Not sure if there is a message
and meaning to this video other than humor. It tickles the ribs and is a few minutes of mindless
entertainment…well done Wang Rong Rollin!
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Audacity of Russell Brand
Please be inspired by the pluckiest speech that I have heard in a long time. Russell Brand calls into question the pomp and pretensions of the GQ suits and shameful, past sins of Hugo Boss (they made a fortune supplying the Nazis with uniforms).
Friday, February 20, 2015
I Ate a Potata
The following video makes it startlingly clear why Idahoans completely lost the vaunted potato market to the Maltese:
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Gossip Whoring Expats
Is there anything to love about smarmy gossip whores that infest the free world (Kathmandu and Rishikesh are especially overrun)…mainly expats with little better to do and
incessant energy for it. Busybodies gather in low-rent flats over cheap dinners
and drinks and conjure half-baked ideas about their community of fellow humans based on anecdotal ‘evidence’…e.g.,
if these flibbertigibbet-bimbos spot a gal and guy hanging out together then it is presumed that they
are lovers…base envy or because they themselves would never have an opposite-sex friend
that they were not immediately snogging?
Well, the smarmy gossip harlots (of both genders) cannot be too happy if they have to distill satisfaction
from fabricated chinwag (and those among them that are chain dope-smoking or excessive drinking obviously cannot be too happy with their expat lives that they are escaping through chemical assistance). Here is an unsolicited suggestion to these busybodies, stop thinking about and talking about others for an immediate boost in personal well-being.
The ridiculous human monkey mind is at it constantly (and viciously) and the gossip whores are clear and present evidence. Give the monkey mind nothing to do and it will return a lower-intestine load of ignorance as
a main offering to an already, overly-miserable world…ignorance until the end of
eternity—hopefully not beyond.
Here is a message for the condescending, wiggle-waggle floozies that infest the planet, don't mind,
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
The Curious Case of Clear and Present Apartheid
By now readers have an idea that I am a cynic (aimed-for realist rather than a reviled pessimist). That said, please don't be offended -- the following is only my opinion after all and a very fallible opinion that is commonly proven wrong...
Rishikesh is a town in a province in a country run by Brahmins...no problem...well, except the wretched caste hierarchy that is very much in place and pervades the mind set and actions of the populace (the entitled castes will tell you that caste discrimination and abuse has been done away with and they largely run the media, government, bureaucracy, schools, businesses, hospitals, military, police etc and so on--ultimately holding the reigns of power and influence). Don't believe it for a moment, caste discrimination, segregation and abuse is alive and strong, and as I've said before, casteism is simply a euphemism for apartheid.
Casteism is as insidious and dehumanzing an apartheid as ever was...curiously, nearly all foreigners are unawares here. They just don't see it and don't make distinctions and are sold a pack of lies from those in power with influence and glib tongues eager to exonerate themselves. In truth, the 'upper' castes are the chief reason for underdevelopment and are at the forefront of societal ills including--discrimination, lack of education, grinding poverty, ill-health, old-guard-myopic patriarchy, female infanticide, female oppression, lack of opportunity, lack of representation by women and youth and so on and so forth in many grisly, unholy ways. They have been in power for centuries with much pain to show for it and much to be ashamed of.
Yet, despite a dismal track record, the entitled castes still hold a holier than thou attitude and sense of entitlement by birth...for example, the leading hatha yoga schools of the world today were developed and led by Brahmin boys...the other children simply weren't allowed to practice yoga and attend higher classes on spirituality and to this day there is that prejudice and especially in northern India where it is very subtle but pervasive and insidious...most happens outside the radar of foreigners.
Some visitors come and get beguiled by Hinduism, even becoming fanatical, gleaming-eyed devotees wearing the dress and accessories and participating in rituals...while there is much good in any religion, generally such participation occurs generally with the 'elite' castes and helps glorify Hindu conservatism and reinforces the holier than thou priestly-Brahmin mindset. These foreigners often don't know but a sparse spattering of language (mostly mispronounced), are generally blind to culture and history and some are tantamount to fanatical Christians in Hindu clothing...
Conservative Hinduism is the cause of as much harm and suffering as Conservative Christianity and Conservative Islam et cetera...probably more because it validated caste discrimination and abuse among many other horrors. Then again, conservatives of other religions don't exactly have a clean chit.
The docu-movie Kumare...entertaining and eye-popping...is a must see for would-be travelers to Disneykesh (Rishikesh), especially those wishing to don the apparel of a conservative Hindu...
Monday, February 16, 2015
BOL! BAM! Shiva Ratri
Maha Shiva Ratri occurs on the new moon--February 17th this year.
One interpretation of this festival is that it represents a mystical celebration of the marriage of the 'twin realities' of Shiva energy (male energy) with Shakti (female energy, the primordial force of femininity or Universal Mother)
Bol! Bam! O Namo Shivaya! O Namo Parvatiya!
(how about a Parvati Ratri festival, too?)
Insightful interview with an editor in Denmark about the value of free speech--detailed with historical reference and relevance. It highlights the differences between protected yet restrained speech in the USA versus unprotected yet less restrained (by 'political correctness') speech in Europa.
http://www.newyorker.com/news/
http://www.newyorker.com/news/
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Temptation is the Mother of Invention
Temptation is the Mother of Invention....
Just look at what comedian rappers these blokes have become -- inspired through temptation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMWHfV2HP6g
Just look at what comedian rappers these blokes have become -- inspired through temptation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMWHfV2HP6g
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Corruption #Nepal — it isn’t what you think it is
#1 Impediment to Development = Corruption
#1 Enabler of Corruption = Foreign Aid
Vicious cycle — unfortunately overlooked by well-meaning people (I/NGOs — too many to keep track of, private donors, foreign agents andd governments, the United Nations, the World Bank, the IMF and so on) while corruption causes heavy suffering for 99+% of the people.
Foreign personnel often have their hearts in the right place, no question about that. A sprinkling of them understand native languages and some understand local cultures, too. The majority are operating under dead-blind conditions despite deep intellect, big hearts and some insight. Even with language and cultural skills nearly all get taken for a ride, so to speak, in other words, conned.
