Here are a couple of my favorites from the day.
 |
| It's a planter! |
 |
| Maliwan the tourist |
 |
| Levels of Light |
 |
| Now we know |
O.K. I guess I should include one "Post Card" type shot.
 |
| There are more on Photo bucket, enjoy |
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Wat Rong Khun in late May
My friend David came to visit for a day so we went to Wat Rong Khun. The day was sunny, maybe too sunny for some photographers, but I did manage to take a few. If you care to see them all just click here
Here are a couple of my favorites from the day.
O.K. I guess I should include one "Post Card" type shot.
Here are a couple of my favorites from the day.
O.K. I guess I should include one "Post Card" type shot.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Two Horses Arrive in Paradise
I’m looking at this blog realizing that posting is way behind, some thoughts may be lost to time. Gentle reader I have to tell you that when I’m too busy to write about how busy I am, it’s actually a good thing. Having said that and starting into that special time when I rush about and hopefully do some good with the Elephants Voice I’m too busy to write this, but it’s too important not to write. This is an incomplete preview of the article I’m writing. Detailed information will be coming and it will have to be translated and then assimilated. But for now, here we go!
Near Bangkok resides a lady referred to as Pa Tuk (Auntie Tuk). She has a neighbor who had 9 horses. The neighbor was cruel to his animals and soon there were only 2 remaining. One healthy and one crippled. Pa Tuk went to her friend Khun Daeng and they decided to rescue the two horses. A group of 7 or more people came together and raised money to buy the two horses. On Valentine ’s Day the two horses came to stay with Pa Tuk while they searched for a suitable home for them.
 |
| Seven Thai Angles |
They contacted an animal hospital in Lampung, a sanctuary in Loburi and finally they heard about Sangduen "Lek" Chailert and the Elepant Nature foundation. Khun Daeng told me that at first she was shy to contact Khun Lek because of her high status. She called the office and was then put in touch with Lek. The horses would be welcome at the park.
 |
| Khun Lek takes a minute to catch up with Hope |
Khun Daeng wondered what sort of place it would be and what sort of life the horses would have. When I met Khun Daeng and her group at the Elephant Nature Park I asked them what they thought and how they felt about the horses’ new life. They were pretty much at a loss for words and I’m having a time of it translating those beautiful Thai feelings into English words. For now let me just paraphrase and say that the horses have ended up in paradise!
 |
| Gentle creatures in their new home |
At the risk of over stating the obvious, this post is important, very important because it demonstrates that people of good heart can create an immense amount of good. The opportunity to meet these loving people was in itself a blessing for me. Please stay tuned for a more detailed report.
Abundant Blessings,
Friday, April 08, 2011
A visit to Wat Rong Kung
A friend of mine is visiting Thailand from Australia. She asked me what my favorite place in Chiang Rai was. The answer my friend is, Wat Rong Kung (The White Temple). We went there on Wednesday afternoon. It was cloudy with a bit of rain. It was a perfect for photography.
Having the opportunity to visit a place like Wat Rong Kung on more than one occasion has it’s advantages. You know the whole complex is a work in progress; it’s really fun to see what’s been added since the last visit. The art gallery is now open. No photography is allowed inside. You’ll just have to come and have a look for yourself. An excellent collection Ajarn Chalermchai’s work is on display. You’ll just have to come and have a look for yourself!
The gift shop has reproductions of several works for sale. I’ve already put Maliwan on notice. I intend to have one of them framed and hung in our home and not in the too distant future.
This last trip resulted in a few interesting photographs. I posted the day’s work at: http://s935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/jnelson1944/WhiteTemple_0411/ Without further comment here are a few of my favorites
Abundant Blessings,
More on the Bradley Manning Thing
Gentle reader,
This doesn't fit this blog any more than my review of the book but I think it's well worth reading and considering. I received an email asking me to sign a petition on behalf of Bradley Manning who is now incarcerated at Quantico. The email I received is below my ramblings.
