NiSeth Khmer

What Would a Leader Do After His Political Life?

2009-08-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

No body really knows what the future outcome will be for Cambodian Prime Minister. What will he be doing after the political life? Bill Clinton, former U.S President, has done a lot for the humanity after his presidential term. He just paid a surprised visit to North Korea to seek the release of 2 American journalists. On the other hand, first of all, no one knows when is Mr. Hun Sen going to step down from his long-term position as PM. It’s been 3 decades that Cambodia lays its fate on only one man’s hands (Hun Sen). Within these 30 years, he has done some transformation for the nation. But has he done enough for the sake of the people? Up till now, Cambodia is still among the poorest countries of the world. Some pro-CPP argue that no body helped Cambodian people as much as Hun Sen did. Ironically, no body ever has a chance to prove in his position. So the question is, “Who’s worth for a shot in leading the country?” Prince Ranarith was over. Politics is always complicated to be understood. But it’s pretty clear in the prince’s case. This guy is the bloodsucker who selfishly thinks of only his own benefit. Thus, only Sam Rangsy is suitable for the job. So why not give this man a chance! And we’ll see what can he do for the people.

Missing Those Songs!

2009-04-10T16:43:00.001-07:00

New Year this season, I fell quite different from before. I seem to miss all those New Year songs, especially the “Chol Choung” oldies by Rous Serey Sothea and Sin Sisamouth. I still remember those days. Waking up in the morning a couple days before the New Year days, I could hear “Chol Choung” songs from my neighbor’s radio. The feeling of joys is indescribable! The music is so persuasive that actually makes you get up and plan to do something for the celebration. You’ll have a feeling to call up friends or relatives as companies to go shopping for new clothes and plan out for far trips. Now let’s get back to the reality! Life is lonely than ever! Getting up this morning, I did hear anything but the rain. I have to go to school. What a day! My college life in America sucks!

COMEDIANS!

2009-04-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Most of Khmer comedians use their acts with gestures to make people laugh. And most often times they overact which make the shows look weird. Niay Krem and Niay Koy are the most popular comedian stars in Cambodia. I got to say that some of the works that these two stars act together are impressive. Other than that, people seem to product crappy performances. There’s one exception though. The most exceptional talented comedian that no body can deny is Prum Minh. Even though there’s a controversial about the pornography of his acts, about all the comedian has tremendous recognition from Cambodian people. Prum Minh is not only a regular comedian, he is also real Khmer scholar; he is a professor of University of Arts and has a long history of singing Ah Yaiy, which is a unique traditional dual singing of Khmer people for centuries. After all, some of his poems have deep meanings in political stance. In the West, there are many talented comedians who some of them have their own talk shows. David Letterman and Jay Leno are most famous hosts of late night talk shows. These two guys have ability to convey their political ideologies to influence millions of audiences throughout America. And here are my favorite comedian and comedy shows. Russell Peters, Two and a Half Men, Friends…

A Controversial Picture!

2009-03-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

Some years ago, Cambodian government destroyed a picture about the economy and corruption. This above picture is a new one that the artist redo it. What make this piece of art so powerful? The scene of the painting shows only a small corner of a typical city street near Psar Thmey. A desperate poor mother with two hungry kids represent a large proportion of Khmer population living under poverty. And a fancy Land Cruiser with the government license plate signifies the people in power and the government itself. Luxury companies in the background expose the imbalance of the economic growth. The main theme of picture is to reveal the truth that makes a corrupted government anxious about it. By the way, I would credit Mr. Khem Chantha, the artist, who expressed his honest feeling in this captivating painting. Find out more about his arts @
www.khmergallery.com

The Past's Haunting Cambodia!

2009-03-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

I'm not talking about Khmer Rouge Tribunal Process that taking place. I'm talking about the other side of the past. During the period of civil war, Vietnam and China greatly got involved with our nation. From former king Sihanouk to current prime minister Hun Sen, Vietnam took advantage by manipulating Cambodian politics for its own benefit. And it's no doubt that Vietnamese policy still strongly influences Cambodia's current government. China, on the other hand, economically supported and armed Khmer Rouge Regime all the way in exchange of its Communism expanding ambition. Nowadays, no one can deny that China is not the biggest investor in Cambodia's economy. From textile industry to agricultural products, Chinese investment takes over and plays a very crucial role in the country's economical growth. The outside look of a very small scale development might confuse people's mind that the nation is moving in the right direction. In fact, we are so fragile internally. We are politically not an independent state. That is what I am afraid of. I'm worried that we may follow the past shadow. We used to make friends with the Communists and became foe with the West. And what happened? The nation was torn apart and the people died. Now what? Our current government obviously hate the West and allies with China and Vietnam. So just like the old time, we are moving in the right direction (??). I'm not a politician. I'm taking any political side either. I'm just a decent Khmer citizen who speak from what I envision.

