130705-The Post 7Day

THE PHNOM PENH POST ​JULY 5 - 11, 2013 . ISSUE #203

The cost of dying ... and what happens if you can’t afford it?

Counting atrocity A scientific look at the Khmer Rouge impact

Loving a prize fighter The unusual couple behind cultural centre

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Contents

THE PHNOM PENH POST • 7Days • july 5 -11, 2013

03 | 7 Questions: “I’m not a hard worker, but...”

04 | Colonial charm with a modern touch 06 | Taking on the ‘busy’ curse in Koh Kong 08 | The true toll of the Khmer Rouge 10 | The cost of death in Cambodia 13 | Big in Japan: miso a crucial cornerstone 17 | What’s on: Watch, see, party CEO: Chris Dawe

Contributors: Bennett Murray, Chloe

Publisher: Ross Dunkley

Cann

Telephone: +855 23 214 311

Designer: Valinda Aim

7Days Editor: Poppy McPherson

Cover photo illustration: Erika Pineros

Contributing Editors: Rosa Ellen and

Photographers: Scott Howes, Hong

Claire Knox

Menea

Post Media Ltd. Level 8, No. 888, Building F, The Phnom Penh Centre, Cnr Sothearos Blvd. and Sihanouk Blvd., Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

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Story

We tested the floating lodge resort 4 Rivers as an antidote to that modern curse: ‘the busy trap’. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Media Limited and appears as an insert to The Phnom Penh Post. It is an integral part

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of the newspaper and must not be sold separately. 7Days is printed by Post Commercial Printing and all liability for the content is taken by the publisher.

Editor’s letter: Miseries, joys and curiosities

Poppy mcpherson

in this issue of contrasts.

It turned out this low-profile gainst all odds, NGO was started to tackle an our very sad cover enormous burden faced by famistory came from a very lies who can’t afford to look after funny picture on their relatives when they die.

Twitter.

Death is big business.

Some months ago, scrolling Across the world, along with through the Internet, I came the ballooning cost of living, the across a photo of a sign for an cost of dying is rising.

NGO called ‘Cambodia AsIn the UK last year, the aversociation Helping the Miserable age funeral cost $4800, while in Corpses’. Naturally, I was amused. the US the figure was $6,560 in The desk speculated for some 2009 (their most current data). weeks on what the story behind Neither figure includes those such a bizarrely named organisa- things that have become integral tion could be, before eventually to the funeral: flowers, catering, investigating. The comedy value headstones. soon faded: the first about-turn In cemeteries in the West, little

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Widow Penh Mom’s family home. She borrowed money from her relatives to pay for her husband’s funeral. SCOTT HOWES

wooden crosses in the dirt sit next to elaborate monuments.

In Cambodia, even the most basic ceremony is beyond the reach of many. For ChineseKhmer, the burial plot and headstone are priced at $500 plus.

For our cover feature, we spoke to widows left with terrible debts after borrowing from neighbours, and met the people striving to help others send their loved ones off in dignity.

Also faced with the task of reconciling finance and grief,

was academic Patrick Heuveline, when he set off to calculate the death toll of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Estimates have ranged from 1.2 million to more than double that.

Heuveline thinks he has the right number. His next project is to measure the social consequences. We got his thoughts on both.

We don’t shy from mixing the bad with the good in 7Days, and this issue is no different. Hand in hand with death goes life, in all

its miseries, joys and curiosities.

In the latest of our ‘You and Me’ series, we talked to a Yuthakun Khorm boxer and his partner about their relationship with the sport and each other.

We took a look at the home of a French-Khmer couple who renovated an old colonial building to dramatic effect.

Finally, I battled stress on a river in Koh Kong – a beautiful province, under threat.

Any thoughts? Get in touch: ppp.lifestyle@gmail.com

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july 5 -11, 2013 • 7Days • THE PHNOM PENH POST

Quest ion s

I’m not sure people want to [go into] the book business …you know that technology is advancing and attacking reading, publications, publishing. Books, newspaper, magazines, they’re all in trouble now slowly and slowly.

Except school materials, text books, course books that are still used at school. But novels, fiction, nonfiction, magazines, news - you can just read from apps. I don’t think that we can call ourselves a monopoly or a non competitive industry …

Though we are the only ones selling books at that kind of level we are just doing OK. We’re not doing great, you know? Because books have a very limited margin.

FROM the 12th floor of Kidz City, Phnom Penh’s new “indoor- entertainmenteducation centre”, Meng Hieng’s sleek, white open-plan office commands a striking view of the city, under the shadow of the unfinished grey monolith Gold Tower 42. The 46-yearold businessman and founder of Monument Books has moved onwards and upwards since the impoverished days of UNTAC-era Phnom Penh, when he began his modest book-selling business supplying foreigners with much-needed reading material. Since then the entrepreneur (and father of four), who learned English “from the street”, has astutely judged the rise of “coffeecouches-and-wi-fi” book retail, and allowed Barbie dolls and laser tag a place in his business empire. Rosa Ellen reports.

[book] business.

Monument was just a shop house – we put racks on the walls and put books and magazines out on display. We started off with a very small shop and moved three times before moving to where we are today, on Norodom Blvd.

We had to learn [a lot] about the book business because we didn’t know anything back then. That was the time when the UN came, in 1991.

How did it all start, before Monument Books?

I was working for the Cambodiana when I got a better offer to work for an airline company. At that time it was the first airline to fly from Cambodia to Bangkok. I was 22 or 23 and the assistant representative. My connections – from the hotel and airline and friends from the UK and different parts of the US – all said, ‘Why don’t you start a tour company?’ And then suddenly this Canadian guy whose office was in Bangkok employed me to distribute books for him [as well], and then I started to do my own

What were people reading back then?

I think at that time many people liked to read about Cambodia first of all: our temples, our culture, our people and our history – for expats, foreigners and tourists, that is. At that time not many Cambodians were able to buy books, and I think they didn’t even have a great culture of reading, so it took a while to educate people to get used to this sort of behaviour.

Cambodia 20 years ago, people didn’t speak English well – now you find teenagers speaking English. If you open a business you can always find

‘I am not a hard worker’: Meng Hieng, Cambodian businessman, gives his recipe for success. HONG MENEA

staff who speak English – that’s the norm. I think English is now the second language in Cambodia for Cambodians.

I only have one expat here in this building, and we have 100 people working. Unlike the book business, you really need to have a native speaker and you really have to be very good at this industry.

I have to say, many Cambodians are now managers – general manager – for some companies. If you consider the development of Phnom Penh and Cambodia, the number of jobs has increased but the number of expats employed has not increased proportionally.

Did you ever envision yourself in an office like this?

No absolutely not. It was not easy at that time – because you couldn’t imagine what your future would be after the Khmer Rouge. If you talk about Cambodia in the early ’90s, things were quite rough.

No press, no media, no TV . . . I had to support my family members. I’m quite lucky to be here today.

Lucky to be here because of opportunities or because things were dangerous?

I think both. I had opportunity and I [am] capable – that’s what led me here today. If you’re not smart, opportunities can pass. You need to seize things at the right time. Luck is next. Luck is after opportunity. We have to work hard -actually, work smart, not hard! Sometimes you work hard but if you’re not smart it’s going to take a longer time.

Do you work exceptionally hard?

No, I’m not a hard worker.

But I think I like to create, to develop and then let people manage. Train them to manage and I think there are people out there that are quite capable. But you need to train them so they can help you one way is to help people along with you, otherwise … the scope is too big.

Monument seems to have virtually no competition in the English language book market in Cambodia – Do you expect that to change?

Why the move into kids entertainment?

They always say you should have a concept. In the United States bookshops always work with Starbucks and coffee shops to create this kind of reading-sitting-coffee-wi-fi environment. We had this coffee shop [Java Café] but it didn’t really work … Of course it pleased some of the expatriate community but not to the massive Cambodian community at all.

So we created a small toy shop and fortunately we were able to convince Mattel at that time to give us supply. It was not easy because a big company has high expectations and talks about volume, target - but what can you do in Cambodia?

Such a small market, with very low buying power.

Since we opened, we’ve had great success. We’ve seen many Cambodians buying toys ...

Why Kidz City? I like the [toy shop] model but of course I could not open another one in Phnom Penh because it might not be viable commercially.

I felt that if I [wanted do something else] it would involve kids and families.

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Anthony Perkins@ Spigzy 23 Jun No time to get a pic, but saw great t-shirt with #Cambodia flag and slogan “Keep calm and eat rice” #KeepCalm #NyamBaiii!

Sopheak SREY@sopheaksrey 21 Jun Just take noticed that Cambodian Facebook users start mentioned about politics more and more. Sound great for future-Cambodia and democracy.

Leigh@tenaciousleigh 20 Jun All of this rain means I don’t want to leave my apt.

I don’t understand why snuggling under blankets all day isn’t acceptable behaviour.

ComedyClubCambodia @ComedyClubCambo 27 Jun What with all this rain on the first day of the campaigning, I think we can safely predict a landslide come the election. #toomonsoon?

Vireak@yuttarachaly 27 Jun Thanks to the rain that we don’t have endure all the blast to the ears at the full volume. #ElectionsKH #PhnomPenh is in the studio@FX_PP 24 Jun Last time I ride a motor was when Backstreet Boys was still cool #KhmerElite Luke Hunt@lukeanthonyhunt 5h #Xayaburi Dam Threatens Mekong River’s Giant Catfish

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Feature

THE PHNOM PENH POST • 7Days • july 5 -11, 2013

Home in a restored colon

Tan Sopheap and Anthony Simms’s colonial home was once a grand hotel. The couple sp into a living space suited for a modern family, but with a preserved historic heritage. Chlo alking up a wide curved staircase a smoky-sweet scent greets us, pervading the entire corridor. Tan Sopheap, 28, beckons us from the other end of her apartment. In the background violin riffs blare from a widescreen TV playing an old war movie.

The tiled floors provide cool relief from the midday heat, and the half-closed shutters cast shadows over the hall.

In Daun Penh’s Post Office Square stands a beautifully decrepit French colonial building, which was once a grand hotel called the Manolis.

It now houses the penthouse apartment that Tan shares with her Australian partner, Anthony Simms, 42, and their two daughters, Emilia, 5, and Amy, 5 months.

Simms is away in Afghanistan when we visit where he works as a technical adviser for American NGO the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The couple moved in some five years ago, but the renovations took almost three years.

Despite making some modern touches, Simms was keen to retain many of the building’s original features.

“Colonial architecture has a

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huge amount of charm that is senseless to put to waste, and there isn’t a great deal of it left in the city.”

The apartment’s original features are complemented with exotic touches from the couple’s travels. There’s a painting from Myanmar where they went on holiday two years ago, a multitude of furnishings, trinkets and antiques from Afghanistan and a tribal mask from Papua New Guinea. “My mum’s very scared when she sees this,” Tan chuckles.

Kitchen countertop bowls bulge with produce; there’s fresh rambutan here and garlic there.

But this isn’t a show home, where the mother puts on the airs and graces of being the perfect housewife. Tan is a generous host and a former chef (at the Rising Sun).

Emilia sits at the kitchen table happily devouring the dried beef and rice cooked by her mother. The same dried beef that perfumes the air with its smokysweet scent.

Tan hasn’t always shared Simms’s enthusiasm for their apartment.

“When I first moved here, I thought ‘Oh my God’. I was scared because I thought the old building would maybe fall down one day. But Anthony’s fixed it and it’s a great place [now].

I love it.”

‘We held onto the fundamentals of the original design: big rooms, high ceilings, open spaces, louvre windows, ‘ says Anthony Simms. scott howes

Tan Sopheap used to be a professional chef. Favourite dishes? ‘Khmer food – a little bit sweet and sour.’ scott howes

A spiral staircase is decorated with statues from the couples’ travels. scott howes

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july 5 -11, 2013 • 7Days • THE PHNOM PENH POST

nial villa

pent three years re-modelling it oe Cann takes a look inside.

The cool tiled floors, which line the entire apartment, are original. scott howes

The apartment’s original features are complemented by exotic touches from the couple’s travels. scott howes

Tan and Anthony had a dog, but it jumped off the roof so often they had to give it to her mother, she says. scott howes

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Feature

THE PHNOM PENH POST • 7Days • july 5 -11, 2013

Too busy to slow down?You might need to head to the hills Canvas tents and relentless rain may not sound like a luxurious weekend, but a river resort on the fringes of Koh Kong’s Cardamom mountains proves the perfect foil to the ‘busy’ person’s wired lifestyle, Poppy McPherson discovers. wo days before we left for Koh Kong, my grumbling travel companion announced that – shock, despair – we would be going off the grid.

No internet for 48 hours, maybe more. Phone reception, too, was patchy.

First, a twinge of regret.

Then relief.

Like millions of others all over the world, I suffer from “busy”. The New York Times recently published an editorial under the title The Busy Trap, lampooning the collective pressure to be preoccupied: “It’s become the default response when you ask anyone how they’re doing: ‘Busy!’ ‘So busy.’ ‘Crazy busy.’”

Replace at will with “stressed”.

Technology has brought busyness and stress into our lives when we should really be neither. At home, in bed, we read emails, or scroll Twitter on the beach.

Top of this month’s stress list? Stress itself. Study this and study that all say

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that stress is a key cause of hypertension, thyroid disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, even backache.

So, last month, for the benefit of my health, I decided to do nothing for a weekend.

Or rather, to do nothing somewhere beautiful: a weekend in a remote part of southwest Cambodia, totally incommunicado, and at one with almighty nature.

4 Rivers Floating Lodge, a string of canvas tents on a bend in the Tatai river, about six hours travel from Phnom Penh, is a remote eco-resort with the promising tagline: Floating on a river of tranquility.

We left the day after a big deadline. For the first hour of the drive, panicky thoughts came as regularly as bumps in the road.

My companion, silent beside me, had worked out a better system of coping.

Sleep.

As I ate his croissant, and drank the dregs of his espresso, I, too, slowly

The Tatai river offers enticing kayaking adventures and visual refreshment, from the comfort of your tent. Supplied

slipped into mundane thought.

How Bob Dylan did the best travelling music.

For me, the snare drum brings back Italy’s verdant green hills and, now, Cambodia’s, snaking in a Toyota Camry toward the coast past rice paddy after rice paddy, puddles and jungle-trimmed hills.

It was working.

After a bone-shaking

four hour ride – our driver, “Ray”, conquered the blind mountain bends with an unforgettable exhilaration – we arrived in Tatai village, an hour before the free boat to the resort.

A few hundred metres away from the tent that serves as 4 Rivers’ village HQ is an enormous sanddredger, its gigantic spout spitting out fountains of sand, with heaps more piled

on the banks beside.

This is why if you want to go to Koh Kong, you should go now.

In 2012, the province recorded 100,000 local and foreign tourists, lured largely by the Cardamom Mountains, whose pristine natural beauty is increasingly under threat.

Digging up sand from the riverbed can cause the banks to collapse, and

The safari-style tents at 4 Rivers are comfortable enough to tempt slovenliness. PHOTO SUPPLIED

damage the marine life, while loggers and hunters have plundered the rare species that live in the jungle – to say nothing of the numerous industrial projects in the making.

As our little wooden boat pulled away from the Tatai jetty, my phone buzzed.

Twenty or so emails waited, we had picked up a little wi-fi somewhere. With the exception of one saying that Sopranos star James Gandolofini was dead, none were urgent.

“You’re missing everything,” my companion grumbled.

What “everything” is on the Tatai river is the joy of not very much at all. Fresh, misty air that hangs over the Cardamoms. Silence broken only by bird calls.

Absolute stillness, except for our hotel: a neat row of 12 tents on a bend in the river.

And, in late June, interminable, often torrential, rain.

It rained solidly for the three days we were there, meaning some of the most enticing tours offered by the

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A total of 12 tents float on a bend in the Tatai river. One can be yours for the night for around $150. PHOTO SUPPLIED

resort were ruled out.

On drier days, you can trek through the jungles, or tour the mangrove waterways that reach back into the vegetation. It was even too wet for firefly watching.

Fortunately, for I am not a happy camper, the tents are palatial.

At 45m square, and lavishly furnished, the rooms are most closely comparable to African safari style tents.

In an adjacent bathroom, his and hers basins pour water onto ceramic plates.

A rain shower is set in what looks like the bottom half of an enormous wooden beer barrel.

There’s a flat screen TV and a red and white stringy rug in which feet sink pleasantly when they are wet, which, that weekend, was very often. Each tent has its own private jetty and kayak hire is free.

The rain came in waves.

Sprawled on the bed, my companion read aloud from a history book about how Woodrow Wilson came close to dying from stress.

“Brain thrombosis can be

brought on by overwork.”