Exceptions are rare, and some people and organizations actually succeed and deserve a lot of respect for their hard work. They are too few and far between to justify aid across the board. Inadvertently, most are enabling corruption and holding back the only people who can ‘save’ Nepal – talented and capable Nepalis (countless in number) under the thumb of a corrupt and oppressive bureaucracy and societal structure paralyzed by entitlements.
It is the rich irony of the aid world that these foreign ‘aid’ workers/foreign donors and their internal, domestic allies tend to be from polar ends of the spectrum. Unsuspectingly, aid workers ally themselves with the more conservative demographic of the population (generally Hindu conservatives with a restrictive moral and elitist outlook…imagine Christian, Muslim, and Jewish conservatives for an idea of the unsavory impact of this alliance). All the same, most aid workers tend to be open-minded, liberal and intellectual.
Kind-heartedness allows many ‘aid’ workers to be unwittingly misled and is a reason aid should be banned for the sake of development. Taken as a WHOLE, aid undermines the very problems to be solved, tragically prolonging and extending suffering in the general population. Throwing the mutant baby out with the bathwater is perhaps the only hope for development in Nepal.
If foreigners must intervene, it they cannot keep themselves from getting involved, then, at a minimum, it is politely suggested to 1) learn the local language and 2) learn about the culture. Even then, chances of success are increased only slightly. If an outsider cannot resist doing something, then aim resources and energy at making government more transparent before and above anything else. Cleaning up the bureaucracy will take care of nearly all other problems. No need to fight tireless battles other than the one for a ethical, transparent government.
Nepal is full of talented and capable people ready, willing and able, waiting for a chance. There is no need of foreigners to get involved. Simply do nothing and get out of the way. On the other hand, foreign intervention and aid, by funding and legitimizing the status quo (knowingly — e.g., paying off officials for paperwork to operate as a person/INGO in-country — these official fees ‘disappear’ and go towards illegitimate activities as do ‘unofficial’ fees, and unknowingly– e.g., hiring the wrong people who feed them misleading information while fleecing them raw), undermining real work and progress, allying with religious-moral-elitist conservatives, taking attention away from the real problem of mis-governance, displacing internal workers, not understanding local language and culture and thus not understanding issues of the land and what can be done about them…for these reasons and more, foreign aid is prolonging development and contributing to chronic poverty and the troubles it brings of ill-health, malnutrition, lack of education, exploitation, injury, disease and premature death.
Most INGOs and donors are obstacles to forward progress and holding back the very people that can save Nepal – able and talented Nepalis under the thumb of an unethical bureaucracy, indecent politicians and oppressive societal structure.
Cheer up, the primary problem causing most other problems is corruption, and it can be served a death-blow by pulling the carpet of foreign aid out from under it.
One future day perhaps the following might be proclaimed:
#1 Champion of Development = Free, Fair and Transparent Bureaucracy and Society
#1 Enabler of Free, Fair and Transparent Bureaucracy and Society = Local People
#1 Enabler of Corruption = Foreign Aid
Vicious cycle — unfortunately overlooked by well-meaning people (I/NGOs — too many to keep track of, private donors, foreign agents andd governments, the United Nations, the World Bank, the IMF and so on) while corruption causes heavy suffering for 99+% of the people.
Foreign personnel often have their hearts in the right place, no question about that. A sprinkling of them understand native languages and some understand local cultures, too. The majority are operating under dead-blind conditions despite deep intellect, big hearts and some insight. Even with language and cultural skills nearly all get taken for a ride, so to speak, in other words, conned.
Exceptions are rare, and some people and organizations actually succeed and deserve a lot of respect for their hard work. They are too few and far between to justify aid across the board. Inadvertently, most are enabling corruption and holding back the only people who can ‘save’ Nepal – talented and capable Nepalis (countless in number) under the thumb of a corrupt and oppressive bureaucracy and societal structure paralyzed by entitlements.
It is the rich irony of the aid world that these foreign ‘aid’ workers/foreign donors and their internal, domestic allies tend to be from polar ends of the spectrum. Unsuspectingly, aid workers ally themselves with the more conservative demographic of the population (generally Hindu conservatives with a restrictive moral and elitist outlook…imagine Christian, Muslim, and Jewish conservatives for an idea of the unsavory impact of this alliance). All the same, most aid workers tend to be open-minded, liberal and intellectual.
Kind-heartedness allows many ‘aid’ workers to be unwittingly misled and is a reason aid should be banned for the sake of development. Taken as a WHOLE, aid undermines the very problems to be solved, tragically prolonging and extending suffering in the general population. Throwing the mutant baby out with the bathwater is perhaps the only hope for development in Nepal.
If foreigners must intervene, it they cannot keep themselves from getting involved, then, at a minimum, it is politely suggested to 1) learn the local language and 2) learn about the culture. Even then, chances of success are increased only slightly. If an outsider cannot resist doing something, then aim resources and energy at making government more transparent before and above anything else. Cleaning up the bureaucracy will take care of nearly all other problems. No need to fight tireless battles other than the one for a ethical, transparent government.
Nepal is full of talented and capable people ready, willing and able, waiting for a chance. There is no need of foreigners to get involved. Simply do nothing and get out of the way. On the other hand, foreign intervention and aid, by funding and legitimizing the status quo (knowingly — e.g., paying off officials for paperwork to operate as a person/INGO in-country — these official fees ‘disappear’ and go towards illegitimate activities as do ‘unofficial’ fees, and unknowingly– e.g., hiring the wrong people who feed them misleading information while fleecing them raw), undermining real work and progress, allying with religious-moral-elitist conservatives, taking attention away from the real problem of mis-governance, displacing internal workers, not understanding local language and culture and thus not understanding issues of the land and what can be done about them…for these reasons and more, foreign aid is prolonging development and contributing to chronic poverty and the troubles it brings of ill-health, malnutrition, lack of education, exploitation, injury, disease and premature death.
Most INGOs and donors are obstacles to forward progress and holding back the very people that can save Nepal – able and talented Nepalis under the thumb of an unethical bureaucracy, indecent politicians and oppressive societal structure.
Cheer up, the primary problem causing most other problems is corruption, and it can be served a death-blow by pulling the carpet of foreign aid out from under it.
