#mekong stories

[glisiccc10100]

so, i've got a lot of content with my new character, which i ordered as a custom, so i’m urgently starting an acquaintance. this character means a lot to me, i sublimated a lot of my insides here, so i hope for a warm welcome for him from you, my viewers.

⬆️ here's art that i've got as a custom design and the other sketches are mine.

the man’s name is Mekong, he is a humanoid, i can even say, a monster, that lives in the capital hex in a spacious apartment with his two sons. works, most likely, together with all the characters in the company, but is not an agent, just an office worker.

his character will be difficult to describe... at first glance, an ordinary sociable, hardworking, polite and decent citizen, always ready to lend a helping hand. most of this is true, but in reality Mekong is psychopathic and cynical person, with low empathy, delusions of control, good at pretending to be “normal”, even rather “ideal”. in his head there is another world, unexplored and invisible to anyone except him, a world that he has learned to hide from others eyes.

on the last pictures – his youngest son, still unnamed (options are welcome in the comments). their relationship is normal, in some cases even good, as much as possible with a psychopathic father. the boy adapted well to his father’s strictness and other conditions, which cannot be said about the second child, but more on that later.

[thraenhart]

@destinationmekong Destination Mekong, the private-sector-led regional tourism board that champions the Greater Mekong Subregion as a single sustainable tourism destination, has launched its first Mekong Stories book (www.MekongStories.com): Over a year in the making. A very proud moment. Changing the paradigm to promote Destination Mekong via authentic storytelling by making small businesses and social enterprises the true heroes that make the destination the destination. Download your personal copy and get inspired at: https://mekongstories.com/download/ More information: https://www.destinationmekong.com/2022/09/14/destination-mekong-publishes-first-mekong-stories-book/ Thank you to everybody that contributed to this passion project, who took the vision and made it become reality. #travelinspiration #storytelling #tourismstories #book #mekongstories #mekong #sustainabletourism #tourism #stories #destination https://www.instagram.com/p/CikI5PeOj2y/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[blue-grama]

The Sign finale probably should have disappointed me, but... didn't?

It's been a heck of a run lately with Thai BLs that haven't quite stuck the landing, and it's got me pondering why The Sign worked for me despite sometimes feeling like a storyboard for a longer, better show.

I don't think they pulled off the emotional payoff they needed, despite that last reunion scene being so pretty and well-acted, simply because too much happened offscreen, from Khem's recovery from a gunshot wound to the entire multlifetime Tharn/Chalothon dynamic getting resolved without us seeing any of it. But somehow I wasn't that mad about it? And ultimately I think it's because this show did so many things well and so many things I'd love to see more of that I'm just like, yep, I enjoyed that ride sirs, please show me something this gorgeous again. In that sense it's joining something like Manner of Death or Kinnporsche where it's like, plot holes? Yes. Bizarre tonal shifts? Absolutely. Occasionally insane writing choices? Uh-huh. Love it anyway? You betcha. So here's what really, really worked for me:

Premise

I am always going to be onboard with QL that isn't solely coming-of-age or coming out. I'm not against those stories, of course, but give me gay romance with adult characters who know themselves and are doing adult things. I'm also a partisan for romances with high external stakes, so the mixture of crime and reincarnation was catnip to me.

Do I care that none of this training makes any sense? No.

2. Setting

Listen. Is The Sign the reason I have a document on my laptop titled "Imaginary trip to Thailand without ever seeing a beach?" Not exactly. But it's also not not the reason.

I am being willingly manipulated by the Thai Tourism Authority.

Kidding, kidding, but I do love when my Thai shows feel Thai or my Korean shows feel Korean, etc etc. I want to be driven to Wikipedia to learn more! Half the fun of watching stuff from not your own country.

3. Chemistry

I think @biochemjess covered what was underwritten about the romance in The Sign. Billy and Babe carried it on their backs and it was hard to dislike their romance, even when the series skipped over key beats.

Any time the pink lighting came out, you were gonna be in for a good time.

4. The camerawork

I don't know enough about film to speak intelligently about this, but the camerawork and aesthetics of this show were just so lovely to watch. It was really doing a lot. @chaos0pikachu wrote about it better than I ever could.

LOVED THIS. LOVED IT. So good.

We had some really lovely storytelling and visual parallels, too, like the first episode and finale both having a big action warehouse scene, or the multiple times that Phaya and Tharn ended up overlooking the Mekong river.

5. It was always kinda off the rails

I know some people felt this show started out with a strong premise and didn't live up to it, but I gotta say, I didn't have that experience. It was always kinda a bonkers watch for me. There were long training montages, random bodies in the shallows, missing genitals, extended performance art, that comedy flashback to Khem and Thongthai's college years... I never knew what I was going to get each Saturday. And I kind of loved that? I'm into unhinged. I was comparing this in my head to Last Twilight, which did disappoint me in the end, and I think it's because Last Twilight was NOT always bonkers and DID set itself up to tell a straighforward story, then dropped the ideas it had been juggling in the last episode. The Sign always felt chaotic to me, so a chaotic ending was par for the course. This is where I'd compare it to KinnPorsche, which had the weirdest fucking ending, but like, okay??? Why not!

End result? I see the flaws, but I'm giving this show tender forehead kisses anyway. Here's hoping for more like it.

[lurkingshan]

Hi! I love reading your opinions and I have just started The Sign. What are your opinions on the show and what route are you hoping it would take for the second half of the show? Take care and happy new year!

Hello anon! You picked such an interesting moment to send this ask. We’re halfway through the show and I think its strengths and weaknesses have become fairly clear. Let's talk about it!