The railings of our mini harbor bobbed. I munched an excellent gruyere sandwich. Meanwhile, Wilson was forging the League of Nations.

One morning, when our absenteeism must have become noticeable to the staff, we got a call to the room. The tour guide, Bonna, made apologies for the rain and offered to take us to the waterfall.

“It’s free,” he implored.

He’d sussed us. At $150 a night, 4 Rivers is pricey for Cambodia, and tours are around $20 a pop.

We put on plastic rain jackets and clambered into the rickety boat.

It was a beautiful hour’s ride to the waterfall. We passed the island 50 yards across the water from the resort, home to 12 families including many relatives of 4 Rivers staff, Bonna told us. Nearly everyone in the area speaks Thai – some better than Khmer.

We also passed tiny sanddredging boats, a black and noisy nightmare of the industrial revolution.

“Floating iron pellets,” my companion mused.

For the idle holidaymaker, there was, however, a more immediate threat to consider: snakes. The staff reassured us that if there were snakes

whacked it over the head and ate it, he said.

Our dips in the river became less frequent after that.

When we reached the waterfall, a six metre

‘Fresh, misty air hangs over the Cardamoms. Silence is broken only by bird calls.’ around, they would probably leave us alone.

Bonna was more specific, telling us about the King Cobra spotted swimming across the river. The locals

drop, we were given the opportunity to kayak. The Belgian couple with us set off, arms moving in perfect unison, while we splashed around trying to find a

place to rest.

There are a number of smaller waterfalls that would be perfect picnic spots in better weather.

When we got back to the resort, the rain had stopped and the skies looked clear.

Black butterflies hovered by the lunch tent. It felt like summer.

Feeling emboldened, we borrowed a kayak and rowed through the lowhanging vegetation behind the tents, brushing through palm leaves that dipped into the water.

It began to drizzle again.

Big grey clouds hung low around the river bed. We rowed on but soon the rain

started to pummel us and turned the still, glassy water a churning brown.

When we reached our private harbor, we moored the boat and jumped in.

The last morning was bright.

“Your freckles are out,” my companion observed, as we rode the boat back to Tatai. I checked in the black, blank screen of my phone. So they were. Odd, given we hadn’t seen the sun for days.

“Why don’t you do what you always do and Google it?”

I decided, for the first time in a long time, to let it remain a mystery.

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Feature

THE PHNOM PENH POST • 7Days • july 5 -11, 2013

Statistics of mass murder It is hard to find method in the madness of the Pol Pot regime, but French-American academic Patrick Heuveline can at least shed light on the data. A professor of sociology at the University of California Los Angeles, Heuveline has been number crunching in Cambodia since he first arrived in the country in 1992. As a UN demographer, he was responsible for voter registration in Kandal province in the run-up to the 1993 election.

After returning to the United States, Heuveline went back to school for his PhD after deciding to make a career out of researching Cambodian social trends. Among his most cited research is his work on determining the actual death toll of the Khmer Rouge regime, which he says is indeterminable but possible to narrow down to a range of less than one million. To reach his number, he ran the various death toll estimates through 10,000 simulations that combined the numbers with other demographic variables, such as migration, to test their plausibility.

Since 2000, Heuveline has also conducted research on family changes in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime. His most recent project, which he has been working on since 2008, attempts to determine the long term effects of losing one or both parents during the Pol Pot years. To do so, his team has routinely interviewed around 60,000 people in Kampong Cham, Kandal and Kratie provinces. By comparing the

life outcomes of orphans to their foster parents’ biological children, Heuveline hopes to gain some idea of the damage done to orphans of the Khmer Rouge.

With university out for the summer, Heuveline is in Cambodia to consult with his Cambodian colleagues. He spoke to Bennett Murray about the challenges of applying statistical analysis to Cambodia’s tragic modern history.

The Khmer Rouge death toll varies drastically depending on who you ask. What is your estimate?

The usual range is 1.2 million to 2.6 million with 95 per cent confidence. But it’s so huge, it almost has no value.

In my view, there is a 75 per cent chance that the death toll falls between 1.5 million and 2.25 million, with a 15 per cent chance that it is higher and a 15 per cent chance that it is lower.

Other researchers have made very specific estimates with great variation, with Michael Vickery estimating only 700,000 and the Cambodian government estimating 3.3 million. Why the discrepancy?

There’s a couple you can rule out, like the government surveys because they were not conducted very scientifically. They tried to interview everyone in the provinces and have people testify as to how many people in their

Heuveline questions assumptions about the effects of the Pol Pot regime. SCOTT HOWES

families they lost, so there’s the obvious issue of double counting. And in some provinces, they tried to count everyone who died in the three years, eight months and 20 days that the Khmer Rouge were in power, and in other cases they used different dates.

With Vickery also, I can see there are probably some things in there that push the envelope a little bit. He used the 1962 census as his basis, and while there’s nothing wrong with looking at censuses– it’s a very good method– you have to estimate the number of births and deaths from other causes than the Khmer Rouge, and that is very noisy. Even before the Khmer Rouge, we didn’t have very good

Rouge legacy created all these social ills, because the country was left in a very poor state in 1979. But you had prostitution in Cambodia in the 1960s, and there is HIV in other countries in the region.

In social sciences, when you try to assess the effect, you need a comparison group. You need to find people who are similar except for that particular experience. This is very difficult to do, and this is why I’m often sceptical of the claims of the Khmer Rouge having this and that consequence, because we don’t really know what the common factors are. What would have happened otherwise?

In our current project, we have discovered

‘On face value it makes sense that the Khmer Rouge legacy created all these social ills, but you had prostitution in Cambodia in the 1960s, and there is HIV elsewhere ’ demographic data. Maybe women were having seven children on average, maybe five, and that creates a very big difference.

the proportion of people who have lost at least one parent – 25 per cent. ​But we are still entering the data, and we have no hard facts yet.

How did you come to your estimate?

We have all these numbers and they all have plausibility. So I took all those numbers and I ran 10,000 different simulations to test their reliability. If I find a number only once, it has a 1 in 10,000 per cent chance of being accurate.

But I can never rule something beyond any doubt, there is always some probability.

What specific results might you find from the orphan studies?

Any child is dependent on adults for his or her access to resources. So the effect of losing a parent is several fold– one, the child is impacted himself in stability functions, the other effect is that the child is adopted by another family and his connection to adult caretakers might possibly be weakened. That is an open question that I am curious to see is the case with Cambodia.

We did conduct some interviews with parents that asked who would be the most natural foster parents for their children were they to die. Most said they would prefer that the children go with the grandparents first, with uncles or aunts second. But we know that families were separated under the Khmer Rouge, so maybe parents went to whoever was in the vicinity in the village. So it’s more open than in other contexts.

What I’m also interested in looking at is if people who were not biological children had different marriage prospects, because we know that parents were usually responsible for marrying their children and were trying to get the best matches. And also the issue of land property, whether orphans will get as much from the foster parents.

If you believe evolutionary theory, it will tell you that parents privilege their biological children.

I am not entirely convinced, but we will see if there is evidence that it is the case in Cambodia.

Between the Cambodian Civil War and the US bombing campaigns, Cambodia was not peaceful before 1975. How does that factor in?

That’s another factor of uncertainty. You have to estimate the level of mortality in 1970.

How many deaths can you attribute to the bombings of Eastern Cambodia, if you say the number was maybe 300,000 or someone says only 200,000 right there is a gap of 100,000, and you can’t really decide between the two.

You compound all these factors of uncertainty, you get this huge range, and I can’t really say anyone on either side of the range is right or wrong.

At least with calculating death tolls, you are seeking a quantifiable sum. How do you determine the social impact of the Khmer Rouge?

With the death toll, it’s a zero/one thing. A person died at that time, or they didn’t. But the social consequences are a bit more open-ended.

On face value it makes sense that the Khmer

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Out of the ring: how encounter with prize fighter led to family ROSA ELLEN

CHAN Rothana, 27, is a champion Yuthakun Khorm fighter from one of Cambodia’s leading martial arts families.

Bokator’s lesser-known cousin, Yuthakun Khorm is fought without gloves and harks back - so its exponents claim - to the 14th Century Angkorian Empire. About a year ago they opened Yuthakun Khorm tournaments at Beeline Arena.

French-born Cindy Coupon, 24, is the

daughter of a restaurateur and speaks fluent Khmer. Four years ago she walked into Rothana’s gym to for a lesson from the fighter, and fell in love with both the art form and the athlete.

The pair now has two daughters, aged four and two-and-and-a-half, and recently opened Selapak, a school teaching Yuthakun Khorm and Apsara dancing to tourists.

They are co-owners, along with another French-Khmer couple.

Cindy and Rothana fell in love at the gym, where he was an instructor. SCOTT HOWES

Cindy Coupon, 24 “He is famous in Cambodia. A lot of people know “Chan Rothana” because he does a lot of fights on TV in Bokator and Kun Khmer [another traditional boxing].

I had seen him on TV two or three times before and my friend told me about him, but I was not interested in that.

My friend Theo trained at Rothana’s father’s club and he brought me to see it - I saw Rothana and I decided to train there. It’s a physical sport, but I like it.

Rothana was just friendly, it was easy for us. I speak Khmer so he was very surprised: ‘Oh! She can speak Khmer’ - So he started to play and joke around with me. I’ve never studied Khmer, I just talk with people and it comes.

It’s funny because though he is a fighter but he’s very…he’s not nasty. He always smiles and doesn’t like to hurt people. I get worried about him (in the ring) all the time! He’s never KO (knocked out), but sometimes there’s a very strong serve. [I saw him fight live] maybe one or two months after I met him. I was sweating – I was afraid something would go wrong.

We are just fiancées. His family want us to marry but it’s up to us - it’s OK. When my parents met Rothana for the first time, we

were not yet together. My mother organized a show for the Chinese New Year [at the restaurant] and I told her I knew people who did Yuthakun Khorm, who could come to do a demonstration. It was the first time she saw [Khmer boxing].

Sometimes I want to go back to France but when I do go back, I always miss it here.

I’ve been here for nearly ten years, it’s my second home. I would like to go back for one or two months and maybe later live there.

The first time Rothana went to France it was for fighting competitions. I went to see him for three days in Paris…the second time was for Christmas and we went with my family, to my grandmother’s house. He was very surprised we could go out walking at night - that the streets were clean and the cars were fast but not dangerously so.

My older daughter learns Apsara dancing, but she also likes Yuthakun Khorm and when I go to training, she stands near me and does the same.

Before [we opened Selapak], I had told Rothana it would be good if we could have a boxing club, but I didn’t think we would open a school with Benoit and Sen, teaching Cambodian arts.”

Rothana’s moves make him a national celebrity. scott howes

Chan Rothana, 27 “I learned Yuthakun Khorm from my father and my father learned it from my grandfather. Before I met Cindy I was running a boxing club, where I taught for three hours a day. It depended on the season, but sometimes we had six or seven foreigner students and some seasons we’d have just one or two come to study Bokator. We didn’t have women study though – we had four Cambodian women, but no foreign women. It was a little bit strange when women came to study but I could see [Cindy] really loved to learn it. Even though society thinks it’s not good for women [to learn martial arts] they still do it because they enjoy it.

I appreciated Cindy [learning to fight] because Yuthakun Khorm is a kind of exercise and is important for the body, and women who learn it can use it to protect themselves. I didn’t know Cindy before, I just knew her friend, who brought her to the club. I was happy to meet her – he introduced me to her and told me she wanted to study Bokator. I wasn’t

that surprised that she spoke fluent Khmer because my friend Theo spoke it fluently too.

It was probably 15 days afterwards [that we started dating]. We sent texts and chatted a lot.

I know everyone in Cindy’s family - they’re very kind and gentle. We’re not married yet, but we’re waiting to save some money before we marry.

For me, I want my daughters to study Yuthakun Khorm too, but if they want to do anything else, it’s up them.

But in my mind, I’d really like them to study it too.

This is my first business. Before, I was a teacher in my father’s club.

I want to teach both foreigners and Khmers.

I’ve been to France two times and it was really good: the weather, traffic - better than Cambodia’s. I think I want to go to France again but first we have to save money in Cambodia - she wants to go back and live in France for good eventually. I’m happy that she’s happy to live with me in Cambodia, though France is nicer. It’s probably because she loves me.”

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Feature

THE PHNOM PENH POST • 7Days • july 5 -11, 2013

In death and debt: grievi For many in Cambodia, the price of a proper send-off is out of reach. An oddlynamed charity is one group helping those who can barely afford to get by to say a proper goodbye. Rosa Ellen reports.

T

he blue sign outside the coffin shop is oblique – but blunt: Cambodia Association Helping the Miserable Corpses.

“It’s very simple,” says coffin shop owner Em Srey, sitting inside, at a small desk in his busy showroom on Kampuchea Krom Boulevard. “Because we are followers of Buddha, we feel it is most important to help poor people. Local families nearby that can’t afford the coffin – if we find out they are really in need, we help [provide] the coffin and the land.”

More miserable than the corpses, are the ones left behind. On top of their loss, the sudden costs of a funeral ceremony, food for guests, adornments, a wood coffin, cremation or – for Chinese-Khmers - the burial plot and headstone set families back upwards of $500. For those struggling with the incremental costs of living, the costs of death are dealt in one fell swoop, and can leave a debt that takes years to repay. “[Miserable Corpses] is easy to understand – it sounds simple. The Association is for anyone who doesn’t have money to buy a coffin,” Srey says of the unusual English translation of the non-profit organisation, of which he is the director.

Behind him are rows of high, shiny rounded coffins, varnished a deep yellow and decorated with florid carvings. For those who can’t afford a coffin at all, let along the $2000 price tag of the more elaborate vessels, a plainer, unadorned version is donated by Miserable Corpses.

Srey’s father began the coffin and

‘Every month we help give at least 15 coffins to poor families who come from around the country ’ headstone business after 1979, but ten years ago - faced with poverty-stricken clients anxious to bury their loved ones in the Chinese-Khmer tradition - he formed the association to provide the coffin part, at least, and send the deceased off in dignity.

Since then the charitable arm of the business has almost overtaken that of the retail. Three hundred coffins have been given away since 2006 and more than 100 buried at little or no cost in the association’s cemetery in Kampong Spieu’s Samrong Tong district, a two hectare piece of land 30 kilometres from the city.

“Every month we help give at least 15 coffins to poor families who come from around the country,” says You Sokchung, a supervisor at the association. Another 10 or 20 coffins are sold to middle-class or rich families, he adds.

Membership of a Chinese association is the traditional way to a Chinese style

“We couldn’t afford to do the same as other families”: Penh Mom gazes at a picture of her and her husband Savoeun, who passed away recently. scott howes

burial, where lifetime contributions are made towards a cemetery plot. At Helping the Miserable Corpses’ cemetery however, rich and poor alike lie side by side. Land and monuments can cost between $650 all the way up to $20,000, from a modest granite headstone to a large tiered monument.

To prove their need, the association requires the bereaved to provide a certificate signed by a local commune chief, Sokchung explains, pulling out a manila folder of such letters, stamped and thumb printed.

Earlier this year, Penh Mom was in need.

Her husband of thirty years, Sin Savoeun, began to complain that the growth in his stomach was more painful. The 60-year-old garment worker borrowed money from relatives to pay her husband’s medical expenses, and by the time he died eight weeks later, was hundreds of dollars in debt.

Sitting on the bare tiled room of her concrete Tuol Sambo house, facing a wall displaying a picture of her late husband, as well as laminated pictures of the King and Queen and her grandchildren, Mom wipes back tears as she recalls the anguish of

arranging his funeral.

“We couldn’t afford to do the same as other families. I had nothing to make a funeral for him. I borrowed some from relatives to put it on. While he was sick we borrowed almost $600 for treatment and when he died we couldn’t borrow any more.

I was given $30 from the Buddhist Institute and the commune chief gave me $25, I still owe $280 for the funeral itself.”

Mom and her daughter and grandchildren live in Tuol Sambo, the resettlement site for evictees from Borei Keila and other

Feature

july 5 -11, 2013 • 7Days • THE PHNOM PENH POST

11

ing families, unpaid bills developments.

“He was my second husband, we married when I was 30 and he was 40 [Life] wasn’t so difficult, because we could earn money – not that much – but our situation was OK. “His family was Chinese Khmer and so we buried him in his homeland. A lot of people came and gave us a gift. If someone else had a problem, we would the same.”

Mom’s neighbor Horm Oun, a 46-yearold widow, shares the same sentiments.

The community, many of whose family members are HIV-positive, donate towards funerals. Monks from the pagoda are invited, somewhat in the expectation that they will also contribute.

“Almost all of them fundraise money if someone dies. They help each other with 1000 or 2000 riel.”

