Hot fun in the summertime

Well we are surviving our first Ramadan without too much disruption. The only real change is that the driving is even worse than usual. Our drive home from work is plagued by starving, dehydrated maniacs trying to get home so they can overdose on food the moment the sun sets.

Fortunately we'll be escaping the chaos that descends with the end of Ramadan by nipping off to Cambodia for a week. Should be a good time and hopefully the fact that it's the middle of the rainy season won't be too much of a hindrance. Rumour has it that the rain confines itself to torrential downpours in the late afternoon and it is otherwise hot and sunny. They say Angkor Wat looks best in the rainy season too as the jungle is extra green and lush.

The food should be awesome, but I have heard tales of eating tarantulas, crickets and duck foetus so I suppose one much choose wisely. In any event, cheap beer should more than make up for any culinary mishaps.

Ramadan

Well, Ramadan is off to a roaring start (courtesy of the AP & New York Times)

Malaysia Ramadan TV Ads Axed Amid Racism Complaint

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — A Malaysian television station has axed a series of commercial to mark the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan after angry viewers complained the ads insulted non-Muslim ethnic minorities.

The commercials began airing recently to remind viewers of Ramadan, which began Aug. 1. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sundown during the month.

The three 30-second clips depicted an ethnic Chinese girl eating in public, wearing revealing clothing and being loud. It ended with messages urging viewers to avoid doing such things in respect of the Muslim holy month.

The ads sparked outrage in the Muslim-majority country, with many slamming private station 8TV on its Facebook page.

The TV station withdrew the ads and apologized late Tuesday.