Podcasts about laotian

Songkran is a festival from Southeast Asia marking the new year and celebrating making a fresh start. This special program includes a program discussion hosted by Michelle Meow featuring conversations on cultural heritage, community impact, and empowerment initiatives; cultural performances, including traditional dances, live music, and storytelling sessions; a traditional water blessing ceremony; and delicious authentic Southeast Asian cuisine prepared by local chefs. About the Speakers Kesinee Angkustsiri Yip has been helping companies, organizations, and executives manage their reputations for more than two decades. An award-winning communications strategist recognized by the International Association of Business Communications, she co- founded Creative Catalyst (www.creativecatalystworks.com) to address culture and connection challenges—the things AI does not—by bringing improv into the workplace. While improv can be funny, it's not just for the theater. Improv techniques can help entrepreneurs and leaders as well as customer-facing, sales, HR, and DEI teams reduce anxiety, cultivate safe spaces, and encourage creativity. Her book, “Yes, and...” for Success: Improv Secrets to Supercharge Professional Creativity and Connection is out on Amazon and available at Bay Area bookstores. Kesinee has performed at BATS Improv and has led workshops and trainings in the United States and abroad. Kesinee is on the Board of the Asian Women's Shelter in San Francisco (www.sfaws.org) and is active with the LEAD-LISA Startup Incubator (www.gsb-lead-lisa.com). She earned a BA from Stanford University and an MBA in Marketing and Strategic Planning from Rice University. Maly Phommavong is based in Sacramento and has been in the interpreting field since 2015. In 1987, she arrived in the United States at age 13 as a child of refugees with a family of 12. She graduated with a Master's Degree in Criminology from CSU of Fresno in 2000, and worked as a deputy probation officer for Contra Costa County in 2002. She retired early from the Probation Department in 2015, and began working as a registered court interpreter for the California Judicial Court. Maly has been involved in grass-roots advocacy and volunteered in nonprofit organizations for decades. In 2015, She began her online presence through conducting live community discussions covering various issues affecting the community in the Lao language catering to non-English speaking members. Her videos have reached the Laotian audience worldwide. Kenya Prach is a survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide who escaped to Thailand refugee camps before finding a second chance in the United States. Arriving with no knowledge of English and few opportunities, Kenya faced immense challenges, from being unable to attend high school or community college to being turned away from work. However, a kind gesture from an African American homeless man helped guide him toward education and a new life. A Cambodian-born martial artist, Kenya is known for his expertise in Kbach-Kun-Boran-Khmer (Bokator) and Muay Thai kickboxing. Despite enduring the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime, he pursued martial arts in Thailand and later excelled in boxing in the United States. With a deep understanding of hardship and compassion, Kenya has dedicated his life to helping others, particularly in the fight against human trafficking and advocating for human rights. He believes that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in kindness, care and love. Through his work and his book Black Stone Hands, Kenya seeks to give a voice to the voiceless and inspire others to make a difference by uplifting those in need. See more  Michelle Meow Show programs at Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California. Our thanks for the generous support of The Bamboo Organization for making this program possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sibeal Pays A Visit.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.It is selfish to believe that your family will always love you. At some point you will be asked to earn it{Right where we left off}It was H-hour plus four. A Thai soldier fired another burst from his T A R 21. The other four soldiers around him did the same. They were using an overturned car as cover. He saw movement at a building across the street to his right. He fired off another few rounds. The figure fell to the ground. By hard-earned experience, he realized the enemy soldier had probably dived for cover, not been hit."Time to fall back. One block back," he hoped he didn't sound too shrill. "You two go first," he indicated the two townsfolk. His battalion major had drafted them minutes after the attack began. Any organized supply depot had been an open invitation for an artillery strike, so he had called for civilians to help carry the ammunition loads instead. These two had been attached to his platoon. Now they were with him.They nodded, hefted up the crate of 5.56mm and sprinted toward the rear while his men gave them cover fire. They made it. He named off two of his other men. It was their turn to go. After their sprint to safety, it was time for him and the last two to go. They ran past some terribly close flanking fire, but all made it.This Thai soldier wasn't the squad leader, or even the squad's second in command. He was a lowly Phon Thahan (Private, not 1st Class). Those two men were already dead. No, he was a common soldier who found other men listening to his orders so, by default, he was in command. His initial squad of ten had shrunk down to three. The fourth man had been part of the regimental staff, a driver, sent into the firefight to replace losses. He still could point and shoot, which was all that mattered at the moment.At the next block he found the two civilians. His men dumped their empty clips on them, then positioned themselves for the next enemy rush. The leader of this ad hoc force took the driver over to the far corner of the building they sheltered behind. Too often, going inside buildings was a death trap. The enemy would corner you then call in their artillery."Guard this corner," he told the driver. "I'll be checking up on you." The frightened soldier nodded, then took up his post. Now he had a few seconds to consider his position. He was running out of town to retreat through. Behind him lay open fields. Just then he saw the tale-tell site of a Dragon Anti-Tank missile firing from the next raised roadway to his rear-right.He couldn't see if it hit anything. There was no huge explosion. Still, it indicated that other elements of his battalion were in the fight. From what little briefing he had been given when the attack started, the major had placed his heavy machine guns and recoilless rifles on each flank to stop the enemy's mobile forces from getting around his command and surrounding them.Little did the soldier understand he was involved in a textbook defense by foot-bound infantry versus armored opponents. His two townsmen were busy shoving bullets into the thirty round magazines. His men had already engaged the enemy to the front. Gone were the cries of 'got him'. No one gave a damn anymore. They were too exhausted to care. Now they counted the comrades they had left, not the possible number of enemy out there.Six minutes later he heard the sound of death coming his way."Everyone down," he screamed a second before an artillery round flattened their shelter. For a few moments all he could do was gaze up at the heavens. His body hurt, his ears were ringing and the belief that he could stop now, he had given it his best shot and his part in this battle were over.He pulled himself and examined what he had left. He wasn't hurt if you didn't count the blood coming out his ears. He couldn't say the same for his companions. One of the townsmen had the top of his head torn off, his soulless eyes gazing up to the forever. One of his men had a smoking chunk of meat where his spine should have been. A second one was nursing a bad leg wound.The third soldier? He was already up and firing. The second townsmen was a bit dazed, yet looked like he could carry on. The soldier crouch-ran to check on the driver. He was laying on his belly. For a second he mourned for that fellow then the man got off a burst, then scooted back. He had been 'playing possum' in order to draw some enemy out. He was alive and fighting."We have got to get out of here," he told the man. "Get to the elevated road across the field then provide cover fire for the rest of us." The driver acknowledged the command, fired off one more burst then bolted for the field. The Thai made his way back to his other survivors. He gave them the same order, the civilian first.The wounded man? He couldn't make it with that leg wound and if any of the others carried him they would most likely die too."Cover us as long as you can," he ordered. The wounded shoulder crawled to the corner to relieve the only standing soldier."Go," he ordered that man. Off he sprinted. The leader placed two spare clips next to the wounded man, wished him luck, then it was his turn to sprint to safety. Close to the end, a few bullets hurried him along. He found the others had made it unwounded as well. The townsman was already shoving more bullets into the empty magazines.To his right was the remnants of the squad with the recoilless rifle and a light machine gun. To his left was a group of six Thahan Phran, paramilitary border guards. He rejoined the firing line. The enemy had overrun the buildings closest to them and were faced with the same quandary he had just overcome, the open field. When a man tapped his shoulder he nearly jumped out of his skin.It was his company commander."You've been doing well. I'm placing you in command of this section. We have a Carl Gustav (another version of a recoilless rifle) in the trees over there," the Captain pointed to the right. Hold this position as long as you can. Help is on the way."Before this fight, the soldier had dreaded this officer. He had been so pompous, so spit-and-polished