One future day perhaps the following might be proclaimed:
#1 Champion of Development = Free, Fair and Transparent Bureaucracy and Society
#1 Enabler of Free, Fair and Transparent Bureaucracy and Society = Local People
Award winning journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas reports the following
about aid in Africa: “Decades into political independence, many African
governments remain reliant on foreign aid, yet often as soon as this aid
arrives it is spirited away into the personal accounts of the leaders
who are supposed to be looking after the interests of their people – and
ironically many of those accounts are back in the West.
It is no surprise that many Africans are left asking the developed world: ‘Why do you frown publicly about corruption, yet turn a blind eye to its fruits?'”
More at How to Rob Africa
It is no surprise that many Africans are left asking the developed world: ‘Why do you frown publicly about corruption, yet turn a blind eye to its fruits?'”
More at How to Rob Africa
Monday, February 9, 2015
Most Enjoyable Workout on the Planet (and easiest!)
It's simple and proven. The best and easiest workout to induce physical and mental benefits is a breath away-- laughter. It is certainly the world’s most enjoyable workout (making love not included)!
Many health benefits arise from this one simple, enjoyable activity.
There are many avenues to participate in this workout and experience laughter and joy…e.g., a fun conversation with a friend, infinite resources of t.v., radio, net, books and beyond, remembering good times, envisioning future happiness and more.
Laugh and tickle your brain and not just your ribs and make yourself and the world a bit healthier and better. The simple 'workout' of laughter gives ourselves and those around us not just joy but ultimately a more peaceable and livable environment.
Here is a link to get you started-- enjoy Daniel Flynn’s insights on the benefits of not taking yourself too seriously. Thanks and enjoy!
——-
“Laughter Yoga is a single exercise routine which reduces physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously.” –Dr. Madan Kataria
“Laughter Yoga can change your mood within minutes
by releasing endorphins from your brain cells. And if
your mood is good, You are at your best.
You do everything well.” –Dr. Madan Kataria
“Laughter Yoga is an Instant Yoga. One can feel the benefits
from the very first session.” –Dr. Madan Kataria
Many health benefits arise from this one simple, enjoyable activity.
There are many avenues to participate in this workout and experience laughter and joy…e.g., a fun conversation with a friend, infinite resources of t.v., radio, net, books and beyond, remembering good times, envisioning future happiness and more.
Laugh and tickle your brain and not just your ribs and make yourself and the world a bit healthier and better. The simple 'workout' of laughter gives ourselves and those around us not just joy but ultimately a more peaceable and livable environment.
Here is a link to get you started-- enjoy Daniel Flynn’s insights on the benefits of not taking yourself too seriously. Thanks and enjoy!
——-
“Laughter Yoga is a single exercise routine which reduces physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously.” –Dr. Madan Kataria
“Laughter Yoga can change your mood within minutes
by releasing endorphins from your brain cells. And if
your mood is good, You are at your best.
You do everything well.” –Dr. Madan Kataria
“Laughter Yoga is an Instant Yoga. One can feel the benefits
from the very first session.” –Dr. Madan Kataria
Sunday, February 8, 2015
A Bureaucracy of Dunces
How else to describe government support for ‘Zombie fleets‘
grimly reaping the depths of remote ocean waters…massive public loss (and
unsustainable environmental costs) for tiny profit-- and that is for only 4% of the entire fishing
industry, i.e., over 95% receive no such support.
These zombie fleets are causing not only ecological damage, their activity engenders problems for the other fishermen, the 96% remaining who are of local/independent, sustainable fisherman not given handouts by governments. These 96% then have to cope with depleted seas and artificially lowered costs in unfair competition.
The following provides the full story about Zombie Fleets that have been operating under the public's notice:
http://qz.com/225432/rich-countries-pay-zombie-fishing-boats-5-billion-a-year-to-plunder-the-seas/
From the above-linked article, “In economics, you’d call these zombies—unprofitable companies that would fail if governments didn’t prop them up. There are two big problems with zombies. First, they take resources that could go to support new, productive companies. And by subsidizing zombies, governments allow them to keep prices low, driving productive companies out of business.”
Unfortunately, the zombie description is fitting for a preponderance of Zombie I/NGOs. Most would serve ‘development’ best by closing their gilded shutters. Even if doing everything absolutely brilliantly, they indirectly sustain misgovernance , a significant downside that perpetuates chronic poverty and its ills.
These zombie fleets are causing not only ecological damage, their activity engenders problems for the other fishermen, the 96% remaining who are of local/independent, sustainable fisherman not given handouts by governments. These 96% then have to cope with depleted seas and artificially lowered costs in unfair competition.
The following provides the full story about Zombie Fleets that have been operating under the public's notice:
http://qz.com/225432/rich-countries-pay-zombie-fishing-boats-5-billion-a-year-to-plunder-the-seas/
From the above-linked article, “In economics, you’d call these zombies—unprofitable companies that would fail if governments didn’t prop them up. There are two big problems with zombies. First, they take resources that could go to support new, productive companies. And by subsidizing zombies, governments allow them to keep prices low, driving productive companies out of business.”
Unfortunately, the zombie description is fitting for a preponderance of Zombie I/NGOs. Most would serve ‘development’ best by closing their gilded shutters. Even if doing everything absolutely brilliantly, they indirectly sustain misgovernance , a significant downside that perpetuates chronic poverty and its ills.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
3-Minute Workout--You've got to be joking!
C'mon, a three minute workout isn't possible, at least a decent one that works...
Try it to believe it, and judge results on your own.
This three Minute (yoga-esque) blazing-quick workout is ideal for people who lack time, energy, motivation et cetera…or just want a fast workout, no strings attached (i.e., no change of clothes, no getting to the gym/workout venue, no shower after…nothing external required…that is, you can do just about anywhere!).
These so-called Tibetan Rites for Rejuvenation might be shrouded in a bit of mystery, but they are just what some people might need at this point in their life (a quick, doable workout that doesn't take loads of time and motivation). Personally, after abandoning nearly all that was good for me including yoga practice and meditation, this quick and easy workout* fits my current low-investment needs and can be done just about anywhere with a few square-meters to spare.
This Wikipedia link has dynamic icons…not wanting to slow down for a moment, I skipped directly to these icons and ignored the article itself… cheers and enjoy…see you after three minutes of health improvement.