Strength: The Chemistry

I think this is the thing that had all the girlies losing it right out of the gate: Phaya and Tharn are hot and their interactions are hotter. The pull and chemistry between them is palpable and the set up for their romance is compelling. Kudos to whoever found Babe and decided to pair him with Billy: you, sir or madam, are incredible at your job and deserve a fruit basket. We are all dying for these two to finally fuck.

Weakness: The Pacing

Which is why it's kind of frustrating that the show is dragging its feet on letting their relationship advance. The first four eps were delicious tension-building, but as the show starts to stall and use dream sequence fakeouts to provide smut without actual relationship development, the audience is clearly getting antsy. The show's pacing is all over the place in general, with wildly varied episode lengths and inconsistent action and plot advancement from week to week. And the desire to drag out the romance without a compelling alternative plot to fill the show in its absence is causing some damage to the characters, most notably Tharn, who is just starting to seem unreasonably antagonistic to a person we know he likes, not to mention unperceptive in his continued inability to notice what is going on around him.

Strength: Production Values

This show is absolutely gorgeous; you can tell most of the money went into making every frame of it beautiful. The strength of the production values and hard work of the crew to create the look and feel of the world was evident from the first episode with all those beautiful training sequences on the beach. And this is used to particularly strong effect whenever we visit Phaya and Tharn's past lives and see the magical world that exists around them come to life.

Strength: The Supporting Cast

The show also has a great ensemble, with Yai especially a standout character who brings a lot of fun to the show, along with his girlfriend Sand and the police squad bros. This is not surprising, as big, messy, chaotic, endearing queer friend groups are an IdolFactory staple. As of last week, we officially have a lesbian side pairing! Tharn and Phaya also have interesting family histories with sweet grandmas and loved ones who lend depth to their characterization.

Weakness: The Copaganda

It was perhaps too much to expect that this bl about cops would have a more sophisticated perspective on law enforcement, institutional corruption, and the so-called "justice" system, but that does not stop me from groaning out loud every time they pause the story to let these characters wax poetic about the nobility of their jobs.

Strength: Thai Folklore

This show is teaching all of us some things about real Thai folklore about the garuda and nara, including local customs associated with celebrating these tales, and the depiction of these stories in the show is just beautiful. Despite it basically being a tourism advert (complete with couple shirts for no reason??), I really enjoyed the episode that took us to Nong Khai and the Mekong River to see how modern Thai folks interpret and celebrate the myths at the center of this show’s story and ground us in something real.

Weakness: An Underdeveloped Take on Toxic Masculinity

This show uses violence quite a lot in its story, including violence in interpersonal dynamics, and it sometimes seems to want us to be alarmed by uncontrolled male anger, and sometimes impressed by it. At this point, Tharn and Phaya have both struck each other in anger during personal disagreements, and there hasn't been any real reckoning with the fallout of that. On top of that, the show has given us some crime cases that highlight the harm of toxic masculinity while also seeming to glorify and revel in it, most notably in the framing of a man who kidnapped and retraumatized sexual assault victims as a hunky folk hero. It's a confused take, to say the least, and I'm not sure the show has the depth and precision necessary in the writing to take on some of what it's throwing at the wall.

Strength: Villains

All I can say is Heng was born to play an evil snake god. The show has done a good job at making him feel like a real threat and building the antagonism between him and Phaya to the point where Phaya has been isolated from support and made to look crazy in front of Tharn. Dr. Slow Motion is very good at this.

So, what's the TL; DR? This show is a lot of fun, but has some obvious weaknesses in the writing, so do your best not to take it too seriously if you can. I am ready to see Phaya and Tharn get together and finally start working as a team, for the full backstory and epic battle they are waging to come out, and for the motivations of the rest of the cast of characters to become clear (I just know there are some additional past life reincarnations waiting to be revealed). It's a great time if you don't think about it too hard, and I really hope the back half will pick up the pace so that we can all just enjoy the ride.

[wachinyeya]

A color-changing lizard, a thick-thumbed bat, a venomous snake named after a Chinese mythological goddess, an orchid that looks like a Muppet, and a tree frog with skin that resembles thick moss are just five of the 380 new species described by scientists in the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia in 2021 and 2022, according to a new WWF report.

The report documents the work of hundreds of scientists from universities, conservation organizations, and research institutes around the world who discovered 290 plants, 19 fishes, 24 amphibians, 46 reptiles, and one mammal in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. This brings the total number of vascular plants, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals described in the Greater Mekong region since 1997 to 3,389.

[saraphusq-art]

OC: Chan | ຈັນ

City(mueng) spirit of Viang Chan (Vientiane), long-time Capital of Lan Xang.

He has a long story of struggle and battle. But now try to live his life peacefully beside Mekong river XD

[lil-tachyon]

For the last couple years I've been keeping a handwritten list of good horror stories I've read. I guess the most recommendable ones are The Music of Erich Zann by Lovecraft, The Stolen Body by Wells, Mimic by Wollheim, The Thing in the Weeds by Hodgson, Cyclops by Leiber, The Screaming Man by Beaumont, and The Open Window by Saki. I might type up and post the whole list on my blog after I've done some more reading (my list of things I still need to read grows much faster than the other list).

Including your other suggestions so I can tackle them all in one post.

I wasn't sure I was going to get to all these but I ended up being kinda knocked out by a nasty cold this week and had time to lay up in bed reading through all of them. Which was an absolute pleasure! Thank you for putting this list together. For fun I thought I'd do a mini-review of each story.

