced their art, or take up other jobs in the hinterlands of modern industry...

The Patuas continue to explore the timeless and the transitional, commenting on how our worlds are being transformed for worse or better, telling fragments of our human predicament."

IndigoArts Link

Thanks to Magnoy's Samsara

Expat@Large, Madame Chiang

Expat@Large and Madame Chiang

Phil goes to Manila and has cocktails with M. Chiang, then heads over to Pasay City for some serious action, which he forgets to mention on his blog.

Drinks with Manila Blogger Madame Chiang

Like Sylvester Stallone (actually 5’8” I reckon) and Antonio Banderas (actually 5’7” according to MercerMachine), Manila blogger Madame Chiang is shorter than you might have thought from the movies.

But that doesn’t mean her job at The Hobbit Bar is guaranteed to last forever...

JOKING! She doesn’t work there. Really. More like just visits it a lot. She relates.

No, seriously: very pleasant evening talking to an intelligent normal human being for a change, having drinks and joking around about Expatriatdom, skin cancer, severed digits, the Reformation, autopsy disasters, Jordan… pleasant that is until the banker-wankers on the table next us severely circumcised and then fired up their cheroots and suffumigated us into a) nasuea (me) b) thralls of reminiscence (MdmeChiang).

To each his/her own.

Too late to say more. Tooth issues returning as I type this. Early start tomorrow. Still no social life.

Expat@Large Link

Fine Dining at Ying Yings

Borneo Ocelot

Fabian Foo, aka The Swanker, finally spins the last word on that ocelot photographed somewhere in the jungles of Indonesian Borneo.

BBC Link

New animal discovered!

No, not the mokele mbembe, but a furry, long-tailed mammal in deepest, darkest Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo):

WWF caught two images of the animal, which is bigger than a domestic cat, dark red, and has a long muscular tail. Local people, the WWF says, had not seen the species before, and researchers say it looks to be new.

Chinese restauranteurs have reportedly already despatched an advance team to try and catch the new creature in an attempt to determine what it tastes like.

(That last bit is a joke......I hope)

Macam Macam Link

The Dude Abides

The Dude, Riverside

More filth on The Dude. And then check your own listing.

FriskoDude Answers

Dreamworks R.I.P.

Geffen, Katzenberg and Spielberg

Thanks for the memories, guys, but now time to get away from the P/L statements and back to making more great movies.

The dream is over.

Eleven years after founding their studio, Steven Spielberg, David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg agreed to sell DreamWorks SKG to Viacom for a reported $1.6 billion. Viacom's studio division, Paramount Pictures, gets DreamWorks' library of about 60 films—such as "Saving Private Ryan" and Oscar winners "American Beauty" and "Gladiator"—along with a slate of films DreamWorks planned to release next year, including Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers." Spielberg will likely give Paramount first dibs on his movies, and Paramount will get half the profits of any movie he makes at another studio. The biggest prize, though, is that Paramount, led by Brad Grey, who initiated the deal, will now distribute films from DreamWorks Animation. A separate, publicly traded company run by Katzenberg, DreamWorks Animation created the "Shrek" movies, which have grossed $1.4 billion worldwide.

MSNBC Link

Thaksin Lawsuits

King Bhumibol and his Awsaw Jazz Band

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra recently dropped his libel lawsuits against Sondhi, and it's now time for him to follow the King's advice and drop his other lawsuits against members of the Thai media.

LAWSUITS BACKDOWN
The Nation
What about Supinya, Thai Post?
07 December 2005

Senator and charter drafter say PM must drop his other actions against the media; but Shin Corp may be reluctant. Media watchers have urged Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to instruct his followers and his family telecom firm to drop all the libel suits they have filed against media organisations and workers.

But a source from Shin Corp Plc who asked not to be named, said the company would not withdraw its lawsuit against media activist Supinya Klangnarong because the litigation was a business issue, and had nothing to do with the government.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Thaksin dropped criminal and civil lawsuits against his staunch foe Sondhi Limthongkul, following His Majesty the King’s advice against the use of lawsuits to silence critics. The prime minister’s lawyer said the action was taken for the sake of national unity in accordance with His Majesty the King’s wish.

Senator Nirand Pitakwatchara, chairman of the Senate sub-committee on media reform, said the prime minister should terminate all the lawsuits against the media and media practitioners. He said Supinya and the media had used their rights to inform people about alleged conflicts of interest for the sake of the public, and not for personal gain.

Former charter drafter Kanin Boonsuwan said if the prime minister really wanted to create an atmosphere of unity as he has claimed, he must ask government officials, his followers and his family’s company to terminate all libel suits against the media.

Otherwise, he said, his decision on the Sondhi suit would be viewed as merely a tactic to cease his war with a critic.

Nevertheless, Thaksin shouldn’t make a condition that Sondhi must not criticise him or be less personal. At the same time, Sondhi must do his duty to continue revealing the truth to people, without criticising Thaksin’s personal life or implicating the monarchy, he said.

WAAC Link

News on Bangkok Inside Out

Banned in Bangkok

The controversy over the banning of Bangkok Inside Out has recently attracted media attention from around Southeast Asia. Sorry, no links to the articles, but most of them are hidden behind paid subscription walls.

Taste: Flying Off the Shelves in Thailand
By Ron Gluckman
9 December 2005
The Asian Wall Street Journal

BANGKOK -- The disappearance of a lively guidebook from Thai bookstores is giving journalists here yet another reason to worry about the growing erosion of press freedom under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Two weeks ago, Thailand's major book chains bowed to government pressure and pulled "Bangkok Inside Out" (Equinox, $20, 175 pages) off local shelves, according to authors Daniel Ziv and Guy Sharett. The book, part of a small, quirky travel series, apparently caught the attention of the government-run Cultural Surveillance Center, which deemed it mocking in tone -- and unsuitable for sale.

"This book does not give the right image to outsiders," opined Ladda Thangsupachai, the center's director. "Noted were negative depictions of the selling of fake goods, gambling, gay performances and places such as Patpong (a local red-light district)." Particularly offensive, she added, was a photograph of a half-naked girl on the lap of a foreigner.

An outright book ban isn't allowed by the Thai constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press. Instead, Ms. Ladda delegated the matter to police, who informed book stores to remove the offensive title or face fines and possible legal action. And overnight, it vanished.

Mr. Thaksin is not known for his openness to criticism. But while "Bangkok Inside and Out" may not be your typical guidebook, it's hardly political. This zany tome offers small, snapshot segments on offbeat topics like amulets, the tiny pink napkins at hole-in-the-wall diners and street dogs. The guide won widespread praise but only modest sales of 4,000 copies since its release last November.

"We don't even understand the reason," Mr. Ziv told me. The 35-year-old Canadian calls it a "de-facto ban," since no official action has been announced. "We only found out about it when we read about it in a local paper," adds Israeli-born Mr. Sharett, Mr. Ziv's 35-year-old co-writer.

For the authors, it could be the death-knoll for the spunky travel series launched in Jakarta, where Mr. Ziv has lived for the past six years. After writing "Jakarta Inside and Out" in 2002 for Jakarta publisher Equinox, he teamed up with Mr. Sharett, a Thailand-based foreign correspondent.

"If they prevent us from selling this book in Thailand, than this entire project is dead," laments Mr. Ziv, who says 80% of sales are in Thailand. The authors argue that the Thai authorities are missing the point. The book "oozes enthusiasm for Bangkok and Thailand," notes Mr. Ziv.

Especially irksome to observers and the authors alike is the arbitrary nature of the ban. This week, the Foreign Correspondent's Club of Thailand registered its concern in a letter to the Ministry of Culture. "We mainly want to get clarification," said FCC board member Dominic Faulder. "If laws have been broken, we want to know what laws they are."

The tempest comes at a volatile time. Bangkok has been gripped by an explosive feud between media magnate Sondhi Limthongkul and Mr. Thaksin. Mr. Sondhi, who owns print publications and one of Thailand's top-viewed Web sites, is a staunch critic of Mr. Thaksin. Many here fear a showdown on Dec. 9, when Mr. Sondhi has called for half a million Thais to join him in a downtown park to protest the government.

The disappearance of "Bangkok Inside Out" has shocked a community of journalists that is already worried about censorship. "It definitely sends a message," says Joe Cummings, who has authored various Lonely Planet guides -- including the award-winning Thailand edition -- for 15 years. The Foreign Correspondent Club's Mr. Faulder adds: "This affects us all, anyone who reports on Thailand. If the justification is `negative to Thailand,' that could apply to any of us."

*************************************

Bangkok guidebook 'giving wrong signals'
Nirmal Ghosh , THAILAND CORRESPONDENT
9 December 2005
Straits Times

Culture ministry says depiction of bars and touts makes city look bad

BANGKOK - A POPULAR, widely-acclaimed city guidebook has run into trouble with Thailand's Ministry of Culture, which has objected to some of its content and has unofficially banned it.

The ministry's position has alarmed other writers. Lonely Planet guidebook author Joe Cummings told the daily Thai Day: 'It (the move) certainly could make people more timid.'

The colourful, 175-page medium-format book titled Bangkok Inside Out was widely acclaimed at its release 10 months ago. The Nation said it had a 'strikingly original approach' and 'the two writers are obviously in love with the city'.

But late last month, director for cultural monitoring Ladda Tangsuphachai said it tainted the image of Bangkok and its people by referring to go-go bars, pirated music and DVDs, touts and scams.

Ms Ladda said she had asked the police to investigate whether the authors, Jakarta-based Canadian Daniel Ziv and Bangkok-based Israeli journalist Guy Sharett, had violated any laws.

Her remarks were picked up by Thai daily Kom Chad Luek, which ran a series of articles on the book. No other daily reported the issue, but it was mentioned in some TV reports. Bookstores promptly withdrew the publication which had, until then, sold around 4,000 copies.

Those who sell the copies now do so less publicly. The books are kept under the counters and sold only if customers ask for them.

Ms Ladda made specific reference to a picture of a Patpong bar girl with her breasts partially exposed, sitting on a foreigner's lap. She told The Straits Times: 'Right now the book is not officially banned. But because it is under a process of law the bookstores don't want to sell it because they might also be guilty if the book really taints the image of Thailand and its people.'

She said she did not have the authority to accept an apology offered by the authors until the legal process set in motion to determine whether the book 'will cause damage to internal security' had been concluded.

Countering charges by critics of the ministry, that attacking the book amounted to shooting the messenger, she said whether the police took action against go-go bars and piracy and touts or not was not her concern.

'The point is they wrote the book so they have to be responsible for their actions.'

The Culture Ministry, resurrected by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has regularly stirred controversies. Last year, it objected to some lyrics in a hit song by pop superstar Tata Young and tried to have it banned. The ministry also objected to catwalk fashion shows where models wore clothes that showed their nipples under the material.

That drew a sharp response from a top model who said Thailand could not hope to become an international fashion hub if such objections were raised. This year, on the eve of the annual Songkhran water festival, the ministry unsuccessfully cautioned young women against wearing tops with spaghetti straps because it risked inviting sexual harassment.

In Bangkok Inside Out, the short passage with the 'offending' picture of the bar girl says, among other things: 'Patpong is today one of Bangkok's least exciting nightspots.'

The authors have rejected the ministry's objection, saying the book 'depicts Bangkok as a hip, trendy place that has shed much of its seedier side'.

****************************

Racy book on Bangkok pulled from shelves as official suffers attack of prudery
South China Morning Post
December 9, 2005
SIMON MONTLAKE in Bangkok

A glossy coffee-table book on Bangkok has been pulled from bookstores after a government official objected to its depiction of the city's infamous go-go bars and other "negative subjects".

The book, Bangkok Inside Out, was published last year to critical acclaim and had sold briskly. But in the past two weeks, Thai bookstores have been clearing copies from their shelves after reportedly being warned they could be prosecuted for selling them.

The skirmish over the book, published by Jakarta-based Equinox Publishing, is the latest sign of intolerance by officials of critical reporting and appears to flout the press freedoms guaranteed by the nation's 1997 constitution.

Ladda Tangsuphachai, director of cultural monitoring at the Ministry of Culture, ordered the clampdown and has asked police to consider legal action against the authors, Guy Sharett, an Israeli national, and Daniel Ziv, a Canadian writer based in Jakarta.