How you feel about this is how you feel about it, and you are right! The article is obviously designed to help Manning. It's well written and they have included several links. The most interesting to me is Obama's change.gov where he advocates for whistle blowers. Having said that, here is how I feel:
There certainly is enough evidence to try Manning as depicted in his charge sheets. There is a copy of the charge sheet attached to one of the links in the article. I believe he should be tried by courts martial. I also believe that he's entitled to a speedy trial. He's been held for 10 months pending. How long does it take to prepare a slam-dunk case?
I also have serious reservations about his treatment. I doubt that he can be placed in general population as he'd likely be killed the first day. However, this solitary confinement for 23 hours a day and forced stripping treatment described below is just stupid. The idiots are turning him into a martyr! In the meantime there are much more serious issues to deal with:
1. Security: How was this much information allowed to be leaked. Manning is not a spy, he's a young man who took an action he thought was correct. Hell if he hadn't shared his story with his friend who ratted him out, he might never have been caught. What would a real spy be able to do? Scary question huh?
2. Ethics & Morality: How do we take the "high road" in the conduct of war? The Iraq logs and the Afghanistan logs suggest that this is a question we have yet to answer. It seems to me that we are, in may ways, lowering ourselves to their level and that's a damn shame. While I'm at it, by what standards to we make the decision to make military commitments and to what extent.
Should you sign the petition? That's a decision for you to make my friend.
This is what I received:
Dear friends,
Right now, Wikileaks whistleblower Bradley Manning is being tortured in a US military prison. Manning is subjected to utter isolation that can drive many people insane, with short periods each day where he is stripped naked and abused by jeering inmates.
Manning is awaiting trial for releasing secret military documents to Wikileaks – including a video of US soldiers massacring Iraqi civilians. And his brutal treatment appears to be part of an intimidation campaign to silence whistleblowers and crack down on Wikileaks.The US government is split on this issue, with diplomats publicly criticizing the military for Manning's treatment, but President Obama has stood aside so far.
Obama cares about the US's global reputation - we need to show him that it's at stake here. Let's build a massive global call to the US government to stop torturing Manning and uphold the law. Sign the petition below -- our message will be delivered through hard-hitting ads and actions in Washington DC as soon as we reach 250,000 signatures:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
On paper, the United States opposes torture. The US Constitution forbids “cruel and unusual punishment". And, along with almost a hundred other countries, the US has signed an international convention promising to treat all prisoners “with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person”. But today, Bradley Manning is utterly isolated in a cell without sheets, not allowed to exercise and is being subjected to brutal humiliation that is causing serious mental harm. This violates US and international law.
Bradley is being held under 'prevention of injury' status despite 16 reports from military mental health professionals that he should be removed from these severe conditions. His lawyers are trying to enforce his basic constitutional and international human rights in court, but so far the military tribunal responsible for Bradley’s fate has ignored his suffering.
There has been a crack down on Wikileaks since the explosive revelations of US military crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many speculate that this brutal pressure on Bradley is intended to force him to implicate WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. But Obama promised Americans and the world that he would protect, not persecute, whistleblowers:
"Often the best source of information about waste, fraud, and abuse in government is an existing government employee committed to public integrity and willing to speak out. Such acts of courage and patriotism, which can sometimes save lives and often save taxpayer dollars, should be encouraged rather than stifled."
Bradley's cruel treatment does the opposite and sends a chilling message to others who may want to expose important information. Let's act quickly to put massive international pressure on the United States government to honor its commitment to human rights, the protection of whistleblowers and end the shockingly cruel treatment of their own citizen. Sign the petition below:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Bradley Manning claims he is a patriot and has admitted to releasing information that he felt the world had a right to know. While reasonable people can disagree about the approach of Wikileaks and the the rights or wrongs of those who delivered information to them, the illegal torture of Bradley Manning, who has yet to receive a fair trial or be convicted of any crime, is a shameful violation of human rights and human dignity.