and arrogant. Now he saw different qualities in the man. He was cool under fire, had his mind on the bigger picture of the fight and the discipline he had instilled in his men was paying dividends the private soldier hadn't appreciated at that time."You are Sip Tho (corporal) now," the officer told him. With that declaration, the common foot soldier had inherited 13 more men, the squad of seven to his right and the six Thahan Phran to his left. Combined with his two that made something more like a combat command. The Captain made his way back up the line. The Thai didn't have long to appreciate his promotion. Smoke shells began detonating between his position and the town, obscuring the place."Remember," he shouted. "Short, controlled bursts and only shoot at something that you know is out there!" With that, he had established his command of the situation. Several explosions detonated in the wooded position. Half a minute later, a tank appeared and pumped another H E into the position. In doing so, it exposed its side to Thai's section.The two men manning his Dragon launcher looked his way. It was a shot at a 45 degree angle and any heavy weapons fire would bring about all kinds of hate."Fire," he ordered. The man aiming the device took a few seconds then let loose. The rocket didn't penetrate the side, but it did knock a track out."Now we are going to get it," the Thai mumbled.A few heartbeats later, a larger TOW missile slammed into it from a position to his command's rear. This time the tank blew up. Of equal importance to the soldier's mind, there were men behind him and that could only mean, the second regiment had finally arrived. He was sure he wouldn't be falling back any further, giving the invaders one more inch of sacred Thai soil. It also meant his men would most likely live to see the end of the day. That mattered too.  It was H-hour plus six. Two hour earlier, elements of the Vietnamese People's Army's 314th Mechanized regiment and 206th Tank Regiment with the Mobile battalion of the Laotian 1st Division and the Khanate's Laos Force Command slammed into Khon Kaen. By that time, the small city had already seen its share of hell. Khanate forces had stormed the regional airport with an aerial assault at 4:10 AM that morning.There were no dedicated combat troops in Khon Kaen. It was the HQ for both the Royal Thai 3rd Division and its component 1st regiment. That had resulted in a see-saw battle until the relief force arrived from the north. After that, resistance had collapsed. Over three hundred men surrendered. A hundred miles to the north forces in the town of Udon Thani, battalions of the 1st and 2nd regiments of the 3rd Division were still in combat with Laotian and Vietnamese forces. The final outcome of that battle had yet to be decided.What did matter was that the entire command structure of northeast of Thailand had been neutered. There were five more battalions out there that had no idea what to do next. They suffered from sporadic air attacks, but nothing serious was coming their way.What none of them were aware of was that a Far North Force out of the Laotian highlands had broken a battalion of the Royal Thai's 6th Infantry Division, taken Roi Et and severed the communications between the two formations. At Roi Et, the Khanate armored spearhead had left elements of the 2nd Regiment of Lao's 4th Division to hold the airport and was blazing a trail westward along Highway 23, to the south/rear of those five battalions.South of Roi Et, two other Thai battalions were grudgingly giving ground to a regiment of Vietnam's 305th Division plus the 270th Combat Engineers and 16th Artillery Brigade. What mattered was that those forces were drawing off the efforts of the 6th Divisions to counteract the invasion.The 6th Division had its own litany of woes. It was the subject of a dozen pinpricks. The division's commander had lost contact with the other two divisions under the 2nd Army's command. He had enemy forces to his north around Amnat Charoen, he'd lost contact with this 1st regiment HQ at Roi Et.His second regiment, at Ubon Ratchathani, was heavily engaged with the Alliance's North Force. His 3rd regiment, spread out along the southern approaches to his life line, Highway 24, had discovered small teams of Special Forces at every bridge and crossing, making every attempt at creating a unified front costly and ultimately futile.The 2nd Army's HQ and supply hub were at Nakhon Ratchasima. They were under attack, the airport had fallen and the sole mechanized regiment (minus one battalion) was having a terrible time retaking it. They were presently incapable of coming to his defense, since their third battalion had already been called to the capital to put down unrest/enemy forces.He finally made his decision. The remnants of the 1st regiment were to retire westward over the back roads towards the division headquarters at the Si Sa Ket Railway Station. The second regiment was to hold in place until sunset. Using all of the division's remaining assets, he was going to secure Highway 24 so that his command could retire using that path before they were cut off and defeated one regiment at the time.  It was H-hour plus seven. For one of the drivers in a Khanate Heavy Mountain Supply Zuun, there wasn't much to love about this mission. He was a truck driver with a weapon, not a true foot soldier. He was content with his role in logistics, which was why his current mission scared the crap out of him. He wasn't in an armored vehicle and was accompanied by only one Fast Zuun ~ by its very nature a lightly armored unit. Now he was driving deep into enemy territory with a truckload of Karin freedom fighters, who also were lightly equipped.He had already reached the first goal, the town of San Buri, 270 kilometers behind enemy lines and only 60 kilometers from downtown Bangkok. There was a fear that his own air force would mistake then for an enemy supply column and shoot them up. Then there was the fear that some rear echelon troops would find the convoy suspicious and fill his unarmed vehicle with holes. His luck held, the enemy were looking to the north and east, not at a group of trucks heading south.Soldiers from the rebel faction of the Thai Royal Army were stationed in each vehicle to cover any conversation with the local constabulary that might come up. The cover story was that the unit was driving with a purpose ~ the capital was under attack and they were reinforcements using back roads to avoid airstrikes ~ the phone network was a mess and the fact that the plan was so audacious, the normal police officers didn't feel the need to slow the military trucks down.The last phase was pure madness. They rolled down Road 304 at 80 kph. Every time they approached a checkpoint, the unit's commander called in a hopefully faux airstrike, on both them and the Thai soldiers. That made it plausible for the convoy to race forward as the troops around them were too busy diving for cover to stop them. If anything, the defenders thought those truck drivers were the bravest men they'd ever seen.At the end of the journey, they rolled across the Road 304 Bridge over the Chao Praya River, then dispersed. Each truck disgorged 16 Karin fighters, for a total of 560. To that was added the 100 members of the Fast Zuun and 35 drivers, three Tigr's and 59 combat troops. Miracles of miracles, they found the capital to be in total chaos.  It was H-hour plus 6 and a half. The Turkish Khanate commander of 100 looked south in the direction of In Buri. He was already in the 'spread chaos' phase of his operation. The central part of In Buri was the junction of Highways 11 and 32. Somewhere to the far north, friendly units were fighting their way to him. Forces retreating south, or reinforcements from Bangkok would have to pass through his position. He commandeered some passing civilian vehicles and created barricades on all three sides of the T-cloverleaf.Before long, the ground elements of an Airmobile Zuun had joined him. That allowed him to deploy several two-man observer teams over the surrounding countryside. He left two AFV's on the bridge and camouflaged the others in the best ambush points he could think of. Then, he waited.  It was H-hour plus eight. For Julia Atwood, this was the culmination of twenty-five years working in Asia, covering a host of military conflicts and both natural and man-made humanitarian disasters. She'd gotten a tip two days earlier that Bangkok Thailand was going to be the place to be. Since she wasn't a known anti-government reporter, her entry into the country had been easy enough.She had spent the previous day picking a city guide, luckily finding one she knew well, and looking around for sources of information about 'trouble'. What she found was a quiet city on the edge of an explosion. The police, paramilitary forces and the military had everything battened down tight. At the same time, the population was extremely anxious over the upcoming loyalist offensive against the rebel northwest.The military had clamped down on all information coming out of the prospective war zones while exhorting on all forms of mass media the sacred traditions of Thai national identity and the need for law and order. That made the hairs on the back of Julia's neck tingle. It spoke of an upcoming shit storm. Still, Day One had been a bust. Few people wanted to talk about what was going on; all known opposition leaders were in prison or in exile.She had awakened early in the morning to the sound of heavy weapons fire. She had been in enough war zones to know the difference between grenades exploding, or pistol, assault rifle, machine gun, and tank fire. She was hearing tank fire, which made no sense. The Thai army didn't need to use their tank's big guns to fire at anything the opposition could bring to bear.She slipped out the back of her hotel to avoid any possible police minder, gathered up her guide and went hunting for the story. Twice she barely avoided roving army patrols. What immediately occurred to her was these soldiers didn't seem to know what was going on. They