Random thoughts for random people: 01/23/2005

Corrupt Politicians and Mosquitoe Bites

Politicians being corrupt is nothing new. They exist everywhere, even in Canada, recall the recent sponsorship scandal. However, corruption in Asia is definitely the worst in the world. Corruption is particularly rampant in politics, government, and business. But my question is, is it really wrong? It's so hard to judge such a relativistic matter. In other words, ethical standards here, are not the same as they are in Canada. For example, I was told if I ever get caught by the police for not wearing a helmet on the motorcycle, I should just pay him the 200 "grease" fee to let me go. It's just easier that way. He collects his money, and I go on with my life. Makes sense? Well sort of... but then of course you have the argument that he's abusing his power as a civil worker ... and then you can argue if the government paid him more than he wouldn't resort to this. Who is at fault in all of this? I don't know... and if, in Thailand, I ever ran into a situation where I had to "grease" my way out with "facilitation" fees... I'm not sure what I would do.

Mosquitoe bites suck big time :) It's getting pretty bad for me, because I am allergic to them, which means they get inflamed into these huge, nasty, red bumps wherever the bug bites. GROSS. It really sucks, because even after the bites have deflated, they leave behind a tiny scar, and my legs are full of them. I have at least 30, and it's not a pretty sight, especially when I have to wear a short skirt everyday for school. The worst bite was on my eye, which so conveniently happened the night before my presentation. I wish the mosquitoe had bitten the other one too... at least it would have been even :)

This weekend I am off to the weekend market, and to the grand palace in Bangkok. Have a good weekend everybody :)

And another one.. I think this guy is the current PM

Ad 2: When I first saw this ad, and the one below, I thought it was for a movie. But it's actually for the upcoming election. The story behind the hammer is that he wants to break down the corruption. How ironic, considering that he owns one of the largest Maseuse chains in T.Land

Ad 1

A street vendor :)

I was tired of eating out this past month, so I attempted to cook my own dish one day. This is what it looked like. Yes, it tasted as bad as it looks... gross.. my rice was soggy :(

It was a full moon yesterday. I'll be goin to the full moon party soon!

I just like this picture :) My pen matches my agenda... hehe geeky.. I know.

I have at least 30 mosquitoe bites on my legs, they're pretty ugly looking. And then the day before my presentation I got one on my eye!!! Don't you just hate when that happens?

Statistics

I have never been a fan of statistics, but here are some interesting stats for you to ponder:

There are 6 Billion people on the earth

50 % live in the Asia Pacific
5 % live in N. America
35% (2 B people) live on less than $2 USD/ day
17% live on less than $1 USD/day
Of the top 20 "World's Most Populous Countries" only 4 of them were G 7 countries
Of the top 20 "World's Most Populous Cities" only 3 belonged to G 7 countries

Some Fun Stats:

80% of the BBA Students at my University are female
50% of the remaining 20% male population are gay

You might have heard, or read about similar stats before...

Ooooh pretty orchids... :)

Fruit Salad... 200 BT

Buying shoes at Khao San road

Stranded on an Island

Side view of the technique

made by the audience members...

Soccer or Football?

If SFU had 1/10 the team spirit that Chula or Thamassat had, SFU would be a lot more fun! Yesterday’s traditional football match between rival schools Chulalongkorn, and Thamasat was absolutely Insane! The game didn’t start until 5:00 PM, but pre show activities had started the day before and lasted right until the game started. There were pep rallies in the mall adjacent to the stadium, interviews with the football (soccer) players, cheerleaders in Emcee Hammer pants, break-dancing, eating… and so much more!

My group and I started the day with a really nice Korean meal that cost 10 times more than my average meal… which was really only $12 CAD. The Thais I was with really got a kick out of teasing me. It was very different to hang out with them compared to the exchange students. Both are good in their own ways! Following lunch, we had icecream! YUM… I shared 8 scoops of Swensens ice cream with some of the others. But really, I could have finished that baby on my own! I didn’t want to be a pig though.. hehehe… oink oink

The game itself was really bizarre… NO ONE WAS THERE TO ACTUALLY WATCH THE GAME!! They were all there to watch the shows that the audience created with these signs. I’m not sure how to describe it… but each audience member was given a set of coloured papers, umbrellas, etc. and throughout the game, the audience members had to raise these pieces of papers which formed into a masterpiece of art… I’ll show you pictures! There were a lot of side shows too, with cheerleaders, a rap artist, and dance. My theory on why no one is interested in the game, is because the players are really bad. Only a total of 1 point was scored during the game. How is this possible? The nets are so freaken huge!!!! Sheesh, maybe the nets need to get bigger, and the field smaller. But regardless, it was such a fun event to attend. Apparently, it’s the most important soccer match in all of Thailand.

I had a bet with this one dude, that the other school was going to win… and I was right. Thamassat scored the sole point. I won 200 BT!! YEAH!