When her husband died of an AIDSrelated illness two years ago, Oun accepted money for the ceremony and food, and took his body to the pagoda on a tuk tuk, where it was cremated simply, with little ceremony, for free.

“I had nothing to spend for the funeral of my husband. All the money came from donations, from monks and a foreign photographer [who was shooting here]. I borrowed from my relatives – altogether it was $300 and I spent at least $500. I couldn’t afford it so I borrowed it and have

it was time for the electricity and water bill and I couldn’t afford it, [so] I told the children to collect rubbish. People here [in Tuol Sambo] are mostly motodops or tuk tuk drivers, some are garment workers, some run small shops...most of them live hand to mouth and simply can’t save money.”

A funeral without ceremony or frills has no spiritual or karmic consequences, says Oeun Sam Art, the personal assistant to the Great Supreme Patriarch of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the head of the clergy in Cambodia.

“In the past, the ceremony was the one thing [where] we would ask people to contemplate that the body is not permanent.

It decays, ages – so we should not have any attachment to the physical self. Now the ceremony is to dedicate good merit to the person who passed away. Most people think about the second thing. They don’t consider death – that they too will face it.”

If there is one Cambodian Buddhist tradition that endures above others, it is that of community, says Sam Art. The rituals around death see people providing food, gifts, flowers and even coffins to the deceased’s family.

In Thmey village, Prek Dambang commune, 61-year-old carpenter Nou Nal is also the village coffin maker. In the shady workspace under his house, he

Coffins from the Cambodia Association Helping the Miserable Corpses at Wat Pul Puth. scott howes

“We don’t want a reward we just want to help,” Nal says. “Twenty to thirty-five per cent of people here cannot afford coffins.”

Nal’s coffins cost about $35 to make, his more elaborate $180. If there is no coffin, the body is rolled up in a woven matt. A dragon-like gold and green casket cover is stored above the straw bed of the family’s stable, to cover the plainer coffins for the funeral ceremony, before it is incinerated.

“One year there were about 30 coffins,” recalls Tong’s brother, Touch Chhe Ly, who still lives in Thmey village and who drops by to visit Nal. “[The funeral is funded] from charity from the neighbours. They also give food for the funerals, so they are helped with everything,” he says.

Nal, who follows in his father’s footsteps, also carves the trunks of supple banana sands and smoothes a simple wood coffin palms with decorative patterns for funeral for the local pagoda. The coffin is not for altars. anyone in particular just yet, but is part of He says working closely with death among a stockpile Nal makes with the funding of a a close community has not troubled him. businessman from the town. Working alone, “I see the cycle of life so I feel that it takes him up to four days to construct everybody in the world feels the same way,” a solid, polished rectangular casket. The adds Nal. businessman, Ly Hai Tong, originally from “I see that we are human beings…some are Thmey, donates 10 to 20 coffins a year to the poor, when we are born we have nothing, pagoda for families who can’t afford them. when we die we have nothing.”

‘I had nothing to spend for the funeral of my husband. All the money came from donations, from monks and a foreign photographer [who was shooting here] ’ to pay it off every month – I’m still paying it off.”

Funerals and weddings, of course, are common she says, but most in the community are unprepared for them financially. With her eldest children in their twenties, a wedding in her family seems an impossible expense.

“I felt lonely [when my husband died]. I had a problem: [shortly after the funeral]

Penh Mom, 60, wanted to send her husband off in dignity. scott howes

Widow Horm Oun relied on help from her Tuol Sambo neighbours. scott howes

In the countryside, most funerals have a safety net of sorts, agrees Men Soeun, a monk who is deputy house chief at Phnom Penh’s Wat Botum – which until recently carried out regular cremations.

“In the countryside they co-operate with each other - people collect money. Phnom Penh is different because there’s no land to cremate or bury the body.”

Although burial is largely unregulated in Cambodia, with land ownership seemingly the only prerequisite, in Phnom Penh cremation can be a trickier affair.

Cremations at Wat Botum, Wat Lanka and Wat Ounalom were asked to stop after the Ministry of Environment conducted an inventory of the pollutants released.

However, the directive is reserved for the low-ranking.

“The suggestion from the City Hall is that we’re not allowed. Before we held cremations, but it was indoors – City Hall did not permit it close to the rivers,” Soeun says. “[Now] laypeople are taken to the other pagodas. High-ranking people are permitted to be cremated here.”

It costs around $25 for a cremation, he says. What do the poor do when faced with that cost?

“Poor people get funds from rich [people] to be [buried] out of Phnom Penh. Other people donate money for the body to be taken out of the city…”

Sam Art says the brutal disregard for burial rites and ceremony during the Khmer Rouge regime deeply affects people’s feelings about burials and cremations.

“The Khmer Rouge didn’t change practices but [tried] to destroy all kinds of beliefs and faith…[They] didn’t allow funeral celebrations but [people] in their hearts celebrated the ceremony.

“During Pol Pot, the Buddhist monks disappeared. But after the regime fell the Buddhism came back like a bomb: people were very keen to have ceremonies, to hold celebrations.”

In the living room of a neighbour’s house, Horm Oun, pauses before explaining what she does with others in her situation.

“If I have a problem, people help out. I help too – it depends on how much you have and how much you want to give,” she says. “People can probably save $20 altogether…if we have to spend it on a wedding, a funeral…there’s not much we can do.” Additional reporting by Thor Sina and Khouth Sophak Chakrya.

12

Lifestyle

THE PHNOM PENH POST • 7Days • july 5 -11, 2013

Does three make a crowd?

JACKSON LORD SEATON

From the tone of your question, it doesn’t sound like you are. “Younger woman”, “very flirtatious”, “absolutely gorgeous”?

If you’re eager to please your man and you don’t want to potentially hurt yourself and the relationship, there are other ways to keep things fresh: role-playing, new positions, novel locations, toys, etc.

But if I’ve read you wrong, and you are serious about giving this a try, you need to lay down some ground rules. Tell him what you’re comfortable doing and seeing him do. Tell him what would bother you. If you don’t want him hanging out alone with this girl after the fact, be clear about it. Gauge his response.

Try testing his emotional fidelity. Even if it doesn’t interest you, ask him if he would be willing to bring in another guy.

If he won’t even consider it, does he really deserve you putting yourself out on such a limb?

If he gets defensive, it means he’s interested in sex with someone else, not mutual exploration – and the latter is what this experience should be. If he’s sensitive about it, perhaps he’s mature enough to turn this fantasy into a hot and fun experiment.

Still in doubt? Maybe it’s best to say no.

After all, you risk opening a pandora’s box of insecurity that will last long after the fleeting passion.

Dear Jackson, My boyfriend and I have a pretty wild sex life. We’ve talked about having a threesome for a while. First it was just a bit of a sexy joke, but now it looks like it might happen. She’s a younger woman (I’m mid30s, she’s 24), very flirtatious and absolutely gorgeous. My boyfriend and I met her at a bar. I wouldn’t call myself bisexual but I’m interested in experimenting and want to keep the relationship (coming up to the three-year mark) fresh.

Equally, however, I recognise that I am a deeply jealous person. I’m worried taking this beyond a fantasy could ruin the relationship.

When you think of your boyfriend with this girl, are you turned on? Filled with jealous dread? Or a bit of both? If you’re on the fence, there are a few things you need to consider . . .

For most people, threesomes belong in the fantasy realm. If the relationship is long-term and committed like yours, the quick fun of the experience could quickly lead to a host of problems.

Watching him go at it with another girl is likely to bring up questions like: what if she replaces me? What if he likes it better with her? Will he start sleeping with her when I’m not around? There’s a big difference between experimenting as a couple and inviting a third person into the bed. feel sure of yourself if you’re going to go You need to trust your boyfriend and through with this. And remember, the

idea ought to turn you on as well. Make sure you’re choosing a girl you like too.

Got a question about sex or relationships for Jackson? Email ppp. lifestyle@gmail.com

Movies Reviews

White House Down lacks firepower Ann Hornaday

White House Down never quite seems to decide what kind of movie it wants to be, although by firepower alone it qualifies as this summer’s most cartoonishly bombastic exercise in sensory overload (so far). A riotous display of serial explosions, helicopter crashes, car smash-ups, sniper attacks and at least one slap on the face of a winsome little girl, White House Down is the kind of celebration of rampant mayhem in which everyone seems to have a rocket launcher – or at least a live hand grenade – at the ready, just in case they need to dispatch a scrum of exceptionally vile and cruel villains.

But White House Down also clearly wants to be a lighthearted comedy. At least that seems to be the aim in a film that, in the midst of sadistic violence, throws in jokes and bits of buddy humour as blithely as its protagonists toss those grenades. If cognitive dissonance ensues for an audience unsure whether to laugh or wince, that’s nothing compared to the level of sheer volume – and preposterousness – the film inevitably reaches for with its we-can-topthat finale.

Between all the stuff that goes boom, stars Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum manage to develop genuine comic chemistry as two men thrown into an apocalyptic cataclysm when the US

White House Down stars Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum, who pull off genuine chemistry. bloomberg

government suffers a viciously violent coup.

As US President James Sawyer, Foxx plays a more bespectacled, less formal version of President Obama, his Nicorette gum and basketball shoes chiming unsubtly with Sawyer’s real-life counterpart. When disaster strikes first at the US Capitol and shortly thereafter at the White House, an aspiring Secret Service agent named John Cale (Tatum) happens to be taking a tour of the latter with his daughter; soon, the

men are playing a deadly game of cat-andmouse, outmanoeuvring their shadowy opponents and outgunning inevitable comparisons to Olympus Has Fallen.

That film, of course, starred Aaron Eckhart and Gerard Butler in an eerily similar story that, although often just as outlandish, looks in retrospect like a quiet, sophisticated little thriller. White House Down, written by James Vanderbilt and directed by Roland Emmerich

(who, having also made Independence Day and 2012, clearly has a fetish for destroying 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue), takes perverse glee in putting its human and architectural characters through an increasingly barbaric series of physical punishments, from that shocking blow suffered by a cute, tear-stained child to the Green Room literally going up in flames.

(All the while, disas-tourists swarm the South Lawn as if they were clamouring to get into the Easter Egg Roll.)

With effects extravaganzas like Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness and Man of Steel already in theatres, the carnage of White House Down takes on the air of something disposable and utterly meaningless. By the time Sawyer shoulders a rocket-propelled grenade in the limo, the viewer’s reaction is less likely to be surprise than glazed, benumbed indifference.

That stunt occurs in one of the sequences of antic humour – in this case a Keystone Kops car chase – which, despite the tonal strangeness alongside the wanton destruction, prove that Foxx and Tatum are able heirs to the Lethal Weapon brand of brothers-in-arms banter. Their shtick is the best stuff in White House Down, which could have used more of that kind of leavening. With Hollywood mired in an escalating arms race of brute force and noisy spectacle, well-timed humour can be a potent secret weapon. the washington post

Lifestyle

july 5 -11, 2013 • 7Days • THE PHNOM PENH POST

13

A man looks out from his wooden boat at a ferry wharf in Koh Kong province. SCOTT HOWES

Restaurant Review

In the soup: miso raises questions Chloe Cann

an ample range of Japanese and Cambodian beers.

You can tell a lot about the Ichiban’s signature yakitori quality of a Japanese establishment dishes were, on the whole, by its miso soup. How much care delicious. The pork belly ($2.25) has been given to a dish often had a smoky hit and a perfect served as an accompaniment, sauce to meat ratio: a light, sticky rather than as the star of the coating rather than a liberal culinary show? dousing, which is excellent news A staple in its native Japan, if you’re wearing cream attire, as I miso soup is often served with was. The chicken thigh and leek white rice for breakfast, though it skewers ($1.75) were plump and is popular at any time of day – or some of the juiciest I’ve ever tasted. night. The miso ($0.75) on offer The garlic skewers ($1.50) were at month-old Ichiban, which among the more unusual dishes on means “first” or “number one” in offer. Whole cloves were impaled Japanese, was rich. on wooden skewers. Charred, they Though awash with seaweed and took on a rougher, meatier texture, made with flavourful stock, it was a but tasted bitter. tad over-seasoned and slightly too Served with a dash of lime, a rich for my taste. lick of kewpie mayonnaise and a The joint specialises in sake, salty battered coating, the karaage Japanese rice wine, and yakitori, chicken (otherwise known as a term that refers to grilled, Japanese deep fried chicken, skewered food. Ichiban, however, $3.50) was very tender and came also offers the whole gamut of the in generous portions. Could the country’s most recognisable cuisine. coating could have been crispier?

Yakitori, sushi, sashimi, salads, Possibly. Did it verge on the greasy ramen, tempura and bento boxes side? Maybe. Were our plates licked plaster two sides of their A2 menu, clean? Yes. available with a rainbow of different Less palatable was the sesame meats and fish. salad udon ($3.50), a bizarre The drinks list was equally mix of lettuce, tomatoes, udon lengthy. Ichiban claims to have noodles and chewy chicken. The the largest variety of Japanese sake dish was decidedly bland, though in Cambodia, but it also offers the accompanying sesame sauce

Battered chicken karaage ( and chicken thigh yakitori . bloomberg

was delightful and the plate’s saving grace.

The tempura prawns were also a let down. The prawns were big, fat and buttery ($4.50), but the batter clung to them like an excessively tight little black dress, rather than the billowy cotton shirt that would have been a better fit.

On a recent Monday evening the restaurant had a slow but steady flow of customers.

A young Western couple gazed at one another. Businessmen made small talk. A table of Japanese customers chatted with the restaurant’s attentive staff. Later, a lone backpacker strolled in.

Perhaps she was wooed by the warm red glow emanating from the restaurant’s lanterns adorned with Japanese script.

Outside, the residential streets were so quiet that the noise from

the crickets chirping blended with the Japanese ballads played inside.

Ichiban has promise. With its over seasoned miso soup and crowd-pleasing menu, the place simply needs to rein in its overzealous approach to find that it already has all the ingredients for success. #54, Street 454. Open daily for dinner only, with lunch plans also pending. ​​​​​​

14

What’s on TV

THE PHNOM PENH POST 7DAYS july 05-11 , 2013

Friday Running Wtth Scissors The Ghost And The Darkness Game Of Thrones Like Crazy The Eagle Safe House Arthur Miss Congeniality Puss In Boots Harry Potter: The Prisoner Of Azkaban 21:00 Killer Elite 23:00 Remember The Titans 02:45 05:10 07:00 08:00 09:30 11:30 13:25 15:15 17:00 18:30

13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Adventure Time Kumbh Karan Oggy And The Cockroaches Ben 10: Omniverse Dragons: Riders Of The Berk Oggy And The Cockroaches Adventure Time Tom S Jerry Show Oggy And The Cockroaches The Amazing World Of Gumball Oggy And The Cockroaches Chowder

04:30 06:40 08:05 10:00 12:00 14:15 15:05 16:40 18:30 20:00 21:40 23:30

Men Of Honor Chronicle Twilight Saga Home Alone 2 X-Men: First Class Once Upon A Time Cat 8 What To Expect When You’re Expecting Spy Kids: All The Time In The World Safe 21 Jump Street What Lies Beneath

13:50 14:45 15:35 17:15 18:10 19:05 19:35 20:05 21:00 21:55 22:50 23:45

CSI: New York Trie Amazing Race Trie Voice CSI: Miami Ncis: Los Angeles Criss Angel Mindfreak E Buzz Blue Bloods Trie Apprentice Asia CSI: New York Hannibal E Buzz

14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:30

Ttie Fairly Oddparents Victorious Marvin Marvin Big Time Rush Figure It Out Spongebob Squarepants Rocket Monkeys Nicktoons: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Nicktoons: Robot S Monster Spongebob Squarepants The Fairly Oddparents House Of Anubis

11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00

How It’s Made Destroyed In Seconds Destroyed In Seconds What Happened Next?

Magic Of Science American Chopper Blood Relatives Man Vs Wild How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Dirty Jobs How It’s Made

14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30

World’s Deadliest Towns Hillbilly Handfishin’ Wild Recon Meerkat Manor Jockeys Wildest Africa Whale Wars Monster Bug Wars Secrets Of The American Jungle Weird Creatures With Nick Baker Meerkat Manor Jockeys

12:05 13:00 13:55 14:50 15:45 16:35 18:15 19:10 20:05 21:00 21:55 22:20

Hannibal Hawaii Five Hawaii Five Trie Apprentice Asia Blue Bloods Hancock : Prod Year Caught On Camera Trie Apprentice Asia Hannibal CSI: Miami American Ninja Warrior American Ninja Warrior

14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00

Ttie Fairly Oddparents Victorious Marvin Marvin Big Time Rush Figure It Out Spongebob Squarepants Rocket Monkeys Nicktoons: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Nicktoons: Robot S Monster Spongebob Squarepants The Fairly Oddparents House Of Anubis

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Biography Remember The Titans

The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit.