were jumpy (not good) and nervous (great for a story).Her trained ears and years of instinct led her to one of the eyes of the storm. Julia's jaw nearly dropped open. There were Central Asian men riding around in Russian equipment surrounded by throngs of hundreds, possibly thousands, of Thai 'Red Shirt' protestors marching on a police barricade. Several leaders of the movement had bullhorns and were communicating with the police. It was a tense situation.Julia forced her way to the BMP-3M, then shouted up at the commander standing in the copula. She tried Uzbek. The man looked her way."No. I'm Kazak. My Uzbek isn't very good," he replied. Julia's Kazak wasn't the best in the world, but she endeavored to make it work."What are you doing here?""I could ask you the same thing," the man smiled. "We are part of the Alliance effort to bring about democratic change in this country." Julia knew he was spouting the party line."What are you really doing here?" she pressed."I have no idea," he chortled. "I don't speak this language, don't know who these people are and only found out where Thailand was two days ago.""Are there a lot of you here?""Not really.""How did you get here?""We landed at the airport. We are a portion of an airmobile Zuun."Just then one of the protestors tried to get the unit leader's attention. He kept repeating something."He wants you to advance on the police line and look menacing," she translated."Okay," the Khanate officer shrugged. "That I can do."He spoke rapid fire Kazak, which Julia couldn't quite follow. Her ride lurched forward, the crowd parted and she could see the blood drain out of the police commander's face. Without looking her way, the Kazak spoke to Julia."Tell them they have thirty seconds to put down their arms or I'm going to shred the lot of them."Julia thought about it for a second. She was recording this exchange on her camcorder. She knew this was straying dangerously close to becoming a participant, not a reporter. She translated to the Thai young man. He sprinted toward the police and relayed the message. She had no idea what a 100mm fragmentation shell would do, had an idea how bloody a 30mm auto-cannon could get and had great familiarity with the effectiveness of 12.7 & 7.62mm machine guns.The lead protestor had a rapid discussion with the lead policeman, bowing and begging for this situation to be resolved peacefully. The countdown reached eight when the officer indicated his acquiescence. The mob didn't surge forward victoriously. Julia slapped the turret to get the Kazak's attention."You don't need to fire.""I understand that," the man acknowledged. It wasn't over though. Another protestor, a woman, waved for the Kazak's attention. Since she wasn't alone in doing so, the man hadn't noticed her. What she was saying did get Julia's attention."She is saying that tanks are on the way!" she shouted at the man in the copula."Which direction?" he inquired. Julia confirmed the information relayed by the girl, who double checked with the person on the other end of her phone, worked out the terrain in her head, then drew a quick map on her palm."They are coming up the road one block up. They are heading north toward us.""Clear out the crowd," he responded evenly. He once more ordered his unit to action. One of the Tigr's raced forward and disgorged its men close to the next corner then the vehicle withdrew."What do you plan to do?" she asked."Do what I came here to do, kill the enemy.""But they have tanks.""Fortunately I have things that kill tanks," he grinned."Do you mind if I stick around?""It is your life," he shrugged. The BMP moved forward to the point where, with its barrel turned sideways, the vehicle was just short of exposing itself. He was busy talking to someone else.Seconds later, one of the Khanate soldiers at the corner launched a grenade up the street, then two others opened fire with their assault rifles. They ducked back around the corner right as a larger caliber machine gun chewed up the wall as well as the street in front of her. Two other soldiers fired off flares into the sky."You might want to get down," the Kazak advised her. Julia nodded, jumped off and ran to the corner to join the other troopers. She edged around the corner, leading with her camcorder. Sure enough, up the street was an honest-to-God tank, with others behind it. One of the foot-bound Kazaks was busy shouting at the others. Once more, a soldier fired a grenade at the tank, to no visible effect. This time he apparently got the response the Kazaks wanted.The tank's big gun fired. One of the troopers, mindful of Julia, grabbed her as they propelled themselves to the ground. The world exploded. Julia was doing a quick check of her well-being when she heard the BMP race forward, barrel turned perpendicular down the street and then it fired. Julia barely caught it all on her camera. The IFV had fired an anti-tank missile out of its main gun. The oncoming tank was a Ukrainian made T-84 Oplot.It exploded; the turret flying away in a curtain of flame. This time it was the blast that blew Julia to the ground. A Kazak soldier hefted her up and pulled her to safety. He was truly pissed when she dodged back into the danger zone to retrieve her camcorder. She sighed happily when she found it undamaged. The BMP rolled back behind cover."Get down," the Kazak ground pounder growled. "It is about to get a whole lot worse.""How?" she looked at him."Well, now that we have stopped the column from moving," he grinned like a maniac. That wasn't much of an answer. Then she noted all the Kazaks clutching at the concrete sidewalks. She did likewise. Seconds later, she heard the jets. 'Oh God', she gulped. She'd seen more than her fair share of airstrikes. She had never been this close to one.Out of the corner of her eye she noticed the Thai crowd moving closer."Get down," she screamed in Thai. "Get Down!"Others repeated her warning and the crowed went down to their knees. Then came the thunder. Julia could barely make out the whoosh of missiles before the detonating rockets and missiles shook her world.A stubby-winged jet raced past her vision. The pilot had gotten so damn close to the building tops she could make out every feature of his aircraft. This level of caution where civilians were concerned was surprisingly unlike the Khanate. She tried to stand, but the soldier next to her had wrapped an arm around her."They come in twos," he cautioned her.Sure enough another series of explosions rocked her surroundings. No sooner had she gotten to her feet, the Kazak commander shouted,"They are coming around for another pass, then we go!"A series of passes followed with the jets using auto-cannons on whomever was left out there.Julia pushed away from her guardian and rushed up to the BMP officer."Wait," she called to him. Stunningly, he waited, looking at her. "Let the crowd save the survivors. This is their struggle too.""If the soldiers fire on them there will be little I can do," he responded."Give them a chance."Against all her expectations, he did. The crowd moved to discover the carnage visited on their oppressors, and fellow countrymen.  It was H-hour plus eight. The Thai tank commander was close to the end of his rope. He'd been fighting since sunrise. Defend, attack, withdraw to a defensive position then wait for the order to counterattack. His platoon had dwindled down to his sole surviving tank. His company no longer acted as a separate entity. Now his battalion, barely a company in strength, operated as a fire brigade, shoring up his beleaguered battle group.The last attack, backed by air power, had shattered his unit. He fell back, literally backing into a second story building to avoid the ever-present Alliance attack helicopters. From his vantage point he could see a column of armored vehicles rolling down Highway 11. He was debating which one he would fire on first when he noticed a jeep coming his way. Onboard were three Thai soldiers, rebels.The jeep rolled right up to his hiding spot. The man in the back dismounted and he walked right up to the tank."Can we talk?" the man inquired. The tank commander kept him covered with this machine gun."What do you have to say, traitor?" he barked."I come to request,""We will not surrender," he growled."We are not asking you to surrender," the man corrected him. "We are asking you to let the war pass you by.""Why should I?""If you fight, you will be destroyed. The Thai army will need to rebuild when this is over and we must be strong. If you throw your life away, we will all be weaker."The tank commander had to think that over. If he began firing on that armored column he would be striking a mighty blow for his country. He would also be sentencing him and his men to death."There will be no surrender?""No sir," the man insisted.The rebel soldier made some sense. The Thai military would have to rebuild when this catastrophe was over. He and his men had done their part."We will stay here for a while," the tank commander informed the rebel."Very well," the soldier bowed. He remounted his jeep and drove away."We are going to stay here a while," he addressed his crewmen. "Get a bite to eat and a drink of water."His men hesitated for a moment."Now, while we have the chance."The men hopped to. They had their orders. They would worry about the morality of their actions later.  