Ms Ladda complained to a Thai-language newspaper that the book had focused too much on "fake goods, gambling and gay performances", as well as nightclub zones such as Patpong and Nana.

In particular, she objected to a photo of a foreigner with a bare-breasted bar girl on his lap in one section of the book.

"According to the constitution, the press has the freedom to publish. So all we can do is to take the problematic books off the shelves," she said.

The book's authors have denied trying to besmirch Thailand or Thai culture. They insist they wanted to show Bangkok's unvarnished truths in a playful manner and avoid guidebook clichés."What mystifies us is that bookshops are packed with publications devoted in their entirety to bar girls and prostitution," the authors said.

The Ministry of Culture has raised controversy in recent years over its objections to Thai women wearing skimpy tops and frank portrayals of sexual matters in television and movies.

SCMP.com is the premier information resource on Greater China. With a click, you will be able to access information on Business, Markets, Technology and Property in the territory. Bookmark SCMP.com for more insightful and timely updates on Hong Kong, China, Asia and the World. Voted the Best Online newspaper outside the US and brought to you by the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong's premier English language news source.

Myrick the Maniac

Maniacal Blogger and Beer

Back in the days when I first bumped into the fine blog of Chris Myrick in Singapore, Chris was an easy going guy more anxious to talk about homebrews in Lion City than the political landscape of Asia. Then, he quit his job and moved up to Shanghai where he largely abandoned his pleasant blog and started one of the group bloggie things. A dozen or so fellow bloggers volunteered to help him out with posts.

Then Chris gets entered into yet another blogger popularity contest in the Asia Bloggers category, and soon finds himself getting thumped by all the usual suspects, but most embarrassingly by Xaixue. She won last year, and the only hope for her defeat is a serious marshalling of forces for Mr. Brown. Yeah, I've voted for ESWN and Simon, but realistically, only Mr. Brown can beat back the evil empire that is Wendy Chang.

Anyway, Chris's feelings were hurt by his poor showing in the ongoing contest, and he was seething with anger that his volunteer contributors to his AsiaPundit blog had hardly lifted a finger.

So he blew his stack and fired everyone! Good for you Chris....

You are all Fired/Xiaxue sucks/Support Simon

AsiaPundit pretends to be a group blog. There are - supposedly - 15 other contributors as well as myself. In reality, there are usually two posts per week by authors other than me. Manuel and Rezwan have offered excellent roundups, but they are very occasional. Gordon and GI Korea drop by with excellent posts, but only around twice monthly. That said, I will not only consider 're-hiring' them when we I relaunch in 2006, I will invite them.

Aside from occasional contributions, the 'group blog' concept has essentially been me posting in third-person and hoping that someone else will help with the 'project,' which (a fault on my part) is not only ill-defined but amorphous.

Right now, as AsiaPundit looks at the Weblogs Awards Tally, he realizes that after 24 hours, the voting tally for AP is below the number of people actually signed on to contribute to the site. Considering that AsiaPundit voted three times today (home, office and the wi-fi spot where I had lunch), that's exceptionally sad.
So, to everyone on the author list: YOU ARE ALL FIRED!

This makes me feel young. I haven't sacked a volunteer since I was running a university radio station in 1999 1989, and 15 in one blow leaves AsiaPundit more than twice as strong as Tailor Mickey.

AsiaPundit Link

Chicken Stuffed with Popcorn

Texas Rooster

Barrie at Planet Mole post some cooking advice passed along by a close friend. Almost as good as the chicken roasted on top of an open beer can, but at least you don't need to worry about a timer with this one.

Cooking a Chicken for Xmas

I couldn't resist posting this. A friend of mine, who obviously doesn't know their way around the kitchen, sent me this recipe for cooking a Xmas Chicken. Here is a chicken recipe that also includes the use of popcorn as a stuffing.

Imagine that! When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for people like me, who just are not sure how to tell when poultry is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out. Give this a try.

BAKED STUFFED CHICKEN

6-7 lb. baking chicken
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is good.)
1 cup uncooked popcorn (ORVILLE REDENBACHERS LOW FAT) Salt/pepper to taste.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush chicken well with melted butter, salt and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of the oven.

Listen for the popping sounds

When the chicken's ass blows the oven door open and the chicken flies across the room, it is done.

And you thought I couldn't cook

Planet Mole Baked Chicken Recipie

Student Dress in Thailand

Thai Daily Newspaper Photo

Steve in Suphanburi enjoys translating stories from the local Thai-language press and then posting them in the always excellent Thai-Blogs for the edification of farangs and expats who haven't quite mastered the Thai language. Here's a good one about one of the minor distractions of the country.

Extremely Short and Ridiculously Tight!

Are Thai female university uniforms just….a flirtation..or…not?

Our nation’s female university students have been causing a storm in every direction for ages, all because of one thing in particular and that is the present day state of the ‘Thai Female University Outfit’. It just has to be said that the uniform of today is rather far from orthodox!

In the eyes of Thailand’s grown-ups, the uniforms are precariously dangerous, hazardous and completely inappropriate. Yet in the eyes of the uni girls themselves, such attire is considered ‘fashion’.

A certain male student by the name of Mr Suthin had this to say on the matter, “ Men enjoy looking at girls in short skirts and ‘seu-a nom rabeurt’ (bomb-breasted shirts). Now, I don’t mind a look myself but there is no way that I would accept such a kind of girl to be my girlfriend!”

Another male student, Mr Panya told us this, “ It is clearly incorrect to wear a university uniform with the intent to show-off ones bodily beauty. I say – such a thing is no good! Sure, I look at these girls but I when I see them I feel more pity than I do attraction.

We at The Daily News, after listening to a few of the uni guys, decided to ask a couple of the uni girls instead, just exactly how they thought.

Miss Amawasi (not a follower of fashion) replied, “The length of the uniform skirts are getting shorter and shorter and the shirts are getting both tighter and tighter! What is happening? The situation is very worrying indeed!

However, most of the fashion-victims we talked to completely disagreed with any of the statements above, and in their opinion - saw nothing wrong in how they dressed. “It is just – fashion”

One uni girl we talked to by the name of Miss Kaew, came up with this for starters, “We have to dress like this! None of the shops in my local area selling trendy uni outifits stock any piece whatsover that actually fits properly. Every skirt and shirt on offer is sized either ‘SS’ (sexy small) or ‘SSS’ (super sexy small). Besides, all the shops which sell properly-sized university skirts or shirts are either doing dismal business or have closed-down due to ‘lack of sales’
Anyway, no respectable trendy female student these days is going to be seen dead hanging around in such old-fashioned attire. (any girl which does, is seen as – strange)"

Another uni girl we interviewed, Miss Peun, followed up with this, “It is a girl’s right how she wishes to dress. If we are forced to wear a uniform we will take the regulations to the limits. Grown-ups ought to be more interested in our work results than in how we dress. And anyway, how a student wishes to dress has no effect whatsoever on their grades.

The original article in Thai language can be found at:
http://www.dailynews.co.th/scoopone.asp?columnid=15000

Paknam Web Link

Thanks again Magnoy's Samsara

Panda Dog Discovered in Tokyo

The Amazing Panda Dog!


Hopefully Microchipped


Panda Dog Terrorizes Japan

You're just gonna have to click the links to figure this one out.

News 3.Yen Link

Thanks Magnoy's Samsara

Bangkok Street Dogs

Buriram Tuk Tuk Driver

I personally deplore the enormous number of wild, homeless, snarling, mean, vicious packs of mangy dogs that haunt the streets and sois of Bangkok, and welcome the recent announcement that authorities will soon require all dogs to be microchipped, and those left homeless on the streets will be rounded up and trucked off to Sakhon Nakhon. But then I was once bitten by a rabid dog on Suriwongse near Patpong, and had to endure rabies shots at Bangkok Christian Hospital and later back home in San Francisco.

But dog lovers will probably enjoy the following blog dedicated to those miserable animals.

I'm Casanova, a 3 year old brown dog of extremely mixed heritage, living on the streets of Bangkok and acting as a voice for Bangkok street dogs and a guide to their community. With me as your guide, this blog will serve as a place to meet members of Bangkok's street dog community, and hear their anecdotes. In reading my posts, you'll get a keen sense of the challenges Bangkok street dogs face, and perhaps better appreciate their ability to stay positive during all the hot, dusty days and hungry nights spent scraping out a living in the Thai capital.

Bangkok Street Dogs Link

Pattaya Lovelorn Letter

Siam Paragon Bangkok

Today's "Heart to Heart with Hillary" (aka the "Good Doctor") has an urgent letter and warning to any expats who intend to settle down with the lady of their dreams in the land of smiles. These young girls may seem perfect at first, but eventually their relationship-ending faults come out loud and clear.

Dear Hillary,

Wise old owl that your are, can you please advise me on an important partnership problem? My beautiful 21 year old Thai concubine is perfect in many ways and behaves generally like ladies should and gentlemen expect.

For example, she doesn’t bend my ear with unnecessary female type senseless chatter and only speaks when spoken to, has learned how to make gin and tonic just as I like it, waits on me hand and foot, keeps the house spotless and the one rai garden in good order, twice weekly washes cleans and polishes the car to showroom condition, carries my beer cans when we go for a walk, clips my toe and finger nails and cuts my hair to perfection, is a cordon bleu chef in the kitchen and a slut in bed, knows better than to ask for extra money and accounts in writing for every satang she spends when shopping.

In return she enjoys a generous allowance of 1,000 baht a month (out of which I deduct a mere 600 for board and lodging), I allow her to eat at table with me, take her out once a fortnight when we go Dutch, rarely swear at her and hardly ever beat her - then only when in my cups. A good, healthy, well balanced, two way relationship you would think.

But no, she has a couple of really bad habits I cannot cure. She NEVER leaves the toilet seat up ready for me to use and she will insist on squeezing the toothpaste tube in the middle and not at the far end from the cap. I find both of these insubordinate actions unbearable, so should I replace her with a lucky someone who is more amenable, or make her use the bathroom in the unoccupied maids quarters? I’m a modern man who believes in equality between the sexes, so do you think she is taking advantage of my generous and easy going nature?

The age difference is negligible because I am just 62 and not inexperienced with women as I have been married and, for inexplicable reasons, divorced five times, but this lady has got me puzzled as I have never had to deal with such serious matters before. I am diplomatic in my ways and would never dream of causing offence.

I know you would dearly love to replace her, but please save us both embarrassment by not applying. I’m not into chocolate guzzling, champagne swilling, over-weight, aging and wrinkly farang women.

The Perfect English Gentleman

Dear Perfect English Gentleman,

A veritable paragon of virtue and joie de vivre, aren’t you? I can’t imagine why your concubine would want to leave, but then, she probably hasn’t got the keys to the leg irons, so wouldn’t get far anyway. I think you are being just a trifle ‘picky’ over the toilet seat, Petal. She’s leaving it down so that you can sit for a happy poo or two. (Men do sit for Number 2’s, I’ve been told.) As far as the toothpaste transgressions, I cannot countenance this either.

The answer here is to make her buy her own tubes. Do not allow your toothpaste tube to become communal! Thank you for hinting that perhaps I might like to join you (I can tell you’re interested), but us wise old owls never nest with cantankerous buzzards like you!

Pattaya Mail Link

Pyinmana: The New Capital of Burma

Rangoon Trucks Leaving for Pyinmana



Pyinmana Under Construction

Some updates about the curious move of Burma's capital from Rangoon to Pyinmana.

New capital's fault is the Sagaing Fault
Tue 29 Nov 2005
S.H.A.N.

A map produced by the US Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Centre reveals that Burma's new military and administrative centre in Pyinmana is right on top of what is known as the Sagaing fault system.

The north-south fault line runs across the country through Mandalay, Yemethin, Pyinmana, Toungoo and Pegu before dropping off into the Gulf of Martaban.

The dictionary of Environment Words, published by Images Asia, describes 'fault' as a break in the rocks that form the Earth's surface, where one side of the break moves against the other side and creates an earthquake when the rock breaks in the weakest place. A fault line is explained as a line of weakness in the rocks of the Earth's surface, where earthquakes often occur.

The US Geological Survey takes note of the Magnitude 6.6 quake on September 22, 2003 when three temples and a bridge were reportedly damaged in Taungdwingyi, 90 km west of Pyinmana. The tremors also caused minor cracks in Bangkok, 530 miles southeast of the epicentre.