*workout: a structured regime of physical exercise: She goes to the gym for a workout twice a week (definition #2 of ‘workout‘ supplied by Dictionary.com)
If you have done the above and still want more, then Swami Krishnanada, provides a great introduction to Yoga, Meditation and Japa Sadhana. Here is the intro that I wrote to his brief, powerful booklet:
This small book combines philosophy and practice neatly into one. Brief and to the point, it offers invaluable instructions and explanations — ready for immediate use. The teachings are easy to digest and put into practice to experience mindfulness and vitality. Swami Krishnananda clarifies yoga, meditation and japa sadhana (reciting or remembering a mantra or name of a divine source) in a way that reveals our inseparability from both Universal Consciousness and Supreme Consciousness. In his own words, “You will see for yourself that it makes you a different person. Small wonders and miracles will begin to take place around you…Not only that, it will be a great service that you do to humanity itself.”
Access a free pdf or $0.99 Kindle version.
Try it to believe it, and judge results on your own.
This three Minute (yoga-esque) blazing-quick workout is ideal for people who lack time, energy, motivation et cetera…or just want a fast workout, no strings attached (i.e., no change of clothes, no getting to the gym/workout venue, no shower after…nothing external required…that is, you can do just about anywhere!).
These so-called Tibetan Rites for Rejuvenation might be shrouded in a bit of mystery, but they are just what some people might need at this point in their life (a quick, doable workout that doesn't take loads of time and motivation). Personally, after abandoning nearly all that was good for me including yoga practice and meditation, this quick and easy workout* fits my current low-investment needs and can be done just about anywhere with a few square-meters to spare.
This Wikipedia link has dynamic icons…not wanting to slow down for a moment, I skipped directly to these icons and ignored the article itself… cheers and enjoy…see you after three minutes of health improvement.
*workout: a structured regime of physical exercise: She goes to the gym for a workout twice a week (definition #2 of ‘workout‘ supplied by Dictionary.com)
If you have done the above and still want more, then Swami Krishnanada, provides a great introduction to Yoga, Meditation and Japa Sadhana. Here is the intro that I wrote to his brief, powerful booklet:
This small book combines philosophy and practice neatly into one. Brief and to the point, it offers invaluable instructions and explanations — ready for immediate use. The teachings are easy to digest and put into practice to experience mindfulness and vitality. Swami Krishnananda clarifies yoga, meditation and japa sadhana (reciting or remembering a mantra or name of a divine source) in a way that reveals our inseparability from both Universal Consciousness and Supreme Consciousness. In his own words, “You will see for yourself that it makes you a different person. Small wonders and miracles will begin to take place around you…Not only that, it will be a great service that you do to humanity itself.”
Access a free pdf or $0.99 Kindle version.
May you find happiness and the causes thereof!
Friday, February 6, 2015
Lie to a Liar?
An ancient Arabian saying —
Lie to a liar, for lies are his currency; steal from a thief, it is easy; lay a trap for the cheat and catch him quickly; but beware an honest man!
Sakyamuni Buddha declared that one of the greatest gifts one human can offer another is honesty…a supreme gift to all other beings — to be truthful with them, that they know you will never try to cheat or trick them...even in the age of Mammon’s reign. As Warren Buffet proclaims, "Honesty is a very expensive gift, don't expect it from cheap people."
Non-violence is another cardinal virtue and the supreme gift that a human being can offer the world of beings…the gift that all beings are entirely safe around you. You would not deliberately harm any of them.
Lie to a liar, for lies are his currency; steal from a thief, it is easy; lay a trap for the cheat and catch him quickly; but beware an honest man!
Sakyamuni Buddha declared that one of the greatest gifts one human can offer another is honesty…a supreme gift to all other beings — to be truthful with them, that they know you will never try to cheat or trick them...even in the age of Mammon’s reign. As Warren Buffet proclaims, "Honesty is a very expensive gift, don't expect it from cheap people."
Non-violence is another cardinal virtue and the supreme gift that a human being can offer the world of beings…the gift that all beings are entirely safe around you. You would not deliberately harm any of them.
May you have happiness and the causes thereof!
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Ahh...the joys and delights of travel dining
Want to dine like a local kingpin – that can be fairly easy. The following outlines how to find the tastiest local food while traveling.
1. First and foremost, it is key to search for restaurants that care less if tourists notice them. These ones are not courting foreigners over locals and are your best chance to find authentic, local flavor.
Indicators of restaurants that cater to locals over foreigners include lack of a fancy signboards, sometimes none at all, or only in the local language.
2. Another indication, the menu, if the establishment has one, then usually it is available only in the local language.
3. Additionally, the restaurant interior will not be shiny and sparkly clean compared to ones own standards. Although it might not be inviting to travelers and not reassuringly comfortable — it will be in local style whatever that is, maybe with simple utensils and table ware, maybe darkened interiors and loads of tacky lighting and design. Locals like local styles, and they already know what the restaurant serves and are there for the fancy exterior and cozy external trimmings that tourists often gravitate toward and expect in a dining establishment.
If you follow the above, the restaurant is likely to be empty of fellow travelers and patronized only by local denizens (and busy, too, if it is a good one). It might take extra courage to enter such a place where you will stand out like a sore thumb, but almost always, you will be welcomed and will be in for a royal treat or at least a memorable experience…it will likely be similar for them, too--they will get a kick out of the foreigner who wandered in and got their special plate! Language facility helps (true local establishments prefer not to go out of their way to cater to people of other countries and languages because they often don't speak any language well but their own).
Don’t get hung up on it if you cannot even pronounce ‘hello’ correctly in the local tongue. Generally, basic English greetings are common enough and you can always point and gesture and remember to smile, don’t take the situation and yourself too seriously and then they will know not to either.
And one final bit of advice...don’t get too carried away! At a local eating joint in the middle of northeast Thailand along the Mae Nam Kong River (Mekong River) over decade ago, I had nothing in mind to eat — and was already familiar with the typical standbys of pad thai, papaya salad and basic Thai-curry. Therefore, I made a request of the chef who was also the owner who was also the waitress (all in one). I asked her to give me the ‘number-one house special’…when she finally understood what I was requesting, she tilted her head with a twinkle in her eye, faint smile, then a nod and ‘okay, no problem you’. Ten minutes later she delivered a stinking plate of unpalatable Mekong-amphibian curry over rice…it tasted horrible to my uninitiated palate. I had to choke it down not wanting to waste food in a hungry world, especially after having requested it.