It was H-hour plus nine. The men in the Royal Thai Army's high command were finally getting ahold of the big picture. The good news was the Third Army's offensive was grinding to a halt along a line stretching along Highway 1 from Tham Pet Tham Tong Forest in the east to Chai Nat on the Chao Praya River in the west. It was accepted as fact that the 3rd Cavalry and 11th Infantry divisions could hold the line.West of the Chao Praya was a chaotic mess of small garrisons involved in raids and counter-raids. It was deemed unlikely the Alliance forces could push forward any further in that direction either. It also meant that they couldn't pull units from that region to reinforce any of their other trouble points and they had a few.That was most of the good news.Another piece of good news was the1st Army's 2nd Infantry Division had stopped the invasion force they were facing only a few kilometers over the frontier in the area of Watthana Nakhon District. As soon as they had gathered the majority of the division together, they would be mounting a counter-offensive with the intention of overwhelming that force and destroying it.After that, it only got worse.In the area of the 2nd Army, the 3rd Infantry Division and the 2nd Cavalry Division had virtually ceased to exist as cohesive forces. Two battalions of the 3rd Division were retreating south into the 6th Division's area. The 2nd Cavalry division had been reduced pre-battle to one mechanized regiment. That regiment was gone and with it, the supply routes for the 2nd Royal Thai Army.Inside that zone, the 6th Infantry Division still existed, but it was in a world of trouble. They had lost control of Highway 24, their primary supply/evacuation route, and were relentlessly being driven out of Ubon Ratchathani. Even with the slowly arriving battalions of the 3rd Division, the 6th could barely muster two combat-effective regiments and those were running short of fuel and ammunition. The 6th had become a static force, too large to be overwhelmed, too immobile to press the enemy out, or save themselves from a slow strangulation. Had they their assigned tank battalion, but they didn't.The 1st Army's 9th Division was in the worst shape. They had gathered into one elliptical shaped perimeter centered on Chanthaburi and were down to four battalions and two tanks. Technically, they had another battalion, except the 1st Army command had ordered that into Bangkok to aid in suppressing the rebel movement. The 9th Division was surrounded, under attack from the land, sea (the Indian Navy had joined the fight) and air. Their commanding general expected to be wiped out before sunset.And Bangkok?It was turning into a typhoon scale disaster. They had finally determined that there were eight small Khanate platoons roaming the city, seemingly at will. The 1st Division had finally located and destroyed one of those, along with a dozen protestors who chose to fight by their side. The others were still at large and causing trouble.That wasn't the worst of it though. The plan had been to pacify outlying neighborhoods and work their way in to the worst areas. That had started out effectively, then suddenly they had lost the northwestern and southeastern sectors. In the northwest, there were Karin fighters killing, or capturing police and paramilitary strongpoints.In the southeast, it was much worse. Unknown armored troops from the 9th Division's rear area had come seeping in along the riverfront. They seemed to be everywhere at once, surprising roadblocks and checkpoints then ambushing the forces sent to restore order. They were a cancer pushing into a city already short on reserves.There were public displays of defiance going out over the international news, surgical air strikes and a growing sense among the rank and file 'Guardians of the Public Order' that they were on the losing side. There were reports of police turning their backs on the unrest, directing traffic and arresting petty criminals instead.The Royal Thai Army in Bangkok still had over 50,000 men under its command. They were sure they were facing less than a thousand hardcore militants, yet they were losing control of the streets. Part of that was caused by the military being tied down to certain strategic areas they had to hold. They had to protect over a dozen buildings and, as they had painfully learned, a platoon wouldn't do.The Government House had been temporarily overrun and Parliament had been shelled. Channel 3 had been hijacked and the forces sent to take it back had been subject to intense helicopter attacks and driven back. They'd killed two such craft, but that only seemed to make the Alliance troops angrier. This was what a death by a thousand cuts felt like. This was worse than bad, because it looked bad on media going out all over the world.  It was H-hour plus twelve. The commander of the MARCOS had finally taken the time to eat. He was in the Maleenont Towers section of Khlong Toei, Bangkok. It had been his masterstroke, seizing the Channel 3 station. He wasn't sure who the eight shady characters who showed up with the VIPs were and he didn't really care. What did matter was while the VIP's fought like wildcats in private they were putting on a unified front while on TV.One of the VIPs was the former civilian Prime Minister of Thailand. The other guys seemed to hate her guts, but were willing to work with her to overthrow the generals. What he did care about was the nearly five hundred men under his command plus a dozen helicopters and jets somewhere above, waiting to swoop in and help when the next government attack materialized.He had to give them this much, the police forces had guts, not a lot of brains, but plenty of guts. Their counter-terrorism unit had known their stuff, but they didn't have any effective anti-tank weapons and he had a half dozen tanks. Whenever the army got feisty, he called up 'Shiva's Fist' ~ his men's joking reference to the Khanate air support. Those bastards not only killed you, they came back around and killed your corpse too.He got a call from the perimeter. Some of those Karin fighters had crossed half the city to join them. The Indian officer had thought that part of the Khanate plan was utter madness, yet here they were, shooting up the place in a manner only highly experienced insurgents could. Those guys didn't even want to hang around. They were asking for more ammo. The locals were giving them all the food and water they needed.At nine, once it was truly dark, the Khanate was promising to drop off a few tons of whatever they need plus some more medivac units. He was down nine men dead and twenty-seven wounded badly enough they need to be removed. The Khanate had lost four times as many. All in all, the overthrow of a military regime was turning out to not be as difficult as he thought it would be. He was waiting to be surprised.  It was H-hour plus fifteen. The fighting had died down and now the main activity was the Thai civic authorities fighting the fires burning in Saraburi. The Khanate Commander of 1000 looked over his shoulder at the burning city. It hadn't been much of a fight, mainly a few rear echelon forces from the Royal Thai 2nd Army and some paramilitaries.He wasn't in the town. The majority of his troopers had already rolled down to the junction of Highways 1 and 33. He had communication with other elements farther west on Highway 32 at Ang Thong and to the northwest at the junction of Highways 1 and 32. The offensive operations was essentially over for his command. That was just as well. He was running low on petrol. He still had plenty of ammunition though.They were sitting on the lifeline for the 1st Army's 3rd Cavalry and 11th Division to the north and the 2nd Division to the east. The 6th Division was too far in his rear to matter and the 9th Division was facing annihilation along the coast. It was very dark now, but the air force was still active. Some pilots were flying their sixteenth mission of the day.For most of the day, the Khanate Air Force had concentrated on his axis of advance and the battle in Bangkok. The Vietnamese Air Force had concentrated on the hapless 9th Division. In reality, the Alliance was almost at the end of its tether.His combined Laos and Far North Task Forces were spent. The North and Cambodian Task Forces had the 6th Division pinned down. The South Task Force had done the same with the 9th. Only the Central Task Force facing the 2nd Division appeared to be in serious trouble.None of those formations were actually near defeat, though many of them wouldn't realize that until morning. Only the 3rd Army's two task force had consisted of more than 5,000 hastily gathered troops and most of those were Cambodians, Laotians and Vietnamese. To that the Khanate had added 50 mobile Zuuns spread over ten task forces and another 50 airmobile, parachute and airlifted units ~ less than ten thousand men and women spread over all fronts.The cold, hard reality for him was that not a single loyalist Thai unit had been destroyed. The 3rd and 9th infantry divisions has been battered, that was true. The majority of their mobile forces, the 2nd and 3rd cavalry divisions, still existed as a potent force. The 11th and 2nd infantry divisions were also out there, but they were all cut off from the capital. And in this elegant global play, the one theater that mattered was Bangkok.In the morning, if they came for him, the loyalist Thai's were going to discover that offense was a lot more painful that defense. Only the 2nd Division bothered him. The forces to the north were too heavily engaged with the rebel Thai 3rd Army to dispatch more than a battalion his way and he would gobble up a battalion.It would be too much to ask the battered Alliance Center Task Force to keep the 2nd Division occupied. From what he had heard, they were on the verge of disintegration after a powerful Loyalist counterattack. He did have patrols on the 304 and 359 Roads in case their commander got creative. What those few men lacked in vehicles, they would compensate for with air power.The Khanate Air Force was a 24/7, all-weather operation. They had lost 40 aircraft to enemy action and a further forty to mechanical malfunction. Losses in helicopters was also high. But there were still enough of both to get the job done. Now all he had to do was wait for the Americans to arrive.  