Excuse me sir, but I don't like the cut of your jib...
Well, here's a first - somebody told me I wasn't dressed appropriately for the first time ever in Vietnam. I've turned up in sandals to embassy dos and bantered with Ambassadors, I've strolled into weddings in jeans DEVIL-MAY-CARE and worn shorts to every bar and restaurant in town, not because I'm some kind of wild maverick who plays by his own rules but because it's really hot and socks are for October to April only with the exception of when I'm playing football, you see. I'm innocent.
But, regardless, my seven-year-streak of casually-dressed derring-do came to end, well nearly, when I went for a fancy pants dinner at the Metropole's Le Beaulieu and after sitting down I was interrupted by a fairly embarrassed waitress (her manager didn't have the bi (Cojones) to do it himself I'd wager) who said that she was sorry, aren't we all for something, but there was a dress code and sandals weren't allowed. I explained that I was just off the plane direct from Bali and had lost my suitcase somewhere along the way. She smiled, not getting the joke, and said as long as I remembered next time then scuttled away, exit stage left. We laughed for a while. The other "gents" at my table had very nearly done the same. One was only in shoes and trousers because he went straight to the bia hoi (pour un ou deux aperitif) after work. The waiter ignored us all night. My friends started to blame the sandals.
Next time I'll throw on the Crocs and really spoil them.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Here's a piece on Vietnam's emerging and increasingly liberal film industry.
Can't help but notice that one film's plot line sounds exactly like Tootsie: The most successful so far is "Two In One," a slapstick comedy about a man impersonating a woman — and falling in love with a real woman who doesn't know he's actually a man.
Need to start writing a few oh-so-subtle remakes of my own methinks.
Ong Mua: An incredibly handsome brother discovers his long lost autistic brother after their dad dies leaving all the cash to the autistic brother. They embark on a road trip to Do Son, but by foot, as the autistic brother won't fly Vietnam Airlines, or take a bus, car, motorbike, any kind of automated vehicle, and there they start to gamble their way to brotherly love.
Can't help but notice that one film's plot line sounds exactly like Tootsie: The most successful so far is "Two In One," a slapstick comedy about a man impersonating a woman — and falling in love with a real woman who doesn't know he's actually a man.
Need to start writing a few oh-so-subtle remakes of my own methinks.
Ong Mua: An incredibly handsome brother discovers his long lost autistic brother after their dad dies leaving all the cash to the autistic brother. They embark on a road trip to Do Son, but by foot, as the autistic brother won't fly Vietnam Airlines, or take a bus, car, motorbike, any kind of automated vehicle, and there they start to gamble their way to brotherly love.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Hanoi and it's Bia Hoi
Recently set up Hanoi Bia Hoi dot com aims to build a map of bia hoi around Hanoi. A genius idea.
It's only just got going, but there's already a good few bars reviewed. You can click on the flags to read the reviews, but also email off your own tuppence worth of any joints you tipple in. The website will grow accordingly.
The web master gives mucho kudos for any bia hoi that is very cold.
So for you Hanoi-based Pittstop readers your homework this week is to drink more bia hoi and send hanoibiahoi.com a review.
Also, another Pittstop associate who does food tours in Hanoi has her website up and running. Check it out here:
"Hanoi Street Food Tours give you the opportunity to get the inside scoop on where to find the best pho bo, the tastiest bun rieu cua, the freshest nom du du - and more!"
Recently set up Hanoi Bia Hoi dot com aims to build a map of bia hoi around Hanoi. A genius idea.
It's only just got going, but there's already a good few bars reviewed. You can click on the flags to read the reviews, but also email off your own tuppence worth of any joints you tipple in. The website will grow accordingly.
The web master gives mucho kudos for any bia hoi that is very cold.
So for you Hanoi-based Pittstop readers your homework this week is to drink more bia hoi and send hanoibiahoi.com a review.
Also, another Pittstop associate who does food tours in Hanoi has her website up and running. Check it out here:
"Hanoi Street Food Tours give you the opportunity to get the inside scoop on where to find the best pho bo, the tastiest bun rieu cua, the freshest nom du du - and more!"
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail?
Yup - it's true. Surprised they're getting away with that as a campaign, domain name.
Certainly none of my business.
Here's a funny/ disturbing story about a man going on the rampage in Danang Airport with two swords after he was told not to park in the no-parking zone. Turns out he's got connections so everyone says he'll get off but I think he'll do well to worm his way out that pickle.
The local press aren't so sure: ...skepticism is widespread as many feel that M. had already escaped justice after another notorious rampage seven years ago in a Binh Duong karaoke shop. At the time, M. was accused of firing his gun at a waitress at the karaoke bar after she refused to “go out” with him. Though M.apparently missed his target, subsequent police reports confirmed four used bullet shells were found in the karaoke room.
Sounds like a right nutbag. But luckily my father, Teddy de Burca Snr., always did warn me, never trust a man who drives around with two swords in the trunk.
Whatever happened toQueensbury rules?
Yup - it's true. Surprised they're getting away with that as a campaign, domain name.
Certainly none of my business.
Here's a funny/ disturbing story about a man going on the rampage in Danang Airport with two swords after he was told not to park in the no-parking zone. Turns out he's got connections so everyone says he'll get off but I think he'll do well to worm his way out that pickle.
The local press aren't so sure: ...skepticism is widespread as many feel that M. had already escaped justice after another notorious rampage seven years ago in a Binh Duong karaoke shop. At the time, M. was accused of firing his gun at a waitress at the karaoke bar after she refused to “go out” with him. Though M.apparently missed his target, subsequent police reports confirmed four used bullet shells were found in the karaoke room.
Sounds like a right nutbag. But luckily my father, Teddy de Burca Snr., always did warn me, never trust a man who drives around with two swords in the trunk.
Whatever happened to
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Someone said the words "Autumn's on the way" today. People just love proclaiming a new season and trip over themselves to be first. Of course, Autumn is just a second summer for the likes of me who have been genetically engineered to live in wet, boggy fields. For the record, the person who said this was wearing shorts and sandals.
Methinks the sweat will still be dripping, the ca phe will still have da and the sock drawer will remain untouched for sometime yet. As for long-sleeved tops and jeans, might be time just to let the mildew breathe a little - but there's no rush there either.
Which reminds me last time I was in Ho Chi Minh City, where the summer really does last forever, I passed a woolly jumper and hat shop. Of course, those heading north need to wool-up before boarding the plane, but still it's kinda like spotting a Bermuda shorts shop in Siberia. The sales assistant was alone in the shop and looked utterly miserable.
"A woolly hat shop in Saigon, what was I thinking?"
Here's a little something for a Tuesday afternoon on Vietnam's shifting perspectives on history.
Those interested in revisionism will love it.
Methinks the sweat will still be dripping, the ca phe will still have da and the sock drawer will remain untouched for sometime yet. As for long-sleeved tops and jeans, might be time just to let the mildew breathe a little - but there's no rush there either.
Which reminds me last time I was in Ho Chi Minh City, where the summer really does last forever, I passed a woolly jumper and hat shop. Of course, those heading north need to wool-up before boarding the plane, but still it's kinda like spotting a Bermuda shorts shop in Siberia. The sales assistant was alone in the shop and looked utterly miserable.
"A woolly hat shop in Saigon, what was I thinking?"
Here's a little something for a Tuesday afternoon on Vietnam's shifting perspectives on history.
Those interested in revisionism will love it.
Friday, August 03, 2007
There's a Letter from ...
...Hanoi in the Guardian weekly by yours truly which may give devoted Pittstop subscribers a fleeting bout of deja vu.
It's in an adobe programme. Just put your finger on the alt key and drag it around. Click on the text to zoom in.