The take away lesson — clarify a bit what you want — do not leave everything up to the restaurant--as their favorite will not likely be your favorite. Local diners often crave exotic local flavors that are too strong for all newcomers. At least, the memorable, bad taste of pungent, feral animal flesh helped me on my journey to be a vegetarian.
Now get out of your comfortable, cushy tourist venues and find some local flavor — authentic dishes prepared the way locals prefer them, not just food advertised as ‘local’ by touristy restaurants that rarely have local patrons and have only watered-down tastes!
Remember to explore the local drinks, too, they can be a refreshing, enjoyable discovery, too…again, moderation advised!
1. First and foremost, it is key to search for restaurants that care less if tourists notice them. These ones are not courting foreigners over locals and are your best chance to find authentic, local flavor.
Indicators of restaurants that cater to locals over foreigners include lack of a fancy signboards, sometimes none at all, or only in the local language.
2. Another indication, the menu, if the establishment has one, then usually it is available only in the local language.
3. Additionally, the restaurant interior will not be shiny and sparkly clean compared to ones own standards. Although it might not be inviting to travelers and not reassuringly comfortable — it will be in local style whatever that is, maybe with simple utensils and table ware, maybe darkened interiors and loads of tacky lighting and design. Locals like local styles, and they already know what the restaurant serves and are there for the fancy exterior and cozy external trimmings that tourists often gravitate toward and expect in a dining establishment.
If you follow the above, the restaurant is likely to be empty of fellow travelers and patronized only by local denizens (and busy, too, if it is a good one). It might take extra courage to enter such a place where you will stand out like a sore thumb, but almost always, you will be welcomed and will be in for a royal treat or at least a memorable experience…it will likely be similar for them, too--they will get a kick out of the foreigner who wandered in and got their special plate! Language facility helps (true local establishments prefer not to go out of their way to cater to people of other countries and languages because they often don't speak any language well but their own).
Don’t get hung up on it if you cannot even pronounce ‘hello’ correctly in the local tongue. Generally, basic English greetings are common enough and you can always point and gesture and remember to smile, don’t take the situation and yourself too seriously and then they will know not to either.
And one final bit of advice...don’t get too carried away! At a local eating joint in the middle of northeast Thailand along the Mae Nam Kong River (Mekong River) over decade ago, I had nothing in mind to eat — and was already familiar with the typical standbys of pad thai, papaya salad and basic Thai-curry. Therefore, I made a request of the chef who was also the owner who was also the waitress (all in one). I asked her to give me the ‘number-one house special’…when she finally understood what I was requesting, she tilted her head with a twinkle in her eye, faint smile, then a nod and ‘okay, no problem you’. Ten minutes later she delivered a stinking plate of unpalatable Mekong-amphibian curry over rice…it tasted horrible to my uninitiated palate. I had to choke it down not wanting to waste food in a hungry world, especially after having requested it.
The take away lesson — clarify a bit what you want — do not leave everything up to the restaurant--as their favorite will not likely be your favorite. Local diners often crave exotic local flavors that are too strong for all newcomers. At least, the memorable, bad taste of pungent, feral animal flesh helped me on my journey to be a vegetarian.
Now get out of your comfortable, cushy tourist venues and find some local flavor — authentic dishes prepared the way locals prefer them, not just food advertised as ‘local’ by touristy restaurants that rarely have local patrons and have only watered-down tastes!
Remember to explore the local drinks, too, they can be a refreshing, enjoyable discovery, too…again, moderation advised!
The First Question is the Hardest but the Most Necessary
The first question that a foreigner ought to ask before starting or joining a
‘development project’ in a foreign country is ‘Why are not the local
people doing this themselves?’ The answer might be very telling
with insight as to where the best solution if any lies and where to direct energy and resources.
Usually, there is enough local talent and know-how to do anything these days, regardless of nationality. If however, money seems to be the limiting factor, then local bureaucrats are likely interfering and causing disruptions and delays.
More importantly, if it has not been done yet, then perhaps the local people simply do not want this change foisted on them by outsiders.
If anything, before taking action, consider leaving the task in local hands and then work to free them from oppressive governance. Part of that is not inadvertently assisting the bureaucrats by dumping funds into a deviant system, thereby propping it up and complicating the process and prolonging troubles. “I wish all NGOs would shut down. We are not beggars!” declared a shop owner in Pokhara, Nepal regarding the development situation in Nepal.
Again, if you, dear reader, are one of the ‘aid workers’ actually making progress, then well done, you have succeeded where many others have not!
However, if the desire to donate money or materials to local people is tempting, then the following from The Center for Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.org) offers valuable guidelines for those wishing to make a difference while traveling:
“Travelers’ desire to help, interact, and learn from those they meet during their holiday is clearly positive. However, there are sometimes unintended consequences from these good intentions. Misguided contributions can perpetuate cycles of dependency, cause corruption, burden communities with unwanted or inappropriate donations, and require recipients to spend time and resources to handle ‘gifts’ they didn’t request or cannot use…when, how, and what to contribute needs to be decided by the host community, not the tourist or the tourism company.”
Usually, there is enough local talent and know-how to do anything these days, regardless of nationality. If however, money seems to be the limiting factor, then local bureaucrats are likely interfering and causing disruptions and delays.
More importantly, if it has not been done yet, then perhaps the local people simply do not want this change foisted on them by outsiders.
If anything, before taking action, consider leaving the task in local hands and then work to free them from oppressive governance. Part of that is not inadvertently assisting the bureaucrats by dumping funds into a deviant system, thereby propping it up and complicating the process and prolonging troubles. “I wish all NGOs would shut down. We are not beggars!” declared a shop owner in Pokhara, Nepal regarding the development situation in Nepal.
Again, if you, dear reader, are one of the ‘aid workers’ actually making progress, then well done, you have succeeded where many others have not!