Information minister Kyaw Hsan announced on November 7 that the country's military leaders were moving the capital to Pyinmana, 400 km north of Rangoon, as it was centrally located and had quick access to all parts of the country.

Five days later, the Mizzima News reported that the new capital had been named Naypyidaw "Royal Capital."

-----------------------------------

Pyinmana: just what the doctor prescribed
Tue 29 Nov 2005
S.H.A.N.

Apart from astrological forecasts and a possible American invasion, there are more down-to-earth reasons why Burma's autocratic rulers have chosen Pyinmana as the new power centre, according to civilian officials in Tachilek, opposite Thailand's Maesai.

"The most pressing reason was the struggle between generals Than Shwe and Maung Aye to position their underlings at the helm of the Rangoon Region Command," said a source. "Each side was refusing to budge an inch. Pyinmana therefore became a convenient compromise for both."

Which appears to explain why Rangoon's ministers, during a press conference on August 28, were sidestepping questions about moving to Pyinmana. Information minister Kyaw Hsan spoke of "No official instructions whatsoever concerning shifting to Pyinmana," while home minister Maung Oo maintained, "time will decide" the question.

Prior to that, reports abounded that the number two Maung Aye was pushing for the replacement of the number one man Than Shwe's henchman Myint Swe, Commander of Rangoon Region Command and head of the newly-formed Office of Military Affairs Security, with his own underling Myint Hlaing. The whisperings died following the quarterly meeting of top commanders in October.

Other reasons cited by officials include:

- During the 1988 uprisings, the government apparatus came to a standstill, as officials in Rangoon were unable to run their offices. "What can a minister do without his secretaries," one asked rhetorically. "The military does not want to repeat the same kind of situation."

- Also during the 1988 nationwide unrest, Rangoon, the seat of the government, had become a battleground. "The generals want to have a secure command post in the rear from where they can direct and oversee the killing field," said another. It is also easier to run local affairs of Pyinmana (population: 200,000) than those of Rangoon (population: 5 million), he pointed out.

- The generals have also become uneasy about Rangoon fast becoming the hub of unregistered arms and ammunition brought in by both ceasefire and military militia groups over the years. "The whole city is like a powder keg ready to explode anytime," an officer was reported as saying. The May 7 bomb blasts that had killed and injured more than a 100 people had shaken the generals' nerves, claimed a source.

- Moreover, with Indonesia's Suharto gone, the country's leaders have been desperately looking for a new role model. "They have finally discovered it in General Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan, who runs his country through a civilian government that he can appoint or fire at will," said one, before finally challenging S.H.A.N. "Believe me, the whole country is heading towards the Musharaf way to democracy, where Than Shwe and his successors are going to lead from Pyinmana."

Pyinmana, according to historians, is derived from the Shan word, "Piang Markna" (Plain of Myrobalan, terminalia bellerica.) It used to be a way station for ancient Shan caravans going back and forth between the Shan hills and Rangoon.

Burma News International Link

Jakarta Booze Crackdown

Bugils Jakarta Hawaii Nights

This can't possibly be good news for Bugils or the bars and nightclubs around Blok M in Jakarta, as local government authorities slowly but surely fall into Islamic strictures against the consumption of alcohol. What's next? Mandatory burkas? Whippings at 11?

Jakarta inches toward new 'prohibition era'
Jakarta Post
Tantri Yuliandini
Dec 9, 2005

Do not expect to find many alcoholic drinks in supermarkets during this year's Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations in Jakarta, as the sale of drinks with more than 5 percent alcohol has been banned by the city administration.

The City Industry and Trade Agency has decided to issue a circular recently, which forbids the sale of "type B" (e.g. wine, champagne) and "type C" (e.g. spirits) alcoholic drinks in supermarkets and hypermarkets throughout Jakarta. The agency dug up and invoked a 1997 Presidential Decree on the monitoring and control of alcoholic drinks, as well as the now-defunct Ministry of Industry and Trade's Decree No. 359/MPP/Kep/10/1997 on monitoring and control of production, importation, distribution and sale of alcoholic drinks.

Jakarta's new prohibition coincides with a similar prohibition in neighboring Tangerang municipality, which outlaws the sale and distribution of all alcoholic drinks, including beer.

Both regulations stipulate that selling alcoholic drinks is banned except in duty-free stores.

"We haven't been selling alcoholic beverages, other than beer, since the beginning of the fasting month, but since receiving the circular we have taken the products off the shelves altogether," Carrefour Indonesia's corporate affairs director Irawan D. Kadarman said.

And indeed, the special wine section located at the back of Carrefour's Lebak Bulus store in South Jakarta -- the retail main office -- is instead stocked with cigarettes, beer and sparkling fruit juices.

Type A beverages are those with between 1 percent and 5 percent alcohol, while type B contains between 5 percent and 20 percent and type C between 20 percent and 55 percent alcohol. Beer usually contains between 3 percent and 6 percent. Most wines contain between 9 percent and 20 percent alcohol, while distilled spirits or "hard liquor" usually have more than 20 percent alcohol content.

The Ranch Market in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, has also taken alcoholic beverages off the shelves, and replaced its wine-cellar style racks with sparkling non-alcoholic beverages and fruit juices. "We haven't been selling liquor since before Ramadhan, and we have used the racks to display other products," a staffer told The Jakarta Post.

Despite the new prohibition era, however, the Post discovered on Wednesday that several supermarkets such as Hero and Sogo inside the Pondok Indah Mall were still well-stocked with foreign wines and liquors.

Jakarta Post Link

Mel Gibson v. Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein?


Mel Gibson?

Why in the world are these two guys starting to look like long-lost brothers?

Happy Holidays

Fact or Fiction?

Reading over the always hilarious J-Walk Blog, I noticed his link to a paper written about the possible non-existence of Jesus Christ. Always one of my favorite subjects.

Around the world over the centuries, much has been written about religion, its meaning, its relevance and contribution to humanity. In the West particularly, sizable tomes have been composed speculating upon the nature and historical background of the main character of Western religions, Jesus Christ. Many have tried to dig into the precious few clues as to Jesus's identity and come up with a biographical sketch that either bolsters faith or reveals a more human side of this godman to which we can all relate. Obviously, considering the time and energy spent on them, the subjects of Christianity and its legendary founder are very important to the Western mind and culture.

The Controversy

Despite all of this literature continuously being cranked out and the significance of the issue, in the public at large there is a serious lack of formal and broad education regarding religion and mythology, and most individuals are highly uninformed in this area. Concerning the issue of Christianity, for example, the majority of people are taught in most schools and churches that Jesus Christ was an actual historical figure and that the only controversy regarding him is that some people accept him as the Son of God and the Messiah, while others do not.

However, whereas this is the raging debate most evident in this field today, it is not the most important. Shocking as it may seem to the general populace, the most enduring and profound controversy in this subject is whether or not a person named Jesus Christ ever really existed.

Although this debate may not be evident from publications readily found in popular bookstores, when one examines this issue closely, one will find a tremendous volume of literature that demonstrates, logically and intelligently, time and again that Jesus Christ is a mythological character along the same lines as the Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Sumerian, Phoenician, Indian or other godmen, who are all presently accepted as myths rather than historical figures. Delving deeply into this large body of work, one uncovers evidence that the Jesus character is based upon much older myths and heroes from around the globe.

One discovers that this story is not, therefore, a historical representation of a Jewish rebel carpenter who had physical incarnation in the Levant 2,000 years ago. In other words, it has been demonstrated continually for centuries that this character, Jesus Christ, was invented and did not depict a real person who was either the "son of God" or was "evemeristically" made into a superhuman by enthusiastic followers.

History and Positions of the Debate

This controversy has existed from the very beginning, and the writings of the "Church Fathers" themselves reveal that they were constantly forced by the pagan intelligentsia to defend what the non-Christians and other Christians ("heretics")4 alike saw as a preposterous and fabricated yarn with absolutely no evidence of it ever having taken place in history. As Rev. Robert Taylor says, "And from the apostolic age downwards, in a never interrupted succession, but never so strongly and emphatically as in the most primitive times, was the existence of Christ as a man most strenuously denied."

Emperor Julian, who, coming after the reign of the fanatical and murderous "good Christian" Constantine, returned rights to pagan worshippers, stated, "If anyone should wish to know the truth with respect to you Christians, he will find your impiety to be made up partly of the Jewish audacity, and partly of the indifference and confusion of the Gentiles, and that you have put together not the best, but the worst characteristics of them both." According to these learned dissenters, the New Testament could rightly be called, "Gospel Fictions."

A century ago, mythicist Albert Churchward said, "The canonical gospels can be shown to be a collection of sayings from the Egyptian Mythos and Eschatology." In Forgery in Christianity, Joseph Wheless states, "The gospels are all priestly forgeries over a century after their pretended dates." Those who concocted some of the hundreds of "alternative" gospels and epistles that were being kicked about during the first several centuries C.E. have even admitted that they had forged the documents.

Forgery during the first centuries of the Church's existence was admittedly rampant, so common in fact that a new phrase was coined to describe it: "pious fraud." Such prevarication is confessed to repeatedly in the Catholic Encyclopedia. Some of the "great" church fathers, such as Eusebius, were determined by their own peers to be unbelievable liars who regularly wrote their own fictions of what "the Lord" said and did during "his" alleged sojourn upon the earth.

The Proof

The assertion that Jesus Christ is a myth can be proved not only through the works of dissenters and "pagans" who knew the truth - and who were viciously refuted or murdered for their battle against the Christian priests and "Church Fathers" fooling the masses with their fictions - but also through the very statements of the Christians themselves, who continuously disclose that they knew Jesus Christ was a myth founded upon more ancient deities located throughout the known ancient world. In fact, Pope Leo X, privy to the truth because of his high rank, made this curious declaration, "What profit has not that fable of Christ brought us!" (Emphasis added.) As Wheless says, "The proofs of my indictment are marvellously easy."

The Gnostics

From their own admissions, the early Christians were incessantly under criticism by scholars of great repute who were impugned as "heathens" by their Christian adversaries. This group included many Gnostics, who strenuously objected to the carnalization of their deity, as the Christians can be shown to have taken many of the characteristics of their god and godman from the Gnostics, meaning "Ones who know," a loose designation applied to members of a variety of esoteric schools and brotherhoods. The refutations of the Christians against the Gnostics reveal that the Christian godman was an insult to the Gnostics, who held that their god could never take human form.

Truth be Known Link

Do check the next six parts of this essay, then read the biography of the author, and finally look at her photos. She's not some tired old university professor dressed in tweads and smoking a pipe!

Gridskipper Urban Blog Contest

Gridskipper Blogmaster

The rather grumpy guy who runs Gridskipper for Gawker posts answers about his ongoing blog popularity contest, and it's a good read for both the humor, snarkiness, and valuable insight for anyone else thinking about running a blog popularity contest of their own.

Who are you?

I’m Chris Mohney, and this is Gridskipper, the urban travel blog from Gawker Media. The site has been around about a year now. I took over as permanent editor in July 2005. Feel free to examine the archives or current, public traffic statistics. Haven’t heard of Gridskipper? Not surprising. I probably haven’t heard of you either. The world’s a big place.

2. What is the deal with this contest?

It’s quite simple really. As thoroughly explained in the guidelines, readers and/or bloggers sent in nominations in various categories over a period of time. Those with the most nominations made it into the actually voting round — essentially a runoff between the most-nominated blogs. Those blogs who receive the most votes by the end of the voting phase get prizes. The end.

3. Why are you running this contest?

With pretty much equal weight: to encourage and reward urban bloggers, to expose Gridskipper readers to new blogs, and to attract new Gridskipper readers. Pretty nefarious. I should also mention that this is my job. Try to contain your revulsion.

4. What gives you the right or authority to run such a contest?

I have a note from my mom. Plus the First Amendment. And it’s also enjoyable, if that counts. In a general sense, since this is my main vocation, I’d say I read about as many blogs as anyone — more than most. And I’d be willing to wager that I read more urban blogs than almost anyone. It’s pretty much what I do all day long. That said, there are plenty of blogs coming to my attention as a result of the Urbs contest that I’ll be pleased to read more of in future.