...Hanoi in the Guardian weekly by yours truly which may give devoted Pittstop subscribers a fleeting bout of deja vu.
It's in an adobe programme. Just put your finger on the alt key and drag it around. Click on the text to zoom in.
Monday, July 30, 2007
All together now – Intimacy at the traffic lights
I’ve always thought there’s a funny intimacy to the traffic in Hanoi, and I suppose Ho Chi Minh City can’t be too different. Such the volume of motorbikes when you pull up to the traffic lights (all the rage these days), everyone is huddled together en masse, waiting, in most cases impatiently, for the lights to change. And there we all are, together, for more than a moment, less than a minute. The smell of shampooed hairdos, the whiff of a high-noon bia hoi session, a fragrantly scented businessman, or businesswoman – all these scents mingle with the fumes. You glance around. You may or may not see a hip 15-year old on his father’s bike with two friends on the pillion, a gaggle of giggly girls on bicycles, a bunch of sun-kissed labourers, young glamorous couples on fancy-pants motorbikes, delivery boys encased on their own bike by eight crates of beer, a young woman holding her bicycle loaded with Bat Trang pottery upright, as well as the off-to-works, the won’t-works and usually at least one old bespectacled man with a pith helmet who judging by his incessant beeps doesn’t quite get the concept of red lights.
At traffic lights over the years, people have reached out and shook my hand, pulled the hair on my arms, deconstructed my wardrobe, tried to sell me a loaf of bread, informed me my kickstand was down; men have grinned, chic women have played coy, children have stared, smiled, laughed and wailed at me.
While waiting for red to go green, if you’re wondering what time it is, there’s plenty of folk around to ask, you can also practice your listening skills by eavesdropping on conversations around you, or if you’re feeling chipper, why not try to get a bit of impromptu banter going on yourself? Just friends you haven’t met, right? Other bonuses of static traffic are asking for directions, blowing kisses at ravishing strangers and bumping into old friends, on the minus side, there’s all that passive smoking, which reminds me I must get around to inventing the ashtray for motorbikes, which will make me a dong-millionaire one day.
Of course, no one wants to linger, you may have broken the ice and the prospect of a friendship may have flickered in your heart, but inevitably the traffic lights go green, the body of traffic lurches forward, horns blare at the stragglers, ‘di di’, forwards, onwards, away, if you don’t drive fast enough 70 metres down the road you’ll miss the green lights, then a man will pull up beside you, reach out and pull the hair on your arm. He won’t speak, but he will smile, and his eyes will say, “Remember me?”
I’ve always thought there’s a funny intimacy to the traffic in Hanoi, and I suppose Ho Chi Minh City can’t be too different. Such the volume of motorbikes when you pull up to the traffic lights (all the rage these days), everyone is huddled together en masse, waiting, in most cases impatiently, for the lights to change. And there we all are, together, for more than a moment, less than a minute. The smell of shampooed hairdos, the whiff of a high-noon bia hoi session, a fragrantly scented businessman, or businesswoman – all these scents mingle with the fumes. You glance around. You may or may not see a hip 15-year old on his father’s bike with two friends on the pillion, a gaggle of giggly girls on bicycles, a bunch of sun-kissed labourers, young glamorous couples on fancy-pants motorbikes, delivery boys encased on their own bike by eight crates of beer, a young woman holding her bicycle loaded with Bat Trang pottery upright, as well as the off-to-works, the won’t-works and usually at least one old bespectacled man with a pith helmet who judging by his incessant beeps doesn’t quite get the concept of red lights.
At traffic lights over the years, people have reached out and shook my hand, pulled the hair on my arms, deconstructed my wardrobe, tried to sell me a loaf of bread, informed me my kickstand was down; men have grinned, chic women have played coy, children have stared, smiled, laughed and wailed at me.
While waiting for red to go green, if you’re wondering what time it is, there’s plenty of folk around to ask, you can also practice your listening skills by eavesdropping on conversations around you, or if you’re feeling chipper, why not try to get a bit of impromptu banter going on yourself? Just friends you haven’t met, right? Other bonuses of static traffic are asking for directions, blowing kisses at ravishing strangers and bumping into old friends, on the minus side, there’s all that passive smoking, which reminds me I must get around to inventing the ashtray for motorbikes, which will make me a dong-millionaire one day.
Of course, no one wants to linger, you may have broken the ice and the prospect of a friendship may have flickered in your heart, but inevitably the traffic lights go green, the body of traffic lurches forward, horns blare at the stragglers, ‘di di’, forwards, onwards, away, if you don’t drive fast enough 70 metres down the road you’ll miss the green lights, then a man will pull up beside you, reach out and pull the hair on your arm. He won’t speak, but he will smile, and his eyes will say, “Remember me?”
Well, Iraq did it... they won the ASIAN cup
Reaction on the streets from the Guardian
"In 90 minutes, 11 men on a soccer pitch thousands of miles away have made millions of Iraqis happy while 250 MPs, our government, the mullahs, imams and warlords can't provide us with a single smile. I hope this is a turning point for our country," said one fan.
Great stuff. The team comprising Kurds, Sunnis, Shias and Turkomans have overcome kidnap threats, the murder of loved ones, and disruptions to their training schedules and had to train in Syria and Jordan pre-tournament.
Hats off lads.
Reaction on the streets from the Guardian
"In 90 minutes, 11 men on a soccer pitch thousands of miles away have made millions of Iraqis happy while 250 MPs, our government, the mullahs, imams and warlords can't provide us with a single smile. I hope this is a turning point for our country," said one fan.
Great stuff. The team comprising Kurds, Sunnis, Shias and Turkomans have overcome kidnap threats, the murder of loved ones, and disruptions to their training schedules and had to train in Syria and Jordan pre-tournament.
Hats off lads.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Hanoi oi
This fellow was just getting warmed up on tourism in Hanoi, I thought, then the article just ended.
Oh well. Iraq vs Saudi tonight. The world will be at least following the score, if not watching. So the Asian Cup got it's "coming out" coverage in the end. Sadly not for the football.
This fellow was just getting warmed up on tourism in Hanoi, I thought, then the article just ended.
Oh well. Iraq vs Saudi tonight. The world will be at least following the score, if not watching. So the Asian Cup got it's "coming out" coverage in the end. Sadly not for the football.
Friday, July 27, 2007
A story circulated rapidly around Hanoi yesterday that the Saudi Arabian football team, who were here for the Asian Cup semi final, had caused a bit of a brouhaha in the Sheraton Hotel after walking in en masse to the ladies changing rooms, in the gym or sauna area I presume. A long silent stand off apparently ensued with the exception of one American lady, who screamed herself lobster red, until "Je suis le Concierge" led the naughty boys away to the gents' facilities.
Of course, here at Pittstop Works, we never start rumours, we just spread them.
Of course, here at Pittstop Works, we never start rumours, we just spread them.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Iraqi-Saudi final: The country formerly known as Iraq are into the final of the Asian Cup where they'll be taking on the Saudis, who won a cracker against Japan, 3-2, played at My Dinh stadium in Hanoi.
Let's get metaphysical: Speaking of Iraq, it "isn't Vietnam" but is Vietnam the new Spain?
Glad that's finally been sorted out but can the comparisons end now please? You're killing our google searches.
Let's get metaphysical: Speaking of Iraq, it "isn't Vietnam" but is Vietnam the new Spain?
Glad that's finally been sorted out but can the comparisons end now please? You're killing our google searches.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Completely forgot to post this last week, Vietnam are now out of the cup, the mood is gone, life goes on, and now the closing punchline doesn't really hold true, but still, anyway, here's Teddy's pitch side version of the Vietnam-Japan game last week.