However, if the desire to donate money or materials to local people is tempting, then the following from The Center for Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.org) offers valuable guidelines for those wishing to make a difference while traveling:
“Travelers’ desire to help, interact, and learn from those they meet during their holiday is clearly positive. However, there are sometimes unintended consequences from these good intentions. Misguided contributions can perpetuate cycles of dependency, cause corruption, burden communities with unwanted or inappropriate donations, and require recipients to spend time and resources to handle ‘gifts’ they didn’t request or cannot use…when, how, and what to contribute needs to be decided by the host community, not the tourist or the tourism company.”
Slim Chances in an Aid-Ridden World
If you are in development work and do not speak the local language
and do not understand in-depth the local culture…despite the best of
intentions (which are not in doubt here), it is likely that your ‘aid’ and
‘development’ work will have a detrimental effect on the very society that you are trying to heal.
I respectfully offer a small bit of polite advice for anyone in the aid business — anyone attempting ‘development work’…first, it is essential to learn the local language, next, it is necessary to study the local culture. Then and only, after fulfilling these prerequisites, then it might be possible and appropriate to attempt to ‘change’ or ‘fix’ another culture/people/society.
Chances are still very low of doing the right thing (many ‘developing’ countries rank in the bottom tiers on corruption and transparency indices – this makes the probability of malfeasance and being taken for a ride all the greater). That is, chances are high of making critical, harmful errors where real people suffer and continue to suffer, even when the ‘aid’ worker is fluent in both language and culture.
However, if workers do not speak the local language and do not understand much of the culture and underlying features and causes of political, social, ecological and economic troubles, then it is likely that they will cause more problems than they might solve and will prolong issues, especially by indirectly supporting a deviant bureaucracy and current regimes of power and the status quo.
The best thing to do, if absolutely necessary to do something and if one cannot resist trying to help, then the best action to take will be to aim energy and resources at changing governance -- not try to fill-in for or take on the role of (unethical bureaucrats and) government itself.
Additionally, please keep in mind that it will be extremely difficult to reach and to offer anything to a culture and people when the ‘aid’ worker has a pay rate and lifestyle far above 99% of people they are there trying to ‘help’…and consequently, difficult to give up such a cushy tenure and perception of its relevancy. Please do not hold on long after it is time to go.
In sum, if a ‘development worker’ cannot relate and communicate with local people about the issues at hand, then more likely than not they will make mistakes that harm the fabric of society and already suffering people that they are trying to ‘save’ – yes, even when filled with positive intentions.
Note: Certainly there are aid organizations and aid workers having a positive effect in the scope of development. However, these I/NGOs are relatively few and far between and in the minority. If you are working for one of these organizations, then please do not be offended by this post…and congratulations, you have succeeded where most others have failed.
The following insight might seem to be from and unlikely source, the frontier novel High Lonesome (by one of world’s bestselling authors, Louis L’Amour):
“Failure to understand Indian standards and ideas had done as much harm as had well-meaning but uninformed people, do-gooders and such, and the political appointees who were the Indian agents.
One of the basic mistakes in dealing with people of another cultural background is to attribute to them the ideas one has oneself.”
I respectfully offer a small bit of polite advice for anyone in the aid business — anyone attempting ‘development work’…first, it is essential to learn the local language, next, it is necessary to study the local culture. Then and only, after fulfilling these prerequisites, then it might be possible and appropriate to attempt to ‘change’ or ‘fix’ another culture/people/society.
Chances are still very low of doing the right thing (many ‘developing’ countries rank in the bottom tiers on corruption and transparency indices – this makes the probability of malfeasance and being taken for a ride all the greater). That is, chances are high of making critical, harmful errors where real people suffer and continue to suffer, even when the ‘aid’ worker is fluent in both language and culture.
However, if workers do not speak the local language and do not understand much of the culture and underlying features and causes of political, social, ecological and economic troubles, then it is likely that they will cause more problems than they might solve and will prolong issues, especially by indirectly supporting a deviant bureaucracy and current regimes of power and the status quo.
The best thing to do, if absolutely necessary to do something and if one cannot resist trying to help, then the best action to take will be to aim energy and resources at changing governance -- not try to fill-in for or take on the role of (unethical bureaucrats and) government itself.
Additionally, please keep in mind that it will be extremely difficult to reach and to offer anything to a culture and people when the ‘aid’ worker has a pay rate and lifestyle far above 99% of people they are there trying to ‘help’…and consequently, difficult to give up such a cushy tenure and perception of its relevancy. Please do not hold on long after it is time to go.
In sum, if a ‘development worker’ cannot relate and communicate with local people about the issues at hand, then more likely than not they will make mistakes that harm the fabric of society and already suffering people that they are trying to ‘save’ – yes, even when filled with positive intentions.
Note: Certainly there are aid organizations and aid workers having a positive effect in the scope of development. However, these I/NGOs are relatively few and far between and in the minority. If you are working for one of these organizations, then please do not be offended by this post…and congratulations, you have succeeded where most others have failed.
The following insight might seem to be from and unlikely source, the frontier novel High Lonesome (by one of world’s bestselling authors, Louis L’Amour):
“Failure to understand Indian standards and ideas had done as much harm as had well-meaning but uninformed people, do-gooders and such, and the political appointees who were the Indian agents.
One of the basic mistakes in dealing with people of another cultural background is to attribute to them the ideas one has oneself.”
 |
| This photo is typical of the highly paid double-speak (program was at the five-star Yak and Yeti Hotel) that is prolonging chances for real progress in Nepal. Perhaps the local people simply do not want change foisted on them by outsiders. It is better to leave it in their hands and if anything, work to free them from oppressive governance and part of that is not inadvertently assisting the bureaucrats by dumping funds into a deviant system, thereby propping it up and complicating the process and prolonging troubles. |
Same-Same, NOT Different (aka, Not Different, Same-Same)
I was recently in northern Thailand and experiencing the same-same, not
different ups and downs per usual…paradoxically attached to the
downs…more at ease with them as they have been with me longer (haha, cry-cry)…maybe
too much chlorine in water, msg in food, humid-heat in air,
preservatives in beer, pesticides in food, burnt-plastic pollution in
air, Eat-Pray-Lovers walking around with copyright to life’s answers…or, more likely, it is simply the usual suspects — the
hobgoblins — of my own mind.