For context, I'm the kind of guy that's read probably every H. P. Lovecraft or Clark Ashton Smith story ever published. I had devoured most of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells by the time I was 14. What I'm trying to say is that I'm already a nerd pre-disposed to loving any Weird Fiction or early sci-fi/horror. If that kind of stuff isn't your speed, then adjust your expectations accordingly.

Also SPOILERS AHEAD for 50-100+ year old short stories.

"The Music of Erich Zann" - H. P. Lovecraft - 1921: This was always going to get a recommendation from me, I just enjoy Lovecraft too much. I'm glad I re-read it though, it had been a while and I think this might be one of my favorite of his stories now. The thing that stood out to me this time around was the exploration of the relationship between Zann and the anonymous protagonist. Feels uncharacteristic of a Lovecraft story to focus so much on the interactions between two human characters and it's done with a fair bit of depth. Bonus: no Lovecraftian racism in this story! Also check out this thrash/prog banger from the Mekong Delta album named after this story.

"The Stolen Body" - H. G. Wells - 1898: So when I opened up my copy of A Dream of Armageddon: The Complete Supernatural Tales (a misnomer it turns out, because it didn't contain the other Wells story on this list) I was surprised to find a bookmark exactly halfway through "The Stolen Body" from where I must've stopped the last time I tried reading this anthology over a decade ago. And I can understand why I would've stopped there because this story is kind of a slog. The premise is fine- a man severs his consciousness from his physical body in the course of an experiment in astral projection and is alarmed to find that when he attempts to return to corporeality another spirit has already taken possession of his frame. The problem is that this story is recounted twice- first from the perspective of a friend where, in spite of their incomplete information, it's pretty obvious what has transpired, and then a second time from the astral-projecting protagonist himself. In the protagonist's telling there's an interesting account of his journey through a kind of vapid hell where body-less spirits wander through eternity suffering of boredom and only able to interact with the physical world via mediums but the concept isn't explored in any depth and is recounted in a painfully "tell, don't show" manner. Can't say I recommend, but it's an interesting artifact of a time when late 19th century occultic beliefs showed up in sci-fi. Kind of like how a lot of 50s-70s sci-fi features psychics.

"Mimic" - Donald A Wollheim - 1942: My favorite story from the list. It's weird, compelling, and extremely brief. I won't summarize it because I think you should just read it. Surprised I hadn't heard of it before, especially since there's apparently a Guillermo Del Toro film adaptation of it? Also surprisingly difficult to track down the text. There are a few incomplete versions of it floating around but if you want the full story, I found it as part of this anthology on archive.org.

"The Thing in the Weeds" - William Hope Hodgson - 1913: - Before this, my only exposure to Hodgson had been "The House on the Borderland" (great story by the way), and reading the "The Thing in the Weeds" has me thinking I should dig a bit deeper into his bibliography. Conveys a sense of claustrophobia and anxiety that feels like classic "Weird Tales" fare while dealing with much lower stakes than unnameable cosmic beings. Maybe more horror stories should be set on the open sea...

"Cyclops" - Fritz Leiber - 1965: This is not a story, this is Leiber's idea for a cool vacuum-dwelling space creature dressed up as a story. Dialogue feels totally unnatural, characters are blank slates, tension is set at zero. But the creature is pretty darn cool and the story is very short. So if you want to just read about a neat alien, go ahead!

"The Howling Man" - Charles Beaumont - 1959: I had already seen the Twilight Zone adaptation of this story a while back so I knew the outline of the plot already, but that in no way diminished my joy in reading this. Beaumont's prose is highly engaging and contains a surprising amount of humor that I don't remember being present in the television version. The only real weak point is the ending. I think a bit more ambiguity over whether and to what the extent the Howling Man and the Abbott were lying to the protagonist would've demanded more introspection from the reader. The idea that releasing the Howling Man / Satan is the direct cause of WWII feels a little too simplistic and also depends on this weird assertion that the early Weimar Republic was experiencing an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity that I'm pretty sure doesn't hold up to historical scrutiny. Still highly recommend, a very fun read!

"The Open Window" - Saki / H. H. Munro - 1914: Less a horror story and more a... silly story? I don't know how to describe it other than it feels like the kind of thing you would have to read and analyze for a single high-school English period. Didn't really do anything for me but it's like a 5-minute read so check it out if you want. Does make me wish I could go on one of those "retreats to the countryside for my nerves" that turn-of-the-century English gentleman and ladies are always going on.

"In the Abyss" - H.G. Wells - 1896: A much better Wells story! And I was lucky enough to find this in the other print Wells anthology I own. (I have an addiction to bringing home old paperbacks I don't need but it's a cheap addiction and I don't have the heart to break it. Plus they're all on shelves and alphabetized so my wife can't get mad at me. Anyway, it's the shelves and shelf space that gets expensive...) It can be a little bit "gadget fiction-y" in its description of the submersible but overall it's well-paced with some good tension and a truly weird exploration of an underwater world. Recommend if you're looking for something outright odd or you like specifically underwater sci-fi. Don't recommend if you don't like thinking about the ways you might die in a submersible.

"The Stone Ship" - William Hope Hodgson - 1914: An interesting and definitely weird story, again about strange happenings on the open sea. Stretches the premise a bit too much, both in the actual length of the story and in my willingness to suspend my disbelief of the "scientific" explanation given at the end. I enjoyed it, but for a spookier and shorter take on a similar premise I'd recommend Lovecraft's "Dagon."

Anyway, thank you again @siryl for your recommendations, I had a blast reading through them!

