Where In the World Is Mongolia?

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.