That said, I rarely feel healthy and physically strong in ‘the land of the upside-down frown‘…despite a surfeit of food, smorgasbord of activities and plethora of fun and games, I am inexplicably running on 50% cylinders...at most.
The general feeling in Thailand is party-hearty…people arrive to indulge in sensual pleasures and good times. Few are on working holidays like me.That is, they have no responsibilities and do not suffer for someone who does not have all day to seek fun and adventure of an exotic locale.
Additionally, adding to my petty woes, nearly every dish in every restaurant has animal flesh or animal product. When did the culinary world become like this?…not so long ago people rarely had meat in the diet (a few times a week, or once a day at the very most)…now flesh is in every single spoonful. The bloodthirsty modern diet of the naked ape and suffering there engendered including a heavy tax on environment of animal farming dims the ray of hope for the future of all life in general. This animal planet with its deteriorating environment faces an overly self-absorbed species with ignorance of biblical proportions. If only Noah could give us all a pep talk.
Diet and partying aside, I rarely get around with anyone in Thailand whereas in Rishikesh, NW India, there is more of a spiritual flavor and sparkling gems of humanity passing through. I am always inspired to do more there…whereas here I am just taking up space and resources.
Onward to eternity…not beyond-- Hari Om -- Hurry Home.
That said, I rarely feel healthy and physically strong in ‘the land of the upside-down frown‘…despite a surfeit of food, smorgasbord of activities and plethora of fun and games, I am inexplicably running on 50% cylinders...at most.
The general feeling in Thailand is party-hearty…people arrive to indulge in sensual pleasures and good times. Few are on working holidays like me.That is, they have no responsibilities and do not suffer for someone who does not have all day to seek fun and adventure of an exotic locale.
Additionally, adding to my petty woes, nearly every dish in every restaurant has animal flesh or animal product. When did the culinary world become like this?…not so long ago people rarely had meat in the diet (a few times a week, or once a day at the very most)…now flesh is in every single spoonful. The bloodthirsty modern diet of the naked ape and suffering there engendered including a heavy tax on environment of animal farming dims the ray of hope for the future of all life in general. This animal planet with its deteriorating environment faces an overly self-absorbed species with ignorance of biblical proportions. If only Noah could give us all a pep talk.
Diet and partying aside, I rarely get around with anyone in Thailand whereas in Rishikesh, NW India, there is more of a spiritual flavor and sparkling gems of humanity passing through. I am always inspired to do more there…whereas here I am just taking up space and resources.
Onward to eternity…not beyond-- Hari Om -- Hurry Home.
 |
| Thai wedding party — young bride and groom are seen in photo next to soop’d up vehicle. Suddenly, as if scripted from a post-pubescent boy’s diary…this car crashed the party. It was cherried-out with deafening speakers and hydraulics for raising it up and down . Hip hop roared from the vehicle as three scantily clad women in bikinis rushed out and onto the stage in bikinis. They then andbegin to gyrate (seen in background of this photo) to hoots and hollers from male members of the wedding party. Not sure how happy the bride and other females in attendance were about the revealing show and blatant fantasies of her newlywed hubby -fast cars and fast women. |
Earthlings, in general, accept climate change as reality
yet seem to largely ignore any personal responsibility for it. If anything, people might sign online petitions or do simple things like using cloth grocery bags and composting organic refuse but remain aloof and leave the blame and work on governments.
The great majority who actually believes in climate change simple let themselves personally off the hook and simply do nothing -- perhaps not knowing what to do in the first place or feeling overwhelmed by the massive problem. Most of these people do not see a personal role in the problem and certainly not a personal role in the global solution.
Unfortunately, the option of relying on bureaucracy and not acting individually is eco-cidal (destruction of the natural environment) and that ultimately becomes omni-cidal (destruction of the human race). As we all know, governments and bureaucracies are notoriously woeful at accomplishing anything fruitful and often widen problems before understanding and working at solving them.
Crossing swords with climate change takes individual action worldwide. The good news is that this can be quite simple. Each one of us can be an individual swordsman and can take individual action. Isn't it quite easy for each one of us to modify personal behavior for real effects rather than getting a group of people to do the same. And if each one of us (who understand that climate change is an unambiguous, threatening issue) takes action then we can lead the way to offset the problem as best we might. Cheer up, it’s in our hands if we so take control of our own actions.
This video might get you started on “being the change you want to see in the world”.
The great majority who actually believes in climate change simple let themselves personally off the hook and simply do nothing -- perhaps not knowing what to do in the first place or feeling overwhelmed by the massive problem. Most of these people do not see a personal role in the problem and certainly not a personal role in the global solution.
Unfortunately, the option of relying on bureaucracy and not acting individually is eco-cidal (destruction of the natural environment) and that ultimately becomes omni-cidal (destruction of the human race). As we all know, governments and bureaucracies are notoriously woeful at accomplishing anything fruitful and often widen problems before understanding and working at solving them.
Crossing swords with climate change takes individual action worldwide. The good news is that this can be quite simple. Each one of us can be an individual swordsman and can take individual action. Isn't it quite easy for each one of us to modify personal behavior for real effects rather than getting a group of people to do the same. And if each one of us (who understand that climate change is an unambiguous, threatening issue) takes action then we can lead the way to offset the problem as best we might. Cheer up, it’s in our hands if we so take control of our own actions.
This video might get you started on “being the change you want to see in the world”.
India's and Nepal's Caste System -- Simply a Euphemism for Apartheid
The caste system is simply a euphemism for apartheid, plain and simple. The Indian Subcontinent, including Nepal, is one of the most ethnically stratified regions of the world and has
been plagued with extreme prejudice for eons. Caste protocol fetters the
mind and all sectors of society, influencing behavior, attitude and
development.
In general, most Hindus believe that a person’s current circumstances are preconditioned by former lives. People who perform well the prescribed duties of this life pave the way for favorable circumstances of a next incarnation. With regard to caste, an individual who aspires to rebirth in a higher caste must live a proper life in his or her present caste.