[hareofhrair]

There's no single place Shafan calls home, but around this time of the sweep they can reliably be found down south in the swamplands, visiting their beloved cousins Goonch Mekong and Skinny Pete for the annual Purrbeast-Fish Festival. I was going to write a much longer story to go with this, but doing the art took long enough so to heck with it.

[realmsofgames]

DEAD PIGS GAMES ANNOUNCES NEW TITLE: OPERATION MEKONG THE GAME

ROG is proud to announce that DEAD PIGS GAMES, a new studio formed by ex-developers at Crying Orc Studios known for the highly anticipated ElfOut, has been given the green light by the State Council of the People's Republic of China to start development on their new project.

Details are scarce at the moment but community admin IxSOxBEASTLY97 on the DPG forums says that the game will include "elements of deus ex, dead rising, telltale classics, and ghost recon" with special features such as a mission select screen, dynamic story alternating realistic player driven choices, multiple endings, social links, mini games, and character customization via the games special "MyDisguise" system allowing players to scan their own disguises into the game to recreate legendary scenes from the movie with their own wardrobe.

Nothing is official yet, but we expect to see the game released alongside the formation of the 15th National People's Council in 2028

[timotey]

Do you think something unexpected will happen that didn't happen in the novel? A completely different ending? And an unexpected thing in the criminal thread. Especially since there will also be a special episode. I saw a bts video where the investigation team is probably rushing to save Sign and Akk. And Chalothon is there. What are he doing there? This is also in the novel?

✨Book spoilers!✨

No, that wasn't in the novel. Akk isn't the team leader in the novel. Adjima is, a female captain. I think she might be the female cop we see in the BTS from the special? In the book, she was Sing's big sis.

The drama cases are much more intriguing and connected than in the book, the author her/himself (I don't know their gender, sorry) said that she/he preferred the way it was done in the drama where everything is connected and leads back to Tharn. It's not so in the book, the cases are very random there and by the end of the book, they're pretty much just lazying around the office doing nothing. Also, Tharn suddenly gets a tool to turn him invisible from some random village dude. Don't ask me why ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I think the story will go very differently than in the book, especially since the book really loves its deus ex machinas. Trouble with Chalothon? Phaya's big brother, Phayu, swoops in and deals with it with Phaya and Tharn just standing aside, playing bystanders. Then Phayu disappears again, until he's once more needed to kick Chalothon's behind. Since no Phayu in the drama, Phaya will have to deal with the lizard himself.

I think that come Saturday, we will first see the whole Akk/Sing in danger, Sing will go data robbing and get caught, me thinks, big action sequences in the warehouse, Chalothon pops up - probably saving Tharn's life? - which will wind up Phaya's urgency to protect Tharn to the max so at the end, he will take Tharn back to the monastery.

Ep 11 will be about getting Montri, running around in the woods, drawing Tharn out of the monastery, the fall from the cliff. At the very end of the ep, Tharn will leave with Chalothon, gearing the whole thing up for a big finale.

The finale will be, IMHO, long and much of it will take place in the magic realm because Billy said that the finale had twice as much CGI than ep 8. There should also come a big explosion at some point - ep 11 or the finale? - where a whole mountain goes boom.

None of that happened in the book. There's very little action in the book as compared to the drama. The whole Tharn leaving thing is pretty much a whimper, not a bang, Tharn just leaves without telling anyone, perfectly intent on coming back again - because Chalothon "saw the light" and came to the conclusion that he's never actually wanted Tharn/Wansarut - it just takes him 3 months because the time runs differently in the Naga realm. Phaya in the meantime is just hanging around the Mekong river, diving in and trying to find a way into the Naga realm. Then Tharn simply turns up one day, all 'what's the fuss, always meant to come back' and... that's it. The end. Like I said, a whimper, not a bang.

[harvardfineartslib]

Japanese artist Ken Matsubara (born 1949) makes multimedia works that incorporate video, photographs and found objects to investigate the memories that reside deep within our consciousness. His flickering video images are projected onto surfaces of objects, shallow bowls filled with liquid, broken mirrors, or reflective vitrines. His work is dreamlike and ephemeral.

This publication is currently on New Book shelf.

Image 1: Video showing the front cover with still images from “Sleeping Water”

Image 2: Video stills from “Sleeping Water,” 2011

Image 3 & 4: Installation views of “Sleeping Water-Mekong Delta,” 2011 at the exhibition, “Water Dreams—The Story of Water,” Spazio Light Box, Venice, 2011

Ken Matsubara Essay by Bettina Pelz ; designed by Takaaki Matsumoto. New York : Published by MW Editions, [2022] HOLLIS number: 99156559866803941

[casbooks]