11:30 Inside Grand Prix 14:55 Fia Fl Champ 16:30 Inside Grand Prix

15:00 Air Crash Investigation 08:00 Wimbledon

17:30 Baseball Tonight International

01:00 Wimbledon

18:30 Fox Sports Central Live 20:30 Football Asia

16:30 Wimbledon 2013 Best Of Week 1

18:00 Air Crash Investigation 19:00 Hooked 20:00 Mega Bridges 21:00 Megacities 22:00 Huge Moves

21:00 Fox Sports Central 21:30 Total Rugby

16:00 Jurassic CSI 17:00 World’s Deadliest Animals

17:00 Wheels 2

19:00 Fia Fl World Champ

23:00

07:00 Wimbledon 2013 Best Of Week 1 14:00 Huge Moves

12:00 Mlb Regular Season

17:30 Wimbledon

23:00 The Known Universe

13:00 Adventure Time 14:00 Kumbh Karan 15:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches 16:00 Ben 10: Omniverse 16:30 Dragons: Riders Of The Berk 17:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches 18:00 Adventure Time 19:00 Tom S Jerry Show 20:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches 21:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 22:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches 23:00 Chowder

04:30 06:15 08:15 09:45 11:25 13:25

v

Saturday

02:40 04:15 05:30 07:00 09:00 10:55 12:50 15:20 17:25 19:20 21:00 22:00

Restless Trie Pagemaster Like Crazy Beetlejuice Miss Congeniality Killer Elite Harry Potter: The Prisoner Of Azkaban The Karate Kid The Karate Kid Part Ii Faster True Blood Green Lantern

14:55 16:40 18:30 20:00 21:20 22:45

Confessions Of A Shopaholic Home Alone 2 Monster House Safe The Book Of Eli Spy Kids: All The Time In The World The Vow What‘s Your Number?

Shark Night Piranha 3dd Chronicle Once Upon A Time

18:30 19:00 19:30 20:30

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Comedy Piranha 3dd

After the events at Lake Victoria, the pre-historic school of bloodthirsty piranhas make their way into a newly opened waterpark.

20:00

Football Asia Chio Aachen V8 Supercars Champ Baseball Tonight International Formula Friday Fia Fl Champ Football Asia Global Football Fox Sports Central Week In Review 18:30 Inside Grand Prix 18:50 Fia Fl World Champ 20:30 World Of Gymnastics 11:30 12:00 12:30 14:30 15:25 15:55 17:00 17:30 18:00

01:00 Wimbledon

07:00 Wimbledon

08:00 Wimbledon

17:30 Wimbledon

18:30 Wimbledon

13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00

Cradle Of The Gods Super Storm New York The Known Universe Dangerous Encounters Huge Moves Megastructures World’s Toughest Fixes What Would Happen If What Would Happen If Into The Crystal Cave Egypt Underworld Storm Worlds

11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00

American Chopper: Gold Rush Secials Jungle Gold What Happened Next?

Magic Of Science Strip The City Around The World In 80 Ways American Chopper Destroyed In Seconds Destroyed In Seconds Monsters Resurrected Gold Rush Secials

16:00 Secrets Of The American Jungle

03:10 04:45 06:45 09:00 12:05 13:45 16:35 18:10 19:30 20:15 21:00 22:35

Three Inches Twilight Saga: X-Men: First Class Ufc 162: Silva Vs Weidman Kung Fu Hustle Pirates Of The Caribbean: Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans Piranha 3dd Once Upon A Time True Justice S2 Cat 8 Ufc 162: Silva Vs Weidman

12:55 13:50 14:45 15:35 16:25 17:15 18:10 19:05 21:00 21:55 22:50 23:45

Hawaii Five CSI: New York Trie Amazing Race Trie Voice Winter Wipeout CSI: Miami CSI: Karma To Vantage Point Hawaii Five Csi: New York Hawaii Five Wipeout Canada

14:30 The Fairly Oddparents 15:00 Victorious 15:30 Icarly 16:30 Marvin Marvin 17:00 Spongebob Squarepants 17:30 Rocket Monkeys 18:00 Nicktoons: Teenage Mutant Ninja

17:00 Luke Gamble’s Vet Adventures 18:00 Monster Bug Wars 19:00 Cats 101 20:00 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 21:00 Hillbilly Handfishin’ 22:00 My Extreme Animal Phobia 23:00 Luke Gamble’s Vet Adventures

Sunday 03:40 06:00 06:30 07:00 09:30 11:20 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:15 19:20 21:00

Henry V Veep Veep The Karate Kid Part III Green Lantern Faster True Blood Ocean’s Twelve The Powerpuff Girls Movie The Parent Trap Happy Feet Two Salmon Fishing In The Yemen

13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Adventure Time Kumbh Karan Oggy And The Cockroaches Ben 10: Omniverse Dragons: Riders Of The Berk Oggy And The Cockroaches Adventure Time Tom S Jerry Show Oggy And The Cockroaches The Amazing World Of Gumball Oggy And The Cockroaches Chowder

Turtles

18:30 Nicktoons: Robot A Monster 19:00 Spongebob Squarepants 19:30 The Fairly Oddparents 20:30 House Of Anubis 21:00 Spongebob Squarepants

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Animation

05:00 Fox Sports Central Week In

Oggy And The Cockroaches

05:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 18:00 18:45 20:45

Oggy would be the happiest of cats if three cockroaches hadn’t decided to settle inside his comfortable home.

22:00

Review Nascar Sprint Cup Series Planet Speed World Of Gymnastics Fia Fl Champ V8 Supercars Champ Open Champ Baseball Tonight International Fia Fl Champ Fia Fl Champ Fia Fl Champ Fia Fl Champ

12:30 Wheels 2

14:00 Air Crash Investigation

13:00 Heroes Of Hells Highway

13:00 Boston Marathon

15:00 Naked Science

14:00 Auction Kings

16:00 Jet Ski World Cup

16:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy

17:00 Inside Sailing 17:30 Hot Water 18:30 Sbk Superbike World Champ 19:00 Mma - One Fighting 22:00 Score Tonight

17:00 Britain’s Underworld

14:30 Auction Kings

15:00 World’s Deadliest Towns

15:00 Gold Rush Secials

16:00 Monster Bug Wars

16:00 Jungle Gold

17:00 Tanked

18:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines

17:00 Mythbusters

19:00 Banged Up Abroad

18:00 Strip The City

20:00 Alaska Wing Men

14:00 My Cat From Hell

18:00 Wildest Latin America

19:00 Surviving D-Day

19:00 Animal Planet Showcase

21:00 Jungle Gold

21:00 Wild Recon

22:30 Hsbc Sevens World Series

21:00 The Border

23:00 Score Tonight

22:00 Air Crash Investigation

23:30 Premier League Darts

23:00 Banged Up Abroad

23:00 Surviving D-Day

23:00 My Cat From Hell

02:00 In The Land Of Blood And Honey 15:30 Oggy And The Cockroaches

04:15 The Muppets

13:50 Breaking Trie Magician’s Code

14:30 Ttie Fairly Oddparents

04:35 The Joy Luck Club

06:00 Trie Day After Tomorrow

14:45 Trie Amazing Race

15:00 Victorious

08:05 Trie Vow

15:40 Trie Voice

15:30 Marvin Marvin

22:00 Auction Kings 22:30 Auction Kings

22:00 Untamed S Uncut

Monday 07:00 Brighton Rock 09:00 Cinderella Man 11:30 Salmon Fishing In The Yemen

16:00 Ben 10: Omniverse 16:30 Adventure Time 17:30 Regular Show

13:15 The Parent Trap

18:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches

15:40 Happy Feet Two

19:00 Adventure Time

17:20 A Monster In 18:50 The Matrix Revolutions 21:00 Veep

20:00 Tom A Jerry Show 21:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball

21:30 True Blood

22:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches

22:30 And Soon The Darkness

23:00 Chowder

09:55 Planet Of The Apes 12:00 Piranha 3dd 13:20 Act Of Valor 15:10 The Hunger Games 17:35 Once Upon A Time 18:25 Cat 8 20:00 Paladin: Dawn Of The Dragon

Slayer 21:40 Ufc 162: Silva Vs Weidman 23:35 Piranha 3dd

17:20 Csi: Miami 18:15 Hawaii Fiv 19:10 Caught On Camera 20:05 American Ninja 20:30 American Ninja Warrior 21:00 CSI 21:55 Breaking Trie Magician’s Code

16:00 Big Time Rush 16:30 Figure It Out 17:00 Spongebob Squarepants 17:30 Rocket Monkeys 18:00 Nicktoons: Teenage Mutant Ninja

Turtles 18:30 Nicktoons: Robot S Monster 19:00 Spongebob Squarepants

22:50 Caught On Camera

19:30 The Fairly Oddparents

23:45 CSI: Miami

20:30 House Of Anubis

What’s on TV

july 05-11, 2013 7DAYS THE PHNOM PENH POST

Monday

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

20:00 Open Champ

Asean Basketball League Motogp Champ Planet Speed Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers Motogp Champ Freedom Riders Asia European Rally Champ Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers Great Goals Great Goals Score Tonight Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers

13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00

What Would Happen If Is It Real?

Master Of Disaster The Known Universe Dangerous Encounters Master Of Disaster Blowdown World’s Toughest Fixes What Would Happen If What Would Happen If Is It Real?

The Borde [ 2 ] - 002 : Smoke Run

13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Mythbusters Monsters Resurrected Nightmare Next Door Man Vs Wild How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Dirty Jobs Swords: Life On The Line Jungle Gold Ice Cold Gold Moments Of Impact Swords: Life On The Line

13:00 Whale Wars

11:30 Nascar Sprint Cup Series

05:00 07:00 10:30 11:00 13:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00

Brighton Rock Crazy In Alabama Trie Ghost And The Darkness A Monster In Paris Veep True Blood The Matrix Revolutions Boys 50 First Dates Ocean’s Twelve Anacondas: Hunt For The Blood Orchid 21:00 Abduction

13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:45 21:00 22:00 23:00

Adventure Time Kumbh Karan Oggy And The Cockroaches Ben 10: Omniverse Dragons: Riders Of The Berk Oggy And The Cockroaches Adventure Time Superman Iv: The Quest For Peace Tom S Jerry Show The Amazing World Of Gumball Oggy And The Cockroaches Chowder

03:05 05:00 06:35 09:00 10:40 12:50 15:20 17:00 18:40 20:00 21:35 22:25

What’s Your Number?

Paul Blart: Mall Cop The Hunger Games Kung Fu Hustle X-Men: First Class The Da Vinci Code Up Safe Piranha 3dd Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans Once Upon A Time Cat 8 - Part 2 Of 2

12:55 13:50 14:40 15:10 15:40 16:30 17:20 18:15 18:40 19:10 20:05 21:00

Caught On Camera Breaking Trie Magician’s Code Cash Cab Asia Cash Cab Asia Trie Voice Winter Wipeout CSI: Miami American Ninja Warrior American Ninja Warrior Caught On Camera Trie Apprentice Asia CSI: Ny

16:00 Kung Fu Panda

Megafactories Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet: When Vacations Attack When Vacations Attack Scam City Somewhere In China Mega Factories Seconds From Disaster When Vacations Attack When Vacations Attack Scam City

14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Ice Cold Gold Moments Of Impact Man Vs Wild How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Dirty Jobs Auction Kings Auction Kings Around The World In 80 Ways Deadliest Catch Man Vs Wild Auction Kings

14:00 Hillbilly Handfishin1

Chimpanzee The Day After Tomorrow The Muppets Once Upon A Time Cat 8 - Part 2 Of 2 What Lies Beneath Prometheus The Book Of Eli Monster House True Justice S2 What’s Your Number?

Piranha 3dd

13:00 13:55 14:50 15:50 16:40

CSI CSI Trie Apprentice Asia Blue Bloods Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition Takers Trie Apprentice Asia Hannibal CSI Hawaii Five CSI CSI

21:00 Fox Sports Central 21:30 Fia Fl World Champ 23:00 World Of Gymnastics 23:30 Fox Sports Central 00:00 Mlb Regular Season 03:00 Nascar Sprint Cup Series 06:00 Us Women‘s Open Champ 08:00 Mlb Regular Season 11:00 World Of Gymnastics

15

14:00 Monster Bug Wars 15:00 Secrets Of The American Jungle 16:00 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 17:00 Cats 101 18:00 Wildest Africa 19:00 Whale Wars 20:00 Hillbilly Handfishin1 21:00 Wild Recon

Drama True Blood

In a world where vampires have “come out of the coffin”, Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress, discovers a new world of different creatures.

22:00 Luke Gamble’s Vet Adventures

21:30

23:00 Cats 101

Tuesday 03:20 05:10 07:00 09:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 14:05 15:30 17:15 19:20

16:30 Kid Vs Kat 17:00 Penguins Of Madagascar 17:30 Fanboy A Chum Chum 18:00 Spongebob Squarepants 19:00 Penguins Of Madagascar 20:00 Kung Fu Panda 21:00 Ttie Fairly Oddparents 22:00 Spongebob Squarepants 23:00 Chalkzone

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

05:30 Fox Sports Central 06:00 Mlb Regular Season 09:00 Perth Track Classic 10:00 Sydney Track Classic 11:00 Eaa Premium Meeting Huelva 13:59 Fox Sports Central Right Now 14:00 World Of Gymnastics 14:30 Mlb Regular Season 17:30 Baseball Tonight International 18:30 Fox Sports Central Live 19:00 Trie Football Review

03:00 05:00 05:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 10:30 15:30 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:30

Fim Mx2 World Champ Fim Supermoto Champ Fia Fl World Champ Wimbledon Inside Grand Prix Gp3 Series Wimbledon Hot Water Inside Sailing 49er Worlds Wimbledon Wimbledon

11:30 12:25 13:20 14:15 15:10 16:05 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

15:00 Wild Recon 16:00 Luke Gamble’s Vet Adventures 17:00 Cats 101 18:00 Wildest Africa 19:00 Whale Wars 20:00 Wildest Latin America 21:00 Animal Planet Showcase

Action Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans

An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the vampires and their slaves.

22:00 Animal Battlegrounds 22:30 Predators’ Prey

20:00

23:00 Cats 101

Wednesday 04:10 05:40 07:00 09:00 10:45 12:35 14:15 15:50 17:30 19:25 21:00 22:45

Witchslayer Greti A Night At The Roxbury A Scanner Darkly 50 First Date Abduction Anacondas Horrid Henry The Movie Anchorman: Save The Last Dance Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Salmon Fishing In The Yemen Hellboy

15:00 Tom S Jerry Show 17:00 Dragons: Riders Of The Berk 18:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches 19:00 Adventure Time 20:00 Tom S Jerry Show 21:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 22:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches 23:00 Chowder

03:40 05:00 07:05 08:50 09:40 11:15 13:25 15:30 17:30 19:05 20:00 21:50

17:10 19:05 20:05 21:00 21:55 22:50 23:45

12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Drake & Josh You’ve Got To See This Big Time Rush Ttie Fairly Oddparents Icarly Icarly Marvin Marvin Penguins Of Madagascar Kung Fu Panda Ttie Fairly Oddparents Spongebob Squarepants Chalkzone

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

14:30 Mlb Regular Season

Fia Fl Champ Fia Fl Champ Wimbledon Smash Wheels 2 Inside Grand Prix Mobil 1 Trie Grid Fia World Touring Cars Wimbledon Smash Sports Max Usa Swimming Grand Prix

23:30 Fox Sports Central

04:00 05:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 14:30 15:00 16:00

04:10 A Night At The Roxbury

15:00 Surviving Trie Cut

05:30 Joe Dirt

16:00 Man Vs Wild

07:00 Se7en

17:00 How Stuff Works

09:10 Hellboy

18:00 Dirty Jobs

11:10 Birdsong

19:00 Destroyed In Seconds

12:35 Birdsong

19:30 Destroyed In Seconds

14:00 The Year Of The Yao

20:00 What Happened Next?