It was H-hour plus seventeen.There were only three major acts left in this macabre play before the eyes of the world. A squadron of 12 Tu-22M bombers found two of the 2nd Division's regiments sneaking to the west. The Thais had done this with as much secrecy as they could. Unfortunately, their move was one of only two option left to the Loyalist Royal Thai Army.Option One, the most likely one, had the 2nd Division attacking the Khanate troops south of Saraburi. It would not only give the 2nd Division freedom of movement, it would establish supply lines to the divisions currently holding the rebel Thai Third Army at bay. It was the predictable choice.The Khanate U A V were out there, scouting for them and when they spotted the three columns using the backroads to approach their attack positions, they relayed that information to a not-so-distant A-50E/I. The squadron of waiting bombers had incredible endurance and had been circling the suspected target area for three hours. They broke up into groups of six then into groups of two. The first two lined up on their targets then unleashed their lethal cargo.Each plane dropped sixty-nine 250 kg bombs. That was138 bombs with a combined explosive power of 75,900 lbs. spread out over three-quarters of a mile. The A-50 assessed the damage for 7 minutes before sending the second set of two in. Another 138 bombs. Another 75,900 lbs. of death. The third group wouldn't be needed. In ten minutes the fighting power of the 2nd Royal Thai Infantry Division had evaporated.Option Two? That called for the 1st Infantry Division, with her added units, to sally forth from Bangkok and rescue the trapped elements of their other divisions. That would have entailed abandoning large areas of the capital to the protestors and the tiny groups of invaders that were helping them. No one thought they would do that and they were right. Had they been wrong, there was another squadron of bombers waiting for them.  It was H-hour plus nineteen. The Thai Phon Thahan-turned-Sip Tho looked out into the darkness. Four hours ago he was anticipating crossing the Cambodian border and burning down their town for a change. Now, now it was wait-and-see. The majority of the division had withdrawn for a long night march to the west. From what he had gathered, the 2nd Army had been pummeled and it was once again the time for the 2nd Division to save the day.He spotted movement in front of him. He glanced over to his 'sniper', a Thahan Phran who was the best shot in his unit and had a taste for the task. The man had the target in his sights."I come to parlay," the voice in the darkness shouted in less than perfect Thai. The Thai soldier had to think what that meant. His instinct was to shoot the man. His training taught him to not make choices above his pay grade."Advance. Don't do anything stupid," he called out. To the man next to him he whispered, "Go get the Captain." The man slunk away. No one alive in the unit stood up to do anything. You even pissed crouched down. The man coming toward him was a Cambodian. It was evident in both his gear and accent. "What do you want?""We want a truce," the man replied. He remained very erect, his hands in the air and only made slow, careful movements."I should shoot you," he growled."That would be unfortunate for both of us. I would, of course, be dead, and my allies would open up with our artillery."The conversation was truncated by the captain's arrival. They went through much of the same routine, absent the 'I should kill you part' and the counter-threat. The captain turned to the Thai soldier."Blindfold and bind this man's hands then take him to the Phan Ek (Colonel). Let him figure this out."Without the soldier saying anything the Captain added, "This could be a ruse. I must stay here. Hurry."He nodded, took a shirt from one of the civilian volunteers, cut it into strips then blindfolded and bound the man."If you so much as sneeze, I'll put a bullet in your head," he warned the man."I understand," the Cambodian replied. The soldier took the Cambodian one block behind the lines, spun the man around several times, then led him toward the command bunker. He spun him around twice more before making his final approach. A wounded junior officer met him at the entrance."Come on," he took custody of the man. Having nothing else to do and not having been ordered to release the prisoner, the soldier followed along.The Regimental Commander had the man un-blindfolded. His hands remained bound."What do your masters want?" the Major snapped."They want a truce," the Cambodian blinked in the sudden bright light."You invaded us without a declaration of war. That makes you criminals, not combatants.""We attacked at the request of the legitimate authority in Thailand, the Commanding General of the Royal Thai Third Army.""Those men are rebels and you will not refer to them as anything but," the Phan Ek insisted."Very well. My Commander wishes to let you know that our mobile hospital has arrived. We wish to exchange prisoners and place our facilities at your disposal as well.""The Royal Thai army will be there soon enough," the Major glowered."Unlikely. Our Khanate allies have informed us that most of your division was destroyed on the road. You have one battered regiment and a handful of tanks. You are not going anywhere."The soldier wanted to slap the smug smile off the man's face."I do not have the authority to hand over prisoners until their status as POWs or criminals has been established," the senior officer countered."If you consider our men criminals, we will treat your men like traitors.""Are you threatening me?""Yes. A fact you should be aware of is that the Khanate has been flying in reinforcements since noon and we have five more armored, mechanized and artillery Zuuns to attack with. Come sunrise, we will be coming at you again unless we have a truce.""Now you are threatening us again," the Phan Ek pointed out."I am explaining the realities of your situation, nothing more," the Cambodian countered. "Our task force commander believes that further violence will be futile. You have done your job and we have done ours.""And your job was to keep us occupied so you could rape and pillage other parts of our country?""No sir. The Alliance forces have been operating under very strict guidelines. The Thai people are our allies and we are a liberating force," the Cambodian replied."You consider this town 'liberated'? You've destroyed it," the Phan Ek noted."It was unfortunate that you chose to fight us here."The Colonel studied the man silently for thirty seconds."I will agree to a two hour truce. That should allow me to contact my superiors for further clarification on my mission. We will hand over any critically injured 'invaders'. You will return any POW's you are holding in exchange.""Agreed," the Cambodian immediately responded."Just like that? It is really within your authority to make such a deal?""As I said earlier Phan Ek, we believe the fighting is over. We don't need your captured men. We would like to see as many as our comrades live as possible. No matter what your commanders say, the fact remains that if you come out of these ruins, you will be slaughtered. You know that. I know that. Peace is the only avenue that leads to any level of success. Today, today, both our forces did what our commanders told us to do. The dying should stop.""Go. The truce will take effect in, fifteen minutes ~ 12:12 am. We will transfer prisoners and wounded at your point of entry. We will both give a warning whistle fifteen, ten, five and one minute before the truce ends at 2:12 am. Do you understand?"The Cambodian repeated the terms of the truce. He was bound up then sent back with the Sip Tho."Do you really think this is the end of the fighting," he asked his blind captive."On the lives of my children I hope so," the man sighed. "I led 88 men into battle this morning and now I'm down to 46 effectives. I have lost too many already for a battle that wasn't in my nation's best interest. I am tired of the killing.""Me too," the Thai said a moment later. After he delivered him to the Captain on the front lines, the man was unbound."Good luck," he found himself saying."Good luck for both of us," the Cambodian gave a weary smile. "May we not meet again.""If I see you again, I will kill you.""I feel the same way," the man chuckled. "We are both soldiers doing what more powerful men have commanded us to do. I don't know about you, but I have had enough." Several Thai soldiers nodded. They had driven the enemy off Thai soil. Continuing the fight didn't seem to have much of a point.  

Diplomatic Hell Hole.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels."Are we in the right place?" the stranger worried."I'm afraid so. Anais, you need to leave.""Not until you tell me what is going on here," she sizzled."She's not here to have sex, if that's what you worried about," I retorted. "Wait, are you here to have sex with me?""I barely know you.""That rarely stops me," I muttered."He's a master of bedroom antics," Pamela praised me. "He's pretty much at a loss at doing anything else.""Thanks Grandma," I griped."Your welcome, Grandson.""We, are here to meet someone," the stranger hedged."You came to the right place," Pamela preempted me. "He's definitely someone.""Fine, redo. I'm Cáel Nyilas," (deep breathe), "NOHIO, HCIESI-NDI, U HAUL, Magyarorszag es Erdely Hercege plus a bunch of other honorifics that have yet to be confirmed. I am single-handedly bringing back medievalism to the center of Europe and the Near East. The woman to my left is Pamela Pale, and she really is my bodyguard. The woman to my right is Sgt. Anais Saint-Amour, RCMP, my ex-lover and the person that needs to leave   right now.""I'm not sure I should leave at this moment," Anais shifted possessively. I had to recall earlier this morning, the part where we'd broken up by mutual consent. Yep. That had really happened. I had thought I was whittling down my current list of paramours. Why do the Goddesses hate me so?"Told you, she can't give up that cock," Pamela whispered."As you can see, I have limited control of my life," I told the strange woman. "I know you are here to meet somebody who isn't me. Now you know who I am. Who are you and your companions?""I'm Ms. Quincy.""Sorry; I'm on a first name basis with everyone I meet," I interrupted."What's your rank, Honey?" Pamela added."What makes you think,?""She doesn't think. That's what makes her so dangerous." I explained."Hey now," Pamela faux-complained."Okay. She's a fledgling telepath, or medium," I shrugged."Captain, Zelda Quincy.""In case