The invincibles
We arrive early for the game at My Dinh Stadium and decide to join a few merry men at a nearby bia hoi. With the temperature in the mid-30s it’s thirsty work just sitting here knocking back beers.
Most of our crew is dressed in Vietnam-jerseys so we’re instantly inducted into the circle of trust, where it’s customary to clink glasses every twenty seconds and take turns shouting Viet Nam Vo Dich (Vietnam’s invincible). We slug down more beers with water chasers until it’s time to slip away with the crowd which is heading en masse towards the stadium.
There’s an intoxicating buzz in the air. The Red and Gold-clad army of Vietnam fans are pumped up. We shuffle through the gates and run for the stands. The whistle blows as I try to find my seat. A fairly laissez faire approach has been taken to where people actually sit. As it happens my seat hasn’t been taken.
I settle down then seemingly seconds later I’m standing, then jumping, then embracing Tuan Anh – though I don’t find out his name until a few minutes later – the spectator beside me. Vietnam has scored, or rather Japan has, but rather obligingly into their own net. The stadium goes bananas. The crowd is hungry for more, the team surges forward but the Japanese team soaks up the pressure. These players are seasoned pros. Big league players who’ve graced the World Cup. They don’t panic that they’re one down. They spread it around at the back. Sizing up their opponents, probing for spaces until eventually as cool as you like a fluid move from one side of the pitch to the other then back again sees Japan equalise. The crowd’s defiant cheers dissipate.
As the half goes on Japan’s dominance grows. A well taken free kick puts them in front. By half time the Vietnamese team has completely lost its mojo. The crowd, too. Tuan Anh slumps in his chair at the break and phones his father, who tells him more heartbreaking news. In the other game in Vietnam’s Group, Qatar is winning one nil against UAE. This means Vietnam, as it stands, is out of the tournament. The score comes up on the electronic board and 40,000 people cry in collective despair.
Now Vietnam has to come back. So when the team returns the crowd is back on its feet and everyone is screaming their heads off.
The Vietnamese start well but once again the Japanese side seems that bit cooler on the ball. A slick sequence of passes by Japan sees play move from one end to the other and the ball is curled into the top corner of the net. Not long afterwards, a fourth goal is scored by the Japanese team and it’s sayonara to the hosts. The Vietnamese now face immediate elimination. The team is now floundering. The fans moan about players’ lack of movement. A woman asks aloud is it going to rain as the clouds go dark and ominous. An early exit is on the cards. Her husband pulls long and hard on his cigarette and says nothing.
Then just when it seems all is lost a sudden shout from one section of the crowd sparks interest from everyone. Mobile phones are whipped out in unison. Frantic calls are made. Another section of the crowd roars. Then someone near us shouts out, “UAE have equalised!”
Everyone is embracing again. It’s not as good as a three goal comeback followed by an outrageous injury time winner would have been but it’ll do nicely. Somewhere on the pitch star striker Le Cong Vinh chases down a ball but no one is watching. The network’s jammed with nervous fans calling for constant updates. Japan comes close to adding a fifth. Vietnam’s manager Riedl throws on a few subs for tired legs but perhaps also with a potential quarter final in mind.
Again another section of the crowd bursts into rapture. Someone near us shouts out UAE is winning 2-1 and howls of delight ring out all around us. An Englishman dressed in Vietnam colours leads a chant of “U - A - E! U - A - E!” and thousands join in. Someone, somewhere is even playing a trumpet. A fiesta has begun.
A couple of minutes later Tuan Anh gets through to his father who says UAE didn’t score again. It’s still 1-1. Vietnam’s fate is still in the balance. Tuan Anh informs everyone around him and a hundred eyes screw through him. He sits down out of view. Don’t shoot the messenger.
An eternity passes over the next 10 minutes, the forgotten game in front of our eyes in Vietnam’s national stadium finally ends, the winning team gathers in the corner and bows before the applause of their fans.
But no one from Vietnam is going home quite yet. Thousands remain seated waiting for the final whistle from Ho Chi Minh City. Dark clouds rumble over head. Eventually the Vietnam players on the far side jump up in the air. The cries of “U - A - E!” start up again. No one knows what UAE stands for, no one cares, tonight they are the toast of Vietnam. A sea of screaming fans floods out to begin the celebrations on the streets of the capital. Outclassed on the pitch but still proudly in the tournament – I should have known, Vietnam’s invincible.
By Teddy de Burca Jnr
The invincibles
We arrive early for the game at My Dinh Stadium and decide to join a few merry men at a nearby bia hoi. With the temperature in the mid-30s it’s thirsty work just sitting here knocking back beers.
Most of our crew is dressed in Vietnam-jerseys so we’re instantly inducted into the circle of trust, where it’s customary to clink glasses every twenty seconds and take turns shouting Viet Nam Vo Dich (Vietnam’s invincible). We slug down more beers with water chasers until it’s time to slip away with the crowd which is heading en masse towards the stadium.
There’s an intoxicating buzz in the air. The Red and Gold-clad army of Vietnam fans are pumped up. We shuffle through the gates and run for the stands. The whistle blows as I try to find my seat. A fairly laissez faire approach has been taken to where people actually sit. As it happens my seat hasn’t been taken.
I settle down then seemingly seconds later I’m standing, then jumping, then embracing Tuan Anh – though I don’t find out his name until a few minutes later – the spectator beside me. Vietnam has scored, or rather Japan has, but rather obligingly into their own net. The stadium goes bananas. The crowd is hungry for more, the team surges forward but the Japanese team soaks up the pressure. These players are seasoned pros. Big league players who’ve graced the World Cup. They don’t panic that they’re one down. They spread it around at the back. Sizing up their opponents, probing for spaces until eventually as cool as you like a fluid move from one side of the pitch to the other then back again sees Japan equalise. The crowd’s defiant cheers dissipate.
As the half goes on Japan’s dominance grows. A well taken free kick puts them in front. By half time the Vietnamese team has completely lost its mojo. The crowd, too. Tuan Anh slumps in his chair at the break and phones his father, who tells him more heartbreaking news. In the other game in Vietnam’s Group, Qatar is winning one nil against UAE. This means Vietnam, as it stands, is out of the tournament. The score comes up on the electronic board and 40,000 people cry in collective despair.
Now Vietnam has to come back. So when the team returns the crowd is back on its feet and everyone is screaming their heads off.
The Vietnamese start well but once again the Japanese side seems that bit cooler on the ball. A slick sequence of passes by Japan sees play move from one end to the other and the ball is curled into the top corner of the net. Not long afterwards, a fourth goal is scored by the Japanese team and it’s sayonara to the hosts. The Vietnamese now face immediate elimination. The team is now floundering. The fans moan about players’ lack of movement. A woman asks aloud is it going to rain as the clouds go dark and ominous. An early exit is on the cards. Her husband pulls long and hard on his cigarette and says nothing.
Then just when it seems all is lost a sudden shout from one section of the crowd sparks interest from everyone. Mobile phones are whipped out in unison. Frantic calls are made. Another section of the crowd roars. Then someone near us shouts out, “UAE have equalised!”
Everyone is embracing again. It’s not as good as a three goal comeback followed by an outrageous injury time winner would have been but it’ll do nicely. Somewhere on the pitch star striker Le Cong Vinh chases down a ball but no one is watching. The network’s jammed with nervous fans calling for constant updates. Japan comes close to adding a fifth. Vietnam’s manager Riedl throws on a few subs for tired legs but perhaps also with a potential quarter final in mind.
Again another section of the crowd bursts into rapture. Someone near us shouts out UAE is winning 2-1 and howls of delight ring out all around us. An Englishman dressed in Vietnam colours leads a chant of “U - A - E! U - A - E!” and thousands join in. Someone, somewhere is even playing a trumpet. A fiesta has begun.