15:25 Journey 2

20:30 Magic Of Science

17:00 Salmon Fishing In The Yemen

21:00 American Chopper

18:45 Trie Rock

22:00 Blood Relatives

21:00 The Matrix Reloaded

23:00 Destroyed In Seconds

23:15 American Reunion

23:30 Destroyed In Seconds

17:30 Baseball Tonight International 18:30 Fox Sports Central Live 19:00 Global Football 19:30 Great City Games Manchester 20:00 Greenbrier Classic, 21:00 Fox Sports Central 21:30 Melbourne World Challenge 22:30 Australian Athletics Champ

16:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 17:00 The Known Universe 18:00 Naked Science S2.5 19:00 Banged Up Abroad 20:00 Breakout 21:00 The Border 22:00 Forensic Firsts 23:00 Banged Up Abroad

Auction Kings Around The World In 80 Ways Deadliest Catch Man Vs Wild How Stuff Works Dirty Jobs Strip The City Ultimate Warfare Triggers: Weapons That Changed The World Psc 22:00 Surviving The Cut 23:00 Strip The City

13:00 Cats 101

13:50 Breaking Trie Magician’s Code

14:30 Ttie Fairly Oddparents

12:30 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00

14:00 Austin Stevens Adventures 15:00 Africa’s Outsiders 16:00 Ocean’s Deadliest 17:00 My Extreme Animal Phobia 18:00 My Cat From Hell 19:00 Botswana’s Wild Kingdom 20:00 Animal Planet Showcase 21:00 Battleground: Rhino Wars

Comedy Salmon Fishing In The Yemen

A fisheries expert is approached by a consultant to help realize a sheik’s vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert.

22:00 World’s Deadliest Towns 23:00 Whale Wars: Viking Shores

21:00

Thursday 02:00 Cat 8 - Part 2 Of 2 03:35 Celine Through The Eyes Of The 05:35 07:35 10:00 11:50 13:30 15:35 18:00 20:00 21:20 23:45

World The Book Of Eli Kingdom Of Heaven Act Of Valor Safe The Day After Tomorrow The Da Vinci Code Planet Of The Apes Piranha 3dd The Hunger Games True Justice S2

14:40 Cash Cab Asia 15:10 Cash Cab Asia 15:40 Trie Voice 17:20 CSI: Miami

15:00 Victorious 15:30 Marvin Marvin 16:00 Big Time Rush 16:30 Figure It Out

18:15 CSI

17:00 Spongebob Squarepants

19:10 Trie Apprentice Asia

17:30 Nick At The Movies

20:05 Chuck

19:00 Spongebob Squarepants

21:00 Ncis: Los Angeles

19:30 The Fairly Oddparents

21:55 Breaking Trie Magician’s Code

20:30 Nick At The Movies

22:50 Chuck

22:00 Danny Phantom

23:45 Ncis: Los Angeles

23:00 Chalkzone

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

14:00 Great City Games Manchester

04:30 Inside Grand Prix

11:30 Dog Whisperer

14:00 Auction Kings

14:00 My Cat From Hell

14:30 Mlb Regular Season

05:00 Hot Water

12:25 Hard Time

14:30 Auction Kings

15:00 Tanked

17:30 Baseball Tonight International

06:00 Pgm - Asean Penang Classic

13:20 Hard Time

15:00 Gold Rush Secials

18:30 Fox Sports Central Live

07:00 Wimbledon

14:15 Hard Time

16:00 Jungle Gold

16:00 Great Animal Escapes

19:00 Total Rugby

08:00 Usa Swimming Grand Prix

15:10 Wicked Tuna

17:00 Mythbusters

19:30 Great Manchester Run

09:30 Football Asia

16:05 Mudcats

18:00 Strip The City

20:00 Open Champ

10:00 Wake The Line

17:00 Cesar Millan:

19:00 Sky Wire With Nik Wallenda

21:00 Fox Sports Central

10:30 Wimbledon

18:00 Dog Whisperer

20:30 Magic Of Science

21:30 Ufc Tonight

14:30 Fim Mx1s Mx2 World Champ

19:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 21:00 Jungle Gold

22:00 Ufc Unleased S Fp

15:00 Motogp Champ

19:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 22:00 Auction Kings

21:00 My Extreme Animal Phobia

23:00 Total Rugby

16:00 Sbk Superbike World Champ

20:00 Mega Factories

22:30 Auction Kings

22:00 Untamed S Uncut

23:30 Fox Sports Central

16:30 Usa Swimming Grand Prix

21:00 Megafactories

23:00 Discovery Sunday

23:00 Cats 101

16:30 Fooled By Nature 17:00 Cats 101 18:00 Wildest Arctic 19:00 Whale Wars

Comedy American Reunion

Jim, Michelle, Stifler, and their friends reunite in East Great Falls, Michigan for their high school reunion.

20:00 World’s Deadliest Towns

23:15

16

Mind boggles

THE PHNOM PENH POST • 7Days • july 5 -11, 2013

Free will astrology Week of JULY 4

Aries

(March 21 – April 19) In his book The Fisher King and the Handless Maiden, Robert Johnson says many of us are as much in debt with our psychic energy as we are with our financial life. We work too hard. We rarely refresh ourselves with silence and slowness and peace. We don’t get enough sleep or good food or exposure to nature. And so we’re routinely using up more of our reserves than we are able to replenish. We’re chronically running a deficit. “It is genius to store energy,” says Johnson. He recommends creating a plan to save it up so that you always have more than enough to draw on when an unexpected opportunity arrives. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to make this a habit, Aries.

Taurus

(April 20 – May 20) In the course of your long life, I estimate you will come up with approximately 60,000 really good ideas. Some of these are small, like those that help you decide how to spend your weekend. Some are big ones, like those that reveal the best place for you to live. As your destiny unfolds, you go through phases when you have fewer good ideas than average, and other phases when you’re overflowing with them. The period you’re in right now is one of the latter. You are a fountain of bright notions, intuitive insights, and fresh perspectives. Take advantage of the abundance, Taurus.

Solve as many riddles and dilemmas as you can.

Libra

(Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Summing up his experiment in living at Walden Pond, naturalist Henry David Thoreau said this: “I learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. He will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin to establish themselves around and within him; or the old laws will be expanded, and interpreted in his favor in a more liberal sense, and he will live with the license of a higher order of beings.” Given the astrological factors that will be impacting your life in the next 12 months, Libra, you might consider adopting this philosophy as your own.

Scorpio

(Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Thirteen thousand years ago, lions and mammoths and camels roamed parts of North America. But along with many other large beasts, they ultimately became extinct. Possible explanations for their demise include climate change and over-hunting by humans. In recent years a group of biologists has proposed a plan to repopulate the western part of the continent with similar species. They call their idea “re-wilding.” In the coming months, Scorpio, I suggest you consider a re-wilding program of your own. Cosmic forces will be on your side if you reinvigorate your connection to the raw, primal aspects of both your own nature and the great outdoors.

Gemini

(May 21 – June 20) No one knows the scientific reasons why long-distance runners sometimes get a “second wind.”

Nonetheless, such a thing exists. It allows athletes to resume their peak efforts after seemingly having reached a point of exhaustion. According to my reading of the astrological omens, a metaphorical version of this happy event will occur for you sometime soon, Gemini. You made a good beginning but have been flagging a bit of late. Any minute now, though, I expect you will get your second wind.

Cancer

(June 21 – July 22) Thomas Gray was a renowned 18th-century English poet best remembered for his “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.” It was a short poem -- only 986 words, which is less than the length of this horoscope column. On the other hand, it took him seven years to write it, or an average of 12 words per month. I suspect that you are embarking on a labor of love that will evolve at a gradual pace, too, Cancerian. It might not occupy you for seven years, but it will probably take longer than you imagine. And yet, that’s exactly how long it should take. This is a character-building, life-defining project that can’t and shouldn’t be rushed.

Leo

(July 23 – Aug. 22) The 18th-century German philosopher Georg Christoph Lichtenberg accepted the possibility that some humans have the power of clairvoyance.

“The ‘second sight’ possessed by the Highlanders in Scotland is actually a foreknowledge of future events,” he wrote. “I believe they possess this gift because they don’t wear trousers. That is also why in all countries women are more prone to utter prophecies.” I bring this to your attention, Leo, because I believe that in the coming weeks you’re likely to catch accurate glimpses of what’s to come -- especially when you’re not wearing pants.

Across

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) “The only thing that we learn from history,” said the German philosopher Georg Hegel, “is that we never learn anything from history.” I’m urging you to refute that statement in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. I’m pleading with you to search your memory for every possible clue that might help you be brilliant in dealing with your immediate future. What have you done in the past that you shouldn’t do now? What haven’t you done in the past that you should do now?

Capricorn

(Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) It’s Grease Week -- a time when you need to make sure everything is as well-oiled as possible. Does your car need a quart of Castrol? Is it time to bring more extra virgin olive oil into your kitchen? Do you have any K-Y Jelly in your nightstand, just in case? Are there creaky doors or stuck screws or squeaky wheels that could use some WD-40? Be liberal with the lubrication, Capricorn -- both literally and metaphorically. You need smooth procedures and natural transitions.

Aquarius

(Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

(Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) Were you nurtured well by caring adults in the first year of your life? If so, I bet you now have the capacity to fix whatever’s ailing your tribe or posse. You could offer some inspiration that will renew everyone’s motivation to work together. You might improve the group communication as you strengthen the foundation that supports you all. And what about if you were NOT given an abundance of tender love as a young child? I think you will still have the power to raise your crew’s mood, but you may end up kicking a few butts along the way.

© Copyright 2013 Rob Brezsny

1 The O’s in XOXOX 5 Repeating sound 9 Specialized, as a committee 14 Concerning the ear 15 Opposing votes 16 Velvet hanging 17 Trigonometric term 18 Nutmeg cover 19 Eye hue 20 Turn C’s into B’s, e.g.

23 “Famous” snack-maker 24 Historic block of time 25 Veiled comment?

28 Church dignitary 31 He was “Devine” in film 34 Place for an urn 36 “LOTR” beast 37 It’s west of Wales 38 Upstaging a star 42 Etc.’s cousin 43 Comment from the cradle 44 Where to put “all kidding” 45 Bridge capacity unit 46 Cause for decrepitude 49 Was the front-runner 50 Blood-group letters 51 Flightless South American bird

53 Elderly one’s admonition 61 Brightest stars 62 Saudi, for one 63 DVD menu option 64 Court documents 65 Jackson 5 member 66 Coal quantity 67 Things peddled 68 Suddenly go ballistic 69 Threat ending ( with “or”)

Down

1 Red ___ (cinnamon candies) 2 State with a three-word capital 3 Vannelli or Marchetti 4 Unstressed vowel sound 5 Fill with affection 6 Body in a whodunit 7 Legacy recipient 8 City once called Christiania 9 Be in a sticky situation?

10 Film genre 11 Visibility hindrance 12 Pop the cork, e.g.

13 Old-school Briton 21 Coerce 22 Legume-family climber

25 Sidebar, perhaps 26 “I think so too!”

27 Sub region?

29 Enter one’s user name and password 30 Works in a gallery 31 It was nothing to Nero 32 Vanish over time 33 Covered with morning moisture 35 Shakespearean prince, informally 37 Pothook shape 39 Nome white house 40 Doze momentarily (with “off”) 41 Relaxes, as pressure 46 More than just worry 47 List of book errors 48 Cyndi Lauper hit 50 Cognizant 52 Brown betty ingredient 53 Winter white stuff 54 Georgetown cager 55 Walkie-talkie user’s word 56 Yoga class needs 57 Land o’ leprechauns 58 Ab follower on the Hebrew calendar 59 Machinery parts 60 Pound the keyboard

Thursday’s solution

Two years into the War of 1812, British soldiers invaded Washington, D.C. They set fire to the White House and other government buildings. The flames raged out of control, spreading in all directions. The entire city was in danger of burning. In the nick of time, a fierce storm hit, producing a tornado and heavy rains. Most of the fires were extinguished. Battered by the weather, the British army retreated. America’s capital was saved.

I predict that you, Aquarius, will soon be the beneficiary of a somewhat less dramatic example of this series of events. Give thanks for the “lucky storm.”

Pisces Virgo

“MISSOURI’S FAVOURITE PUZZLE”

(Feb. 19 – March 20) Like the legendary Most Interesting Man in the World who shills for Dos Equis beer, you will never step in gum on the sidewalk or lose a sock in the coming weeks. Your cereal will never get soggy; it’ll sit there, staying crispy, just for you. The pheromones you secrete will affect people miles away. You’ll have the power to pop open a pinata with the blink of your eye. If you take a Rorschach test, you’ll ace it. Ghosts will sit around campfires telling stories about you. Cafes and restaurants may name sandwiches after you. If you so choose, you’ll be able to live vicariously through yourself. You will give your guardian angel a sense of security.

Thursday’s solution

july 5 -11, 2013 • 7Days • THE PHNOM PENH POST

FRIDAY GLOBAL HYBRID US curator Denise A. Scott presents HERo.e.S/HER open eyeS, which features women artists from the US and Cambodia.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 6pm SUNSET SANDPIT SESSIONS Performances by Sophie Rose, Jerby and Brentrix. Hosted by Joe “Jackfruit” Wrigley.

Le Jardin, #16 Street 360. 6pm THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY WITH MIKE’S BURGERS Drink beer directly from the tank and receive a tour of Kingdom Breweries. $12 for all you can drink and eat, with food provided by Mike’s Burger.

Kingdom Breweries, #1748 National Road 5. 6:30pm COUSCOUS AND KEBAB NIGHT $12 couscous and $6 Australian lamb kebab.

Stella Restaurant, #55 Street 75.

6:30pm OMID 16B Remixes of The Cure, Depeche Mode, Natacha Atlas and others. $6 entrance includes one standard drink.

Pontoon Club, #80 Street 172.

7pm PLAE PAKAA Discover the diversity of Cambodian culture through the Children of Bassac’s classical and folk dance in the gardens of the National Museum. Tickets for sale at $12.

National Museum, Street 178.

7pm LOCO FRIDAY Practice your Salsa Bachata and Merengue moves with Ray, who just arrived from El Salvador.

Latin Quarter, corner of Street 178 and 19. 7pm REVOLUTION Featuring Tulip Band, DJ Bob Revo and DJ Sun. Special deals on finger food, with sisha and live music.

Buy one cocktail jug and get one free.

Lavo Club, corner of Street 208 and Norodom Boulevard.

7:30pm TIPSY TUK TUK MEGA MOBILE PARTY A pub crawl to six Phnom Penh nightspots. $8 fee includes all tuktuk fares, free shots at each bar, all cover charges, and all-you-can-drink beer while riding the tuk-tuks.

Sundance Inn and Saloon, #61AB Street 172. 8pm LIVE CONCERT Featuring local rock band Animation Plus.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 8pm 1960s CAMBODIAN ROCK Featuring DJane Sopheak Sao. Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 9pm RNA AND FRIENDS A hybrid of rock, jazz, Latin and country rock covers featuring Sonny Krishnan, and Chris de Nogleas, Brent Clark, Pervez Gulzar and Arnel Quiapo.

Paddy Rice, #213 Sisowath Quay. 9pm FIRST FRIDAY POOL PARTY With DJ BBoy Peanut and DJ Bree.

Eighty Eight Guesthouse, #98 Street 88. 9pm LADY AND THE TRAMP Original and covers on piano and guitar.

Doors, #18 Street 84 and 47.

9pm FRIDAY NIGHT SALSA PARTY Free beginner classes beforehand at 8pm.

Perma Cafe, #69 Street 450. 9pm SKY PARTY Live music with DJ Orland on the top of Cambodia’s tallest completed skyscraper. Free entrance.

Eclipse Sky Bar, #445 Monivong Boulevard. 9:30pm CRIMINAL RECORDS A night of alternative Indie tunes with the occasional avant-garde live act.

La Croisette, #241 Sisowath Quay. 9:30pm

FILM NICE HAT! 5 ENIGMAS IN THE LIFE OF CAMBODIA A history of the troubled kingdom seen entirely through hats and headgear, featuring star director Rithy Panh and curator Ly Daravuth.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 4pm CAMBODIAN WOMEN DOCUMENTARIES Featuring The Women Weavers from Kandal Province, It Burned Me and Disguise.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 6:30pm

SATURDAY CRAFTY SATURDAY Fun and games for children aged 1.5-10 years old. Includes swimming activities, snacks, outdoor activities and storytelling.

Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. $8 per child with reservations. Bring three for the price of two with reservations. Walk-ins are $12.

Call 078 777 466 or email ls@ dkschoolhouse.com.

DK Schoolhouse, #7 Street 466.

10am CAMBODIA BASKETBALL LEAGUE Four games featuring Cellcard Eagle vs. Galaxy, IRB The Lord vs. Sela Meas, CCPL Heat vs.

Pate, and Dragons vs. Ganzberg.

Entrance is free, and there will be contests for the audience at halftime with prizes to win.

Beeline Arena, across the Japanese Bridge in front of Norton University. First game at 10am SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ROAST AT SCORE Classic weekend roast served at Score Sports Bar and Grill every weekend.