you are mesmerized by her tits," Pamela tapped me, "she's packing some serious hardware.""One of those personal defense gizmos?" I leaned Pamela's way."Close, but no cigar. She's my kind of girl, big 'bang-bang', back-up at the small of her back and knife in her boot.""What!" Zelda gulped."She's his knife-fighting instructor," Anais answered drolly."Are you Special Forces?" Zelda regarded my mentor."Nah, I got kicked out for a consistent failure to observe even the loosest Rules Of Engagement. I'm a free-spirit.""Oh, you're a sniper," Zelda nodded."I like this one," Pamela smiled."Ah, thank you." Then, over her shoulder, "I think we are in the right place." Zelda entered the room, followed by a Hispanic panther of a man (kind of like a tanned, slightly shorter Chaz without the cool accent) wearing a long coat, and a Subcontinent-cast woman who looked at everyone as if she expected us to sprout fangs, or start quoting the Koran any second now. She obviously was a brain seconded to this mission very much against her will.The fourth person had that cagey 'when my lips move, I'm lying' look while seemingly unhappy with her current assignment. The heavy implication was that the lady was a career diplomat. Considering our current company and who we were talking to, she was State Department. She was in her late 30's or early 40's and giving off the sensation she had devoted so much to her career that she was starting to wonder if that was all that life had to offer.The fifth member was a military man clearly uncomfortable about what he was doing here, thus not a spook. His off-the-rack suit wasn't terrible, so he expected to socialize somewhat while performing his duties. He also looked like a man who expected other people to speak half-truths and obfuscated lies as easily as they breathed. Numbers three, four and five were dressed for the weather and unarmed.All of this meant they were good at what they did, though they probably didn't know the particulars of what was expected of them. They had their marching orders. Those orders were about to be made irrelevant in the company they would be keeping. The latter weren't the 'doing it by rote' kind of people they would normally be dealing with."I bet you she's a doctor," I murmured to Pamela, "she's with State and he's some sort of Foreign Service type.""I bet the first guy is Air Force," she countered."Like one of those Para-rescue guys?""No. More like one of those Battlefield Air Operations guys, I'm guessing," she corrected me."That guy?" I nodded to the final guy. "Pentagon wonk?""More likely he's one of those embassy guys. I'm going to take an educated leap here, Office of Military Cooperation, Mongolia?""That is pretty clever of you. Kazakhstan. Major Justin Colbert.""I bet some people in the White House, Pentagon and Langley are disappointed with you right now," I reasoned. His jaw grew tight."Don't worry, Major," Pamela grinned. "We consider that a good thing. We don't like the people in charge and have a low opinion of their opinion on just about everything, including their habit of blaming the blameless for their government's fuck ups.""Who are these people?" the first man whispered to Quincy."She's a telepath." That was Zelda"She's a psychic-medium." That was Anais."She can see through time." That was me. "Nice to meet you. Who are you?""Chris Diaz. Lieutenant Colonel, USAF.""Dr. Saira Yamin," the second woman introduced herself. "Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. Are you the man from Johnston Island?""Why yes, yes I am," I beamed."The APCSS is in Waikiki, Hawaii," Pamela educated me. "Your arrival probably cost her some prime surfing time.""I was more interested in the fact that he survived a plane crash in a Category Four Cyclone," she admitted."Mother Nature hates me. No matter how hard I try, she refuses to kill me," I confessed. "My suffering is an endless source of amusement to that bitch.""That, that wasn't the helpful answer I was looking for," she stammered."So, Lt. Colonel Chris Diaz, you must be with JSOC, I have a deep and abiding respect for you guys. If you need something, just ask," I greeted him. "Captain Zelda, you are not with JSOC.""She's with the DCS ~ that is the Defense Clandestine Service," Pamela kept going. "Zelda, you love being in your uniform, you're proud, yet happy with the concept of dying in an unmarked grave for Constitution and Country. You are too old to have been in the first female class at Ranger School, so that means no 'in the field' JSOC for you. You've gotten around that stone wall by joining the US Defense Department's own little pack of killers.""Also, you felt it was necessary to bring a Benelli M4-11707. That's a close-in action shotgun, but a bit over-kill considering the paper-thin walls in this building. That tells me you are used to being in the kinds of places where such a tool is a necessity. Or in other words, since you think you are meeting a band of terrorists, you brought along your favorite toy.""Your personal weapon is a SIG Sauer P229R DAK in .357 which is a new weapon still under trial by the US Army and Air Force. Your boot dagger is ceramic so it will pass a cursory exam, or scan. You hate the idea of being trapped on a public aircraft weaponless. You have also given up killing power for a proper balance for throwing. I like a forward-thinking gal.""Air Force ~ you've recently come back from Asia, most likely Tibet. It shows in your breathing brought about by a close call with Altitude Sickness. The only reason for an Air Force guy to be here is because he's familiar with the Khanate military and you are not US Army, or Marine Corp Special Forces. I know the type.""You went with the MP5K in the standard 9mm, so you are more interested in sending bullets down range than looking into someone's face as you kill them. You may be a 'light' Colonel, which means you are almost somebody. What your higher-ups haven't appreciated is that our guests will respect you because they are like that ~ remembering past friends and comrades in arms. Of greater importance, you have Cáel's gratitude which will count for more than you currently believe."I pledged then and there to be as good as Pamela at determining that kind of stuff before I died. She had assured me it was as much a matter of psychology as eagle-eyed perception. People were often a type that gravitated to various forms of destruction, be they old school, or going for the latest gadget."I told you all that firepower was excessive," State softly chastised her associates (what they really were, not the underlings she saw them as)."So, you appeared to have forgotten to tell us your name," I regarded the State lass."Nisha Desai Biswal. I'm with the government.""Oh, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, I've examined your website," I told her. It clearly pissed her off somewhat that I so swiftly disregarded her crude attempt at subtle manipulation."Hey. I've got some real enemies at State, so it pays to know who might be the next suit trying to cock me over," I explained. I had to prioritize. It would take some serious effort to convince Zelda to have a MFF three-way straight out the gate and she was definitely the hotter number."Major, you came here unarmed," Pamela noted. "That won't do. They expect you to be armed because you are a warrior, damn it. Cáel get him one of your Glock 22's.""Gotcha," I nodded. I went to my room, tipped away the false back to my closet (that Havenstone had installed recently so Odette wouldn't accidently fire off one of my weapons) and retrieved one of my spare Glocks, but not the one with the laser sight. Such over-the-top fancy gear would be inappropriate. I only gave him one mag. If he couldn't get the job done with 15 rounds, he wouldn't have a chance to reload.Mind you, I took two in a twin-rig shoulder holster and four 22 round magazines, because I tend to shoot two-handed which doesn't exactly give you a bullseye every time. I returned to our crowded living room, handed the Major his weaponry, and then directed the US group to the far side of the room (towards Timothy's bedroom. Saira and Nisha took the couch.Because this tiny space wasn't crowded enough, there was a knock at the door. I checked. It was Juanita, oh yeah, my real bodyguard."Listen up everybody," I announced to the room. "This is my other bodyguard, my official one. Her names is Juanita Leya Antonio Garza, she's from the Dominican Republic via Buenos Aires and she is armed, so don't freak out." I opened the door."What is going on?" Juanita hissed."I'm having a private meeting with a few heavily armed friends. The other side to this party hasn't arrived yet. Why don't you come in?" She came in."Why didn't you warn me?" she whispered her complaint."Long night, worse wake-up, needed to do some soul-searching. Pamela was looking after me, then this came up and I forgot. I apologize," I lowered my head in shame. Juanita was only trying to do the job she'd been entrusted with and by not thinking of her, I was making that so much harder.I made the introductions, first names only."Juanita, Anais, Pamela; please slip into the kitchenette," I suggested.Anais "Why?"Juanita "Where are you going to be?"Pamela "Sure. I'm starving. I'm going to raid the fridge.""Anais, because I need my faction in one place. Juanita, I will be refereeing this meeting, so I will have to remain in the living room, roughly six feet from you." It was really a small apartment. "Pamela, if it is edible, it isn't mine and you'll have to replace it."Great Caesar's Ghost! No wonder Big Wigs had their personal assistants handle this pre-meeting crap. I was on my last two fucking nerves and one of those was already stressed and tender. And the real reason for being here hadn't even arrived yet."Why am I in your faction?" Anais mulled over threateningly."Because you haven't walked out that door. There are going to be three sides to this meeting, not three plus Anais. That is the way it is going to be. Now, are you going to behave, or are Juanita and Pamela going to toss you out?""You are threatening me!""Finally