5. How did Blog X get nominated? It doesn’t fit Category Y.

Someone thought it did, apparently. For example, Nancy Rommelmann was nominated in Best Los Angeles Blog, even though she no longer lives in Los Angeles. Perhaps the nominator was giving her some kind of emeritus nomination, or because the nominator liked her occasional, current blogging about Los Angeles. Coincidentally, Rommelmann is now republishing her old “Leaving Los Angeles” blog entries. Should this make her ineligible as a nominee? Perhaps. We’d have to ask the nominator for a rationale. Did it matter? No. She only received one nomination. I’m not aware of any other bad-category nominations, but if there are, I’m sure someone will tell me, in no uncertain terms.

6. Why isn’t there an African American blog category, a Latino blog category, a lesbian blog category, or a transgender blog category?

Because the number of categories was already getting unwieldy. And I also hate women and minorities. Really, if I could keep adding categories, I would. I do fully support the idea of other contests with more and different categories, for blogs or otherwise, and will be happy to link to same.

7. How did Blog X get nominated? They haven’t updated in forever.

Several nominated blogs have not updated recently. At least one nominee, A Tale of Two Cities, is definitively shut down. A couple people who nominated ATOTC made a point of mentioning their regret at its demise (of which I was already aware). So what? If a blog was publishing substantially in 2005 and still had their material online, I have no problem with them being nominated for the year.

8. Some people got their friends to nominate their blog, when these friends hadn’t even read the blog. Isn’t that wrong?

It’s not ideal, but short of quizzing nominators on their familiarity with the blog in question, seems unpreventable.

9. Why is Blog X included? It isn’t a blog.

Somebody thought it was. Perhaps more than one somebody. I rejected several sites on these grounds myself. A few that got in I’m still iffy on — these are a few sites which have a bloggish component as part of a larger site. Ultimately I gave a couple the benefit of the doubt.

10. Why is my site included? It’s not a blog.

See #9.

11. Why is Blog X included? It sucks and nobody reads it.

Applying standards of quality or popularity — subjective or objective — are not a part of this contest. The contestants are the blogs. Those who recruited or inspired the most nominations got to the voting phase. Those who recruit or inspire the most votes will win each category. I could draw a chart, if you like.

12. Why wasn’t Blog X nominated? It’s the best, and the contest is meaningless without its inclusion.

See #11.

13. Why didn’t you tell nominated blogs they were nominated, so they could have a chance to drum up support and make it into the voting round?

I would have loved to do this, especially given the obvious bounce in traffic it would no doubt grant. The simple answer is that there was not enough time to do so. Not to mention that many nominated sites simply had little to no interest in participating.

14. Why can’t I vote? I’m getting an error message.

Firstly, make sure you have the latest Javascript plug-in installed and operational for your browser. Then make sure your browser is set to accept cookies. It probably would also help to temporarily suspend any security-type programs you have that might prevent us from stealing your credit card information. Because that’s what it’s really all about. I have heard about a very few people who still can’t vote even when all that is done. For such people, I apologize, but it appears that democracy is still a dream for you. My tech support staffers are busy sweeping the driveway.

15. Ha! I was able to cheat and vote repeatedly! What are you gonna do about it?

Congratulations, you’re a prick! I kid. The ability to cheat was pretty obvious months ago when we started running polls for the Gridskipper photo contest. What to do? Mostly, I’ve been relying on mankind’s better nature. Naive perhaps, but I’m an optimist at heart. Ultimately, I can only use the tools provided. If given a choice between running an imperfect contest and no contest, I choose option A. On the plus side, I understand that security may be tightened in future, resources permitting. Too little too late, you say? Wait till next year, then, if your heart can ever heal.

16. Not good enough! You suck! This is a miscarriage of justice! You’ve ruined my faith in the blogosphere! Will you take my blog out of the contest to protest your incompetence and skullduggery?

Relax! At the end of the day, the best thing that could possibly happen is for people to read new blogs. It’s too bad the vote-tallying isn’t up to everyone’s snuff, and even more unfortunate that some have taken this opportunity to quite gleefully celebrate the voting loopholes. That really was the very best way to encourage abuse of the contest — so give yourself a hand. Meanwhile, I will of course be glad to remove any conscientious objectors from the voting round. Simply drop me a line at tips@gridskipper.com, the pain will stop, and you can return to the sleep of the righteous.

If you have still more questions that require further bloviation, then by all means, let me know at tips@gridskipper.com.

Gridskipper Urban Blogs Link

Expedition 360 Route Around Asia

Expedition 360 Route around Asia

Anyone up for a pleasant little bicycle ride around Asia sometime early next year? Can't go? Well, then you might help out the kids at Expedition 360 with some funding, and then follow along via their website. In the meantime, they're chilling in Singapore.

The Southeast Asian leg will entail biking from Singapore up through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and into China. The route will make a big loop to avoid Burma and the Thanglha Mountains in China's SW corner before climbing the Tibetan Plateau to the foothills of the Himalayas. A hiking segment is planned to take the expedition over the Himalayas into Nepal and N. India, at which point bikes will again be employed for the long southward descent through India to the coastal port of Cochin.

Subject to funding being in place, we expect this leg to start early 2006.

Expedition 360 Link

Tourist Prices in Thailand

Bangkok Inside Out

Few practices in Thailand get the blood boiling quicker for tourists and expats in the commonly accepted regime of "dual pricing" for foreigners versus the locals. It's racism at its most blatant, and practiced by the government, Buddhist temples, and private enterprises. I wonder if Bangkok Inside Out had anything about this in their now-banned book?

Two-faced policy
Thai Daily
By Mara Altman
7 December 2005

Long-time expats call the ‘tourist price’ unfair. Businesses would rather not talk about it.

The long-running debate about the justness of dual pricing has again flared up with the opening of such venues as the Chiang Mai Night Safari and the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), which charge foreigners up to four times as much as locals.

Many attractions in Thailand – public, private, religious and historical – charge locals a lower price than farangs. The practice has gone on for decades, but many say that doesn’t make it fair.

The people up in arms aren’t so much the tourists whom the schemes largely target, but those in the expatriate community who have had time to let the prejudicial practice sink in and fester. They say their anger toward dual pricing has nothing to do with the money, but everything to do with feeling accepted in Thailand. The practice of dual pricing makes many feel shunned, like ugly stepchildren, by their adopted motherland.

The price difference can also be irksome because of the racial judgment involved.

Technically, anyone not holding a Thai ID card is a foreigner, but often only white westerners, being easy to spot, are singled out. “Two or three Chinese, if they keep their mouths shut, will get in for the local price,” complains one expat.

The double-standard also assumes foreigners have more money than Thais, but there are Thais who drive Mercedes and live in mansions, just as there are backpackers traveling on less than a shoestring.

Dual pricing is a hobbyhorse that brings like-minded people together. Internet chat rooms are devoted to the topic; there is even a website, fairprice-thailand.org, that reports on businesses and attractions around Thailand that “discriminate on the grounds of race, nationality or immigration status.”

The site gets about 50,000 visits a year and receives 40 dual-price-warning emails from the public each month, all of which contribute to a list of venues with price disparities that covers everything from temples to clinics.

Some in the forum question the legal ramifications of adopting an unequal pricing system (there are none in Thailand), while others want to know if their residency or work permit status gives them the right to Thai prices. The answer to the latter is as unpredictable as the weather; it depends on each venue’s guidelines combined with the likelihood that a ticket vendor will bend the rules when confronted with a reddening farang face.

Many farangs, though, might not even know they’re paying more than locals. Stickman is an expat teacher who has lived in Thailand for eight years and runs the popular website stickmanbangkok.com.

During his time in the city he learned to read, write and speak Thai. He says that many places with dual pricing will post the Thai price using Thai numerals, even though conventional Arabic numerals are customarily used for everything else.

“I think that is a bit sneaky, the way they do it,” he says. “It’s like they know that it is wrong.” No doubt, dual pricing is a sensitive issue for proprietors.

Thai Daily Link

WikiTravel Tips on Sukhumvit Road

Thai Stamps

Along with the Guardian Unlimited "Been There" website mentioned below, I was also just reminded about a somewhat useful WikiTravel, with tips on travel to Thailand, Khao San Road, Sukumvit, Phuket and Ko Samui, with more on the way. Bangkok residents might have some issues with the paucity of bar/nightclub listings under the Sukumvit section, but it's a Wiki, so anyone can make corrections or additions.

Drink

The Sukhumvit road area contains more watering holes than can easily be counted, and touts are not as big of a problem here as in Patpong.

Beer bars

In wintertime (recursively defined in Thailand as 'beer season'), very popular beer gardens pop up in front of Central World Plaza, serving up cold beer, hot food and loud Thai pop.

Beergarden. Sukhumvit Soi 7. A nice place to relax from the trouble with moderate Western music and German and other beer including wheat beer (Franziskaner). You can eat European food at the tables or just have a drink at the bar.

Cheap Charlie's. Soi 11. This outdoor beer bar looks like it grew out of the side of the building. Pull up a stool anywhere on the Soi and enjoy a cold one.

Micro Breweries

Coliseum Brew Arena. Between Soi 40 & 38. A large micro brewery with full stage show(costume changes, katoeys and midgets). Mostly Thai clientele, but the most flamboyant of all the brew pubs.You can get very decent [pee massage] there.

The Londoner. Soi 33. [12] (http://www.the-londoner.com) Popular expat hang out, sports bar and ocasional live music in an English pub setting. Buy one get one free on Wednesday.

Clubs and bars

Thong Lor (Soi 55) and Ekamai (Soi 63) are full of trendy bars and night clubs. Mostly catering to the Thai and expat crowd.

Narcissus Club. 112 Sukhumvit Road Soi 23. A dance club with far too many disco balls. Paul Oakenfold's venue of choice.

Mystique. Sukhumvit Soi 31 (turn left at the Euro Inn Hotel and go all the way to the end), [13] (http://www.mystiquebangkok.com/). Bangkok's club du jour, with 3 floors and different themes ranging from the pits of hell to floating in the clouds. Cover charge a steep B600 on weekends includes two drinks).
Closed for renovations in October 2005, reopening scheduled in December 2005.

Q Bar. 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, [14] (http://www.qbarbangkok.com/). A hip if rather un-Thai bar often likened to a New York cocktail lounge, renowned for its massive drinks list and always packed dancefloor. Cover charge on weekends.

Go-go bars

Soi Cowboy (off Soi 21 Asoke) and Nana Entertainment Plaza (Soi 4) are packed full of go-go bars much like those in Patpong. Soi 33 is packed with hostess bars, which are more upscale than the Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza bars and do not feature go-go dancing.

WikiTravel Bangkok Sukhumvit Link

Hello Kitty Fender Guitar

Fender Sells Out

Chris Myrick over at AsiaPundit will not be happy with this news, but Fender has sold its soul to the devil with their new Hello Kitty guitar. First airplanes, and now guitars. Is there no shame?

Music is one of Hello Kitty's favorite hobbies, and what better way for her-and-you-to enjoy it than the Hello Kitty Stratocaster guitar! It's based on a classic Fender design, and the friendly face of Hello Kitty herself forms the pickguard. It's cool, it rocks, and it comes in pink or black.

Fender Hello Kitty Link

Dubai Metroblogging

Dubai and Burj Dubai

The good folks over at Metblog have recently started a new blog about one of the most fascinating countries in the world, Dubai, and it will certainly prove to be a great source of architectural projects in the Middle East's most dynamic country. Already, photos of the projected Infinity Tower and a fog alert in the Kingdom.

06/12/2005: Police reported two accidents per minute yesterday as fog blanketed the UAE for the third day in a row, though it was the first time Dubai was affected.

Yesterday's fog, from about 5am to 9am, affected Dubai and Sharjah severely, as visibility fell to about 100 metres disrupting traffic and flights. The police received a number of reports of road accidents.

A number of people were injured on the Dubai-Al Ain road when a speeding pick-up travelling on the wrong side of the highway collided with a mini bus.

Five flights were diverted out of Dubai International Airport while two were diverted from Sharjah to Dubai.

Dubai Metblog Link

Bruce Lee in Bronze by Big White Guy

Bruce Lee in Bronze by BWG

The Big White Guy (Randall van der Woning) recently visited the bronze image of Bruce Lee in Hong Kong, and has posted a small but memorable collection of photos of the memorial.