A couple of minutes later Tuan Anh gets through to his father who says UAE didn’t score again. It’s still 1-1. Vietnam’s fate is still in the balance. Tuan Anh informs everyone around him and a hundred eyes screw through him. He sits down out of view. Don’t shoot the messenger.
An eternity passes over the next 10 minutes, the forgotten game in front of our eyes in Vietnam’s national stadium finally ends, the winning team gathers in the corner and bows before the applause of their fans.
But no one from Vietnam is going home quite yet. Thousands remain seated waiting for the final whistle from Ho Chi Minh City. Dark clouds rumble over head. Eventually the Vietnam players on the far side jump up in the air. The cries of “U - A - E!” start up again. No one knows what UAE stands for, no one cares, tonight they are the toast of Vietnam. A sea of screaming fans floods out to begin the celebrations on the streets of the capital. Outclassed on the pitch but still proudly in the tournament – I should have known, Vietnam’s invincible.
By Teddy de Burca Jnr
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Japanese are bored and restless says Andrew Mitchell in Hanoi...
"I think it was Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts who said that touring was 5 percent rock 'n' roll and 95 percent waiting around. Team Japan can certainly sympathize after three weeks on the road in Vietnam.
Life is so dull for the players at their hideaway at the Sheraton Hotel that bath salts have become the be-all and end-all of entertainment for the team, according to ace midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura."
Meanwhile the poor reporter who wrote the article discovered the joys of the taxi du (parachute taxi). Not sure why its called taxi du, but it means a taxi with a dodgy meter.
"I think it was Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts who said that touring was 5 percent rock 'n' roll and 95 percent waiting around. Team Japan can certainly sympathize after three weeks on the road in Vietnam.
Life is so dull for the players at their hideaway at the Sheraton Hotel that bath salts have become the be-all and end-all of entertainment for the team, according to ace midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura."
Meanwhile the poor reporter who wrote the article discovered the joys of the taxi du (parachute taxi). Not sure why its called taxi du, but it means a taxi with a dodgy meter.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
HOLY MOLEY - IT'S A WORLD EXCLUSIVE FOR PITTSTOP WORKS
Pittstop Work's associate Mrs. Loan Symons ran into the Australian international, misser and also creator of crucial penalties, Lucas Neil at the Nutz Bar in the Sheraton Hotel where the "shockeroos" were staying and no doubt drowning their sorrows, tears in everyone's beers, after being dumped out of the Asian Cup by the Japanese.
And here a Pittstop World Exclusive is the word for word transcription of that historic meeting where Lucas discovered the joys of Vietnamese tact on touchy subjects.
Loan: Hello
Lucas: G'day
Loan: Were you one of the people who missed a penalty?
Lucas: Yes
Loan: Are you the famous one, or the other one
Lucas: I'm the other one
Loan: Oh, so where's the famous one?
Lucas: I think Harry's upset, he's staying in.
Loan: So your team is like Vietnam. You are losers.
Lucas: (Inaudible grunt)
Loan: Can you smile for the camera?
Lucas: Sure (smiles, evidence above)
Loan: Thanks...why aren't you dancing?
Good man yourself Lucas for being game for a laugh. Cheers to Johnny for the pic and dialogue. Plus check out the doctor's photos of the Asian Cup games in Hanoi.
Pittstop Work's associate Mrs. Loan Symons ran into the Australian international, misser and also creator of crucial penalties, Lucas Neil at the Nutz Bar in the Sheraton Hotel where the "shockeroos" were staying and no doubt drowning their sorrows, tears in everyone's beers, after being dumped out of the Asian Cup by the Japanese.
And here a Pittstop World Exclusive is the word for word transcription of that historic meeting where Lucas discovered the joys of Vietnamese tact on touchy subjects.
Loan: Hello
Lucas: G'day
Loan: Were you one of the people who missed a penalty?
Lucas: Yes
Loan: Are you the famous one, or the other one
Lucas: I'm the other one
Loan: Oh, so where's the famous one?
Lucas: I think Harry's upset, he's staying in.
Loan: So your team is like Vietnam. You are losers.
Lucas: (Inaudible grunt)
Loan: Can you smile for the camera?
Lucas: Sure (smiles, evidence above)
Loan: Thanks...why aren't you dancing?
Good man yourself Lucas for being game for a laugh. Cheers to Johnny for the pic and dialogue. Plus check out the doctor's photos of the Asian Cup games in Hanoi.
Size does matter boys
Well, Vietnam are out. A two goal loss to Iraq. A game they never came close to winning, though they certainly weren't taken apart, it was incredibly frustrating to watch how they played - i.e. aimlessly. Fair play mind, the Iraqis showed a fine deft touch and both goals were excellent. It's a story in the making. Now they face the Saudis or the might of Uzbekistan in the semis (not bad as they avoid the big guns, Korea and Japan). Hope they go all the way. Inshallah.
The coach Riedl says Vietnam's diminutive players just can't compete against the big boys of football: "The problem we have is we are just too small," he said, in this Reuters story). "Playing in Southeast Asia we can be successful, but we struggle in the rest of Asia because we are too small and this is a big problem.
But he always says this/ that.
Anyhoo, this ends Pittstop Works' tireless coverage of the event - till the next Asian Cup my friends! Viet Nam vo dich!
Well, Vietnam are out. A two goal loss to Iraq. A game they never came close to winning, though they certainly weren't taken apart, it was incredibly frustrating to watch how they played - i.e. aimlessly. Fair play mind, the Iraqis showed a fine deft touch and both goals were excellent. It's a story in the making. Now they face the Saudis or the might of Uzbekistan in the semis (not bad as they avoid the big guns, Korea and Japan). Hope they go all the way. Inshallah.
The coach Riedl says Vietnam's diminutive players just can't compete against the big boys of football: "The problem we have is we are just too small," he said, in this Reuters story). "Playing in Southeast Asia we can be successful, but we struggle in the rest of Asia because we are too small and this is a big problem.
But he always says this/ that.
Anyhoo, this ends Pittstop Works' tireless coverage of the event - till the next Asian Cup my friends! Viet Nam vo dich!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
'Arry on football
Well - there you have it. The Aussies down to ten men against Japan, somehow hold on for penalties then blow it immediately with Harry "history will ultimately deem me a failure" Kewell missing despite wearing white shoes and walking to the penalty spot while doing keepie-uppies.
Time to head to the Sheraton hotel and set up the honey trap for Harry & Co. as they drown their sorrows with pints of Tiger.
Mrs. Pittstop is lost to another Harry - that infernal boy-wizard. Book was available as of 8am here in sync with the world.
Vietnam now on (and immediately losing) against the country formerly known as Iraq.
Well - there you have it. The Aussies down to ten men against Japan, somehow hold on for penalties then blow it immediately with Harry "history will ultimately deem me a failure" Kewell missing despite wearing white shoes and walking to the penalty spot while doing keepie-uppies.
Time to head to the Sheraton hotel and set up the honey trap for Harry & Co. as they drown their sorrows with pints of Tiger.
Mrs. Pittstop is lost to another Harry - that infernal boy-wizard. Book was available as of 8am here in sync with the world.
Vietnam now on (and immediately losing) against the country formerly known as Iraq.
VINA-LAS VEGAS
Do people from this part of the world have a natural knack for cards?
Story on a Canuck-Vietnamese fella finishing second at the World Poker championships...
"He left Vietnam penniless, but poker made him a millionaire..." Rags to riches I tell you what.
... but funnily enough he was pipped to the post by Jerry Yang, a 39-year-old US psychologist who grew up in Laos of all places.
Do people from this part of the world have a natural knack for cards?