Books of 2023

Book 47 of 2023

Title: Three Tastes of Nuoc Mam Authors: Douglas Branson ISBN: 9786613914316 Tags: AUS ADF AA Australian Army, AUS ADF Australian Defence Force, AUS Australia, HKG Hong Kong, HKG Hong Kong - Peninsula Hotel, KOR Korea, KOR ROK 9th White Horse Division, KOR ROK Republic of Korea Army, P-3 Orion, US Bob Hope (Entertainer), US USA United States Army, US USA USSF Green Berets, US USA USSF Special Forces, US USCG United States Coast Guard, US USCG USCGC Point Comfort (WPB-82317), US USN United States Navy, US USN USS Currituck Sound (AV-7), US USN USS Vesuvius (AE-15), US USO United Service Organizations, USN Admiral Elmo Russell "Bud" Zumwalt Jr, USN PCF Patrol Craft Fast Swift Boat, VNM ADF AA 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) (Vietnam War), VNM ADF AA AATF Australian Army Training Team (Vietnam War), VNM Ba Dong, VNM Binh Thuan Province, VNM Cam Ranh Bay, VNM Co Chien River, VNM Con Na Beach, VNM Cu Lao Cau, VNM DRV NVA North Vietnamese Army, VNM DRV VC Viet Cong, VNM Highway 1, VNM Hon Cu Loa (Monkey Island), VNM Hon Mat, VNM Hon Mieu (South Island), VNM Hon Tam, VNM Hon Tre (Bamboo Island), VNM III Corps (Vietnam War), VNM Mekong Delta, VNM Nha Trang, VNM Nui Dat, VNM Operation Market Time (1965-1975) (Vietnam War), VNM Phan Rang Air Base, VNM Phan Thiet, VNM Point Ke Ga, VNM Point Mui Dinh, VNM RVN ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam, VNM RVN ARVN Vietnamese Rangers - Biet Dong Quan, VNM RVN Ngo Dinh Diem, VNM RVN Nguyen Van Thieu, VNM RVN RVNP Can Sat National Police, VNM RVN VNN LLHT Luc Luong Hai Thuyen Navy Coastal Force / Junk Force(Vietnam War), VNM RVN VNN Republic of Vietnam Navy, VNM Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VNM Truong Son Mountains, VNM US MACV Advisory Teams (Vietnam War), VNM US MACV Military Assistance Command Vietnam (Vietnam War), VNM USN Coastal Patrol Center III Corps - Halo Shampoo, VNM USN Coastal Surveillance Center III Corps - Nha Trang, VNM USN TF 117 MRF Mobile Riverine Force (Vietnam War), VNM Vietnam, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975), VNM VNN Yabudda Junks, VNM Vung Tau Rating: ★★(2 Stars) Subject: Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Naval.VNN Year Read: 47 of 2023 Price: 13.29

Description: During the War, Vietnam's coast had to be protected against Viet Cong ambushes and smuggling. The U.S. forces had destroyers, cruisers and gargantuan aircraft carriers, none suited for inshore patrol. This is the story of the Brown Water Navy, the garage-band flotilla assembled to do the job.Douglas Branson has been to Vietnam several times, including trips in 1966, 1995 and 2011. The first time, he was a 22-year-old, Brown Water Navy lieutenant JG. Subsequent visits were as a consultant/tourist. Here, Branson recounts three of his Vietnam adventures with humor, detail and insight into the economic, political and gastronomic forces at work.

Review: I'll be honest, I didn't finish this book. I read the vietnam war part, and skipped the rest because even the war part was difficult to get through. This wasn't quite a 1 star book but it definitely came close. For anyone who has read anything about Operation Market Time, the Swift boats, or even coastal advisors - this book sets off red flags and alarm bells. The author has some very strong opinions about everyone and everything and often ... well ... let's just say that he vacillates wildly from complete bullshit to just plain stupid. Avoid this book and read Bob Andretta's Brown Water Runs Red for a better book on the Junk Force.

[hiroyasutsuri-twoone]

“BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CAMBODIA” 

MURAL for Cambodia / Phnom penh, Cambodia February 2022

I have painted this Mural Titled “Bright Future for Cambodia” at Factory Phnom penh as a part of Mural for Cambodia.

Mural for Cambodia is run by FT gallery team, an artist my good friend Fonki Since 2020 I have been having email and phone conversation With Artist Fonki who was born between Cambodian parents in France, and grown up in Montreal now He has been back living and working from Phnom penh, Cambodia.

Since we have got introduced by our mutual friend Sheryo, we have made some degital AR collaboration, and talked about working on some more project together. 

At the end of 2021 Finally we saw the travel restriction into Cambodia has got lifted(With some rules and regulations), He invited me to be a part of a new project He was working on ”Mural for Cambodia” after all the prevention of corona virus regulations and process, I have Finally arrive to Cambodia on 10th February 2022

I have painted a Mural at the Factory phnom penh, inspired by local flora and the statue I saw on the Riverside park along Mekong river, the statue stood out to me as it was a 2 horse man on the horses, usually this kind statue only glorify one person, When we had a artist talk presented by Japan foundation Asia center, one of the audience told us the story, it was a statue of Techo Meas, and Techo yet, 2 commanders from 16-17th centuries. It’s a symbol of encouragement.

After painted the Mural I created 3 glass Painting to make as a light boxes inspired by wild flora I saw around the Phnom penh, Due to the all year warm weather, with only wet and dry season the flora is growing so wide in Phnom penh.

I also Got to meet international Artist who are participating to the project.

such As @tonesrocks , @mauy_msv, @nap_msv, and also some young artist from Cambodia @kimsan_sou @ysk17tatoo@ryysa_atlier

We had chat about their cultural histories, art, and why we paint, how we paint.  

As Fonki’s parents are refugees of the Khmer Rouge genocide in 70s, He has shared some of the histories and stories of Cambodia witch I didn’t know much about, and learned that the Genocide has killed about 1.5-2 million people, and they also targeted lot of artists and intellectuals, to try wipe out the existing culture and build new country.

resulting estimated 90% of them were either excited or exiled.

Fonki is trying to make a bridge between lost generation and current generation through art and public projects, such as a “Mural for Cambodia”

since 5 years from last time I have visited Phnom Penh, the city is changing so quickly, there are so many tall buildings right next to the Street venders.

even for my 2 weeks of stay I have learned a lot about the history of the Cambodia, and made me think a lot of thing.