Score Sports Bar and Grill, #5 Street 288. 12-5pm PHNOM PENH BIKE HASH A mountain bike ride along rural tracks & trails followed by numerous beers (courtesy of Anchor), ribald humour, merriment

& mirth followed by a BBQ or dinner at a local restaurant.

Mekong Lounge, opposite Naga ferry ramp. 2:15pm

clarinet, mandolin, accordion.

Followed by DJ Sam Day. Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 9pm

FISHING BOAT TRIPS Join the Tonle Sap river boat trip on Saturdays as they try to catch some fish. Get away from the city in search of good fishing spots.

Everyone gets their own rod and drinks. At the end of the trip, cook some river fish Cambodian style with pepper sauce and sour mango, even if you don’t catch any. Hear stories about the river and its history. Email dorn_phok@ yahoo.com or call 0978970007 to make a reservation by Friday. $10 per person.

Brown Coffee, corner of Street 98 and Sisowath Quay. 4pm

THE KNOCKOUTS A four piece band from California, the Knockouts, are a band influenced by a variety of artists: Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Hank Williams Sr., Nirvana, Green Day, Alice in Chains--Bad Religion, Social Distortion.

Equinox, #3A Street 278. 9:30pm

ART OLYMPICS PROJECT Art exhibition featuring students from nine Cambodian provinces.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 6pm

CARNIVAL Moradokmai Theatre Community Thailand & Osono Theatre Group Romania co-present the performance of Carnival.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 7pm RETURN OF THE KHMER PUNK Featuring Phnom Penh punk bands The Anti-Fate and A.O.A. $2 entry comes with free beer, free shot for every punk.

Show Box, #11 Street 330. 7pm MASAHIRO WATABE Classic soft rock and Japanese folk music on acoustic guitar by soloist Masahiro Watabe.

The Village, #1 Street 330. 8:30pm 9TH BIRTHDAY BASH Memphis’ ninth anniversary. With live music. $1 sangria and draft beer.

Memphis Pub, #3 Street 118.

9pm THE KLEZBODIANS The sound of Eastern European “Klezmer” music, complete with

FILM STEP BY STEP V. Pokorrny’s documentary follows a German percussion group to Battambang’s Tini Tinou Circus Festival.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 4pm OH BATTAMBANG Arnoldo Hurtado’s new documentary introduces you to the city’s emerging art scene.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 8:30pm

SUNDAY ROAST SUNDAZE All day roast. Free beer or glass of wine.

From $7.50 The Local, #8 Street 144. All day.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ROAST AT SCORE Classic weekend roast served at Score Sports Bar and Grill every weekend.

Score Sports Bar and Grill, #5 Street 288. 12-5pm SUNDAY CARVERY A traditional carvery with a selection of succulent roast meats.

The Exchange, #28 Street 47.

1pm HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Cross country running and walking through fields, farms and foliage followed by Anchor beer and softies. Walkers and runners of all shapes and sizes are welcome. $5 for expats, $2 for locals. Fees include all bottled water, cool drinks and beer.

Phnom Penh Railway Station, corner of Monivong and Russian Boulevards. 2pm SIMPLY THE BEST SUNDAY ROAST Option of Argentinean beef, lamb shoulder imported from Australia and chicken of which you may choose more than one at $10 per person. All the trimmings you can eat, including Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots, roasted potatoes, stuffing and homemade gravy.

The Piano Lounge, #53 Street 57. 2pm TEXAS BBQ All you can eat Texas barbecue. $7.50 per head.

Sundance Inn and Saloon, #61 Street 172. 3pm ULTIMATE FRISBEE Pickup games and league games.

All levels welcome. Contact Greg at gbloom88@gmail.com for more information.

Northbridge International School. 3pm CHESS CLUB No charge, but we ask that you buy a drink to justify our presence.

Open Wine Restaurant, #219 Street 19. 4pm

FILM TWIN DIAMONDS A Cambodian feature film written, shot and edited by 60 students.

This fast-paced crime-comedy is the result of a filmmaking workshop created by FrenchKhmer film maverick Davy Chou.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos

Boulevard. 4pm

THE DESTINY OF TOSAKAN Moradokmai Theatre Community Thailand & Osono Theatre Group Romania co-present the performance of The Destiny of Tosakan.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 7pm THE AMBASSADOR Danish journalist M. Brügger goes undercover to embark on a dangerous yet hysterical journey to uncover the blood diamond trade in Africa. Hosted by the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 8pm

MONDAY KATY PERI’S PERI PERI CHICKEN AND PIZZA The Katy Peri chefs serve their dishes to the tune of reggae music.

Show Box, #11 Street 330. 6pm

THE NONTOK AND THE CARNIVAL Two plays, starring Thai and Romanian actors, put on by the Thailand-based Moradokmai Theatre Community.

Botanic Cafe, #126 Street 19.

7pm JAMES VOAN Musician James Voan draws inspiration from the world of Western rock with classics from the 70s, 80s and 90s rock scenes.

The Village, #1 Street 360.

7:30pm MARGARITA MAYHEM Shake your blues away with Margaritas in every flavour. Buy one get one free all night. Enjoy mash-up remixes and tunes with DJ Narata.

Riverhouse Lounge, corner of Sisowath Quay and Street 110.

8:30pm

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Entertainment

THE PHNOM PENH POST • 7Days • july 5 -11, 2013

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PHOTO SUPPLIED

SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY: MORADOKMAI THEATRE FILM NOIR/ WUPP

The Moradokmai Theatre Company, in corporation with in cooperation with Osonó Theatre from Saint George, Romania, is sending its Thai and Romanian actors to Phnom Penh for a run of the plays The Nontok and The Carnival.

FRIDAY: POOL PARTY Kick off the weekend with a Friday night pool party, courtesy of event organisers WUPP. DJs BBoy Peanut & Bree are on the decks all night (til 2am) playing everything from hip-hop to electro. Drinks prices are decent and the atmosphere should be buzzing. Bring swimwear – the water will be more welcoming after a few. Free entrance.

Eighty8 Guest House, #98 st. 88, behind Wat Phnom. 9pm

TUESDAY

blues to contemporary jazz.

The Village, #1 Street 360.

7:30pm

TWO 4 TUESDAY Resident DJs playing the best popular dance tracks, buy two get one free for cocktails and mixed drinks all night.

Riverhouse Lounge, corner Sisowath Quay and Street 110.

4pm

GTS JAZZ Late 20th Century jazz music.

Piano Shop, #186 Street 13.

7:30pm

QUIZ NIGHT Teams can accumulate points just for playing and win great prizes at the end of the season. Weekly prizes are featured as well. $1 per person, with winning team taking all.

The Gym Sports Bar, #42 Street 178. 5:30pm

THIS DOG BARKING EXHIBITION LAUNCH The first public showing of the graphic novel by Nicolas C. Grey and James Farley.

Java Cafe and Art Gallery, #56E1 Sihanouk Boulevard. 6pm GENTLE WINDS A fusion of Philippine and Khmer musicians, playing a variety cover music from pop rock, rhythm and

OPEN MIC Musicians, poets, comedians or other entertainers invited to join.

Sundance Inn and Saloon, #61 Street 172. 8pm

FILM MISS LANDMINE Stand Feingold’s documentary follows a controversial art project, set in Cambodia, that challenges traditional perceptions of disabled people.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 4pm FLICKERS AND THE STEPS WE TAKE Myanmar’s new leaders have introduced reforms that have sparked a new optimism among the youth. German Friedrich-

Naumann-Foundation presents the Cambodian premiere screenings of two Burmese short documentaries.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 6:30pm

FREE YOUR MINDS The screening of picks from the Cambodian short films from last year’s Free Your Minds festival, incl. Ly Polen’s IVA, Sao Sopheak’s Quiet Movement and Freedom on TV. Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 8pm

WEDNESDAY ULTIMATE FRISBEE Pickup games from 4.30pm at ISPP field. Contact Greg at gbloom88@gmail.com for more information.

ISPP, Street 380 between Street 57 and 51. 3-5pm MINI BANANA’S FAMOUS BBQ All you an eat pork ribs, chicken wings, beef strips, BBQ fish served with egg plant and coconut soup, plus a free mixer. $6.50.

The Nontok is an adaptation of the Ramayana, while The Carnival is a tale of modern day capitalism.

Carnival shows at Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 7pm, Saturday. Nontok shows at Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 7pm, Sunday. Shows will be shown back to back at Botanic Cafe, #126 Street 19 from 7pm, Monday.

Mini Banana Guesthouse, #136 Street 51. 5pm

Sundance Inn and Saloon #61 Street 172. 8pm

IN BETWEEN Gay and lesbian night, with prizes for best dressed.

Show Box, #11 Street 330. 7pm

MIXED 8 BALL COMPETITION First prize is a $25 Bar Tab, second and third prize is a bottle of wine.

Sharky’s, #126 Street 130.

8:30pm

SALSA CLASSES $5 for foreigners, $2.5 for Cambodians.

Ebony Tree, #29 Street 29. 7pm LADY AND THE TRAMP Original and covers on piano and guitar.

The Village, #1 Street 360.

7:30pm GTS JAZZ New York jazz night. A selection of standard and original tunes to recreate a typical jazz club feel.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 25 Old Auguste Site, Sothearos Blvd. 7:30pm TRIVIA NIGHT $2 entry per player, maximum seven people per team.

The Willow #1 St 21. 7:30pm QUIZ NIGHT Lots of prizes and drink specials. $1 entry.

FILM CHANGING THE WORLD ON VACATION Explores the controversial concept of voluntourism by following a US grassroots NGO in Cambodia.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 4pm BROKEN A man returns to the unfamiliar and changed landscapes of Phnom Penh, a place that was once home.

Quest for solace is answered when conflicted past meets the present in Amit Dubey’s new short film. Cast and director will host Q&A. Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 7pm CONFRONTATIONS 2012 A short film series from Berlin’s

Interfilm Festival. Renowned directors from 16 countries focus on social injustice, intolerance, violence, war and exploitation.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 8pm

THURSDAY RUFA ART EXHIBITION LAUNCH The InsiderGallery will feature students’ works from the Royal University of Fine Arts.

InterContinental, #296 Mao Tse Toung Boulevard. 6pm BALL HOCKEY Sticks provided. Contact Greg at gbloom88@gmail.com for more information.

City Villa, corner of Street 360 and 71. 7pm WUPP LATINO SESSION Free basic salsa class. $3.50 Chilean wine and free tapas.

Doors, #18 Street 84 and 47.

7:30pm PHNOM PENH BOWLING LEAGUE All welcome, regardless of skills.

Entertainment

july 5 -11, 2013 • 7Days • THE PHNOM PENH POST

TUESDAY: THIS DOG BARKING

FRIDAY: HERo.e.S/HER open eyeS

This Barking Dog: The Strange Story of U.G. Krishnamurti by comic artist Nicolas C. Grey and writer James Farley is a graphic novel tells the story of Indian ‘anti-guru’ U.G. Krishnamurti.

Born in 1918, Krishnamurti raised eyebrows for rejecting the concept enlightenment, and even the very act of thinking. Grey and Farley’s unusual graphic novel follows the odd philosopher’s life, from his childhood experiences with spiritualism onward as he comes to the conclusion that ‘mind is a myth’.

The first public showing of the completed graphic novel takes place on Tuesay night at Java in Phnom Penh.

Female artists from both the US and Cambodia are given a stage at Meta House this week in an exhibition under the theme of ‘heroic women’.

The show features everything from Japanese American Judy Chan channeling her experience of growing up in 1940s America to post Khmer Rouge work.

Representing Phnom Penh and Battambang are Heak Pheary, Neak Sophal, Oeur Sokuntevy, Phin Sophorn and Tes Vannorng. US artists include Chan, Lillian Abel, Gina Han, Denise A. Scott and Trang Le. Cambodian band Animation Plus will end the evening.

JavaArts, #56 Sihanouk Boulevard. 6pm

JOE WRIGLEY UK Folksinger Joe Wrigley provides his own slant on the Americana songbook. He is currently taking his guitar around South East Asia, dishing out his own versions of standards by the likes of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.

The Village, #1 Street 360.

7:30pm LADIES NIGHT It’s ladies night and the feeling’s right. Hot dance and house tunes.

Buy two get one free.

Riverhouse Lounge, corner of Sisowath Quay and Street 110.

8:30pm OPEN MIC NIGHT All musicians and singers welcome to join.

Paddy Rice, corner of Sisowath Quay and Street 136. 9pm

SWING DANCING With Mama Swing Equinox, #3A Street 278. 9pm VANITY NIGHT Ladies receive one free bottle of 12-year-old whiskey, a bottle of vodka or one free carafe of cocktail.

NOVA, #19 Street 214. 9pm BEDROCK INDEPENDENT MUSIC NIGHT Featuring British DJ F.U.D. Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 9pm

FILM SLEEPWALKING THROUGH THE MEKONG John Pirozzi’s documentary follows L.A. based band “Dengue Fever” on their journey to the country that inspired their love for 1960s Khmer rock.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 4pm CULTURES OF RESISTANCE Brazilian-Korean director Iara Lee meets artists from all fields who

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Blvd. 6pm

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PHOTO SUPPLIED

Three games played each week with average scores recorded over the season for a final league ranking and winner’s trophy. Entry is $6 each.

Parkway Square, corner of Mao Tse Toung Blvd and Street 163.

7:30pm

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committed their lives to promoting change. Her six-year odyssey takes her through 35 countries: Burma, Rwanda, Iran, Israel, Nigeria, and the Congo, to name a few. In each case she profiles a grassroots movement that embodies the philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 7pm

ONGOING ARTILLERY RAW FOOD CLEANSE A five day program of raw foods, green juices and superfood boosters designed to stimulate your internal system, improve digestion, increase energy, and help you feel lighter.

This introduction to detoxing has been created to fit in alongside a busy schedule – it includes a raw food lunch, dessert and dinner to fuel you throughout your day, with all of your meals prepared fresh every morning and ready to collect before work.

All meals on the program are vegan, gluten-free and sugar free.

The course runs from Monday to Friday for $175, inclusive of all the food you will need for five days.

Spaces are limited. If you would like to sign up or ask for more details, please email us at artillerycambodia@com.

ARTillery, 1/2 Street 240. Runs from July 8 to 12.

RUFA ART EXHIBITION LAUNCH The InsiderGallery will feature students’ works from the Royal University of Fine Arts.

InterContinental, #296 Mao Tse Toung Boulevard. Through August 25

MAN AND NATURE A painting and photo exhibition by Nou Sary.

Institut français, #218 Street 184. Runs through August 31.

SUNDAY ESCAPE WITH FRIENDS The Regency Cafe’s Sunday special features international and Asian cuisine complemented with a selection of European and New World wines. $34 per adult, featuring a free flow of wine. Free for children below 12-years-old.

InterContinental Hotel, #296 Mao Tse Tung Boulevard.

SURVIVING Chov Theanly, a self-taught painter, is having his first exhibition. In this series, Theanly draws on live models that he selects amongst his friends, people he observes on the street and even himself. He poses them standing as well as sitting on chairs, a difference that signifies their varying personal circumstances and an echo of his own.

Java Cafe, #56 Sihanouk Boulevard. From May 30 to July 7.

OPEN SPACE BAND Live music Wednesday-Sunday, playing ‘60s, soul, jazz, blues, rock Riverside Bistro, #273A Sisowath Quay. 8pm YOGA CLASSES Daily Yoga Classes with Oskar and Alison at two locations. Join us to improve your flexibility, strength, balance, posture and stress levels!

Email phnompenhyoga@gmail. com or call 012 739 419 for details.

SUBMISSION GRAPPLING A combination of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, catch and freestyle wrestling,

we teach all the basics of ground fighting, control, escapes, chokes, arm locks, leg locks, while building a competitive spirit. All levels and ages can and will be catered for. $10 for a single session, $135 for 15 sessions, $205 for 30 sessions and $360 for 60 sessions.

K1 Gym, #131 Street 199.

5:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 6:45pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

DANCE WORLD CAMBODIA Classes in a range of dance forms from ballet, jazz, and tap, to break dancing, k-pop, and belly dancing. There are classes available for all ages. For class prices and timetables go to danceworldcambo.wordpress.com Dance World Cambodia #313 Sisowath Quay, (Hotel Cambodiana - Entrance at Physique Club Gym) WINE, FOOD AND MUSIC Each day be serenaded by Lolito on piano and DJ Lady Bluesabelle mixing global sounds of world jazz, Latin, soul and tropical beats.