BWG — Bruce Lee In Bronze II

The Bruce Lee statue is impressive.

I dropped by to get the photos I wanted — but it was all I could do to work around the endless stream of tourists from mainland China and Japan.

A serendipitous moment occurred when I met Phoebe Li (surname spelled as she prefers), one of Bruce’s sisters. She had been on hand to unveil the statue with the youngest brother Robert, and was back to have some photos taken.

She couldn’t restrain the pride she felt now that the statue is a reality; I could see she was moved each time she looked at it. She told me the sculptor created a small version for her to take back home.

She even invited me to visit should I find myself in San Francisco — what a nice lady.

BWG Photos of Bruce Lee in Bronze Link

Guardian Unlimited Been There Travel Tips

Khao San Road Bangkok

The Guardian Unlimited recently launched a new travelers website which solicits and posts travel tips from anyone and everyone. Most of the advice will be redundant to Bangkok residents, so some updates and fresh information would be most welcome. Carlos Celdran also points out that Been There has just started a section on Manila, and invites Manila residents to help out with the cause. Been There also accepts and posts your photos.

Seafood restaurants in Chinatown

When you are in Bangkok and happen to be walking in Chinatown in the evening, do have a cheap and sumptuous seafood dinner at either of the cheap Chinese-Thai seafood restaurants on this side street (see directions below) off Yaowarat Road. Walk down Yaowarat Road away from Hualamphong train station. The seafood restaurants are found on the entrance to a side street on the right.

Playground

Situated on Thong Lor, Bangkok's Kings Road, this boutique shopping experience offers a perfect Sunday brunch opportunity. Set out over three airy yet intimate floors it has a well informed CD and magazine outlet at entry level, where suitable breakfast reading can be obtained. There's also two floors hosting an excellent art bookshop and gallery space, a couple of shops selling interesting fashions and home interiors.

Kaafae thung

If you want to drink coffee on a budget in Bangkok and you can't stand instant or the prices at Starbucks, then kaafae thung (a local filter coffee) is for you. It is sold by street vendors and is drunk with condensed milk and sugar or honey. It can also be drunk iced; the steaming brew is deposited, Thai style, in a plastic bag full of ice tied up with a rubber band. The coffee is then drunk through a straw.

You have to state that it is the kaafae thung you want (pronounced kar-fay tueng) or your vendor will automatically serve up the more expensive western instant. Sometimes served with a savoury, dunking style doughnut.

Guardian Unlimited Been There Bangkok Link

Dental "Holidays" in Thailand

Darkie/Darlie Toothpaste in Thailand

I've been reading about "medical holidays" in Thailand where treatment for a wide variety of medical ailments is so inexpensive that you can also cover the cost of airfare, fine hotels, and perhaps even a scuba diving expedition to the Surin and Similan islands north of Phuket. I've also posted about "sex change holidays" in Thailand, so I wasn't surprised to recently read about "dental holidays" arranged by travel agencies in Australia.

Dental holidays popular in Phuket
TV NZ
Nov 28, 2005

Phuket in Thailand is welcoming an influx of visitors from a new and somewhat unusual source. Clad in a colourful Thai sarong, relaxing in a shaded deck chair on Karon Beach and looking forward to a midday massage, Linda Grace looks every inch the contented tourist.

She is, but then on the other hand, she isn't. Yes, she's enjoyed the sea canoe tours to the limestone cliffs of Phang Na Bay, the elephant rides in the jungle, the luxurious spas and, of course, the shopping.

But the main reason for her visit was a dental appointment.

Grace is just one of an increasing number of Australians who are heading overseas for dental treatment. The reason of course is simple - cost. "In Melbourne I was quoted close to $10,000 for five crowns, whitening, gum cleaning and periodontal work. Here it's cost me $4,000," she says.

Before deciding on Phuket, Grace did her research. She'd heard about dental treatment in the Philippines, but when she logged onto www.dentalholidays.com.au she realised there was a choice. "I've heard the dentists in Manila are excellent but let's face it, if you want to combine the treatment and have a holiday, where would you rather be, Manila or Phuket?"

In recent years Thailand has become known as the plastic surgery capital of the world with foreign patients generating over $US500 million a year in revenue for Thai hospitals. The most famous is Bumrungrad in Bangkok. But Phuket International

Hospital's reputation is spreading and it will double in size in the next seven years.

The already highly respected dental facilities are an integral part of that expansion. The hospital is managed by Australian Peter Davison, a former Tasmanian Ambulance Service Paramedic Coordinator, who was brought over by the Thai Board of Investment to help develop and improve hospital quality. He's been in Thailand for 10 years and at Phuket International for three.

"I love it here," he says, strolling beside the lily clad ponds in the hospital's grounds. "We have brilliant facilities which are just going to get better and we can do most treatments for a third of the cost charged in Australia, Europe or Singapore."

When it comes to dental treatment there's another major difference. If you're undergoing plastic surgery, or even having major surgery such as a hip replacement, you'll spend a lot of time in the hospital itself. With dental treatment you can actually have a holiday as well.

"Most treatment can generally be done in about 12 days and that will consist of approximately four to five visits. So there's plenty of time for the patient to enjoy Phuket."

Robert Graham who owns Jetset Kenmore in Brisbane is the Australian pioneer of dental holidays. He also owns the dental holidays site and it was he who booked Grace into Phuket International and arranged her accommodation. "When we started Dental Holidays we were just offering Manila. But then I heard about Phuket International and Peter and Phuket sort of took off. We now have an average of 10 people a week going overseas for dental treatment and most of them will be going to Phuket."

The concept is being backed by the Hilton in Phuket as part of its entire Wellness campaign which includes the very latest in spa treatments. "We have special day clinics with a trained nurse in a number of the major hotels, including the Hilton and they've been very supportive and encouraging," says Peter.

"Many of our clients could easily afford the treatment in Australia," admits Robert. "But they want to combine the two, dentist and holiday. It may sound like a misnomer but it makes perfect sense." Recent figures estimate that there are 650,000 people waiting for public dental treatment in Australia and some of these are drawn to Phuket purely because of the cost factor.

TV NZ Link

Banned in Bangkok: Bangkok Inside Out

Flaming Moe's Bangkok

I've read several reports about the banning of Bangkok Inside Out, and opinions run all over the map. Some say the book was published over a year ago and had run its path, and it was time for something new to fill the bookstores. Others claim that the book was commonly found in Asia Books until the recent comments from a government censorship agency, then disappeared almost overnight. The authors have posted a sample of their work, and it seems to me a fine and honest portrayal of the current condition of Patpong.

Bangkok Inside Out
PATPONG

It's with great hesitation that we include Patpong in here, because this so-called red light district is hardly the "Must See" attraction of guidebook hype, and is in any case covered ad nauseam in nearly every piece of literature on the city.

We won't waste your time discussing its fascinating history, intriguing social undercurrents or the sad stories of the women who work here. Enough writers have conducted comprehensive "research" on the place and produced an "interesting" body of work on the topic (our favorite is the timeless classic, Hello My Big Big Honey).

Bottom line: Patpong is today one of Bangkok's least exciting nightspots. Perhaps the only amusing thing left to do here is observe tour buses of fat retired European women descend on the street with mischievous, giddy expressions that suggest they think they are about to see or do something very, very naughty.

Granted, old Helga might get to glimpse a firm titty or two, or witness that unspeakable trick with the ping pong ball ("Look Bertha, she's doing it! Ach du lieber Gott! Tee hee hee!") but that's pretty much what Patpong has become: a broken record and tired tourist attraction about as hip and exciting as London's Madame Tussauds wax museum on a Wednesday afternoon.

Ironically, Patpong is a pretty good place to take the whole family shopping -- as long as you don't mind exposing your nine-year-old daughter to sidewalk signs that scream Pussy Show! ("It's like a circus with cats, dear, but it's closed today.")

Stalls selling handicrafts, fake brand name goods, DVDs and children's toys far outnumber the girlie bars and Turkish Saunas. There's some great street food to be had in the vicinity and even a McDonald's at each end of the strip.

Equinox Publishing PDF Link

Asia Online Book Review

The Amahs of Singapore

Sago Lane 1960s

Sago Lane in Singapore's Chinatown once served as the final residences for elderly citizens waiting out their last days. Along with the article below about Singapore's growing underclass of both residents and immigrants from nearby Asian counties, a recent report from Human Rights Watch points out the under-regulated world of amahs (maids) in the otherwise highly regulated country.

Many migrant domestic workers in Singapore face abysmally long working hours, no weekly rest days, and low wages, areas neglected by Singapore's laws and addressed primarily through non-binding information guides. In many cases, migrant domestic workers in Singapore work thirteen to nineteen hours a day, seven days a week, and are restricted from leaving the workplace. They typically earn less than half the pay that workers earn in similar occupations in Singapore, such as gardening and cleaning, and are forced to relinquish the first four to ten months of their salaries to repay employment agency fees. In the worst cases, manipulated by agents or employers or both, migrant domestic workers suffer under conditions amounting to forced labor.

Singaporean officials are now beginning to give these problems serious attention. Authorities have imposed tough punishments on employers who physically abuse or fail to pay their domestic workers. Although increasing numbers of officials are turning their attention toward domestic workers, the problems persist. And while Singapore's applicable laws and regulations offer stronger protections than do those of neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore is still far behind Hong Kong, which includes domestic workers in its main labor laws, protecting their rights to a weekly rest day, a minimum wage, maternity leave, and public holidays. Employers in Hong Kong must also bear most recruitment and placement fees, including the cost of visas, insurance, required medical exams, and round-trip transportation from the worker's hometown.

The Singapore government to date has preferred to rely on market forces rather than laws to regulate key labor issues for domestic workers such as charges imposed by employment agencies, wages, and weekly rest days. As a result, a migrant domestic worker's fate in Singapore is highly variable. She may secure a good employer and labor agent, enjoy favorable working conditions, and earn wages that she saves or regularly sends home. Or she may work for months without pay to settle debts incurred from exorbitant recruitment fees, labor for long hours seven days a week, and confront prohibitions from leaving the workplace. Singaporean authorities need to do more -- through legal reform, enhanced public awareness campaigns, and more consistent law enforcement -- to ensure all workers are protected against abuses and can readily seek redress when necessary.

Human Rights Watch Summary Report on Maids in Singapore

********************

Singapore's Electric New Paper recently posted a shocking story about maid abuse in the country.

SHE punched her head, slapped her with a pair of jeans and a thermometer, beat her with a coconut, and even hit her head with a tomato sauce bottle. Some items like these allegedly used as weapons by housewife. And she allegedly kept abusing her maid. Again and again.

The 28-year-old Yishun housewife apparently could not stop using her maid as a punching bag. Over the course of 10 months, Sazarina Madzin, 28, who lives in Block 241 Yishun Ring Road, allegedly abused her Indonesian maid, Miss Wiwik Setyowati, 80 times.

The alleged incidents of abuse all took place in her Yishun home. The charges against her were of minor causing hurt. But the sheer number of counts was shocking - it took the interpreter a full 30 minutes just to read out the charges to her in court.

She is pleading not guilty to the charges. Whatever the outcome, this is believed to be the highest number of maid abuse charges ever brought against one employer.

The Electric New Paper Link

Singapore's Growing Economic Underclass

Casino Marina Bay Lot for Sale

Visitors to gleaming and ultra-modern Singapore will be surprised to hear that Singapore is a nation splitting itself into the super rich and the economically marginalized underclass. The reasons are the same as what's happening here in California. Mass migration by Mexicans and South Americans have changed the employment landscape where today virtually all blue collar jobs are performed by foreign immigrants who are willing to work at rock-bottom wages. So long, salad days, for carpenters, painters and roofing contractors.

Singapore: A tale of two cities
Asia Times Online
By Fabio Scarpello
Dec 7, 2005

SINGAPORE - To the world, Singapore is a remarkable success story: a former fishing port, the city-state in just 40 years has turned itself into Asia's second-richest country in terms of per capita income. Yet, underneath there's another reality that speaks of a widening wealth gap, with most forced to work long hours to make a living.

"There is a growing gap," said Sinapan Samydoray, chairman of Think Centre, a Singapore-based organization that deals with social issues. "The bottom 20% of the population earns less than 10 years ago in real terms. Almost 87% of the people are staying in government houses. Sixty percent of the people do not pay tax because they earn too little."