Story on a Canuck-Vietnamese fella finishing second at the World Poker championships...
"He left Vietnam penniless, but poker made him a millionaire..." Rags to riches I tell you what.
... but funnily enough he was pipped to the post by Jerry Yang, a 39-year-old US psychologist who grew up in Laos of all places.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Bad day for a White Wedding
The other day at My Dinh stadium for the Vietnam vs Japan game, I overheard someone say "Tai Em (he's a midfielder for Vietnam) chan roi vi sap lay vo" (he's fed up because he's getting married soon). He was playing shite and I thought the fan was blaming the prospect of marriage for getting the player so down.
Turns out he made a bit of a boo-boo on his wedding dates: "Vietnam's Phan Van Tai Em is in coach Alfred Riedl's bad books after arranging his wedding party for the same day as their Asian Cup quarter-final against Iraq." Oh dear.
Read more here.
The other day at My Dinh stadium for the Vietnam vs Japan game, I overheard someone say "Tai Em (he's a midfielder for Vietnam) chan roi vi sap lay vo" (he's fed up because he's getting married soon). He was playing shite and I thought the fan was blaming the prospect of marriage for getting the player so down.
Turns out he made a bit of a boo-boo on his wedding dates: "Vietnam's Phan Van Tai Em is in coach Alfred Riedl's bad books after arranging his wedding party for the same day as their Asian Cup quarter-final against Iraq." Oh dear.
Read more here.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Minsk FC's player profiles
Didn't realise this was up on the Highway4 site.
Good pic of Lieutenant Wharf tackling someone about a third his size here (at the Thac Da rally) as well.
Didn't realise this was up on the Highway4 site.
Good pic of Lieutenant Wharf tackling someone about a third his size here (at the Thac Da rally) as well.
Vietnam slink into the quarters
Well, if you don't know Vietnam got walloped 4-1 by Japan but still went through as UAE decided to finally turn up (despite already being eliminated) and beat QATAR 2-1 in the other game in Vietnam's group.
The celebrations were uproarious but rather bizarre. Hammered but through to the quarter finals. Outclassed but still standing. Whowouda thunk it? Even better as Australia struggled in their group, Vietnam now avoid them and now head to Bangkok to play Iraq - who knows what to expect in that one. Japan ironically get Australia who are starting to play a bit of ball after thumping the Thais 4-0 (though that score is very flattering). Also tuyet voi, Australia come here to play Japan in what could have been the final. No doubt if the Aussies get knocked out we could also see the great mercurial talents of Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka hitting the tiles on Saturday night.
The Iraqis' tournament is a story in itself (they beat Australia 3-1). Basically a team of exiles, I hear, forced to train away from their homeland for obvious reasons. I have to support the Nam, but it would a bit of a fairytale if old Iraq made the final.
Anyway, Vietnam fans will be heading over to Bangkok ready to party for the weekend. A semi final place up for grabs. The UAE is currently the most popular country in the world around these parts. No one knows what it stands for, no one cares.
Well, if you don't know Vietnam got walloped 4-1 by Japan but still went through as UAE decided to finally turn up (despite already being eliminated) and beat QATAR 2-1 in the other game in Vietnam's group.
The celebrations were uproarious but rather bizarre. Hammered but through to the quarter finals. Outclassed but still standing. Whowouda thunk it? Even better as Australia struggled in their group, Vietnam now avoid them and now head to Bangkok to play Iraq - who knows what to expect in that one. Japan ironically get Australia who are starting to play a bit of ball after thumping the Thais 4-0 (though that score is very flattering). Also tuyet voi, Australia come here to play Japan in what could have been the final. No doubt if the Aussies get knocked out we could also see the great mercurial talents of Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka hitting the tiles on Saturday night.
The Iraqis' tournament is a story in itself (they beat Australia 3-1). Basically a team of exiles, I hear, forced to train away from their homeland for obvious reasons. I have to support the Nam, but it would a bit of a fairytale if old Iraq made the final.
Anyway, Vietnam fans will be heading over to Bangkok ready to party for the weekend. A semi final place up for grabs. The UAE is currently the most popular country in the world around these parts. No one knows what it stands for, no one cares.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The Asian Cup rolls on, it's hot as bejesus, and the hacks are understandably thirsty but this fella from the Japan Times is a bit peeved that the Fun Police were against late night cavorting - can't say I noticed a clamp down. He ends up in "Bobby's" and doesn't sing its praises. (Friend of yours Elliott-o? If so, I heard he was Dan Dockery-ed).
More importantly it's Vietnam and Japan tomorrow and I'm lined up with a ticket. Can't wait.
The Nam and Japan are level on four points. A draw or even a loss might be enough for Vietnam to progress, if QATAR on two points, manage no more than a draw with UAE.
Also, Timeout's travel story last week: Gemma price heads off to Anlong Veng, where controversial historical sites are now appearing on an official tourist trail.
More importantly it's Vietnam and Japan tomorrow and I'm lined up with a ticket. Can't wait.
The Nam and Japan are level on four points. A draw or even a loss might be enough for Vietnam to progress, if QATAR on two points, manage no more than a draw with UAE.
Also, Timeout's travel story last week: Gemma price heads off to Anlong Veng, where controversial historical sites are now appearing on an official tourist trail.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Reuters' guide to 48 hours in Hanoi
You'll never guess where this Reuters' guide recommends or what sites to check out. No, actually you will guess, so before reading, why not see if you can...
48 hours starting at 6pm on Friday, so you have two dinners, two lunches, oddly only one breakfast and "free time" activities in between to think about.
Then read the guide to see how many you got right
The piece is put together by staff who work here, but you could fault them for not trying very hard.
A better piece and the most emailed article of last week on the "quiet sexual revolution" in Vietnam by Reuters here.
You'll never guess where this Reuters' guide recommends or what sites to check out. No, actually you will guess, so before reading, why not see if you can...
48 hours starting at 6pm on Friday, so you have two dinners, two lunches, oddly only one breakfast and "free time" activities in between to think about.
Then read the guide to see how many you got right
The piece is put together by staff who work here, but you could fault them for not trying very hard.
A better piece and the most emailed article of last week on the "quiet sexual revolution" in Vietnam by Reuters here.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Links/h'ors d'oeuvres...
1 - "The Cu Chi Tunnel complex is one of Asia's stranger holiday fantasies, with its firing range of Vietnam War weaponry, displays of booby-trap bamboo spikes, tunnels to crawl through and dioramas of waxwork GIs setting fire to villages."
"Even the smiling waitresses wear black Viet Cong-style pyjamas as they try to sell you bottles of rice wine containing a dead cobra, a suitably macho tipple for visitors who have unleashed their inner warriors with a rented AK-47." Read more.
But why do people always insist on comparing TPHCM or Hanoi ... to Paris?
"The boulevards and expensive restaurants are once more redolent of Paris, and Saigon - as everybody except northerners call it - is once again a stylish and confident place with Vietnamese energy and more than a touch of Gallic sophistication."
Eh? I thought Dalat was the 'petite' Paris, or was it Ha Dong I was thinking of?
2 - 'President Nguyen Cao Ky, fearing him as a rival, mustered the support of most of the other South Vietnamese generals and fired Gen. Thi on March 10, 1966. Ky said Gen. Thi was leaving the country for medical treatment of his nasal passages.
"The only sinus condition I have is from the stink of corruption," Gen. Thi reportedly responded.'
Good line. Wee profile on him here as he passed last week.
1 - "The Cu Chi Tunnel complex is one of Asia's stranger holiday fantasies, with its firing range of Vietnam War weaponry, displays of booby-trap bamboo spikes, tunnels to crawl through and dioramas of waxwork GIs setting fire to villages."