Le Bar at the Sofitel, #26 Sothearos Boulevard. 6pm till late, every week Tuesday through Saturday

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Last look

THE PHNOM PENH POST • 7Days • july 5 -11, 2013

Ad, unclassified: Neon bomb team defuses mess “Closet arrangement design - refresh your everyday Wearing the same shirt again and again? Closet so messy that you cannot find that sweater from last year? We’re here to sort things out: a new, revolutionary way to arrange.”

(Craigslist.org, Vietnam) Bennett Murray spoke with Neon Bomb Team cofounder Yale Chen, a 25-year old Taiwanese graphic design student based in Ho Chi Minh City.

We have two services. The first is closet arrangement design, which is something we learnt in Japan.

Some girls, are very attractive – like really attractive – but if you come to their houses you see that they don’t know how to arrange their closets, and they just pick up clothes from the top of a pile. Our job is to rearrange. We design. We charge $25 for people who don’t have many clothes, $50 for people with a medium amount, and $100 for people with a lot of clothes.

But closet arrangement design, that’s not the main thing we do. Our main service is self-transformation and life coaching. That’s what we’re selling. People will literally come to us for life coach service.

A life coach is a person who turns you into someone more confident and more attractive. If you contact us, we will turn you from an ordinary person into someone more attractive and charming. We don’t change who you are, but we design

A replica of US actress Elizabeth Taylor’s closet. Would it have met Neon Bomb’s standards? afp

a package that changes you into a more charming and confident person. We work on how you walk, dress and talk. We have a personal trainer from the States to help as well.

The service includes two sections.

In the first section, we work on how you think, and offer several

A rainbow over Phnom Penh’s riverside in the early evening of June 30. HONG MENEA

therapies. For instance, we have a balloon therapy session where we blow up a bunch of balloons, and we tell them to write their flaws on them. We then tell them to destroy the balloons, and while they destroy their balloons, they shout out why they hate the flaws so much, and we think of a solution.

The second section is about looks– we will do the walk and talk, and tell you some tips on how to dress.

How long it takes to complete the services depends on the person.

Some people, it takes one month, with others it takes two or three months. Sometimes, people with

less money will take just one section.

We charge about $10 per course in each section, and each section gets to be about $150, depending on how long it takes them to finish.

After they take our course, you will see a lot of changes on their Facebook profiles. Before, they won’t take many pictures. But now, literally every day they are so confident they will post every day.

That’s how they change.

We founded Neon Bomb about four months ago. We’re four friends from Taiwan who went to international school together in Vietnam, then studied together in Japan for three years before coming back to Vietnam. We came up with the idea together so we could be creative and make some money together. We are students, not real professionals, although our personal trainer has an actual degree.

We have other jobs too, because it’s not very popular in Vietnam – we’ve had about 20 clients – and it’s not going to pay the bills. But it’s fun to help people, because they’re not confident at all at first, and then we watch them change.

The Lowdown on Temple Town

JUly 5 - 11, 2013

Priceless

THE WHIFFS ARE COMING…AGAIN

By Miranda Glasser

T

hey’ve appeared in hit TV show Glee, sung for George Bush and now they’re coming to town – the all-male, acapella singing group the Whiffenpoofs of Yale University perform at the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa on July 23.

The ‘Whiffs,’ perhaps the best-known and certainly the oldest collegiate acapella group in the US, were founded in 1909.

The lineup, which changes annually, comprises 14 men from senior year, and undoubtedly its most famous member was Cole Porter who sang in the group in 1913.

Traditionally, the Whiffenpoofs embark on a world tour every summer, and Siem Reap is a destination they’ve played several times.

Whiffenpoofs of 2013 member Alex Caron tells Insider why Temple Town had to make the list.

“We keep coming back because Siem Reap is such a gorgeous and unique city with a bunch of amazing people who support us by coming to our concert,” he says. “The Whiffenpoofs have performed at the Victoria for the past few years, and each year the reception has been so wonderful that we've decided to come back again this July.

“Some of my friends who came to Siem Reap with the Whiffenpoofs in 2011 and 2012 have said that it was their favorite stop on the entire world tour. They loved visiting the temples, biking around the city, and of course meeting all the people who came to the concert.”

Caron has a particular personal affinity with

The Whiffs in all their glory at Yale.​PHOTO SUPPLIED

Siem Reap, having visited pre-Whiffs in 2011 to run a theatre workshop with the NGO, PDICambodia, in villages outside of Siem Reap. The workshop culminated with a “raw, passionate and hilarious” performance at Hotel 1961, and Caron says he is very much looking forward to returning.

“I'm excited to come back with the group this year because the months I spent in Siem Reap two years ago was a very important time in my life,” he says. “I can’t wait to share this amazing place and all the people who live here with the

other group members.

“I'm personally excited to come back because I miss this city. I miss the people who live here and the smells and the way it floods in the summer and the food and everything about it. I'm probably most excited about taking the group to one of the evening outdoor Jazzercise classes, which I attended regularly in the summer of 2011.”

As for the repertoire on July 23, Caron says there will be something for everyone. Typically, the group performs a mixture of traditional Yale songs and classic Broadway numbers like Cole

Porter’s Too Darn Hot, combined with more contemporary tunes such as Mika’s 2007 hit, Grace Kelly.

“We try to find a balance of old and new and we select songs that cross over many genres so that every audience member leaves having recognized something, but also having heard something new that they like,” says Caron. “We'll perform a few sets over the course of the evening, and each time we sing we'll be performing several songs. We'll also have plenty of time to mingle with the audience over dinner and drinks, so it should be a pretty festive evening.”

The 2013 tour started on May 23, and will have taken in 26 different countries over 87 days.

And as for why a white-gloved, show-tunesinging group of young men has become so enormously popular, Caron puts it down to tradition and staying power.

He says that 104 years of performing and touring have won the group a pretty impressive international following. Following a performance in Geneva, a woman approached him and said her father was in the Whiffenpoofs and used to sing The Whiffenpoof Song to her every night when she was growing up. Now she sings the song every night to her kids.

Caron adds, “I think appearing on shows like Glee or The Sing Off certainly helps, but I think the Whiffenpoofs win a place in our audience's hearts because it makes them feel like they are a part of something timeless and global.”

Tickets for the performance on July 23 cost $26 and include a welcome cocktail at 7pm followed by a barbecue buffet dinner.

Mineral water factory tapped for tourism

By Thik Kaliyann Siem Reap province has a new tourist attraction – a factory manufacturing Eau Kulen natural bottled water at Phnom Kulen.

The factory encourages visitors and provides guided tours to tourists venturing in the area, according to factory manager Pierre Rietsch.

He said the factory has special galleries enabling visitors to see the production of the water and added, “There is no secret in our water treatment. We always welcome any visitors who wish to see the way we produce the natural mineral water.”

The Kulara Water Company, the manufacturers of Eau Kulen, Cambodia’s first bottled natural mineral water began selling water in April, and hopes to become a significant player

in the local bottled water market, adding to the economy of Siem Reap province.

The manufacturers built a factory at the foot of Kulen Mountain in Tbeng Keurt village, Banteay Srei district in 2010, and installed a water treatment machine at the end of last year.

The mineral water itself is drawn from a deep aquifer at Phnom Kulen, and the water is bottled at source. Both the factory and the process comply with World Health Organisation guidelines for drinking water, the European Directives for Drinking Water and Mineral Water and the International Bottled Water Association Model Code.

The factory employs 33 people and, according to Pierre Rietsch, has a full daily production capacity of 9,000 small or 550ml bottles, and 6,000 large or 1.5litre bottles.

Factory manager Pierre Rietsch affirmed that no chemical treatment is used in the bottling process.​THIK

A factory worker checks bottles of Eau Kulen for purity.​THIK KALIYANN

Rietsch added that no chemical treatment is used in the production process to preserve the fine taste and health benefits of the pure natural mineral water which is particularly abundant in calcium and magnesium.

Rietsch likens the taste of Eau Kulen to that of one of the most expensive and luxurious French bottled waters. He claims, “If you taste this water

you will find that it’s almost similar to Evian.”

He said the Kulara Water Company was established by French investors, headed by Bernard Forey, the head of CFA Investments which produces La Vie mineral water in Vietnam and owns bottled water companies in Australia such as Palm Springs on the Gold Coast, and Koala Springs and CottonWood Valley in Ballarat, Victoria.

KALIYANN

Rietsch said that “about $7 million was invested in the Eau Kulen project.”

Leopard Capital, through its Leopard Cambodia Fund, invested $4.1 million for 50 per cent stake. On May 6 this year Leopard Capital announced that it had “exited its entire investment in Cambodia's Kulara Water to the company's founding shareholder. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.”

Additional text by Peter Olszewski

2

Siem Reap Insider

Man About Town Peter Olszewski THE RIGHT MUSICAL NOTE Siem Reap’s newest live venue, The Mouy at Prince D’Angkor Hotel, has changed the format of its musical night, ditching the notion of a full-blown band to concentrate on a soloist, veteran musoe Mike Mahalo who will play on Wednesday nights only, together with the hotel’s house singer.

But this coming Wednesday, Mahalo promises a treat for music lovers at The Mouy – he will be joined on stage by special guest Alan Breen.

Mike has this to say about Breen: “Alan is one of the most experienced jazz saxophonists in Asia, and he moved from Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh recently to be part of the newest jazz scene in Asia. As you know, I played the Jazz in The City for nearly a year, and Alan joined us there a few times, where we became friends. He is a great musician, and possibly it is news that he travels specially to do these gigs with us.”

On the following night, Thursday, Breen will also appear as special guests at the Heritage Suites ‘Jazz in the City’ night, where the Beats per Minute trio plays regularly.

Obviously, local music lovers who want live music will need to support the scene by turning up to the venues.

FREE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS Siem Reap’s Black Sheep Consultancy will this month be presenting ‘Business Blitz’, a series of free 90 minute workshops for NGO’s and businesses. Each workshop will have two sessions: 8.30-10am and 10.30-midday.

The first workshop is on Saturday July 13 and the topic is ‘Effective Advertising.’ This will explore exactly what constitutes effective advertising, tips on how to get a message across, and how to use social media.

A second workshop, on Saturday July 20, explores finance for non-accountants and will provide an introduction to finance, and look at cash flow management and budgeting.

The third and final workshop takes place on Saturday July 27, featuring an introduction of project management.

The session looks at what project management is, and explores how to create a project plan and how to track and report on the project.

Places are limited to 15 people per session. As mentioned earlier, all workshop sessions are free, but only one attendee from each organisation will be permitted to attend each workshop. Places must also be reserved in advance. For more info, contact ooterlin@gmail.com.

GOOD NEWS FOR HIGH FLIERS On Monday, Vietnam Airlines began direct flights from Danang to Siem Reap and return, which will be a boon for sea-loving Siem Reapers. The flights apparently resulted from the formation last January of the Central Coast Vietnam Destination Marketing Organisation. According to TTG Asia, the purpose of this organisation is to promote the coastal region as “a competitor against established beach destinations such as Bali.”

Meanwhile, as reported in the Phnom Penh Post on June 25, Cambodia Angkor Air plans to launch chartered flights between Siem Reap and the southeastern coastal Chinese city of Xiamen, starting next Thursday.

CAA chairman, Tek Reth Samrach, said the airline plans to start services to Xiamen first, and then follow through with a new service to Fuzhou two days later.

There will be two flights weekly to Xiamen, on Thursdays and Sundays. The first flight to Fuzhou is scheduled July 13, with two flights weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

SHORT CUTS Vietnam company FPT Telecom has launched an Opennet branch in Siem Reap, on High School Road in Wat Bo, becoming the company’s fifth branch in Cambodia. Opennet is FPT’s internet service provider brand.

The Jay Pritzker Academy has issued another press release, claiming that in Siem Reap it uses “an advanced and modern curriculum in its efforts to educate and prepare young Cambodians for a successful career and acceptance into the world's best universities.”

The Red Piano Restaurant Siem Reap is looking for a western chef · Reliable · Experience in Cambodia a Plus Send CV to Geertcaboor@online.com.kh

THE PHNOM PENH POST • Siem Reap insider • JULY 5 - 11, 2013

Fashion designers launch new collection

By Miranda Glasser

F

resh from a successful show at Phnom Penh Designers Week, designer duo Mitsou launched their new clothing collection, ‘Dreamscapes’ on June 27 at their Siem Reap studio. Their fourth collection is inspired by nature and urban shapes, and features white and pastel shades.

Mitsou founders Gaëlle Toussaint and Hélène Tijou say they are delighted with their reception at the inaugural Designers Week, held from June 13-15 at The Plantation Hotel in Phnom Penh.

“It was amazing – there were many designers with different ideas,” says Toussaint. “There were three designers a night, and we were the last designers on the first day. People liked what we did – we heard a lot of applause.”

Toussaint says the fashion presentation was a good networking opportunity – although Mitsou’s clothes are already sold in Phnom Penh, many people did not know the designers’ faces.

“Nobody knows us,” she says. “So it was good to meet people from Phnom Penh.

Since Designers Week we have more fans on Facebook, more people waiting for the new collection. People have been telling us they saw our show and liked it, and asking when they can buy the clothes.”

At the Siem Reap launch, a select group of Mitsou friends and fans tried on the Dreamscapes range.

“The concept is something like a dreamy

The designers Hélène Tijou and Gaëlle Toussaint take to the catwalk for the show finale, along with a model wearing the Libra dress. JEREMIE MONTESSUIS

An outfit from the Dreamscape collection: the Swan skirt worn with the Mensa shawl. JEREMIE MONTESSUIS

trip,” says Toussaint. “Dreamy travel in a geometrical landscape. We take inspiration from the sky – different colours in the sky and nature. All the names are from constellations, from the sky. If you look at the clothes they’re really floaty, but also very geometrical. We get a lot of inspiration from architecture too.”

The all-woman collection features items in pastel shades such as blue, pink, yellow and white. There are a couple of eye-catching items including the champagne-gold shorts and Touissaint’s favourite piece, the Libra dress – a simple, white shift dress with delicate straps worthy of Kate Moss, who is one of Toussaint and Tijou’s fashion inspirations.

“For me this dress is a must because I think it mixes all the ideas that we have in our visual storyline,” says Touissaint. “I also

like long, floaty pieces. For Designers Week we tried to do more streamlined clothes.”

Touissaint says it was a dream come true seeing Mitsou’s clothes come alive on the catwalk.

“We saw the whole collection on the models and that was amazing,” says Touissaint. “When you see your clothes moving it’s just incredible. This was the biggest show we’ve done, with 15 models – it was really moving.

“It’s a really nice experience because you don’t just think about the clothes; you think about the music, the atmosphere, what you want to say to people. What your concept is.”

Mitsou plans to do a new collection sometime in the next six months. Watch this space…

Miss Cambodia explores her local heritage

By Miranda Glasser Last week Siem Reap played host to one of its more glamorous visitors – Miss Cambodia, aka Phanith Rama Sovann, who was in town as part of an annual humanitarian effort organised through the University of California, Irvine.

Sovann, a Khmer Rouge refugee who moved to California when she was two years old was crowned Miss Cambodia 2013 in the Los Angeles international beauty pageant Queen of the Universe, which promotes humanitarian work and education. Sovann, fluent in both English and Khmer, is also a singersongwriter, and founded the Cambodian Awareness Organisation four years ago at her university.

This is a student club she founded on the campus of the

Phanith at the 'Queen of the​Universe' red carpet party in Hollywood in January this year. PHOTO SUPPLIED

University of California, Irvine.

Sovann says, ““Our club makes an effort to come to Cambodia every year to work on a humanitarian project for two reasons: one, we want to help those who are in need especially in the poorer provinces of Cambodia; and two, I wanted Cambodian Americans living in America to be exposed to life in our homeland and to be immersed in our culture. It is a learning experience that goes both ways.” Sovann and students from the campus arrived in Cambodia on June 18 for two

weeks, taking in Battambang, Siem Reap, Kep and Phnom Penh.

“This year our project was to distribute school supplies to two schools,” says Sovann. “One near Battambang, and another in Kep. We were also able to donate much-needed medical supplies and medicine to a small clinic in Koh Kralaw. We were in Siem Reap because it was some of our team members' first time seeing Angkor Wat. We were able to create conversation about our rich Cambodian culture through the many sites we visited.” Siem Reap also holds a particular significance for Sovann, as this is where her father’s family comes from.

Sovann was able to visit two of her aunts and an uncle during her trip.

“My father is one of ten siblings,” she says. “During the Khmer Rouge his parents and

all his siblings died except the three that I visited. It brings them to tears to reflect on their losses and hardships during the Khmer Rouge regime, so it meant a lot to visit them and present my crown and sash as a symbol of my pride as a Khmer woman.

“Anyone can wear a crown and a sash, but I would like to use my platform to bring Cambodia to the forefront of public thought, as well as help those that are less fortunate.”