Reckoning My Curiosity!

2009-02-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

It’s been 5 years and 6 months, my college life in the United States has been considered a rough journey. I never feel like I belong here. I never enjoy living here. And then why the hell am I here in first place? The only answer that I can give to myself is “Pursuing a Better Life.” Yet how? How coming to America makes my life better? I never go that far to ask myself. Lately this question borders my head even worse. One day some thoughts fly into my head from nowhere offering me the answers that I’ve been waiting for awhile. Now I know. I realize that I am not happy with what I’ve been through now. But at least I know what my goals are. I know What I want to do in my future path. I have to admit this; it’s much better than while I was back there about 5 years ago. Back then I did not even have a dream. I did not know what I want in life. It was a nightmare. A life without a dream is a waste! So I cannot deny that Now is better than Before.

Cambodia-made Democracy!

2009-02-15T21:58:00.000-08:00

We take power first
We take money next
And everything else comes later

In the West, Democracy & Capitalism work as “Yin & Yang”
In Cambodia, we take Capitalism to the next level and we step over Democracy

Here are how we roll:
We empower ourselves with "Special Right" to rule our countrymen rather than "Special Obligation" to serve
We chase people away and build Capitalists’ skyscraper
We sell everything that belongs to the people to empower our Capitalism empire
We sell mountains, rivers, trees, lands, mines, and even our identity
Above all, we put country for sale!

Yeah! That's how we roll!

Where In the World Is Mongolia?

2008-10-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Throughout the history, only one thing that people remember about Mongol is Genghis Khan, the universal ruler who conquered almost half of the world. After the fall of the greatest empire, Mongolia was so isolated from the world. Not many people know where in map Mongolia located. This is what so interesting about Mongolia nowadays; it's surrounded by the two biggest communist nations, Russia and China. However, Mongolia identifies itself as a democratic nation. In one way or another, it has to be influenced by its neighbors. Mongolian literature characters adopted Russian language. The people still speak Mongolian but they write in Russian; it is similar to the way Vietnamese language influenced by French. Anyway, here's the beautiful side of Mongolia. Mongols are good in wrestling like always. It took two gold medals in Judo and Boxing in recent Beijing Olympic. And one of the most famous Sumo wrestlers in Japan is Mongol, Asashōryū Akinori. For those of you who like watching Japanese Sumo, you can check out youtube video. He is a great wrestler...

Khmer Rappers!

2008-10-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

Rap and Hip Hop are the most popular music in the United States and the West. Their cool beats and words gain popularity around the globe so quick. In the West, Rap and Hip Hop make a huge success in music industry. Just like other countries that influenced by this new culture, Cambodia also identifies with Rap and Hip Hop. There's increasing number of Khmer rappers nowadays. Some of them have made many impressive achievements. Prach Ly is the first talented rapper who represents Cambodia to international stages. Most of his best hits are about Killing Field's refugees which mirror the truth of the dreadful past. What I admire this guy is what he does besides music. Prach organizes a movement to help out traditional Khmer music and poor Khmer people. Pou Klang is another creative Khmer rapper. This guy is not bad at all; he mixes Khmer old school with modern music to make such interesting sounds. I would say Pou Klang can use more cool Khmer words than anybody else. And Khmer Thug has done a pretty good job as well. The interesting thing about this rapper is his talented ability of using both English and Cambodian words.

PraCh Ly

Pou Klang & Khmer Thug

Another Face Of Russia.

2008-09-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Russia..Russia...Russia! This word is not sound like in the old day no more. In the past decade, relationship between Soviet Federation (Russia) and Cambodia was terrific. We had a lot of students gained educational scholarships to continue high level degree in Soviet. We used name hospital and market "Russie". Since Soviet Empire collapsed, we have chose other sides--America and China. Nowadays, our diplomacy direction seems to be in the middle of these two super powers. Anyway, let's stop talking about politics. Here's another face of Russia besides nuclear power and political policy. Fedor Emelianenko is the national hero. Who is Fedor? a politician? a Olympic gold medalist? Fedor Emelianenko is a great athlete. His reputation is well-known all over the globe. He is a greatest fighter with terrific personality. Does anybody know what MMA or UFC is? MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts, and Ultimate Fighting Champion is called UFC in short. This sport is huge now; and its popularity is getting bolder and bolder. And Fedor is also called "The Last Emperor." He just never lost.