[introvertguide]

Forrest Gump (1994); AFI #76

The next film that was reviewed for the AFI top 100 was perhaps the most Americana movie of them all, Forrest Gump (1994). This is the story of a relatively simple man who truly experiences life by doing what people tell him he should do. The film won at the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. Tom Hanks won his second consecutive Best Actor role after winning for Philadelphia the previous year, and this really put his stamp down as an A-List talent with huge box office draw. Robert Zemeckis was finally recognized by the Academy for the consistently good work he had done in the 80s and 90s for films like Romancing the Stone (1984), Back to the Future (1985), and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). The story of Forrest Gump is quite the journey (quite literally), so I want to go through it before pointing out some behind the scenes aspects of the film. This, of course, means that wonderful part of all of my reviews:

SPOILER WARNING!!! THIS IS A GREAT STORY AND THERE ARE DEFINITELY SOME ASPECTS TO SPOIL, SO PLEASE CHECK OUT THE MOVIE BEFORE READING ANY FURTHER! IT IS WORTH SEEING WITHOUT KNOWING THE ENDING!

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

In 1981, at a bus stop in Savannah, Georgia, a man named Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) recounts his life story to strangers who sit next to him on a bench. He makes the very famous statement that really frames the entire film: "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna' get."

In 1956, in Greenbow, Alabama, young Forrest is fitted with leg braces to correct a curved spine since he is unable to walk properly. Forrest is named after the founder of the Klu Klux Klan as a reminder what foolish things people do. His father ran away (his mom calls it being on vacation), so he lives alone with his mother (Sally Fields), who runs a boarding house. Forrest has an IQ of 80, which should keep him from the public school, but his mother works out a deal with the principal. Mrs. Gump is very shrewd and is able to attract a lot of interesting characters to their home including a young Elvis Presley, who plays the guitar for Forrest and incorporates Forrest's jerky dance movements into his performances. Being able to attend school, Forrest takes the bus and meets a girl named Jenny Curran, and the two become best friends.

Forrest is often bullied because of his physical disability and low intelligence. One of those things suddenly changes because, while fleeing from several bullies (Run, Forrest, run!), his leg braces break off, revealing Forrest to be very fast. Forrest and Jenny (Robin Wright Penn) remain best friends through to college age, and the bullies continue to chase him. During one particular escape, Forrest is discovered by University of Alabama coach Bear Bryant. This talent for running gets Forrest a football scholarship and a college education. At his time at the college, he is coached by Bear Bryant, witnesses Governor George Wallace's Stand in the Schoolhouse Door (during which he returns a dropped book to Vivian Malone Jones), becomes a top kick returner, is named to the All-American team, and meets President John F. Kennedy at the White House.

After graduating college in 1967, Forrest enlists into the U.S. Army. During basic training, he befriends a fellow soldier named Benjamin Buford Blue (nicknamed "Bubba" and played by Mykelti Williamson), who convinces Forrest to go into the shrimping business with him after their service. Later that year, they are sent to Vietnam, serving with the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta region under Lieutenant Dan Taylor (Gary Sinise). After months of routine operations, their platoon is ambushed while on patrol, and Bubba is killed in action. Forrest saves several wounded platoonmates – including Lieutenant Dan, who loses both his legs – and is awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

At the famous anti-war March on the Pentagon rally, Forrest briefly reunites with Jenny, who has become a drug addicted hippie and anti-war activist. He is kicked out of a Black Panther meeting when he defends Jenny from an abusive boyfriend. He also develops a talent for ping-pong and becomes a sports celebrity as he competes against Chinese teams in ping-pong diplomacy, earning him an interview alongside John Lennon on The Dick Cavett Show, influencing the song "Imagine". He spends the 1972 New Year's Eve in New York City with Lieutenant Dan, who has become an alcoholic, embittered about his disability and the government's apathy towards Vietnam vets. Forrest's ping-pong success eventually leads to a meeting with President Richard Nixon, whose administration get him a room in the Watergate complex, where he unwittingly exposes the Watergate scandal.

Discharged from the army, Forrest returns to Greenbow and endorses a company that makes ping-pong paddles. He uses the earnings to buy a shrimping boat in Bayou La Batre, fulfilling his promise to Bubba. Lieutenant Dan joins Forrest in 1974, and they initially have little success. After their boat becomes the only one to survive Hurricane Carmen, they pull in huge amounts of shrimp and create the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, after which Lieutenant Dan finally thanks Forrest for saving his life. Lieutenant Dan invests into what Forrest thinks is "some kind of fruit company" (MacIntosh) and the two become millionaires. Forrest also gives half of his earnings to Bubba's family for inspiring the venture. Forrest then returns home to his mother and takes care of her as she dies of cancer.

In 1976, Jenny – in the midst of recovering from years of drugs and abuse – returns to visit Forrest. He starts to realize how angry she is with her life and father, so he of course decides to propose to her. She says no because she will only hurt him, but that night she tells Forrest she loves him and the two make love, but she leaves the next morning. Heartbroken, Forrest goes running "for no particular reason", and spends the next three years on a relentless cross-country marathon, becoming famous again before returning to Greenbow. This so beautiful because Forrest is so lost without Jenny or his momma, so he falls back on the only thing that he really knows how to do.

In 1981, Forrest reveals that he is waiting at the bus stop because he received a letter from Jenny, who asked him to visit her. Forrest is finally reunited with Jenny, who introduces him to their son, Forrest Gump Junior. Jenny tells Forrest she is sick with an "unknown virus" and the three move back to Greenbow. Jenny and Forrest finally marry, but she dies a year later. The film ends with Forrest seeing his son off on his first day of school.