Singapore's social divide increased during the economic crisis that hit East Asia in 1997. While the average income of Singaporeans fell by 2.7% in that period, that of the poorest families fell by a staggering 49%, according to a paper by Professor Mukhopadhaya Pundarik of Singapore's National University.

The tougher competition and the shift in economic policy have not affected the country's well-educated and the rich. In fact, the number of millionaires in Singapore is increasing faster than any other country, according to the Merrill Lynch/Capgemini World Wealth Report in 2004. Those with assets of more than US$1 million now number 48,500, an astounding 22.2% more from the previous year.

At the same time, the bottom 60% of the city-state's 4 million inhabitants - who are not as well educated or skilled - face an increased chance of unemployment as well as daily hardship to make ends meet. Singapore's official unemployment rate stands at 3.3%. But, according to a recent Ministry of Manpower labor market report, 66.7% of those still looking for a job six months after having been laid off are people with no more than a secondary education. "Those who are 40 to 50 years old are really struggling. They have no education to handle the new technology," Samydoray said.

Asia Times Onlines Link

Memoirs of a Geisha: Location Shots

Memoirs with Gong Li

The Dec/Jan issue of Budget Travel Online has an interesting story about this year's movies filmed in exotic locations, with links to travel programs and agencies to get you there. Among the top 10 is the forthcoming Memoirs of a Geisha, which was largely filmed in California with just two weeks in Japan, mostly exterior shots of temples in the Kyoto region.

3. Memoirs of a Geisha

Inside the secretive city of Kyoto, there's an even more secretive society. The geisha in question is Sayuri (Ziyi Zhang). As a young girl, she's abruptly removed from her fishing village in Hokkaido and sold to a geisha house in Kyoto. The crux of the story is her training in, and mastering of, the arts of the geisha, under the tutelage of Mameha (Michelle Yeoh).

Shooting in Japan is expensive, so the producers of the long-awaited adaptation (due out December 9) of Arthur Golden's best-selling 1997 novel spent three months scouting locations around the world. Director Rob Marshall certainly had experience making one place sub for another; he shot Chicago in Toronto.

Much of the action in Memoirs of a Geisha takes place at studio soundstages and sets that the crew built outside Los Angeles. For garden scenes, they used the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, near Pasadena. "We did a scene from the baron's cherry blossom viewing party there," says Patty Whitcher, unit production manager (626/405-2100, huntington.org, $15, $6 kids; closed Mondays). The end of the film was shot at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park (415/752-4227, $3.50). The Hokkaido scenes were filmed south of San Francisco in Moss Beach, at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. It has a harbor seal rookery and extensive tide pools (650/728-3584, fitzgeraldreserve.org, free).

The Memoirs crew did go to Japan, packing as much as they could into two weeks. The emphasis was on exteriors, particuarly at temples, which have remained more or less unchanged for centuries. "We spent a magical day at Kiyomizu-dera, a temple on stilts," says Whitcher. All the shots of "epic sunrises" were done there. "What was really neat was seeing all of the elderly people starting their day with sunrise yoga." The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (011-81/75-551-1234, $2.60).

After Sayuri meets the Chairman (Ken Watanabe) and he gives her some coins as a gift, she offers them to the Buddha as thanks. Those scenes were shot at the Yoshimine-dera temple (011-81/75-331-0020). Whitcher learned that people go to specific temples depending on what they want to pray for or whom they'd like to honor. "This temple, at the very top of the Kyoto mountains, was probably the most calming place I've ever been," she says. "So I asked one of the monks what is special about the temple. He said it's where people come to heal their broken hearts."

As readers of Golden's novel learned, Kyoto's most famous geisha neighborhood is Gion. It's one of the prettiest parts of the city, and it still holds its secrets very close. Meeting a geisha is costly and difficult to arrange, but if you walk around Gion early in the evening you may spot them hurrying to their appointments. Gion Corner is a touristy production displaying seven types of traditional Japanese arts, including a dance performed by maiko, or apprentice geisha (011-81/75-561-1119, kyotoguide.com/gion_corner, $24.50). Meanwhile, the International Hotel Kyoto, across from Nijo Castle, hosts free maiko performances in its lounge every evening (011-81/75-222-1111).

Anticipating interest in Kyoto as a result of the movie, Kintetsu International has created a package covering airfare from New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles on American Airlines, five nights at the New Miyako Hotel, transfers, and tours of various landmarks, including Kiyomizu temple. Rates start at $1,229 (800/422-3481, japanforyou.com).

Budget Travel Online Link

Sondhi Campaigns Against Thaksin

Sondhi Campaigns

Sondhi's latest attacks against prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra seem to be conspiracy theories that Thaksin is about to sell off his entire multimedia empire and flee the country for safer environs, as Sondhi slowly mounts the throne. Ain't gonna happen, since both Sondhi and Thaksin are world class fighters and each will take this battle to the end.

“สนธิ” จวก“ทักษิณ”เลือกพัฒนา พท.ฐานเสียง ทรท.ก่อน เป็น “กบฏแบ่งแยกดินแดน” ของจริง ยิ่งกว่าใน 3 จว.ใต้ ชี้ เป็นการเลือกปฏิบัติ ติดนิสัยใช้เงินสั่ง-มีดจี้คอ ผิด รธน.ชัดเจน พร้อมแฉ “ทักษิณ” ไม่รู้ที่ต่ำที่สูงนั่งทำพิธีในวัดพระแก้ว ซ้ำไร้สำนึก ซื้อเครื่องบินประจำตำแหน่งทั้งที่ไม่จำเป็น แต่เครื่องบินพระราชพาหนะที่มีสภาพเก่ากลับถ่วงเรื่องอนุมัติซื้อทีหลัง เผยข้อมูลเด็ด “ตระกูลชินฯ” เตรียมทิ้งหุ้นชินคอร์ปฯ 1 แสนล้าน ส่อแววใช้กลยุทธ์ “ซุนหวู่” หนีกบดานต่างประเทศ

คลิกที่นี่ เพื่อฟัง รายการ เมืองไทยรายสัปดาห์สัญจร ครั้งที่ 7 ช่วงที่ 1
คลิกที่นี่ เพื่อฟัง รายการ เมืองไทยรายสัปดาห์สัญจร ครั้งที่ 7 ช่วงที่ 2
คลิกที่นี่ เพื่อฟัง รายการ เมืองไทยรายสัปดาห์สัญจร ครั้งที่ 7 ช่วงที่ 3 จบ


คลิกชมภาพสไลด์โชว์ บรรยากาศเมืองไทยรายสัปดาห์สัญจร ครั้งที่ 7

Manager Daily Online Link in Thai

The King and his Jazzy Art

Jazz Art by the King of Thailand

The King of Thailand recently celebrated his 79th Birthday with some pomp and circumstance, but also his very important annual Birthday message to the nation, during which he, in typically cryptic form, suggests stuff to the prime minister, the government bureaucracy, the military, critics of the government, and the public in general. It's done in third-party fashion and somewhat tricky to understand, but the underlying message to feuding politicians was: Why Can't We All Get Along?

He also mentioned that Thai royalty is not above criticism and that sensitive and logical criticism of the royal family is welcome. That was the most amazing part of the entire speech to me, and a message I have been hoping for many years. Everyone loves and respects the King, but I sure wish he would get more involved in setting the course for his country as he's got the power and shouldn't be hesitant to use it for the improvement of Thailand.

Otherwise, it's up to Thaksin and Sondhi.

Ugh.

Anyone been to this place mentioned below in Pathum Thani?

The Royal Portfolio
Thai Daily
By Nattha Keenapan
5 December 2005

Where to view the many works of the Supreme Artist

Thai citizens have long known about His Majesty the King's artistic talents, which include painting, sculpture, photography, craftsmanship, music, literature, rhetoric and landscape architecture. While HM the King's works are not commonly shown to the public, at the Supreme Artist Hall in Pathum Thani, built in 1996 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of his coronation, one can actually see HM the King's original paintings and learn more about his various talents in the realm of the humanities.

MUSIC

Part of the third floor of the Supreme Artist Hall was converted to a medium-sized theater hall that houses old books of songs penned by HM the King, as well as a picture of him playing the piano with Her Majesty the Queen. A large projector plays a one-hour documentary about HM the King's musicianship beginning in his younger years. The curator says permission is being sought from the palace to obtain some of HM the King's instruments for public display in this room.

Among all of his artistic talents, music is believed to be his favorite.

A high-ranking royal bodyguard confirmed that HM the King still plays with his band every Sunday, in the late-night hours of 1am to 6am at his summer palace, Klai Kangwon in Hua Hin. When he is in Bangkok, he plays on Fridays and Sundays.

"Henever misses it. He likes music very much," ays the royal bodyguard, who asks that his name not be used.

Thai Day Link

Chiang Mai Expats Club Holiday Party

Mae Hong Son Airport Approach



Mae Hong Son Airport/Air America Movie

This should be the party of the year in northern Thailand if anything like the reports I received from the 2004 blowout: French champagne, caviar flown in that morning from southern Russia, foie gras from Napa Valley, the very finest hookers of Krung Thep, and world-class Pattaya katoeys driven north to CM in Rolls Royce limousines. The cover charge is stiff, but it might be worth that one-yearly total extravaganza.

And everyone is invited: members, visitors, family, tourists, travelers, locals, bar owners, former gang members of Khun Sa, government bigwigs, bored travel writers, media, wannabee media, etc.

Chiangmai Expats Club
Christmas Eve
Buffet Lunch
Family Day

Adults 400 Baht Children 200 Baht
Children under 6 Free

Lucky draw

1200 am 24 December 2005
At the Chiangmai Orchid Hotel
Huay Kaew Rd.

"Menu" click here to see the menu

Pre-payment will be required for catering purposes.

Tickets can be purchased at the Club meetings.

Bookings and enquiries can be made by emailing the Webmaster or contacting a board member.

Note: There is no formal meeting on the 24th December 2005

Chiang Mai Expats Club Newsletter

Message from Mom

George B. Parkes

A short message just arrived from my Mom, with some background on my Dad during World War II.

Dear Kids:

Just a little bit of family history. On December 5, 1943 I was living with my mother in Salt Lake City. George had been sent into combat in about October or November of 1943. As you know he was sent to England with the 8th Air Force. He had to fly 25 bombing missions over Germany and then he could come home. He was the bombardier and his pilot was Bud Palmer. The navigators name was Jack Hickey.

The first bombing mission over Germany proved to be not so good. Their plane was pretty well shot up and Bud was not sure whether he could get the plane back to the landing strip in England. He radioed in and said he was in distress and was told to land on the beach. But he was not able to make to the beach and went down in the English channel not too far from the beach. One crew member was drowned. I recall that George told me about pulling another crew member out of the water and he felt he saved his life. It was December and the water was cold.

For as many years as I can remember - right up to the last two or three years of George's life when December 5th rolled around George would always remark to me - today is a very important anniversary for me". He never ever forgot the incident. He completed the other 24 missions and was able to come home.

Believe it or not I have a clipping from the Salt Lake Tribune with a little story about the crew going down in the English channel. There is a picture of Lt George B Parkes. I found the clipping this morning along with some of the letters he wrote to me while he was in combat.

Just thought you would like to know.

Media Freedoms in Southeast Asia

Kampot, Cambodia

The level of press freedoms and individual liberties in Southeast Asia varies year by year, decade by decade, and country by country. No one can put a hard and fast label on where each country exists in this ever changing cycle, though the last few years have not been kind to Thailand, subject to the media machinations of Prime Minister Thaksin. Media controls and repression have slowly been increasing in Cambodia and Indonesia, as both ruling governments believe it is worth the risks to clamp down on an independent media.

First, from Cambodia:

UN envoy sounds Cambodia alarm
By Guy De Launey
BBC News
Phnom Penh

Mr Ghai has spent a week in the country. The new UN human rights envoy to Cambodia has said it is time to worry about the situation in the country. In recent weeks, two government critics have been arrested and jailed, and several others fled the country after they were named in arrest warrants. The EU has formally asked the government to release the two men in jail as well as an opposition MP jailed for attempting to raise an army.

Although he is from Kenya, UN envoy Yash Ghai is no stranger to Cambodia. He was involved with drafting the Cambodian constitution 12 years ago. Now he is concerned the rights enshrined in that document are being eroded. He says there are two opposing groups in Cambodia - those who think human rights are the cause of all problems, and those who think they are the only answer.