A Former PM's Skeptical Speech.

2008-09-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Thailand's former Prime Minister said, "We were once second to none (in the region)." That's good that he has pride for his nation. But it sounds skeptical to me. First, if comparing to Malaysia or Indonesia, I don't see Thailand as better as these countries. We're talking about economic development here. Second, if matching to Singapore, I think Thailand needs at least half of decade or so to be at the same level. So when he mentioned that Thailand was once second to none. I'm not sure what he referred to. Maybe Kickboxing, Drugs or Prostitution, I guess. If the topic is about these things, I undoubtedly agree. He continued, "Now we can compare to Burma or Cambodia." The history is ugly Mr. former PM. It's just like a roller coaster. The glory of a nation once goes up to the peak, and come back down the start point. And I believe that we, Khmer people, can say that better. We're once the greatest empire in the East--glorious Angkor or king of the king Javaraman VII. I believe you learn all that. During the time, the world never hear that there was such people called "Thai."

First Day @ School

2008-09-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Finally after almost 90 days of waiting, the 1st day of another new semester has started. I got to school earlier which was good. But after web surfing for awhile, my stomach began roaring. I was hungry! I got up and was going to have some noodle soup; and then on the way to the restaurant, I realized that I forgot my wallet. What a day! "Now what?" I asked myself. Starving and no money! Hmm.. What a good start for school! So I came back and sat at the same old couch and wrote this complaining journal.

Beijing Rewind

2008-08-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

It's been almost 2 weeks since the Olympic Games started in Beijing. Now here what had happened in the Birdnest Stadium. Apparently, Americans could not run anymore. We all know that USA dominated Track & Field such a very long time. Now Olympic history seems to be interesting. Tyson Gay, American track and field super star, was not even qualified for the final round. Meanwhile, Jamaica rocked the world with its lightning boy, Usain Bolt. However, the U.S. still be the master in the pool. Michael Phelps, one of my favourite sport idols, made a history of 8 gold medals in swimming. That's the beauty of this sport. In Olympic, Swimming has 8 disciplines which mean that swimmers have possibilities of earning 8 medals. And Phelps did it all in gold. No one had done that before. Moreover, China attempts to switch the history around. It's been number 2 or 3 behind USA and Russia. Now Chinese are working hard to be on the top; and so far they lead in gold medals. But the U.S. still slightly leads in overall medals. The games are not yet over. So we'll see who is going to be number 1. USA Vs. China.

Olympic Game!

2008-08-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

Olympic…Olympic! We hear this word everywhere. In couple more days, it’s finally here. Not here in Cambodia of course. It is in smoky Beijing, China. Throughout the last 3 Olympic games history, 3 nations have dominated the medals. USA, RUSSIA and CHINA respectively have been the leaders in the game competition. Now this year of 2008, who is going to be number 1 in winning medals. Price Waterhouse Corporation has statistically predicted that China will win the most medals. But who knows what will happen? Maybe Cambodia gets some medals back home too. Swimming and Track and Field are good cards that America’s holding; it has been the master of these sports for a very long time. On the hands, Ping Pong is no doubt the most watched for all Chinese. And Gymnastic is a hot game that the United States, Russia and China have competed each other for the lead.

Soccer Or Football?

2008-08-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Football is no doubt the most popular sport on earth. People from third world, second world, first world, or whatever you can call, play football. You can play the game indoor or outdoor; the rules are simple. And all you need just one ball. Besides Olympic Game, World Cup is the biggest event in sport history. However, I am amazed to learn that Americans do not play or watch soccer. Yeah, it's not called football in USA; I don’t mean that they don’t play at all; it’s just they don’t like it as much as football, basketball and baseball. These three sports are the most popular ones in America. I remembered one summer day in New York City. While I was standing and watching a street dance with crowded people, Liverpool Soccer Team stopped by. It is one of the most successful teams in England that recognized by people around the world. Even me, a nobody man from Cambodia, know this. I also know some of its best players. Hahaha… I had a wonderful chance to take a picture with Danny Murphy. But anyway, what surprised me is no one seemed to recognize those guys; and when they contributed some money to the dancers, they’d been asked for name so that the dancers could thank them in the public. The dancers could not even say “Liverpool.” It’s no question to me that all these guys don’t watch soccer. There are some soccer clubs in the United States that try to promote the sport. Yet most of them have been struggling in the business. LA Galaxy bought David Beckham, one of the most beloved soccer stars, for a large amount of money in hope to increase the popularity of the team and the sport itself in America. Similar action happened before. About some decades ago, Pele came to play soccer in America for the same purpose. Unfortunately, it did not last long; the popularity of the sport died out because people did not really like it in America.