"Even the smiling waitresses wear black Viet Cong-style pyjamas as they try to sell you bottles of rice wine containing a dead cobra, a suitably macho tipple for visitors who have unleashed their inner warriors with a rented AK-47." Read more.
But why do people always insist on comparing TPHCM or Hanoi ... to Paris?
"The boulevards and expensive restaurants are once more redolent of Paris, and Saigon - as everybody except northerners call it - is once again a stylish and confident place with Vietnamese energy and more than a touch of Gallic sophistication."
Eh? I thought Dalat was the 'petite' Paris, or was it Ha Dong I was thinking of?
2 - 'President Nguyen Cao Ky, fearing him as a rival, mustered the support of most of the other South Vietnamese generals and fired Gen. Thi on March 10, 1966. Ky said Gen. Thi was leaving the country for medical treatment of his nasal passages.
"The only sinus condition I have is from the stink of corruption," Gen. Thi reportedly responded.'
Good line. Wee profile on him here as he passed last week.
Gia roi...
"The Guinness Book’s recent recognition of a 111-year-old Japanese man as the world’s oldest living person may be confounded following the discovery of a Vietnamese man apparently aged 113."
Read on.
"The Guinness Book’s recent recognition of a 111-year-old Japanese man as the world’s oldest living person may be confounded following the discovery of a Vietnamese man apparently aged 113."
Read on.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Amazing but true: From the Bao Linh Tinh
25-year old man admits he doesn’t know his own father’s name
Nguyen Hoang Anh didn’t realise he had never known his own father’s name until questioned by his girlfriend’s parents, when visiting their house for the first time.
“At first I though my mind had gone blank,” said the 25-year old computer engineer. “You know, when a teacher asks you a question in front of the whole class and you just freeze, even though you know that you know the answer.”
But Hoang Anh didn’t know. A man he has called ‘bo’ (father) all his life, of course, has a name, but nobody ever told their son and he never heard anyone say it out loud.
“It’s normal, you just say ‘bo oi’ when you talk to him and then his friends come around and call him ‘anh’ (brother) or the woman with the electricity bill says, ‘Chu Nha’ (man of the house) or his older sister’s kids call him ‘cau’ (young uncle),” said Anh sheepishly. “It’s not as if he’s famous, he’s just a normal man leading a simple life. He’s ‘bo thoi’ in my house. Even my mother calls him that.”
His father, who is in actual fact named Nguyen Duc Manh, reportedly took umbrage not to the fact that his son didn’t know his name but that Anh knew his mother’s.
“I guess I just saw it on her ID card one day,” said Anh of the woman who is known as ‘me’ (mother) to him and his younger sister, Bich Ngoc. “But even that seems weird. She doesn’t come across as a woman who should be called Duyen. She’s a bit of a battleaxe.”
But Hoang Anh isn’t getting too worked up about it.
“It’s meaningless anyway, to cheer my father up I started calling him Hung aound the house and he didn’t even notice me," laughed Anh. "In fact, I think he might have forgotten his own name."
More on pronouns here in the Archives
25-year old man admits he doesn’t know his own father’s name
Nguyen Hoang Anh didn’t realise he had never known his own father’s name until questioned by his girlfriend’s parents, when visiting their house for the first time.
“At first I though my mind had gone blank,” said the 25-year old computer engineer. “You know, when a teacher asks you a question in front of the whole class and you just freeze, even though you know that you know the answer.”
But Hoang Anh didn’t know. A man he has called ‘bo’ (father) all his life, of course, has a name, but nobody ever told their son and he never heard anyone say it out loud.
“It’s normal, you just say ‘bo oi’ when you talk to him and then his friends come around and call him ‘anh’ (brother) or the woman with the electricity bill says, ‘Chu Nha’ (man of the house) or his older sister’s kids call him ‘cau’ (young uncle),” said Anh sheepishly. “It’s not as if he’s famous, he’s just a normal man leading a simple life. He’s ‘bo thoi’ in my house. Even my mother calls him that.”
His father, who is in actual fact named Nguyen Duc Manh, reportedly took umbrage not to the fact that his son didn’t know his name but that Anh knew his mother’s.
“I guess I just saw it on her ID card one day,” said Anh of the woman who is known as ‘me’ (mother) to him and his younger sister, Bich Ngoc. “But even that seems weird. She doesn’t come across as a woman who should be called Duyen. She’s a bit of a battleaxe.”
But Hoang Anh isn’t getting too worked up about it.
“It’s meaningless anyway, to cheer my father up I started calling him Hung aound the house and he didn’t even notice me," laughed Anh. "In fact, I think he might have forgotten his own name."
More on pronouns here in the Archives
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Motorbikejacked in TPHCM
Here's a very good reason not to own a SH or a Dylan or an "@". This poor chap really should have just handed over his keys though.
Here's a very good reason not to own a SH or a Dylan or an "@". This poor chap really should have just handed over his keys though.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Who, what, where...
Everyone's favourite Christmas-time buddies, local Customs officials have been told to be a tad more polite.
We'll soon find out that they were just as scared of you as you were of them all along. Go on, go down and give them a hug and spread the love!
Everyone's favourite Christmas-time buddies, local Customs officials have been told to be a tad more polite.
We'll soon find out that they were just as scared of you as you were of them all along. Go on, go down and give them a hug and spread the love!
Double dose of Bird flu for you
A man keels over and snuffs it in Ha Tay. Which isn't such good news.
To cheer you up, a few months back the peerless M.I.A. (missing in Acton) put the old bird flu chestnut to music:
She's the bees knees if you ask me.
Also, I linked to a few stories on cheating in local schools around the country a while back; the education authorities and examiners promised a clamp down and perhaps this is the result: a long boring summer studying for repeat exams in August for one third of the students sitting the exams.
A man keels over and snuffs it in Ha Tay. Which isn't such good news.
To cheer you up, a few months back the peerless M.I.A. (missing in Acton) put the old bird flu chestnut to music:
She's the bees knees if you ask me.
Also, I linked to a few stories on cheating in local schools around the country a while back; the education authorities and examiners promised a clamp down and perhaps this is the result: a long boring summer studying for repeat exams in August for one third of the students sitting the exams.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Last week's photo of the week
Not sure where I saw this first, some online paper, but it's now doing the roads on the blogs and chat rooms and as that's the first link I found, here it is, last week's photo of the week with SuperCop chasing a taxi, which burned through a red light.
Check out the two vigilantes, one running on the left of the photo and another carting the cop's partner by Honda Spacy further behind. If the latter's lucky he had just be nailed for also burning through a red light and was subsequently let off the hook for services rendered: "Follow that taxi!"
Anyway good action photo and for the record my sources inform me the taxi driver was stopped and is now to be prosecuted.
Not sure where I saw this first, some online paper, but it's now doing the roads on the blogs and chat rooms and as that's the first link I found, here it is, last week's photo of the week with SuperCop chasing a taxi, which burned through a red light.
Check out the two vigilantes, one running on the left of the photo and another carting the cop's partner by Honda Spacy further behind. If the latter's lucky he had just be nailed for also burning through a red light and was subsequently let off the hook for services rendered: "Follow that taxi!"
Anyway good action photo and for the record my sources inform me the taxi driver was stopped and is now to be prosecuted.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Pittstop works' mucker EH Pollard forwarded this non-Vietnam related but hilarious Onion-esque article from the Beeb...
Beer for flooded Australian town
A flood-isolated Australian town was in danger of running out of beer this week until emergency volunteers came to their rescue.
Residents of Hinton, New South Wales, were stranded following the severe storms that hit the region on Sunday.
There was concern that their pub would run dry before a rugby league match which was due to be played between New South Wales and Queensland.