The envoy believes this is causing deep divisions in Cambodian society. He says there has been a steady attrition in human rights protection and democratic practise which has come to a boil in recent weeks. It is a trend he would like to reverse:

"The government here seems to think that human rights are a nuisance. I am hoping that in my time here, I can persuade the government of the value of human rights. For the government itself, it gives them legitimacy, values - instruments with which to bring people together.

During his visit Yash Ghai met the three opposition figures who are currently in prison. He believes that all of them should be released, and that the criminal defamation charges against two of the men are highly suspect and unconstitutional. The European Parliament has passed a resolution calling for a delegation to visit Cambodia to examine the human rights situation. A Cambodian government spokesman said they would be welcome as long as they did not interfere in the country's efforts to fight terrorism.

BBC Link

********************

And now news about the slow but steady crackdown on broadcast media in Indonesia, as reported in today's Jakarta Post. Reminder: Link to soon be behind a subscriber firewall.

Information again under the control of government
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta
Dec 6, 2005

One may have seen it coming. Perhaps not glaringly conspicuous, but the signs where there for a return to the situation where information would be controlled and restricted by the government.

The first sign was the return of the information ministry as a portfolio ministry early this year, which was met with concern that it would operate like the information ministry during the authoritarian regime of former president Soeharto, who was ousted in 1998.

The Information Ministry during the New Order regime practically controlled all the country's media, and it had sole power to grant and revoke licenses and was thus able to meddle in editorial processes.

The second sign was the ministry's ban on all broadcasters from going to air from midnight to dawn, using the excuse of conserving energy amid ballooning global oil prices.

Criticism of this move was quick, including from the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI). However, the protests quickly dissipated.

The third sign was the controversial four sets of government regulations issued recently by the ministry to provide technical implementation of Law No. 32/2002 on broadcasting.

The four are government regulations No. 49/2005 on foreign broadcasters, No. 50/2005 on private broadcasters, No. 51/2005 on community broadcasters and No. 52/2005 on subscription-based broadcasters.

Not only did the ministry grace itself with the final say on licensing issues, but it also put boundaries on content -- a clear violation of the broadcasting law, according to experts.

Among them is the prohibition on private broadcasters to relay regular news programs from foreign broadcasters, thus limiting sources of information to the public.

Old habits die hard, media analyst Hinca Panjaitan said, referring to the irresistible desire by those in power to control the information received by the public.

"All the fears about the ministry are turning into reality. The media is supposed to control the government, but how is it supposed to do so when its life lies in a minister's hands?" he said.

Hinca said the four regulations constituted clear evidence of tight restrictions that were not supposed to be applied in a democracy, where freedom of information is constitutionally guaranteed.

Asked if the government seemed to be wayward on this issue, Hinca said the government was hiding behind the judicial review process. "I suppose they knew criticism would come, but they just want to control. They knew a judicial review would be filed, but they knew it would take years for a verdict to be handed down," he said.

Information minister Sofyan Djalil had said, "Let (critics) file a judicial review, but these regulations will remain in force until there is a verdict". Unlike a judicial review at the Constitutional Court, a review by the Supreme Court has no maximum period before a verdict has to be handed down. "We'll probably be having another general election, but the judicial review will still be undecided," said Hinca.

Nonetheless, Hinca said a group of media observers were now drafting documents to file a judicial review against the "repressive regulations". The KPI filed a judicial review on the previous regulations to the Supreme Court in July, but it remains unclear when a verdict would be delivered.

Jakarta Post Link

Press Freedoms in Singapore

Singapore Media



Investigative Reporting by Singapore Media

Few Singaporeans object the biased coverage so common in their newspapers, aside from a few complainers such as Jacob George, but then he's a veteran of the Think Centre.

Keep in mind when reading this post that the local media is controlled/influenced by the ruling PAP government thus making the media hopelessly bias. Especially when reporting on domestic politics and on issues such as the death penalty. Ruling party MPs, Ministers, their supporters, etc, are almost always presented in the best light. Opposition political parties and their members get the worst of it from the local media followed by political/human rights NGOs/Individuals.

Chee Soon Juan, secretary-general of the Singapore Democratic Party, has been a favourite target for the local media. To put it bluntly, the media always presents him as a nutcase whose out to do harm to Singapore. Of course, the truth is far from it but the local media isn't really bothered with that.

The latest example of this "smear campaign" has got to do with the death penalty.

In it's letters section of 24 November 2005, the TODAY paper had this sensational headline, Dr Chee's actions "a shame", accompanied by a photo of Chee with the caption An Embarrassment?.... along with two letters from the public lambasting Chee. (The two letters are here and here)

And it continued the next day on 25 November 2005, in the same section, with the headline Was Dr Chee out of line? but this time with the additional A debate on who is really pro-Singapore followed by three letters from the public. (The three letters are here)

Jacob George Link

The Executioner of Singapore

Darshan Singh: Professional Executioner

I guess it's a job and man has gotta do what a man has gotta do, but executing over 400 people has got to be a tough job, psychologically.

Darshan recently went public with his long-running job as chief hangman in Singapore and has perhaps been sacked for his comments to the press. Who killed Van last Friday morning? Still not clear, but rumors were flying at execution time that a substitute was being flown into Singapore.

Saturday Quiz: Mystery Fish

Mystery Fish

My guess is that strange fish is one of those prehistoric creatures that combined the outlines of a fish but with the head of a crocodile. Others say squid. Do read the over-100 comments for the highly imaginative speculations.

Is there a Cryptomundo reader out there that can help? The men in the picture look like military servicemen. The surroundings look like this photograph was taken on a beach or island. The fish appears to be about six feet long (notice the yard or meter stick lying next to it). But where are the fins on this cryptid (or even a tail)? What is it?

Added note: There is nothing on the back of this postcard, except it should be noted that the "Place Stamp Here" box is formed by the letters AZO, which according to the comments below date this card. All the AZO triangles are pointing upward, thus indicating a date for this postcard of 1904-18. It was contributed by a reader (Ms. Phyllis Mancz of Ohio) of Loren’s Cryptozoo News blog at Cryptomundo.

Loren's Crypto Mundo Link

Sultan of Brunei Airplane

Sultan of Brunei Airplane



Coach Class Corridor



Sleeper



Solid Gold Sink

I generally fly coach class from San Francisco over to Southeast Asia, but would accept free passage with the Sultan of Brunei to attend any of his fabled parties, or hang with his sons who have great abilities to spend all that oil and natural gas money on wine, women and song. Brunei: Islamic Party Capital of Southeast Asia.

This Airbus 340 aircraft was "remodeled" in Waco . Yes, the sinks are solid gold and one of them is Lalique crystal. The Sultan bought the aircraft for roughly $100M; had it flown to Waco, brand-new, had the interior completely removed; and had the folks at E-Systems (now Raytheon) install $120M worth of improvements inside and outside.

Link

The Singapore Execution of Nguyen Van

Nguyen Van's Mother

Capital punishment is wrong. Diary of a Lucy Singaporean looks at the final moments.

Singapore makes MAJOR concession in Nguyen case!

Singapore buckled under pressure and allowed Nguyen's mom to hold his hand a day before his execution!!!

Boy this is serious. How can we make a concession of such magnitude. Just because Australia allow our troops to train there we allow rules in Singapore to be broken?! How can this happen?! No Singaporean death row prisoner has been allowed physical contact how can we make an EXCEPTION. This is Singapore, we cannot afford this type of things to happen, it will destroy us in the long run and ruin our way of life. Our civil service elite should have insisted that his mom wear gloves so there will be 'technically no contact'.

The PAP has told us that we in Singapore should not condone the breaking of rules - that was why Nguyen has to be hanged in the first place. If you forget to insert your cashcard passing through the ERP, you get fined. If you fail to pay your fine because your mother is sick and need the money for medical bills, you go to jail. If you can't afford to pay your daughter's school fees, you will be denied her PSLE results. Fill out one line in a form wrongly and you are not allowed to stand for election (James Gomez incident).

Singapore govt has always applied rules consistent and diligently, we cannot allow EXCEPTIONS to destroy us. NEVER. There should be a board of inquiry convened for this hand holding incident.

Diary of a Lucky Singaporean Link

ABC Link

Taipei 101 and Earthquakes

Tower of Chinese Take-Out Boxes



Skyscraper Diagram



Skyscraper Diagram

Build the tallest building in the world and then find out it might actually be causing earthquakes. Those poor Taiwanese. First, they read Stillwell and the American Experience in China, and discover that Chiang Kai Shek and his lovely wife were not all they were cracked up to be. Then it's 40 years of dictatorship under the iron rule of the Kuomintang. And now, the world's tallest skyscraper might be causing earthquakes?

It's just too much. The Taiwanese are fine people and they've got that grand museum with all the precious Chinese artifacts looted from mainland China, and that great failed hotel up on the hill, and a wonderful weekend market under some freeway, and a 7-11 every 20 meters in Taipei, and Taroko Gorge where cell phone reception is absolutely perfect in a marble canyon (I checked it out). So what's not to love?

Expert: Taiwan Skyscraper May Cause Quakes
Dec 3, 7:02 AM (ET)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - The weight of the world's tallest skyscraper - specially built to withstand Taiwan's frequent earthquakes - could be causing a rise in the number of tremors beneath it, a professor from the island wrote in a scientific journal. Lin Cheng-horng, an earthquake specialist at the National Taiwan Normal University in the capital, Taipei, says the 1,679-foot Taipei 101 building - named for the number of floors - might rest on an earthquake fault line.

In the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters, Lin wrote that the pressure of the building's 700,000 tons on the ground may be leading to increased seismic activity. The tremors "could be a direct result of the loading of the mega-structure," said an abstract of Lin's article, published on the American Geophysical Union's Web site.

However, Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau said on Friday that the one year since the building's completion was too short a time in which to evaluate its effect on tremors. Taipei 101, which looks like a giant steel-and-glass bamboo shoot, is equipped with a 733-ton ball suspended near the top that moves to counter the force of earthquakes or strong winds. Earthquakes are frequent in Taiwan. Most cause no casualties or damage, but in September 1999 a magnitude 7.6 quake in central Taiwan killed more than 2,300 people.

Link

Chiang Mai Night Safari "Exotic Buffet" Canned

Dinner at the Chiang Mai Night Safari?

The idiotic Thai responsible for dreaming up the "exotic menu" at the Chiang Mai Night Safari has reluctantly agreed to drop the idea, after being criticized by every animal rights organization in the world. Of course, he claims his innocence and blames all his problems on the West. Plodprasop, dude, you need to dig yourself a hole somewhere and just go away for the rest of your life.

Thai Safari Pulls Elephant Meat From Menu
By Associated Press
Dec 3, 2005

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Visitors to a night safari in northern Thailand won't get to taste exotic animal meats as previously planned because the wildlife dishes sparked a storm of criticism and have been taken off the zoo menu, the project's director said Monday.

The Chiang Mai Night Safari Zoo announced last week an "Exotic Buffet" for VIP guests at its grand opening next year, which was to include tiger, lion, elephant and giraffe. But now only farm-raised alligator and ostrich will be served at the night safari, project director Plodprasop Suraswadi said in a statement.

"Any animal that is on display (at the zoo) will not be on the menu because it will cause confusion and misunderstanding about the intentions of the Chiang Mai Night Safari," Plodprasop said.

Critics last week lambasted the idea, saying it would encourage wildlife trafficking in a country and region already notorious for smuggling tiger parts, bear claws and endangered species for Chinese delicacies, traditional medicines and pets.

Plodprasop angrily lashed out at his "rude and judgmental" critics in his statement, telling international wildlife groups to look first at their own countries. "Don't look down upon the Thai people. It was the Westerners themselves who started hunting wildlife -- elephants and tigers in India," he said.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or Peta, thanked Plodprasop for rethinking the plan to "butcher and serve" the animals he claims to protect, but called on him to now reconsider the importation of animals from Kenya.

Kenya said earlier this month it will give Thailand 175 wild animals -- including African buffalo, various species of antelope, zebra and giraffe -- as a gift to strengthen relations. But conservationists voiced concern that Thailand doesn't have a good track record of wildlife management and conservation.