With hope and determination,
Emma, Ricken, Pascal, Janet and the rest of the Avaaz team
Sources:
Check out Obama's statement on the importance of whistleblowing released on his official websitehttp://change.gov/agenda/
PJ Crowley resigns over Bradley Manning remarks, The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
Soldier's inhumane imprisonment, LA Times
http://articles.latimes.com/
US: Explain Conditions of Bradley Manning’s Confinement, Human Rights Watch
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/
Stripped naked every night, Bradley Manning tells of prison ordeal, The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
WikiLeakers and Whistle-Blowers: Obama's Hard Line, Time
http://www.time.com/time/
The Implications of the Inhumane Treatment of Bradley Manning, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
U.S. Pledges Rights Improvements, New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/
Bradley Manning: charge sheet
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/
This is what I received:
Dear friends,
 Wikileaks whistleblower Bradley Manning is being subjected to brutal torture in a US military prison, part of a broader effort to silence and intimidate those behind any further leaks. The government is split on Manning's abuse. President Obama cares about the US global reputation -- a massive global outcry can push him to stop the torture:  |
Manning is awaiting trial for releasing secret military documents to Wikileaks – including a video of US soldiers massacring Iraqi civilians. And his brutal treatment appears to be part of an intimidation campaign to silence whistleblowers and crack down on Wikileaks.The US government is split on this issue, with diplomats publicly criticizing the military for Manning's treatment, but President Obama has stood aside so far.
Obama cares about the US's global reputation - we need to show him that it's at stake here. Let's build a massive global call to the US government to stop torturing Manning and uphold the law. Sign the petition below -- our message will be delivered through hard-hitting ads and actions in Washington DC as soon as we reach 250,000 signatures:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
On paper, the United States opposes torture. The US Constitution forbids “cruel and unusual punishment". And, along with almost a hundred other countries, the US has signed an international convention promising to treat all prisoners “with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person”. But today, Bradley Manning is utterly isolated in a cell without sheets, not allowed to exercise and is being subjected to brutal humiliation that is causing serious mental harm. This violates US and international law.
Bradley is being held under 'prevention of injury' status despite 16 reports from military mental health professionals that he should be removed from these severe conditions. His lawyers are trying to enforce his basic constitutional and international human rights in court, but so far the military tribunal responsible for Bradley’s fate has ignored his suffering.
There has been a crack down on Wikileaks since the explosive revelations of US military crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many speculate that this brutal pressure on Bradley is intended to force him to implicate WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. But Obama promised Americans and the world that he would protect, not persecute, whistleblowers:
"Often the best source of information about waste, fraud, and abuse in government is an existing government employee committed to public integrity and willing to speak out. Such acts of courage and patriotism, which can sometimes save lives and often save taxpayer dollars, should be encouraged rather than stifled."
Bradley's cruel treatment does the opposite and sends a chilling message to others who may want to expose important information. Let's act quickly to put massive international pressure on the United States government to honor its commitment to human rights, the protection of whistleblowers and end the shockingly cruel treatment of their own citizen. Sign the petition below:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Bradley Manning claims he is a patriot and has admitted to releasing information that he felt the world had a right to know. While reasonable people can disagree about the approach of Wikileaks and the the rights or wrongs of those who delivered information to them, the illegal torture of Bradley Manning, who has yet to receive a fair trial or be convicted of any crime, is a shameful violation of human rights and human dignity.