catching on to that, aren't you, Sweetie?" Pamela chimed in."I'm only staying because I believe you are in trouble," Anais grumped."Why is she (Anais) here?" Nisha inquired heatedly. "This is supposed to be a very, very private encounter.""I know Anais. I don't know you. I trust Anais with my well-being despite the fact she has numerous reasons to distrust me. She's staying because she is a straight arrow. That's good enough for me.""But is she going to keep her mouth shut about what happens here today?" Nisha pressed."Anais, this is a clandestine meeting that isn't going to be recorded by anybody so, barring a crime being committed, you can never discuss this with anyone who isn't already in the room. Agreed?"Pause."I agree," she nodded. I really was going to have to fuck her again. Not today. Well, maybe not today; I had to keep my options open. Her investigator mind was going into overdrive. Give it a week and she'd be knocking on my door late one night. Inquisitive, truth-hungry dames are like that, trust me. Then it would be 'bask in my genius' sex. It had been a while since I'd experienced that, with Lady Yum-Yum.There was another knock at the door. I checked before Juanita could do the checking for me, in case someone was going to shoot me through the door. Fuck it. I was going to talk to Timothy about moving. Him, me and Odette. I couldn't give those two up. It was Kazak bookends. I opened up and invited them in. It turned out they had names besides Bookends #1 and #2, Nuro and Roman.Nuro (I think) checked out the rooms while Roman (I was pretty sure) kept an eye on my guests. I made introductions, first names only and specifying who was with who. Technically, they could trust my side because I was the Great Khan's brother and thus my servants were his servants. Technically.Iskender came next followed by OT. A woman I didn't know (sadly, not OT's daughter) came in behind him while the other two quintuplets stayed in the hallway. Iskender and I hugged."Ulı Khaan s yikti ağası," he smiled. That was 'Prince-something'. My Kazak was a bit rusty. He then whispered into my ear. "OT bows to you first. His title is Hongtaiji." What?"Ulı Khaan s yikti ağası," OT bowed."Hongtaiji Oyuun T m rbaatar," I bowed back. I remembered I had to rise first. It was an etiquette thing. In retrospect, Iskender had stretched the bounds of tradition by hugging me, his titular superior. "Welcome to my humble abode.""I thank you for your hospitality," he 'grinned'. His face wasn't made for that gesture so that faint gesture came across as rather unnatural.My mind finally finished translating what Iskender and OT had called me. It wasn't 'prince'. It was 'beloved brother of the Great Khan'. Mother fucker!"Wait," Justin, the military attach  guy muttered, "we are here to meet this guy?" indicating me."What do you mean?" Saira questioned."The title Mr. Nyilas was identified with means 'beloved brother of the Great Khaan'," he explained. "The Kazakhs don't go tossing honorifics like that around. This guy," again pointing at me, "is a really important somebody.""Thanks for dropping this grenade in my lap, OT," I joked. "I'll get you for this, and your little yak too.""Odette is going to be so miffed that she missed this," Pamela chuckled."Mr. Nyilas," Zelda began."Please, call me Cáel. It is how I roll.""Cáel, can I ask you a stupid question?""Go right ahead," Pamela snorted. "Cáel does stupid real well. It is a critical part of his skill set. It makes him adorable instead of annoying. Trust me, you'll learn that soon enough."Too much 'trust me' was flying around in a room where nobody trusted anybody."Thanks for that encouragement, Teach," I grumbled. "Ask away, Captain Zelda.""Why are you playing this game with us?""I wasn't. Until thirty seconds ago I was sure I was here totally as a spectator," I gripped. "My buddy," the word dripped with sarcasm, "Temujin likes dumping these kinds of surprises on me.""Did you mean what Ms. Pale said about you feeling you owed me?" Chris asked."Absolutely.""We need help defusing this Thailand crisis before a shooting war begins.""What do you suggest?""We want the Khanate to back down," Chris stated firmly."I thought we had agreed that I would spearhead this delegation," Nisha reminded Chris."I think the situation had evolved and we need a different approach," Chris insisted."You should listen to the Lieutenant Colonel," I advised. "He knows a whole lot more about what is going on than you do.""Why don't you explain it to us?" she began her weevil-ling."You are engaging in linguistic niceties with men who have bled together, Ms. Biswal," I instructed. "Not that Chris and I have bled on the same battlefield, we have shed blood in the same cause; and that cause has been bringing our two nations, the Khanate and the US, together. The Khanate owes Chris for his efforts on our behalf and we pay our debts.""How so?" Nisha asked."National Security stuff," I evaded. "If you don't know, you shouldn't know and you probably don't want to know. Suffice it to say, the Khanate is willing to listen to Lt. Colonel Diaz's request as a friend.""But he doesn't speak for the United States Government," she corrected."Why not?" I riposted. "He's dealt with the Khanate longer than you have. He has a clue about the mindset of their rank and file.""But does he know their leadership?" she persisted."I don't know. Chris, do you think you have a handle on me?""Are you really capable of talking for the Khanate government?" Nisha preempted Chris. What she left unsaid was 'are you culpable in their atrocities?'"Let's find out," I then looked over my shoulder. "Hongtaiji Oyuun T m rbaatar, will my words and wishes reach my brother's ear?""That is why I am here," he replied."Don't you have the authority to speak for your leader?" she grilled OT. Nisha was relentless trying to stay in the limelight. "Aren't you a diplomat?""There is no need to insult the man," Pamela snidely commented."I am one of many voices that provide information to the Great Khan. I am not his brother. Cáel Nyilas is and has already proved his familial affection by proposing Operation Funhouse and brought whole nations as gifts," OT schooled her. "He is gifted with both tactical and strategic insight as well as sharing the Great Khan's love for his people and his hopes for their eventual freedom.""I didn't think you were a soldier," Zelda looked me over."Oh no," I wove off that insinuation. "I've never been a real soldier and am unworthy of that distinction. I know quite a few who have earned that title and they scare the crap out of me. I mean, they go looking for trouble. In my case, trouble comes looking for me. I'm damn lucky to still be alive and that's the damn truth.""Bullshit," Pamela coughed."What was that, Artemisia?" I winked at her."Bitch," she laughed "My men have become women, and my women men. At least you didn't call me Cassandra.""Well, she's Greek (a deadly insult to all Amazons), but you could be her Evil Twin because everyone believes whatever you say.""Can we get down to business?" Chris inquired."Damn," Pamela shook her head. "They haven't been paying attention.""What does that mean?" Zelda griped."Iskender, you know what I'm talking about, don't you?" I asked."Not a clue, Exalted One," he stood there like a stone statue. Note, the Khanate contingent really were standing there like the Altai Mountains, doing nothing. You had to carefully examine them to see that they did indeed breathe and blink."Use small words," Pamela advised."You really are a rude misanthrope," Anais told Pamela."Do you know what's going on?" Pamela volleyed."No.""Then sit back and watch how the madness works," she snickered. "It is all you, Cáel.""Okay. One; how did Artemisia escape the battle of Salamis?" I began. Nothing."Oh," Justin nodded. "She rammed an allied ship to make the pursuing Athenians think she was an ally. What does that have to do with our current predicament?""Achieve your ends by using violence as a distraction," I sighed. "The Khanate will invade Thailand in," I looked to OT, "tomorrow?" He nodded."How does that help us?" Nisha complained."Second example, Cassandra. She saw the truth through all illusions and falsehoods and no one believed her. Now, reverse that."Pause."We are waiting," Saira finally joined the conversation. I could hear those little microprocessors inside her noggin firing electrons at light speed."We fight a phony war. The Khanate and their buddies invade in a lightning campaign that appears to be successful. Shit like attacking the opposition where they ain't. Things that look epic on CNN where some retired colonel, no offense...""None taken," Chris responded."Where some colonel talks about seizing resources, severed supply lines and encirclement. We, the Khanate, bomb shit like bridges and supply dumps, things with no civilians to get killed. On the downside, to make this work the Khanate needs to put some level of force into Bangkok.""That will get civilians killed," Nisha reminded me, unnecessarily."Civilians are getting killed right now by their own government. This time they will get a chance to strike back," I stated firmly. "The Thai protestors aren't cowards. They are just grossly outgunned. We can change that.""How does that help the United States?" Nisha queried."The US gets to come in and save the day," I sighed. "The US can t get there until the day after, so you don't look bad about letting the first 24 hours of brutality happen.""Oh," Zelda blinked."The US gets to end the fighting that the Khanate has no desire to continue. The US brings peace, while whomever takes over owes the Khanate. Both sides look good. Both sides claim victory. The President gets a second Nobel Peace Prize (psychic, aren't I?). The US gathers some regional allies like Malaysia, the ROC and the Philippines along with our Marines to ensure free and fair elections. The Khanate isn't seen to be backing down against the Titan of Western Civilization. They are working with them to bring about a better world.""Win-win," Saira nodded in agreement."The Khanate is still an autocratic tyranny," Nisha commented."As