But the State Emergency Services boated in a huge beer delivery just in time.
Read on
Beer for flooded Australian town
A flood-isolated Australian town was in danger of running out of beer this week until emergency volunteers came to their rescue.
Residents of Hinton, New South Wales, were stranded following the severe storms that hit the region on Sunday.
There was concern that their pub would run dry before a rugby league match which was due to be played between New South Wales and Queensland.
But the State Emergency Services boated in a huge beer delivery just in time.
Read on
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Severed member
Ouch - "A man in southern Vietnam has had surgery to reattach his penis which was cut off by his wife following a quarrel – for the second time."
Second time?
Readallaboutit here.
Ouch - "A man in southern Vietnam has had surgery to reattach his penis which was cut off by his wife following a quarrel – for the second time."
Second time?
Readallaboutit here.
Bourdain eats half-hatched duck egg
Just spotted this (old to the world, new to me so no moaning if you've seen it before) while surfing the world wide web, Anthony Bourdain chomping down hot vit lon or trung vit lon to us northerners.
If it wasn't for the 300 ducks plummeting to earth dead as dodos (see below) sure maybe be I'd be out there, eating it too, then again... maybe not.
Some flickr photos for second helpings if you can stomach more.
Just spotted this (old to the world, new to me so no moaning if you've seen it before) while surfing the world wide web, Anthony Bourdain chomping down hot vit lon or trung vit lon to us northerners.
If it wasn't for the 300 ducks plummeting to earth dead as dodos (see below) sure maybe be I'd be out there, eating it too, then again... maybe not.
Some flickr photos for second helpings if you can stomach more.
Duck - bird flu
I say "Hmmm..." to this - 300 ducks nosedive and die in Hanoi they say.
On a brighter note Pittsop's fellow diehard Irish Rugby fan and mucker Mr. Daragh Halpin is featured in this Reuters' story for his and others' sterling work at KOTO.
An a mhaith ar fad Mr Halpin!
Meanwhile after the Snooze's Talk of the Town points out the obvious – "Vietnamese marketers have realised that most products look more appealing to consumers when attached to a pretty girl" – it goes on to discuss the life of the paid-to-flirt beer girls who are always pushing the worst beer in town - Tiger or Carlsberg usually - and the hazards or seedy associations involved: "Minh, a promoter for Carlsberg, says that she and her co-workers sometimes receive offers to go out with clients after work, but they normally refuse them." Can't help but laugh as the word 'normally' being dropped in that sentence. NOT that there's anything wrong with meeting someone after work, but these girls are vulnerable and sleazed on in lots of bars, plus many of them (in an effort to make cash as they're on commission) often act outrageously forward just to get you to change your order: "Yes, cancel the bottle of white wine and serve me Carlsberg for the rest of my life."
Anyway, of course classy Pittstop approved drinks such as Larue, bia hoi and ruou just don't need mini-skirts to sell. Carlsberg and Tiger need all the help they can get.
I say "Hmmm..." to this - 300 ducks nosedive and die in Hanoi they say.
On a brighter note Pittsop's fellow diehard Irish Rugby fan and mucker Mr. Daragh Halpin is featured in this Reuters' story for his and others' sterling work at KOTO.
An a mhaith ar fad Mr Halpin!
Meanwhile after the Snooze's Talk of the Town points out the obvious – "Vietnamese marketers have realised that most products look more appealing to consumers when attached to a pretty girl" – it goes on to discuss the life of the paid-to-flirt beer girls who are always pushing the worst beer in town - Tiger or Carlsberg usually - and the hazards or seedy associations involved: "Minh, a promoter for Carlsberg, says that she and her co-workers sometimes receive offers to go out with clients after work, but they normally refuse them." Can't help but laugh as the word 'normally' being dropped in that sentence. NOT that there's anything wrong with meeting someone after work, but these girls are vulnerable and sleazed on in lots of bars, plus many of them (in an effort to make cash as they're on commission) often act outrageously forward just to get you to change your order: "Yes, cancel the bottle of white wine and serve me Carlsberg for the rest of my life."
Anyway, of course classy Pittstop approved drinks such as Larue, bia hoi and ruou just don't need mini-skirts to sell. Carlsberg and Tiger need all the help they can get.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Get out while you can!
I told you facebook was evil... check out this anti-Facebook propaganda titled Does what happens in the Facebook stay in the Facebook?
Yes, is the quick answer, which is the problem, don't you see?
Haven't got this wound up about something since those blasted Crocs hit Hanoi. Thankfully that fad seems to have eased off despite the fact you can - so I hear – get fake ones in Sunny Saigon.
I told you facebook was evil... check out this anti-Facebook propaganda titled Does what happens in the Facebook stay in the Facebook?
Yes, is the quick answer, which is the problem, don't you see?
Haven't got this wound up about something since those blasted Crocs hit Hanoi. Thankfully that fad seems to have eased off despite the fact you can - so I hear – get fake ones in Sunny Saigon.
Young wayward lovers on the run? An online newspaper reports that the people of Luc Son, a mountainous commune in Bac Giang province, are still scratching their heads over why T. V. H., Chairman of the Communal People’s Committee, husband of one and father of two, suddenly dropped everything and disappeared with no explanation. On the same day, another official, who just happens to be a woman, in charge of cultural and information affairs in the same locality also disappeared. Now I am no Sherlock Holmes, nor was meant to be, but that can’t be a coincidence. Someone should check the Nha Nghi in the next province, says me.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Football is coming to Vietnam. And Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand too. The AFC Asian Cup 2007 is split between the four regional rivals who will be all doing well to climb out of their respective groups, despite home advantage.
This is Vietnam's group: Group B: Vietnam, Japan, Qatar, UAE
Pretty mammoth task to get out of it. But the Pittstop team will be rooting for them all the way. Check out the fixtures here, all Vietnam and other group B games are in My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi.
If, if, if Vietnam were to finish second they'd play the winner of Group A, which could very well be none other then the Sunny Australian Socceroos (with Viduka, Cahill, Kewell et al making the trip). That would be tres grande. Winner of group B plays second place in group A.
Group A
1 Thailand
2 Australia
3 Oman
4 Iraq
Here's the other groups:
Group C
1 Malaysia
2 IR. Iran
3 Uzbekistan
4 China PR
Seems pretty tricky for Malaysia to get out of that one, but this looks like what the pundits will be referring to as the group of CAI CHET!
Group D
1 Indonesia
2 Korea Republic
3 Saudi Arabia
4 Bahrain
Thanks to the Rastall-Man for the tip off
This is Vietnam's group: Group B: Vietnam, Japan, Qatar, UAE
Pretty mammoth task to get out of it. But the Pittstop team will be rooting for them all the way. Check out the fixtures here, all Vietnam and other group B games are in My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi.
If, if, if Vietnam were to finish second they'd play the winner of Group A, which could very well be none other then the Sunny Australian Socceroos (with Viduka, Cahill, Kewell et al making the trip). That would be tres grande. Winner of group B plays second place in group A.
Group A
1 Thailand
2 Australia
3 Oman
4 Iraq
Here's the other groups:
Group C
1 Malaysia
2 IR. Iran
3 Uzbekistan
4 China PR
Seems pretty tricky for Malaysia to get out of that one, but this looks like what the pundits will be referring to as the group of CAI CHET!
Group D
1 Indonesia
2 Korea Republic
3 Saudi Arabia
4 Bahrain
Thanks to the Rastall-Man for the tip off
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Peer pressured into Facebook
At first I thought this article was written by a kindred spirit but alas – et tu Davin? - the writer is sucked in, though he retains his suspicions.