There was a time when caste was not designated by birth. Social assignment was according to tendencies and talents a person developed through choice and predilection. Persons were then grouped according to the path that a person selected. However, that era is far gone and the domain of caste has long since been determined by a person’s pedigree.
In Nepal, caste protocol was codified as law by autocratic Prime Minister Jang Bahadur Rana in 1854. Nepal was authoritatively run from 1846 to 1951 by a succession of prime ministers of the Rana family who overruled the monarchy. Jang Bhadur Rana wrote the Muluki Ain, or legal statute that codified and entrenched caste discrimination by outlining different rights and privileges according to ethnicity. Although this law has been repealed, it still influences behavior and attitude. Moreover, the view that a person’s circumstances are pre-determined and ineluctable is cited as an impediment to development. In other words, because of a belief in pre-destiny, people are more inclined to accept unfavorable circumstances rather than strive to improve them.
During the self-serving Rana regime, Nepal was shut off from the outside world with the exception of a solitary British delegation in Kathmandu. The tyrannical oligarchy was finally overthrown in 1951 and with restored power, King Tribhuvan opened the borders of Nepal to the world.
A Nayaa (New) Muluki Ain was written in 1964 that stated that superiority cannot be claimed based on race, creed or caste, but the statute did little to nothing to change actual circumstances. To this day, there is roughly a 40% difference in literacy between the Brahmins and the so-called ‘lowest’ caste as well as a lifespan difference that favors the ‘high’ caste by 10 years. It was not until the year 2000 that the kamaiya system of bonded labor was formally banned, officially ending slavery for many, although bonded labor largely continues with exploited children — – one of the many ills of grinding poverty and the lack of transparent rule of law.
Many foreigners are oblivious on caste and that might be harmless except when unwittingly aiding and abetting apartheid by associating closely and almost exclusively with higher castes – entrenching caste positioning and small minded beliefs of superiority as a birth right. For example, the founders of modern yoga schools that are teaching hatha yoga asanas, including Pattabhi Jois, the late B.K.S. Iyengar, and Bikram Choudhury are Brahmin…other boys considered ‘lower’ caster were simply not allowed the chance to study yoga and Hinduism in their era and that continues unto this day. With ‘higher’ castes embedded in the upper echelons of all sectors of society from positions within the dominant Hindu religion, to politics, law, law enforcement, the military, police, media, education, medicine, engineering, government and beyond, the stranglehold is strong and exclusion continues to this day, often subtly and usually unseen to foreign eyes.
In general, most Hindus believe that a person’s current circumstances are preconditioned by former lives. People who perform well the prescribed duties of this life pave the way for favorable circumstances of a next incarnation. With regard to caste, an individual who aspires to rebirth in a higher caste must live a proper life in his or her present caste.
There was a time when caste was not designated by birth. Social assignment was according to tendencies and talents a person developed through choice and predilection. Persons were then grouped according to the path that a person selected. However, that era is far gone and the domain of caste has long since been determined by a person’s pedigree.
In Nepal, caste protocol was codified as law by autocratic Prime Minister Jang Bahadur Rana in 1854. Nepal was authoritatively run from 1846 to 1951 by a succession of prime ministers of the Rana family who overruled the monarchy. Jang Bhadur Rana wrote the Muluki Ain, or legal statute that codified and entrenched caste discrimination by outlining different rights and privileges according to ethnicity. Although this law has been repealed, it still influences behavior and attitude. Moreover, the view that a person’s circumstances are pre-determined and ineluctable is cited as an impediment to development. In other words, because of a belief in pre-destiny, people are more inclined to accept unfavorable circumstances rather than strive to improve them.
During the self-serving Rana regime, Nepal was shut off from the outside world with the exception of a solitary British delegation in Kathmandu. The tyrannical oligarchy was finally overthrown in 1951 and with restored power, King Tribhuvan opened the borders of Nepal to the world.
A Nayaa (New) Muluki Ain was written in 1964 that stated that superiority cannot be claimed based on race, creed or caste, but the statute did little to nothing to change actual circumstances. To this day, there is roughly a 40% difference in literacy between the Brahmins and the so-called ‘lowest’ caste as well as a lifespan difference that favors the ‘high’ caste by 10 years. It was not until the year 2000 that the kamaiya system of bonded labor was formally banned, officially ending slavery for many, although bonded labor largely continues with exploited children — – one of the many ills of grinding poverty and the lack of transparent rule of law.
Many foreigners are oblivious on caste and that might be harmless except when unwittingly aiding and abetting apartheid by associating closely and almost exclusively with higher castes – entrenching caste positioning and small minded beliefs of superiority as a birth right. For example, the founders of modern yoga schools that are teaching hatha yoga asanas, including Pattabhi Jois, the late B.K.S. Iyengar, and Bikram Choudhury are Brahmin…other boys considered ‘lower’ caster were simply not allowed the chance to study yoga and Hinduism in their era and that continues unto this day. With ‘higher’ castes embedded in the upper echelons of all sectors of society from positions within the dominant Hindu religion, to politics, law, law enforcement, the military, police, media, education, medicine, engineering, government and beyond, the stranglehold is strong and exclusion continues to this day, often subtly and usually unseen to foreign eyes.
Comedy-Humor-Laughter-Playfulness
Robin Williams — dazzling mind for humor and inspiration to the world of comedy and beyond — please enjoy this fascinating interview of Robin on Inside the Actors Studio. It provides a brief glimpse into his brilliance…as the host says, "like trying to catch lightening with a butterfly net."
“I haven’t seen anybody dying of laughter. I know millions who are dying because they are not laughing.” -Dr. Madan Kataria
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” -Milton Berle
“We are paying a high price for taking Life seriously. Now, it is time to take laughter seriously.” -Dr. Madan Kataria
“If laughter cannot solve your problems, it will dissolve them by changing your body chemistry and mindset so you can face them in a better way.” -Dr. Madan Kataria
“I haven’t seen anybody dying of laughter. I know millions who are dying because they are not laughing.” -Dr. Madan Kataria
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” -Milton Berle
“We are paying a high price for taking Life seriously. Now, it is time to take laughter seriously.” -Dr. Madan Kataria
“If laughter cannot solve your problems, it will dissolve them by changing your body chemistry and mindset so you can face them in a better way.” -Dr. Madan Kataria
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