Dancing Demons

No, we're not talking about politics here... this is the subject of a new collection of Burmese marionettes just posted: mostly ogres or otherworldly figures from mythology. Beautifully crafted, with rich detail and traditional designs of both costume and figure, they are fairly large in size and commanding in presence. Their demeanor is rather benign considering their demonic reputations, giving them a certain charm.

...but a lively imagination

Another attempt to view the Daily Show resulted in this creative message. Bear in mind that this was at 9:30pm on the 24th... It's beginning to look a lot like...Saudi Arabia!

No Sense of Humor

Not a good omen: the new powers that be last night censored the Daily Show! Only available on Saturday nights, and often pre-empted by the crisis du jour, Jon Stewart's irreverent take on the news is avidly anticipated in this household. So after only a few minutes of this week's show Jon launched into what was looking like a hilarious comment on the small number of tanks involved in this week's coup when the screen went red and inexplicable images of show biz celebrities paraded past with a message that the program would return shortly. Someone had their finger on the Censor button way too long... about ten minutes went by before the program was back on. At least we were allowed our weekly Moment of Zen- krup khun mahk kha.

Chinese Heirloom Blankets

We've just posted a large exhibition of beautiful heirloom blankets from China's ethnic minorities: the Dong, Buyi, Miao, Yao, Tujia, Maonan and Zhuang. It begins at http://www.tribaltrappings.com/TACH_1A.html and continues for three pages, including baby blankets as well as full-size wedding and ceremonial blankets. Enjoy!