Sovann is based in Long Beach, California (also known as ‘Cambodia Town, ’) and is heavily involved with the local Cambodian community. She works as a program specialist in the Substance Abuse Prevention Program at NGO Cambodian Association of America, and is a graduatestudentinIntercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Siem Reap Insider

JULY 5 - 11, 2013 • Siem Reap insider • THE PHNOM PENH POST

Armenian kebab man bobs up

By Miranda Glasser

O

ne man and his kebab stall have created a buzz among carnivorous expats, after opening on Sivutha Boulevard near the night market entrance last month.

Armenian-bornNarekGrigoryan left his adopted home of the south of France five months ago, bringing with him skills learnt from “the best kebab chef in Nice.”

“I’m a mechanical engineer and cooking is my hobby,” says Grigoryan. “The kebab has a long, long history, and every man in traditional Armenian families is good at barbecuing and making kebabs. It’s in our genes.

“I took a master-class with one of the best kebab chefs in Nice, an Armenian-Lebanese. He taught me how to cook, how to prepare meat, how to take care and how to make it the best kebab in the city.”

Having visited Siem Reap on holiday and found there were no kebab purveyors here, Grigoryan decided to make the move in February, setting up shop four months later. He met with almost instantaneous success, with people flooding Facebook with high praise.

Grigoryan says the secret of his success is his inherent love of cooking, and using the best quality ingredients – he spent two months tracking down the right pita bread

3

Live poet’s society launches

By Joanna Wolfarth

Narek Grigoryan hard at work doing the kebab thing. MIRANDA GLASSER

supplier.

Grigoryan uses chicken rather than lamb or pork because he feels it is healthier and lighter on the stomach in a hot climate. He buys fresh chicken every morning and marinades it in a special sauce, which sadly must remain top secret.

“I researched different meats and I chose chicken because it’s the healthiest meat – it has a lot of protein, a lot of vitamin D and is low in cholesterol,” he says. “It’s not dangerous to eat in hot weather..

You can eat chicken any time.”

Grigoryan’s kebabs come in two sizes with French salad – cabbage, tomato and onion – and a variety of

sauces including homemade garlic mayonnaise and chili sauces with varying degrees of heat.

While he caters to a wide variety of consumers, he was surprised to discover that the Khmer also like his kebabs.

“What really surprised me was that so many Khmers buy it. They like it so much, and they say, ‘this is very chhnganh’.”

Grigoryan says he has had many requests to stay open all night, in keeping with the age-old tradition of people stumbling home inebriated and picking up a kebab en-route after a big night out.

His opening hours are 7pmmidnight, Monday to Saturday.

Spoken Arts Siem Reap, a twice-monthly exchange weaving together words, performance and alcohol to create something quite special, will be launched on Tuesday night with the hope that it will provide an avenue for poets and writers to come together and share their work.

According to poet and co-organiser Sarah Pycroft, the idea originated after the highly successful Graffoetry Trail earlier this year, organised by Tori Green, when X-Bar and 1961 played hosts to spoken word artists Kosal Khiev and Dan Tsu. Pycroft says, “Both gigs were epic and we wanted to keep the ball rolling. A few weeks later Rhi Quinn, Tori and I went down to Phnom Penh where Kosal was hosting his first poetry slam and following that we resolved to set something similar up in Siem Reap.”

The gathering that inspired the Spoken Arts organisers took place at Voodoo Bar, and was initiated by Rhi Quinn. This featured readings of original poetry and monologues as well as recitations of famous poems and excerpts from a Cambodian ritual text. Those of a nervous disposition were encouraged by a free drink for anyone who read something.

Green is aware that some people are put off by the idea of poetry and says “Sometimes poetry can be seen as a little highbrow and I want to challenge that by mixing street art, murals, spoken word and poetry together as a performance.”

Pycroft says the name Spoken Arts is

Sarah Pycroft reading her poetic work. TORI GREEN

designed to encompass more than just poetry and spoken word. It also includes anything that people want to read or perform, whether they have written it or want to share someone else's work that they love.

Green is keen to see more people get involved. She says, “I would love to see it grow – at the first night we had five different nationalities take part. We have people who are published and people who come with a friend and write a poem on their beer mat. I really would like to encourage more Khmer to take part.”

Writer and co- organiser Tony Patrick thinks that there is a lot of untapped talent in town. He says, “Siem reap needs to be about more than just bars and clubs and I think people are hungry for alternatives.

Poetry and literature are a good place to start in a town with so many artists who haven't surfaced yet."

Spoken Arts Siem Reap commences on July 9 at J4B bar and will continue on the first and third Tuesday of every month. It starts at 8pm with $1 cocktails to ease nerves. The organisers are keen to emphasise that this will be the ‘write’ place to spend Tuesday nights – and that poems don’t have to rhyme.

4

Entertainment

THE PHNOM PENH POST • Siem Reap insider • july 5 -11, 2013

What’s on FRIDAY 5 CHARITY PUB QUIZ AND RAFFLE In support of Helping Hands Cambodia. $1 entry; lots of fantastic raffle prizes.

Raffle drawn after the quiz, tickets $1.

Rosy Guesthouse, East River Road Friday July 5, 8pm FIESTA LATINA Latin music, dancing and cocktails. $1 beer, 2 for 1 cocktails. Salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, tropipop, cumbia, Brasilian samba y más. Come and join us and have fun!

Annadya Restaurant & Bar, Soksan Road, behind X-Bar Friday July 5, 7.30pm

BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS V QANTAS WALLABIES Watch the third and final game in the series LIVE. Who will come out the winners with 1-1 result so far?

Rosy Guesthouse, East River Road Saturday July 6, 5pm SUPER SATURDAY 50% discount on food Soria Moria Boutique Hotel, Wat Bo road.

Saturday July 6 12 – 8pm LADIES NIGHT Free glass of sparkling wine Elements Bar, Pub Street.

Saturday July 6, 7:30pm LADYBOY REVUE Linga Bar, Pub Street.

Saturday July 6, 10:30pm

KNOCK OUT POOL COMP Free entry, winner takes home a $30 food and drinks voucher.

Jungle Junction, High School Road Friday July 5, 7.30pm

SHOW SPECTACULAR Show spectacular featuring ladyboys and Khmer comedy.

The Station Bar, Street 7, Old Market area.

Saturday July 6, 9pm

PARTY NIGHT Elements Bar, Pub Street.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday July 7:30pm

SUNDAY 7

LADYBOY REVUE Linga Bar, Pub Street.

Friday July 5, 10:30pm LADYBOY REVUE The Station Bar, Street 7, Old Market area.

Friday July 5, 9:30pm LIVE MUSIC WITH CANAPES Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa Friday July 5, 5pm to 7pm

SATURDAY 6 MADE IN CAMDODIA Monthly market and street fair at Shinta Mani Hotel. Products by artisans and designers including Eric Raisina, Saarti Candles and Theam’s House.

Outside Shinta Mani hotel Saturday July 6, 4-9pm PLAYED IN CAMBODIA Khmer-composed classical music concert, featuring the New York New Music Ensemble. Tickets: $18.50 (limited numbers) available from Beyond Unique Escapes. All proceeds go to Cambodian Living Arts. Shinta Mani Hotel Saturday July 6, 8pm

WINE NIGHT Special offers for wine lovers.

25% discount on all wine, 50% on selected wines. encouraged to come meet and share ideas mingle and talk about what you're working on!

Soria Moria Boutique Hotel, Wat Bo road.

Sunday July 7, 12pm – 10pm BBQ POOL PARTY Sunday BBQ including homemade beef sausage, pork chops, chicken and vegetable skewers, jacket potatoes, crispy salad, special home-made sauce and a baguette.

The Siem Reap Hostel, 7 Makara Street Wat Damnak Sunday July 7, 4pm - 8pm

MONDAY 8 KHMER LOCAL HANDICRAFT WORKSHOP ON SHOW Please come and join us and discover what the locals have.

Apsara Holiday Hotel, National Road 6.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 7am / Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 7am and 5pm

TUESDAY 9 LIVE MUSIC AND OPEN MIC NIGHT House guitars available, all instruments welcome.

Fresh at Chilli Si-Dang, East River Road Tuesday July 9, 8pm LADIES NIGHT Complimentary glass of sparkling wine and free mini manicure/ pedicure on the Soria Moria rooftop.

Soria Moria Boutique Hotel, Wat Bo road.

Tuesday July 9, 7pm

WEDNESDAY 10 HAPPY HOUR With live music from Mike Mahalo and special guest saxophonist Alan Breen The Mouy Resto & Lounge, Prince d’Angkor Hotel Wednesday July 10, 6-9pm $1 NIGHT All drinks $1, all food $1.

Soria Moria Boutique Hotel, Wat Bo road.

Wednesday July 10, 5pm – 10pm LIVE PIANO Asana Old Wooden House, The Lane, Pub St area Wednesday July 10, 7pm OPEN JAM NIGHT Open mic night, all welcome whether singing or playing a musical instrument. Free beer for participants X Bar, end of Pub Street.

Wednesday July 10, 8pm THE APSARA TERRACE Outdoor pan-Asian BBQ buffet with classical Khmer dances and Bokator Khmer martial arts. Experience the magic of the Apsara dance in our lush gardens. Traditional music, beautiful dancers, delicious food and a great atmosphere.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Vithei Charles de Gaulle.

Dinner Commences 7pm Culture Performances 7:45pm Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday LADIES NIGHT Free cocktail for all female customers. Pyramid nightclub, National Road 6A

Wednesday July 10, 8:30pm GOLDEN BUTTERFLIES LADY BOY SHOW The Station Bar, Street 7, Old Market area.

Wednesday July 10, 9:30pm

THURSDAY 11 OH MY BUDDHA! 50% off all food and drink, buy one get one free.

Soria Moria Boutique Hotel, Wat Bo road.

Thursday July 11, 12pm – 10pm LIVE! JAZZ IN THE CITY Saxophone, trombone, piano, guitar Happy hours at the cocktail bar.

Dining reservations 077 56 56 22 Heritage Suites, Beside Wat Polanka Thursday July 11, 6:30pm – 9.30pm WEEKLY CHARITY PUB QUIZ Come along and help a local charity helping local people. $1 entry The Warehouse Bar, the Old Market area Thursday July 11, 8pm

ONGOING SWIM, SIP & SAVOUR Swim in our infinity pool in nice quiet surroundings, sip a cocktail prepared by our barman and savour a special dinner. $30 per person.

Sala Lodges, Salakomroeuk commune, behind Wat Damnak Every Sunday & Sunday, from 2pm SUNDAY POOL BRUNCH $20 per person, access to the pool included Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa Every Sunday, 10.30am – 2.30pm HALF PRICE SPECIAL 50% off food. For bookings please contact: +855(0) 63 966 550 / 12 760 448 or email: Bookings@ selantra.com Selantra Restaurant & Lounge Every Sunday, all day SEEDLINGS Multi-media gallery by students at the Ponheary Ly Foundation Hotel 1961, River Road Ongoing until Aug 28 BABEL GUESTHOUSE CLASSES:

Zumba with Ti Sam ($8) Mondays & Wednesdays, 6-7pm Ashtanga yoga ($8) Mondays & Wednesdays, 7-8pm Babel Guesthouse, St 20, off Wat Bo RIVER GARDEN CLASSES: Pilates ($5) Wednesday 8.30-9.30am Thursday 6-7pm PEACE CAFE CLASSES: Yogilates, ashtanga, hatha & restorative yoga: Mon-Fri: 8.30am & 6.30pm, weekends various (For more details check: http:// www.peacecafeangkor.org/ program.htm) Khmer lessons (free): Saturday and Sunday 16:00 – 17.00 Vegetarian cooking class: Every day 11.00 – 13.00 Peace Cafe, Wat Bo Area WEEK-LONG SPECIALS Earlybird Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5-7pm: $1 off any main dish Sexy Saturday: Roll The Dice For Your Price: Roll 2 dice and pay the total amount in '000 Riel. Roll a double 6 and your drink is free! Price will always be lower than menu price Hangover Sunday (day) 12-5pm: Bloody Mary for $3. Menu special: Bacon butties and chip butties available Soccer Sunday, 6pm till late: Watch Sunday's double header English football matches on the new projector and enjoy offers on beers and Western food.

Monday Madness, 7-9pm: Free Angkor or juice with any rice or noodle dish ordered Two for Tuesday, 8-11pm: 2 for 1 on house cocktails or Angkor draft Toxic Thursday, 8-11pm: House short & mixer, house wine and Blur shot only $2.50 Freaky Friday, 7-11pm: Appetiser Medley only $8. 2 for 1 on all draft beers. House cocktails only $3 Under Construction Bar & Restaurant, Wat Bo Rd ANGKOR BODHI TREE RETREAT & MEDITATION CENTRE CLASSES: Meditation: Every day: 6.30am and 4pm Yoga: Sun - Wed and Friday: 6pm Chill pill class: Thursday & Saturday: 6pm & 8pm.

Tuesday 8pm.

Angkor Bodhi Tree Retreat & Meditation Centre, Wat Polanka area VICIOUS CYCLE BIKE RIDE 20-30km bike rides through the countryside. $5 to hire a mountain bike or bring your own. Rides take place most Saturdays but please check on: 012 462 165 or at: http://www.facebook.com/ groups/308395112548010/ Vicious Cycle Bike Shop & Bike Tours, St 26, off Wat Bo Most Saturdays, 8am COOKS IN TUK TUKS Cooking classes. Cost: $25 River Garden Hotel, River Road Daily, 10am LE TIGRE DU PAPIER COOKING CLASS Cost: $13 or $19 Le Tigre du Papier, Pub St Daily, 10am or 1pm AFTERNOON DELIGHT Hot drink and a slice of homemade cake (from the daily selection) for $4.50 Upstairs Café, Wat Bo Road Daily, 3pm – 5pm TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST Meat alternates weekly; chicken, beef or pork plus all the trimmings for $6. Served all day until 6pm.

Sister Srey Café, River Road Every Sunday till 6pm SUNDAY ROAST Choice of roast beef or roast stuffed chicken with roast & mashed potato, cauliflower cheese, seasonal vegetables & gravy. Price is inclusive of one free beer. $8.

Molly Malone’s, Pub St Every Sunday, 12 – 10pm ‘LET THERE BE ROCK’ NIGHT Featuring the X-Rays live; covering Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, AC-DC and much more. Bar food available all night.

X Bar, end of Pub St Every Friday, 7pm – 12am LADIES NIGHT PROMOTION Buy one get one free on selected cocktails.

Island Bar, Angkor Night Market.

Every Wednesday and Saturday 4pm till late LADIES NIGHT All cocktails buy 1 get 1 free.

Picasso, Alley West Every Wednesday 6pm

Fiesta night for Latin lovers

By Sarah Brown Most expats living in Siem Reap have at least a few friends of their own nationality to chat with when a desire for the familiar sets in – but this is not the case for Colombian expat couple Dur Ocampo and Luis Barreto.

Since settling here in November 2012, Ocampo and Barreto have met a few Colombian travellers passing through, but never any amigos

Colombianos staying for more than a few days.

Indeed their plan was to be here for just a month offering their photography and design skills to a local NGO, but – as Ocampo comments – “we found some great projects here, and lovely people.” Barreto agrees, saying, “It’s easy living here.”

Yet despite the upsides of Temple Town living, it can be “weird” being the only Colombians. “Usually when we

travel there are always people from our country” Barreto comments, “But in Siem Reap we haven’t found anyone.

“We wondered whether we were the only Colombians in Cambodia, so when we went to the embassy in Malaysia recently we asked.The consult confirmed there are just three Colombianos in the Kingdom, us and a priest in Sihanoukville.”

When the pair returned to Siem Reap and shared their discovery,

friends suggested they should celebrate with a Latin party.

“It was a really exciting idea for us” says Ocampo. “Parties everywhere else are really different to parties in Latin America; the energy is different.”

Barreto adds, “We miss this sometimes.”

The party, the’ ‘Fiesta Latina’ will take place from 7.30pm tonight at Annadya restaurant, on Soksan Road. “The party’s going to be at a Khmer restaurant”

says Ocampo “So it’ll be a great mix of cultures. It’s also a perfect location for a Latin party – openair, nice lighting, great cocktails.”

They have prepared a Latin playlist, and a Spanish-speaking British singer will perform some Latin classics. The highlight of the party, however, will be true cultural collaboration – a ladyboy performance with a Latin twist!

There will also be $1 beers and 2-for-1 Latin cocktails.

“We’re so happy to share our

Latin party hosts Luis Barreto (left) and Dur Ocampo getting ready for tonight’s gig. SARAH BROWN

music, our culture” says Ocampo.

Entrance is free and the fiesta is open to everyone.