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

This film has a lot of greats, but also a couple of bads. The story is very engaging and turns into the most nostalgic American history lesson of all time. Tom Hanks plays a constant fish-out-of-water character, because Forrest has intelligence levels, which lead to a constant need for explanation. It is a fantastically filmable concept and Zemeckis takes full advantage of it.

Speaking of filming, the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous. The different shots that replay those historical moments (the integration at the University of Alabama, the Mekong Delta during the war, the protest at Washington DC), the beauty of the American roads, the Bayou when they are shrimping, and the giant Gump property are all beautiful. They also did a pretty good job of editing Forrest into stock footage as far as the body goes. It was groundbreaking at the time, but it can be done in After Effect by Youtubers at this point. What was not impressive and obviously does not hold up is the face tracking. Specifically bad are the presidents and John Lennon when they altered the mouths on historical footage to try and make them say different things. It is terrible. It does not break the movie, but it is both noticeable and laughable, especially since the film won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.

The score written for the film is simple and elegant, really adding to the mood and the tone. The songs can be somber and a little sad, but there is this child-like simplicity that is constantly hopeful and moving forward. Very much like Forrest Gump. The rest of the soundtrack follows the popular rock anthems of the time and the whole thing is a pleasure to listen to. I used to just let it play when I was trying (with moderate success) to do my calculus homework in high school.

The statements that Forrest Gump makes throughout the film carry more and more weight as we realize that he is saying these things from his own experience and not just because somebody told him. The phrase "I am not a smart man, but I know what love is" is so powerful coming from Forrest. He says this after Jenny turns him down for marriage, and it becomes apparent that his loss of Bubba and his mother taught him what caring for somebody really means. He might not be able to give a psychological definition of love, but he has experienced it. Beautifully written and emotionally delivered.

One other thing that might be good or bad, depending on how you see it, is that the movie is blatantly sentimental. It tugs at the heart strings, but it is really trying to do it. Bubba dies, Lieutenant Dan loses his legs, Jenny is constantly in trouble, Mrs. Gump dies...all of these things have the same downward shots with somber music. These scenes are all followed up with forward movie scenes and uplifting music. The film constantly pulls the audience all over the place, which makes the tone go all over the place. Knowing that this was Robert Zemeckis directing, it makes me think that this was purposeful. Forrest Gump had a very difficult time knowing what was going on, so he depended on the context and what people said to tell him how he should feel. The audience truly experienced what it was like to be Forrest, and we all went on a life journey with him

One thing that I saw when browsing through interviews was that the unknown virus that Jenny died of was not AIDS. It was supposed to be Hepatitis, according to the director, the author of the source material, and the screen writer. AIDS was just the major disease on the global mind at the time, but it wasn't that common in the early 80s. It was hard to tell because most deaths close to Forrest were not shown at the point of passing. Forrest doesn't want to talk about those moments, and he is the real narrator.

Does this movie belong on the AFI top 100? Of course. This is the most Americana film I know of, and it showcases a simple view of two decades of the American experience. Would I recommend it? Hell yeah! This movie is a whole lot of fun and a really easy watch. There are some technical flaws, but the story and acting are superior to just about anything else I have seen.

[forgeofideas]

I am a child who was raised into the faith. My mother has believed in the god of Abraham for several generations. By this, He is the god of my ancestors. My Father is the first convert in his family, he left behind his former faith at brutal crossing of the Mekong River. From the time I could read my father inundated my with biblical teachings. Each morning we would establish a firm foundation of the Christian faith in my life. The issue, however, was that although I grew in head knowledge I was lacking in love. I knew how to read the bible with my head, and not with my heart. There had always been apart of me that knew to treat others with kindness, but it would take me much longer to fathom the depths of what it meant to love one another. Upon growing older I learned to live my words of prayer, something always easier said than done. Even now I still find myself lavishing the Lord with my words, but failing to find Him with my actions. I have realized that the true mark of obedience to God is done by action, not that salvation is achieved by works. My mind was always filled with dogma, ideology and a yearn for knowledge. There is the practical and the ideological. What you think and what you do. In my years as a young adult I have tried to draw this out more and more. I have tried to live more rather than think more. I pray for his guidance everyday. Deprived social skills and lack of confidence are consequences of this. 

When I began to enter the workforce as a nursing assistant, there was a lack of care for training me. I had a very difficult time trying to get a hold of the work environment. For the longest time I was the youngest nursing assistant my facility had. My job required me to care for the elderly, so I stuck out like a sore thumb to both patients and adult co-workers. I eventually did get along with all of them, but the first year was a brutal process of integration. I didn’t work in high school either, so I was thrown into this environment during my freshman year of college with no experience. My tasks included bathing residents, feeding, dressing, physically transferring and cleaning them. Each nursing assistant was given the task of caring for nine to fifteen residents. Many of those I worked with had dementia and physical disabilities. In worse cases there were a few incidents where my patients had even gotten combative with me. Age does strange things to the mind. Keeping track of nine to fifteen patients is difficult enough when all of a sudden one dementia resident deicides to act out. I recall walking in retail places and seeing where all the other young people were. Places like Target, Walmart etc, and seeing them with such lax jobs filled me with envy. I had to deal with stress all day while other people my age would work simpler jobs. 

I did relish my time working with the elderly however. Many of them were from the WW2 era, lots of great stories. Even though some residents weren’t the best story tellers, I enjoyed hearing their experiences. It was life changing seeing human beings at the twilight of their existence. At the same time I was also babysitting my little cousins. They had to be around the ages of 2-3 at the time. Its ironic, really, babysitting toddlers and then going out to care for the elderly. When a child is dropped off at daycare they will cry and shout for their mother. “Where is mommy?” they will say? “When will she come to pick me up?” The child thinks the parent will be gone only for a few minutes after some convincing, but will eventually break out upon realizing they won’t be back for a few hours. Only decades later, a senile man or woman will be looking down the hallway of a nursing home and holler: “When is my son or daughter going to take me back home?” Not realizing that they’ve been placed there until death. 