With hope and determination,
Emma, Ricken, Pascal, Janet and the rest of the Avaaz team
Sources:
Check out Obama's statement on the importance of whistleblowing released on his official websitehttp://change.gov/agenda/
PJ Crowley resigns over Bradley Manning remarks, The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
Soldier's inhumane imprisonment, LA Times
http://articles.latimes.com/
US: Explain Conditions of Bradley Manning’s Confinement, Human Rights Watch
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/
Stripped naked every night, Bradley Manning tells of prison ordeal, The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
WikiLeakers and Whistle-Blowers: Obama's Hard Line, Time
http://www.time.com/time/
The Implications of the Inhumane Treatment of Bradley Manning, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
U.S. Pledges Rights Improvements, New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/
Bradley Manning: charge sheet
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wikileaks Reviewed
Gentle reader,
Do you find this blog an odd medium for a book review? Me too, but I really felt like I should share a bit about Wikileaks – Inside Julian Assange’s War on Secrecy. The book was written and assembled by David Leigh and Luke Harding. Both gentlemen are journalists in the employee of the Guardian. The book was published by guardianbooks. Perhaps the title could have been Wikileaks according to the Guardian? I felt like the book did a good job of telling both sides of the story. The leakers vs the (secret) keepers. They certainly did an excellent job of showing the Guardian in the best possible light. Who can blame them?
There are perhaps six critical parts to this story:
1.
1. The information about Bradley Manning who actually passed the information to Wikileaks. I am still confused as to why he had access to such a massive amount of information. When I was in the military access was based on appropriate clearance and a need to know. He is a very interesting case. I will leave the judgments about Manning to those who feel qualified to judge.
1. The information about Bradley Manning who actually passed the information to Wikileaks. I am still confused as to why he had access to such a massive amount of information. When I was in the military access was based on appropriate clearance and a need to know. He is a very interesting case. I will leave the judgments about Manning to those who feel qualified to judge.
2. Julian Assange is revealed as a fascinating character sometimes in a good light, sometimes not.
3. The efforts to balance the need to inform the public with the need to protect sources and not actually endanger the people involved is well documented. Both sides of the argument are presented. This could well be used in journalism courses of the future.
4. The Afghanistan war logs, including the infamous video of the Apache Video which was recently on u-tube. This information is disturbing. Perhaps it’s better if you read before you judge.
5. The Iraq war logs are also very disturbing. Again I’d suggest reading before judgement.
6. The diplomatic cables. As an American some of them are a bit embarrassing, most are revealing and a few of them are down right hilarious. One thing is for sure. There are some very brilliant, extremely articulate people working for the State Department.
The book is a good read and if you are want a peek inside what might have really been going on, this is the book for you. It’s the most current book I’ve ever read. The information that was leaked was current through mid 2008 when Manning passed the information to Assange. The last group of information, the diplomatic cables, was finally released on 28 November 2010, a full day ahead of the planned coordinated release. The introduction in the book is dated February 1, 2011. I bought it in Thailand in early March. This is pretty darn close to current!!. For those who may be interested the ISBN is 978-0-85-265239-8
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Luang Prabang
We spent five wonderful days in Luang Prabang before leaving for Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars. Luang Prabang has a great marketing slogan for it’s tourism “Stay another day”. It works for me, I could easily stay another day in this beautiful, serene little city with it’s wonderful sights, great weather and scrumptious food. I could also arrange for a return trip at my earliest convenience! I would stay at the Sok Xai Guest hourse again. Nice people, clean rooms and a fair price.
By the time the trip was over I had well over a thousand photographs taken in Laos. I've culled them down to 100 and posted them at: http://s935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/jnelson1944/Laos%202011/
Mornings here begin with a parade of monks who have a route around the beautiful temple district. Both locals and tourists line the walk to make merit by offering alms. This morning there were more tourists than locals. I don’t know if it was an off day because of Chinese New Year or what. Somehow today felt less spiritual than previous mornings. The alms parade begins at daybreak. You can listen for the gong from the temple which signals it’s start. I’m told they go by dawn rather than by any set clock time.
 |
| Sak Xai Guest House, Maliwan is waiting for me to finish taking pictures |
By the time the trip was over I had well over a thousand photographs taken in Laos. I've culled them down to 100 and posted them at: http://s935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/jnelson1944/Laos%202011/
 |
| Temple Life, Luang Prabong |
We discovered two or three very nice café’s by the river. It’s so serene to just go sit and have a coffee or soda. On a Lao pace a single soda can last for a couple of hours. The views are magnificent on both the Mekong and the river Kan side. The river feeds into the Mekong here in Luang Prabong.