"Friends were appalled, yes appalled, that I wasn't yet on Facebook. It was as if, with every day of brave resistance, I was becoming fainter to them, a less complete acquaintance, remembered only in dusty photos (printed, not digital) and an increasingly unused number in their phone's address book. For fear of becoming entirely transparent to them I relented, and went through the online hazing that is Facebook registration." writes Davin O'Dwyer in the Irish times (subscription only I'm afraid).
He also says:
"And despite the explosion of these sites, a research paper last year concluded that social isolation is on the rise in the US - the average American has fewer friends now than 20 years ago. How many people are being duped into thinking their social circle is as vibrant as ever, just because they can keep up with the latest antics of their acquaintances with ease?"
And: "China will ban Facebook and Bebo, not to restrict political dissent, but to stay economically competitive.
On the other hand, Facebook is a surveillance state's dream come true.
Intelligence agencies spend vast resources trying to spy on their citizens, only for huge numbers of people to relinquish voluntarily their own privacy online. Is it any wonder civil rights campaigners are finding it difficult to arouse broad concern over diminishing rights to privacy? These days, it seems, privacy is for when you're going to the toilet; everything else is in the public sphere."
This article is from the Guardian last month on "the Dark Side of Facebook".
He talks about the site being used by political parties in the UK - all very well though he expresses concern that "The British National party has recently developed a number of presences on the system..." though amusingly enough, as I said previously you can end up as "friends" with people you don't even like on Facebook, one user points out an even greater irony to a BNP chap: "Let me add this up. You guys hate Jews yet you're on a Jew's networking site?"
In general according to Professor Michael Geist this political use of Facebook is no bad thing: "Is there really no benefit to have government policy makers access and participate in the hundreds of groups discussing Ontario health care issues? Would it be so bad for elected officials to actually engage with their constituents in a social network environment?
The attempts to block Facebook or punish users for stating their opinions fails to appreciate that social network sites are simply the internet generation's equivalent of the town hall, the school cafeteria, or the workplace water cooler - the place where people come together to exchange both ideas and idle gossip."
And lastly on the Beeb this article by Rory Cellan-Jones offers advice on how to make friends on networking sites for the over-40s. He now has a Facebook-group named after him - Befriend Rory Cellan Jones.
You will NEVER BE LONELY AGAIN! EVER!
So everyone's writing about it and on the Hanoi-campus everyone's still talking about it but Teddy de Burca is holding out!
At first I thought this article was written by a kindred spirit but alas – et tu Davin? - the writer is sucked in, though he retains his suspicions.
"Friends were appalled, yes appalled, that I wasn't yet on Facebook. It was as if, with every day of brave resistance, I was becoming fainter to them, a less complete acquaintance, remembered only in dusty photos (printed, not digital) and an increasingly unused number in their phone's address book. For fear of becoming entirely transparent to them I relented, and went through the online hazing that is Facebook registration." writes Davin O'Dwyer in the Irish times (subscription only I'm afraid).
He also says:
"And despite the explosion of these sites, a research paper last year concluded that social isolation is on the rise in the US - the average American has fewer friends now than 20 years ago. How many people are being duped into thinking their social circle is as vibrant as ever, just because they can keep up with the latest antics of their acquaintances with ease?"
And: "China will ban Facebook and Bebo, not to restrict political dissent, but to stay economically competitive.
On the other hand, Facebook is a surveillance state's dream come true.
Intelligence agencies spend vast resources trying to spy on their citizens, only for huge numbers of people to relinquish voluntarily their own privacy online. Is it any wonder civil rights campaigners are finding it difficult to arouse broad concern over diminishing rights to privacy? These days, it seems, privacy is for when you're going to the toilet; everything else is in the public sphere."
This article is from the Guardian last month on "the Dark Side of Facebook".
He talks about the site being used by political parties in the UK - all very well though he expresses concern that "The British National party has recently developed a number of presences on the system..." though amusingly enough, as I said previously you can end up as "friends" with people you don't even like on Facebook, one user points out an even greater irony to a BNP chap: "Let me add this up. You guys hate Jews yet you're on a Jew's networking site?"
In general according to Professor Michael Geist this political use of Facebook is no bad thing: "Is there really no benefit to have government policy makers access and participate in the hundreds of groups discussing Ontario health care issues? Would it be so bad for elected officials to actually engage with their constituents in a social network environment?
The attempts to block Facebook or punish users for stating their opinions fails to appreciate that social network sites are simply the internet generation's equivalent of the town hall, the school cafeteria, or the workplace water cooler - the place where people come together to exchange both ideas and idle gossip."
And lastly on the Beeb this article by Rory Cellan-Jones offers advice on how to make friends on networking sites for the over-40s. He now has a Facebook-group named after him - Befriend Rory Cellan Jones.
You will NEVER BE LONELY AGAIN! EVER!
So everyone's writing about it and on the Hanoi-campus everyone's still talking about it but Teddy de Burca is holding out!
Friday, June 01, 2007
There goes the neighbour's house
There's a few written and unwritten rules about neighbourly conduct - you know yourself: don't covet your neighbour's wife, try not to shit on their doorstep, keep the music down after midnight and ... um... never try to demolish his house when he's at work.
This last one happened at the end of last year in Hanoi after a row over land between two neighbours. One was so pissed off he paid a gang to come round with pickaxes and hammers and start smashing up the neighbour's gaff.
The case has just been in the courts with the naughty neighbour, a female copper and a bunch of ne'er do wells all going down for playing a part in huffing-and-puffing and blowing the poor fella's house down. Well half of it.
The ex-copper got 15 months. She got paid off by the neighbour to turn a blind eye, then paid off by the gang's leader to turn the other blind eye, then by the neighbour's brother to try and get his brother cleared.
She then paid a guy to PRETEND he was the guilty party (sounds like pretty daft career move by the faking-scapegoat) to get the neighbour off the hook but he obviously didn't perform so well as the investigating cops smelled a rat (spotted the said copper's new Honda@ in the parking lot per chance?) and it all came out in the wash.
Property disputes here can kick off over a matter of inches, someone builds an annex that encroaches on the neighbour's house or even someone leaves a motorbike in front of their neighbour's house and suddenly there's a dogfight. Obviously reacting by trying to knock someone's house down is a tad extreme.
Makes coveting the neighbour's wife/ husband a petty misdemeanour in comparison.
So don't feel so bad about it, alright?
There's a few written and unwritten rules about neighbourly conduct - you know yourself: don't covet your neighbour's wife, try not to shit on their doorstep, keep the music down after midnight and ... um... never try to demolish his house when he's at work.
This last one happened at the end of last year in Hanoi after a row over land between two neighbours. One was so pissed off he paid a gang to come round with pickaxes and hammers and start smashing up the neighbour's gaff.
The case has just been in the courts with the naughty neighbour, a female copper and a bunch of ne'er do wells all going down for playing a part in huffing-and-puffing and blowing the poor fella's house down. Well half of it.
The ex-copper got 15 months. She got paid off by the neighbour to turn a blind eye, then paid off by the gang's leader to turn the other blind eye, then by the neighbour's brother to try and get his brother cleared.
She then paid a guy to PRETEND he was the guilty party (sounds like pretty daft career move by the faking-scapegoat) to get the neighbour off the hook but he obviously didn't perform so well as the investigating cops smelled a rat (spotted the said copper's new Honda@ in the parking lot per chance?) and it all came out in the wash.
Property disputes here can kick off over a matter of inches, someone builds an annex that encroaches on the neighbour's house or even someone leaves a motorbike in front of their neighbour's house and suddenly there's a dogfight. Obviously reacting by trying to knock someone's house down is a tad extreme.
Makes coveting the neighbour's wife/ husband a petty misdemeanour in comparison.
So don't feel so bad about it, alright?
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