 An old man stumbles out of his room in the middle of the night looking for his wife in an irate manner yelling: “Where is she!? Where’d that bitch go!?” I look at him and say: “She’s dead and has been dead for weeks now.” He breaks down into tears, only to repeat the same routine night after night. The nurses leave a note for him to try and remember... I’m not sure if he ever did. 

Parents will watch their children learn to grow and walk. 

Children learn in many ways, not just by word of mouth. So although it was never taught to me deliberately, I was raised with great resentment against people who were not of my faith. The Mormon, Catholic and Muslim were all enemies in my eyes. 

[jaypham123]

A Comprehensive Exploration of Vietnam: Is Vietnam safe to travel?

Chapter 1: Setting the Stage

In the heart of Southeast Asia, where the Mekong Delta meets the South China Sea, lies a land of captivating beauty and cultural richness – Vietnam. This ancient land, with its lush landscapes, bustling cities, and storied past, beckons travelers from around the globe. Yet, beneath its enchanting exterior, lies a question that weighs on the minds of many prospective visitors: Is Vietnam safe to travel?

As we embark on this comprehensive exploration, we'll delve deep into the intricate fabric of Vietnamese life, uncovering the realities of safety for travelers through personal anecdotes, historical context, and practical advice. From the urban jungles of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil shores of Da Nang and the rugged terrain of the Central Highlands, join us on a journey of discovery as we seek to unravel the safety conundrum of traveling in Vietnam.

Chapter 2: Navigating the Urban Maze: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Our journey begins in the bustling capital city of Hanoi, where the ancient charm of the Old Quarter collides with the dynamic energy of a rapidly evolving metropolis. Wandering through the narrow alleyways of the Old Quarter, lined with centuries-old temples and colonial-era architecture, one can't help but be enchanted by the vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells.

Despite the chaos of motorbikes weaving through crowded streets and the constant symphony of honking horns, Hanoi exudes a sense of safety that is palpable. Crime rates are relatively low, and incidents involving tourists are rare. However, as in any urban environment, petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded markets and tourist hotspots. Vigilance and common sense are key to staying safe in the capital city.

Ho Chi Minh City: A City of Contrasts

In the southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, the pace is frenetic, and the contrasts are stark. From the historic landmarks of the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace to the bustling nightlife of Bui Vien Street and the modern skyscrapers of District 1, the city offers a kaleidoscope of experiences.

While petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur in tourist areas, Ho Chi Minh City remains relatively safe for travelers. By exercising caution, avoiding secluded areas at night, and safeguarding personal belongings, visitors can navigate the urban maze with confidence.

Chapter 3: Embracing Nature's Bounty: From Sapa to Ha Long Bay

Sapa: Trekking Through Time

Venturing northward to the mist-shrouded mountains of Sapa, travelers are greeted by a landscape that seems plucked from a fairy tale. Here, amidst emerald rice terraces and verdant valleys, indigenous hill tribes have preserved centuries-old traditions and customs.

Trekking through the rugged terrain of Sapa offers a glimpse into a way of life untouched by modernity. While safety concerns are minimal, particularly on organized tours with reputable operators, travelers should be prepared for challenging conditions, including uneven terrain and variable weather.

Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In the Gulf of Tonkin, off the northeastern coast of Vietnam, lies the breathtaking seascape of Ha Long Bay. With its towering limestone karsts, emerald waters, and hidden grottoes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a playground for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

While reports of tourist scams and overcharging by boat operators exist, choosing a reputable tour company and exercising caution can ensure a safe and unforgettable experience in Ha Long Bay. By following safety guidelines and respecting the natural environment, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of this iconic destination.

Chapter 4: Traversing Cultural Crossroads: Navigating Customs and Traditions

The Essence of Vietnamese Hospitality

Central to the safety of any traveler in Vietnam is an understanding and appreciation of the local customs and traditions. Known for their warmth and hospitality, the Vietnamese people welcome visitors with open arms, eager to share their culture and heritage.

From the bustling markets of Hanoi to the tranquil villages of the Mekong Delta, travelers are invited to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese life. By learning a few basic phrases in Vietnamese, respecting local customs, and embracing cultural differences, visitors can forge meaningful connections and enhance their safety and enjoyment of the country.

Chapter 5: Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

As we conclude our comprehensive exploration of Vietnam's safety for travelers, a multifaceted portrait emerges. While challenges and concerns may exist, particularly in urban areas and tourist hotspots, they are outweighed by the boundless opportunities for discovery and adventure that Vietnam offers.

Through personal anecdotes, historical context, and practical advice, we have unraveled the safety conundrum of traveling in Vietnam. From the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the tranquil shores of Ha Long Bay, each corner of this diverse land beckons with promises of exploration and enlightenment.

So, is Vietnam safe to travel? The answer, we've discovered, lies in the experiences of those who have dared to embark on this journey of a lifetime. For in their stories, we find the true essence of Vietnam – a land of beauty, resilience, and unyielding spirit, waiting to be explored by intrepid travelers from around the globe.

This is a lengthy piece, but I hope it captures the essence of Vietnam's safety for travelers through storytelling and comprehensive exploration. Let me know if you need any adjustments or further details!

Vietnam urgent visa and emergency Vietnam visa