On Sunday we walked across a bamboo bridge over namkan and visited a tribal village that produces hand woven textiles. It was interesting, but everything they make is quite narrow and not suitable for much other than scarves and table runners. Still, it was fun to see.
 |
| Love the View |
 |
| The Bridge of Bamboo |
 |
| Le Café Ban Vat Sene |
 |
| Le Elephant |
On Monday evening we went to the National Ballet Theatre! Got there just after curtain time and got half price tickets. The entertainment is traditional Lao ballet. The costumes and dancers were great. It was wonderful! There were explanations given in Lao/Thai, French and English. English was his last language, but his efforts helped with the understanding of the different dances.
 |
| Lao National Theatre, highly recommended! |
After the ballet we went to the night market where I bought a chess set and half a dozen old French coins. Stopped by a noodle vendor in the night market and had a bowl of noodles for dinner. They were so good we went back for a 2nd bowl last night.
On Tuesday we ended up having breakfast at a place called Mystic Café It’s another one that is on my recommended list. The Lao style coffee is think and delicious. The omelets are huge and very tasty. We’ve decided to have breakfast there tomorrow before we start our journey west.
Our original plan was to see the National museum on Tuesday but ended up climbing Pousi hill which has a marvelous view of the city. I couldn’t help but notice the old gun placements. I was told later that they were put up there in 1975 by the Pathet Lao. Remaining are several concrete structure posts and one small canon or mortar base.
 |
| Not sure which cafe has this, but it's a great sign! |
 |
| Buddha images on Pousi Hill |
 |
| War time left overs |
Also on the grounds are you will find the royal car exhibit which includes two old Lincoln Contenintals, one from the 1950’s and one from the 1960’s and a prestine 4 door Edsal sedan. Also there is the Floating Buddha photo expo which is also worth your time, at least it was mine!
We enjoyed coffee and a light lunch at the Arthouse Café where I met the owner. Debra is one of two western women who run successful restaurants here. She’s located with a marvelous view of Namkan, her facility is loaded with original art.
 |
| Peace and Serenity to you! |
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Back to Vientiane
 |
| Temple Lines |
 |
| Window Monk |
 |
| A Backpacker's Bike First let me say that I know I haven’t added the photo’s or cleaned up the blog entries from my last trip to Laos; nor have I forgotten. The three above are quick shots all taken within a few yards of each other. |
This time I took a van from Chiang Mai to Nong Khai, crossed into Laos and returned by the same route. I happened to be with a company called aYa Services Co. Ltd. If you decide to go with them you might want to take a neck pillow and a light jacket or blanket. Overnight in a van can be a bit chilly. Also, gentle reader if you happen to have occasion to change your return date, for any reason, when you call the Chiang Mai office get the name of the person you spoke with and then call the Nong Khai office yourself!
A couple of other tidbits that might be helpful include: Before you go to another country for a visa, contact that embassy or consulate and make sure you have all the paperwork needed. This could save untold grief! While you are at it, check and make sure that they will actually be open when you plan to visit. Did you know that international Woman’s day is celebrated in Laos as a national holiday and that the Thai consulate will be closed on that day? I didn’t.
There just seemed to be a whole lot of very cute kids on this trip. I was going to put a lot of photo’s here but instead we now have:
 |
| Vientiane Children |
One thing I noticed this time was a definite Vietnamese Influence in the streets of Vientiane. Not surprising really, just interesting.
 |
| Street Cart |
 |
| Wind Chimes |
By the river there is a childrens playground. This is pretty new, it wasn't completed when we were in Vientiane a couple of months ago.
 |
| Playground by the Mekong |
In Vientiane there are several crafts stores where you can buy all sorts of nice things, included hand woven material.
 |
| At the Loom |
I found the most interesting silver ingot in the Market. I have no idea exactly how old it is, if it’s valuable, or if it’s real silver, but it is interesting. If you know anything about this stuff, please contact me.
 |
| Valuable or Just Interesting? |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)