"One has to wonder how long before the zoo 'rethinks' its position yet again, and each individual animal being exhibited ends up being sauteed, baked or barbecued," Jason Baker, director of Peta Asia-Pacific, said in a statement.

"The only responsible action would be to stop treating animals as commodities to be bought, sold and traded, to cease building amusement attractions that exploit animals, but instead focus on protecting and promoting animals in the wild," Baker said.

The Morning Call Online Link

Banned in Bangkok

Not Banned in Bangkok

The Thai government is fairly loose when it comes to banning the media, especially when compared to other nearby countries such as Singapore and Burma. Porn and insults against the royal family are certainly taboo, but political satire and books about the nightlife of Bangkok are generally acceptable to government censors.

So it was surprising when the government nannies on morality recently complained about the content of a travel guide to Bangkok. Yes, an opinionated guide to the earthier sides of Bangkok has been criticized by the government. Bookstores have been intimidated and are now afraid to stock the book.

Here's a press release from the two co-authors of Bangkok Inside Out:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Authors respond to the recent banning
in Thailand of their book, Bangkok Inside Out
Dec 1, 2005

We are surprised and deeply saddened by the sudden focus in the Thai press and by the Thai Ministry of Culture on our book, “Bangkok Inside Out”. For the past 10 months it has sat prominently on the shelves of bookshops across Thailand and overseas, has sold briskly and has earned rave reviews from numerous respected publications such as the Asian Wall Street Journal and Thailand’s The Nation and Bangkok Post.

On November 22, Thailand’s prominent daily newspaper Kom Chad Luek ran a front page story quoting a senior Thai government official, Ms Ladda Tangsuphachai, Director of Cultural Monitoring at the Thai Ministry of Culture, alleging that Bangkok Inside Out taints the image of Thailand and its people. The article states that our book “discusses negative subjects such as fake goods, gambling, gay performances, touts and scams, and places such as Patpong, Nana, and Khaosan Road,” and singles out a photograph that shows a bar girl on a farang's (foreigner's) lap. Ms Ladda is quoted as saying that “According to the Constitution, the press has freedom to publish. So, all we can do is to take the problematic books off the shelf.”

Ms Ladda submitted our book to the Royal Thai Police for further investigation and has asked them to consider whether there is a case for legal action against us. Kom Chad Luek has continued running followup stories on our book and on ‘critical foreigners’ in general.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Inside Out has de facto been banned in Thailand, yet we have not received any notice from the authorities to this effect. Asia Books and Bookazine, the two largest English-language book chains in Thailand, have removed our books from their shelves after being informed that anyone caught selling our book was subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.

Bangkok Inside Out has clearly been misunderstood. It oozes enthusiasm for Bangkok and Thailand, and repeatedly encourages readers to visit and explore the city. It depicts Bangkok as a hip, trendy place that has shed much of its seedier side and become far more attractive and cosmopolitan than most other travel books suggest.

What mystifies us is that bookshops in Thailand are packed with publications devoted in their entirety to bar girls and prostitution. Our book - for all its humor and playful banter - is consistently respectful and thoughtful towards the Thai people and their culture, and written out of almost unconditional admiration.

.....

We kindly ask the Thai Ministry of Culture to formally advise us about specific sections of our book that they consider direct insults to Thai culture or the Thai people, so that we can understand their concerns and consider revising such sections for subsequent editions. Meanwhile, we respectfully request the Thai government to allow the sale of our book in Thailand, and to ensure that bookshops in Thailand cease to be discouraged, officially or otherwise, from carrying Bangkok Inside Out.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank our many Thai friends – journalists, businessmen, academics, students and neighbors - who have expressed their strong support for us and for our book.

Daniel Ziv & Guy Sharett
Authors, Bangkok Inside Out

For further book information, excerpts and full media reviews, please see publisher link to Bangkok Inside Out:

Equinox Publishing Link to Bangkok Inside Out

To contact authors, please email:
Daniel: javadanziv@gmail.com
Guy: guysha@gmail.com

Equinox Publishing PDF Link

Rolf Potts Interviews Robert Young Pelton

Robert Young Pelton

A few weeks ago I attended the Adventures in Travel Expo at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, and was pleased to listen to several lectures by famous travel writers such as Kira Salak and Robert Young Pelton. I've been reading Pelton for many years and had previously met him at the Book Expo in Los Angeles in 1994, soon after he had taken over the corpse of Fielding's and was cranking out books at a furious pace. I purchased his guide to Borneo, which turned out to be the biggest piece of crap in the world.

He has improved mightily over the years I think, in large part due to the efforts of his editors. His monthly column in National Geographic Traveler is always a hoot.

But the most impressive part of the lecture was his photography: stark, black-and-white images of war zones around the world. I was amazed, since I only knew him as a writer, though his real talents lie in his superb photography.

Rolf Potts has just posted an interview with Pelton, filled with Pelton's pithy and devastating opinions about the craft of travel writing.

How did you get started traveling?

I lived in a car when I was 16. I couldn't afford an apartment but I could afford $150 for a tired pink 1962 Rambler Classic Cross Country. Living in a car is called being homeless, but when you drive around and pick fruit for a living it's called traveling.

As a traveler and fact/story gatherer, what is your biggest challenge on the road?

I travel mostly in active war zones with insurgents, rebels and people who kill other people for a living. Gaining their trust and staying alive are probably the two most critical skills.

Have you ever done other work to make ends meet?

I am multi-hypen these days: Adventurer, filmmaker, businessman, author, writer, director, lecturer, columnist, host, explorer, executive producer, photographer, pundit, vagrant and student of life. In my past life I have been a lumberjack, blaster, boundary cutter, ad spokesman, copywriter, hostage, marketing guru, hardware store manager, and bounty hunter. Lets just say I get bored easily, and writing is a broad enough excuse to do something interesting, get into trouble, and see what happens.

What advice and/or warnings would you give to someone who is considering going into travel writing?

Don't. It's like the label "war correspondent". You either write or you don't. My advice to people who aspire to be me is to stop whining and just do it. Everything falls into place once you begin the process. If it doesn't, there is always Wal Mart. Just write and use it as your passport to learning about the world.

Rolf Potts Link

Thailand Reading List

Loy Kratong Play in Pattaya

Did you know that Fodor's has a chat site about Asia? It's highly entertaining and well worth a look a few times each month, although most of the participants are Fodor's level so the talk is mostly about upscale hotels and restaurants. Oh dear, where to stay in Bangkok.....the Oriental, Shangri-La or the newish Peninsula over in Thonburi? You can read the postings as a non-member, but it's worthwhile to sign up for free membership and throw in your valued opinions.

Here's a post about a possible Thailand reading list:

Author: glorialf
Date: 11/30/2005, 09:01 am

During my 20 year obsession with thailand and asia I've done a huge amount of reading. Here's the start of a reading list of fiction and non fiction that might interest those of you who want to learn more than what you can find in guide books. There are more which I will add to this thread when I find them in my library so I can give the exact name. Will do lists for vietnam, cambodia, inda, burma and china when I find the time. I've ** those that I especially recommend (which is most of them).

And, yes, I have read them all. Happy Reading!

Fiction

**(Four Reigns by Kukrit Pramoj -- if you read only one book this should be the one.
**Bangkok 8
** Bangkok Tattoo
**The Secret Agent - Francine Matthews-- a junk novel but fun -- based on the Jim Thompson story
** Kingdom of Make Believe -- Dean Barrett
The Occidentals -- James Eastgate
**Mrs. Pollifax in the Golden Triangle -- Dorothy Gilman
Monsoon Country - Sudham
** Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior by Dean Barrett
Skytrain to Murder - Dean Barrett
**Siam -- Lily Tuck -- also uses the Thompson mystery but in a beautifully written way. This was a very well reviewed book a few years ago.
**Lioness in Bloom -- Susan Fulop Kepner -- a wonderful collection of short stories by thai writers
Thai Amulet - Lyn Hamilton
Thai Horse -- William Diehl
**Letters from Home (fabulous book translated by Susan Fulop Kepner)
** The seal of Tammatari by J.C. Shaw (a Brit who lives in Chiang Mai)For anyone interested in Chiang Mai
** Behind the Painting by Siburapha-- stories by Thai writer
Mystery of the Emerald Buddha by Covanne
**The Enchantress by Suyin -- very dense but deals with the ayutthya period
** Ramayana by J.C. Shaw
Many Lives by Pramoj

Non-fiction

**Mai Pen Rai by Carol Holliger -- am American who spends a year in Bangkok. Wonderful book. Must read
** History of thailand by David Wyatt who is the real expert on the country. Best history of the country
Boom and Bust by Chris Baker
History of Thailand by Chris Baker
Thailand's Boom by Chris Baker
** Thailand the Last Domino by West
Bangkok Journal by Garrett
**The Balancing Act: A history of Modern Thailand
** Kingdon of the Yellow Robe - Young
** Bangkok Secret by Anthony Grey -- this is a wonderful novel but hard to find. It's banned in Thailand. Deals with the mysterious death (murder) of the former king and current king's brother
** A Physician in the court of Siam
** Bangkok by Alec Waugh
** Studies in Thai History by David Wyatt
** Siam Becomes Thailand by Judith Stowe
** Wandering into Thai Culture -Redmond
** Temples and Elephants - Bock
** Thailand: Buddhist Kingdom as Modern Nation State by Charles Keyes
** Peoples of the Golden Triangle by Paul and Elaine Lewis-- a must for anyone interested in hilltribes
** Meet the Akhas -Goodman
** History of the Hmong People by Quincy
Borderlines by Charles Nicholl
** Revolutionary King by William Stephenson -- a fascinating biography of the current king
** Burmese Looking Glass by Edith Mirante -- really about Burma but also deals with the thai border areas and the refugee situation there.

Note: Dean Barrett has two new books out, so do see his website:

Dean Barrett Books

Fodor's Asia Chat Link

Philippines Adventure Race

Bantayan Island

Attention all backpackers and travelers currently in the Philippines. The following message just dropped into my In Box, announcing what sounds like a very fun way to explore the country and perhaps pick up some spare change.

Philippine Department of Tourism
447 Sutter Street, Ste. 507 San Francisco, CA 94108
Tel No. 415 9564060
Fax No. 415 9562093
Email-pdotsf@aol.com

www.wowphilippines.com.ph

-----------------------------------

PDOTSF–0077-05
01 December 2005
The Philippines’ Island Paradise Adventure Race II (IPAR-2) Is On

If you are 18 years old and above, competitive, and physically and mentally fit for a nine-day back-breaking race from Manila to exotic places in Southern Luzon and the Visayas, here’s your chance to put yourself to a test and win PHP 1-million (US$ 18,500) this Christmas.

According to DOT Undersecretary Oscar P. Palabyab, Chairman of the Island Paradise Adventure Race, the Department has finalized the details for the Visayas leg of the race (IPAR-2), slated on December 10-18, 2005.

Designed for “backpackers” and travel enthusiasts, the race will highlight the culture, traditions, and tourism spots of the different regions, featuring activities such as trail running sections, trekking, paddling, traditional games and a few other surprises.

This second run of IPAR is a follow-up of IPAR-1 held last May, which featured motorcar adventure racers who traveled through several tourist spots in Northern Luzon.

In a bid to open IPAR to more adventure enthusiasts, the DOT decided to make IPAR-2 a race of two-man teams, who will use public utility vehicles such as RO-ROs (Roll On Roll Off ferry boats), jeepneys, buses, and tricycles to reach their designated destinations. They will be required to hurdle challenges in mandatory checkpoints and sections in Laguna, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental and Oriental, Bohol and Cebu.

The race course shall consist of several stages or control points between the start of the race. Or race leg, and pit stop. Each leg, which is equivalent to one day, shall have a flag off and finish line at the pit stop. The overall scores for the teams shall be determined by the accumulated time throughout the whole race.

At stake are cash prizes of PHP 1-million (US$18,500) top prize for the winner; P300,000 (US$ 5,600) and P100,000 (US$ 1,900) for the second and third placers, respectively.

The registration for IPAR-2 is still open. Entry forms are available at the DOT offices. For inquiries, call (011 632) 524-1997 or (011 63928) 797-7904. Interested parties can also visit http://www.wowpinoy.net or e-mail ipar_dot@yahoo.com.

Race Details Link