Thailand: Be Friend With No One!

2008-07-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

Throughout history, Siam had become a notorious enemy with its neighbors such as Burma, Lao and Cambodia. Up till now it still be a bad neighbor. Recently, the border dispute between Thai and Cambodia is controversial topic. It started with Phreah Vihear Temple, which belongs to Khmer for almost a thousand years, was listed as World Heritage Site by Unesco. Apparently, Thai showed no respect to either Cambodia or international institutions. It began its army muscle by sending troops to the disputed area where for a long time prohibited to have neither Thai or Khmer army. Thailand also ignored Franco-Thai treaty in 1904 and 1907 in which it clearly stated both nations' border. It also worth remembering that about 2 decades ago, Thai had a bloody border battle with Lao as well. Thousands of soldiers from both sides died. Siam still makes no friend with nobody.

Border Issue

2008-07-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

As tension's getting worse and worse, Thai called for a talk. So what will be the outcome of the talk on Monday? Preah Vihear Temple is over. Here is the hot topic: 4.5 Km disputed area around Preah Vihear. So what are they going to do about it? One party agrees that it belongs to other. That's not going to happen. Or both sides are willing to share? I doubt it. Thus, after all the outcome of the talk will not do much to release the tension of military standoff between both countries. So who knows, what will happen? I don't want to see war occurs to my nation and people anymore. We've had too much already.

Vote Vs. Don't

2008-07-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's election time. I never realize how important it is for a good citizen to vote for the nation. And then it comes to negative point of views for those who don't vote. We don't use our unique rights to choose the right leader to do good for our country. So it means that we choose not to have our voices to be heard. It's a waste. I read an article of foreign observer on Cambodia election the other day. It indicated that the majority of young Khmer people do not even bother to register to vote. And that includes me. I never vote. I remembered the first time I was qualified to vote was high school time. I did not even care about politic. Two terms of election passed by, I did not vote. Now I care about Cambodian politic; I care about how Cambodia is leaded; I care about my own people. So I want to register to vote. However, the problem is I do not know who should I vote for. I've been trying to balance the reasons behind the media. Of course, they're bias. I'm afraid that I choose the wrong choice. It's quite different from American politics system. I mean I saw debate news of American presidential candidates on TV or Youtube. But I never saw Khmer politicians ever debate on any issue. All they do is criticize each other. Thus, it's hard to make a logical judgement. Huh... At least I come up with 2 parties now in my mind. I'll go for either Sam Rainsy or CPP. Hahaha...Still deciding.

Big Disappointment for Thai

2008-07-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

July 07, 2008 is a big time sadness for Thailand. On this one day, Thai lost two huge fights. One was the fight of its Muay Thai hero, Buakaw Pramouk, in K1 max match. Another was a fight over the historical reality. Preah Vihear Temple of Cambodia was listed as World Heritage Site on the same day despite the opposition of Thailand. It'd been a couple weeks that Thai tried to ignore the reality (Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia). It's a controversial issue for all Thais; not just regular Siam citizens, but also the top level administration engaged in this battle. They might think that they would be able to change the history. But it did not turned out to be a smart choice. The reality is still real; and let's keep real that way. Our nation, Cambodia, won Unesco's trust to have Preah Vihear listed as World Heritage Site. And Thai lost a lot more behind its ridiculous action--face, international relation, and maybe business interest.

Soon enough, it will gain its glory back and turn into one of the most popular places for tourists just like Angkor Wat. And hopefully, all khmer people benefit from that.

Sport Idol

2008-07-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

K1 Max is one of my favourite. It is pretty much like Kickboxing; the only different rule is that the fighters cannot use elbow in the combat. And Buakaw Pramouk, from the same birthplace with Tony Jaa, is best of the best and my favourite. Here's the story of disappointment. This two-time champion just lost to a low-profile Japanese fighter in July 7, 2008. After watching the fight one youtube website, I felt like crap. It was a night for Buakaw to lose by k.o. Anyway, it's just my disappointment to see a sport idol failed in a lousy fight.