opposed to the People's Republic's oligarchical tyranny?" Chris countered."Agreed," Saira said. "I now think we should work with the Khanate to bring stability to Central Asia which which was impossible while those member nations were being squeezed between Russia, Europe, China and India.""What are you a doctor of?" I asked."I specialize in 'failed states', among other things," Saira grinned."This could still turn into one bloody cluster-fuck," Zelda mused."My peopled don't have the resources to devastate Thailand," OT finally spoke. "If you, the US, agrees to intervene on our timetable, you will have our thanks, off the record, of course.""How do we know this isn't some ruse to allow the Khanate to overthrow Thailand's existing government?" Justin questioned."You have my word," I replied. No one said anything for several heartbeats."Really?" Nisha balked."Mr. Nyilas, Cáel, do you give me the Great Khan's word?" Chris studied me intently."Without reservation," I answered. "For what you have done for us and more, the Great Khan will honor this deal. We and the Thai's will do the bleeding. You will get your accolades. We avoid a pointless clashing of forces, which is why we are all here today.""I will give you my written recommendation in a few hours," Saira told Nisha.Chris stepped forward to shake my hand. He was an alpha-type alright. I gave as good as I got. His eyes bore into mine, looking for a faltering of will."What did you do in Romania?""I got a lot of good men killed.""Okay.""Okay?" Nisha squawked. "A handshake, a pat on the back and the deals done? Since when did our democratic republic do business this way? He admitted he got men killed in Romania. What is to say this won't be Romania writ large?""Ms. Biswal, he told the truth. He got good men killed and he isn't happy about it. I would be worried if he claimed one bit of glory from that episode. He didn't.""Nisha," I took a deep breathe, "When you unleash men with weapons, nothing is assured. Maybe the Thai government will see the hate coming their way and back down. Maybe the people will resist the intrusion. Maybe the Khanate's forces will get slaughtered at the starting line. It isn't like they have enough time to deploy enough forces to win a protracted war.""What happens if the Khanate decides it won't go?" she continued."Then they get destroyed on the ground in a war of attrition," Chris answered for me. "He's right. They can't bring enough in the time allotted to completely overwhelm the roughly 120,000 members of the Royal Thai Army that have remained loyal to the regime.""In three days they will be out of fuel, shells, rockets and bullets. It is logistics, Ms. Biswal," Zelda piled it on. "The Khanate war-fighting systems are not NATO compatible. That means they can't simply capture more material as they penetrate the frontiers. If they overstay their welcome, we can launch missile strikes against their fuel depots. The combat devolves back to World War I and that's a style of war they can't afford to fight.""What about stopping the Khanate from invading in the first place?" Nisha wouldn't give up."Had the US acknowledged the Khanate, none of this would have happened, Ms. Biswal," I became snappish. "Neither superpower talked to the other until other commitments had been made.""If you think you can come in and start dictating Khanate policy, you are dreadfully mistaken. The US doesn't have the power, or the resolve," I glared at her. "Don't try convincing the Khanate that isn't the case. We know better.""You don't know what the US is capable of," she snapped back."Abandoning Iraq with a fractured pseudo-democratic process? Abandoning Afghanistan without destroying the Taliban? The Syrian Civil War? The Donbass Crisis? The collapse of Libya? Boko Haram? Somalia? Yemen? Exactly how has the US's power and resolve solved any of those issues?" I countered."Ms. Biswal," OT spoke again. "We are willing to create a desert and call it 'Peace'. Our enemies know that. Your unwillingness to do so is neither a strength nor a weakness. It is a hallmark of your society in the same way that 'Total War' is a hallmark of ours. We are more than willing to leave you to manage the Peace. Let us manage the War against the forces opposed to civilized discourse.""As ugly and disagreeable as it is, we are willing to keep creating pyramids of skulls on every street corner until either they learn their lesson, or we kill them all. Let us do that and you will have your global stability and reap the economic benefits and accolades of Pax Americana. We are not your enemy. We are precisely the ally you need to keep the peace and we will do that, if you let us.""To allow barbarism is to become barbarians," Saira mused."That is complete fiction," I scoffed. "The United States didn't become communist because it allied with the Soviet Union in World War II. Truman didn't become Stalin. The enemy of my enemy is my friend is older than recorded history.""It is the Carrot and the Stick on a Global basis," Justin agreed. "Listen to the gentle words of the West, or you will end up feeling the wrath of the East.""As long as the Khanate accepts the limitations of is role," Saira added, "this might work. Please understand there will be factions in the Western Democracies who will not accept that status quo. It is not in the nature of our societies to stifle dissent.""Is it possible to get any political concessions from the Khanate's leadership?" Justin requested. "A pledge to hold some level of democratic elections? A Constitution with some strong provisions to protect individual rights and liberties would be nice.""Justin, in case your bosses missed it, the Khanate is still at a state of war with the PRC," I shook my head. "With their limited experience with democratic government throughout most of the Khanate's territories, that would be madness.""With limited concessions to the Imperial State, we have not interfered with the politics of Albania, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey. We are never going to become a Western-style democracy. We have had limited rule by consensus long before White Men arrived in the Western Hemisphere," OT informed them."Discounting the Irish Monks, Vikings and Knights Templar," Pamela interjected."If you say so," OT gave a minuscule bow to Pamela. "Long before your nation was anything more than the scribbled history of a long-faded Greek city-state, we had meritocracies, oligarchies of senior statesmen & warriors, thinkers and religious leaders, and we had codified judicial moral equality into the political arena. We have a far superior record of religious and minority freedom, of genuine multi-culturalism plus a deeper understanding of the arts and crafts as a means of uniting disparate peoples. We find your claims of cultural superiority to be childish.""Oh, snap," I snickered. "You get'em, OT.""I bet the boys in Foggy Bottom felt that pimp-slap," Pamela agreed."I bet the bronzed skull of some Harvard dean just fell off its pedestal.""They are called 'busts'," Anais groaned. "With a name like that, how could you forget it?""So true," I concurred. "All this responsibility must have clouded my normally hedonistic vocabulary.""That doesn't change the fact that you have employed biological warfare and genocide in this current day and age," Justin pointed out."Tell that to our Native Americans," I snorted. "They are easy to find. They live in trailer parks in whatever blasted Hell Hole we stuck them in, or in their casinos where they are buying back their country, one rube at a time. Ask them if they've gotten over it.""We don't claim to be perfect," Justin insisted."No, we merely claim to have the only correct form of government, economic policy and schools of philosophical, political, scientific and educational thought," I pointed out."We definitely should revive ethical utilitarianism," Pamela slapped a fist into her palm. "Oh, and the guillotine. Work houses for orphans and grist mills for the disabled, and A Modest Proposal for those chronically unemployed and terminally homeless, yes, and,""Pamela, what is it with you today?" I snickered."It is nearly sunset,""Ah, and you haven't killed anyone yet.""You know how cranky I get when I don't get my daily dose of homicide.""Are you two done?" Anais frowned. She did that a lot around me."And you don't hand out Mini-Uzi's to your preschoolers," Pamela glowered. "What is wrong with you people?"Pause, waiting for that punch line that was never coming. See, it was more difficult to sense Pamela was an immediate threat to your health if you thought she was completely off her rocker."Hmm, well, on that note, ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have a deal. Chris and Justin, I will leave you with my loyal Iskender to work out the gory details. Who wants to grab dinner?" I inquired."Are you serious?" Nashi gasped."Oh yeah. I had the Russian invasion of Manchuria figured out in this amount of time and Manchuria is way bigger than Thailand." Was it? I didn't know. Geography was not one of those subjects which gets you laid."What do you have in mind?" Zelda inquired."Whatever you want."{1 am, Sunday, August 31st ~ 8 Days to go}"How did I end up in bed with you?" Zelda sighed happily, her body splayed halfway over mine and her head resting on my chest, listening to my heartbeat."You aren't the first girl to ask me that question."On the other side, Anais moaned in her sleep. Yeah, she was over me. Abso-fucking-lutely. If you recall, she'd try anything once. I convinced her the military babes were totally different than that Goth chick we'd blown the mind of back in Montreal.Zelda was with me because I had caught her in a lie. She claimed to be a lesbian when I first hit on her. She was adamant. I destroyed her with incontrovertible evidence.A) She hadn't scoped out Anais when she came in. A glance didn't count and Anais oozed sexy when she was angry, which was most of the time.B) She hadn't scoped out Juanita's figure when said worthy went to the kitchenette. I look for such things and Juanita has thighs to die for.C) When I told her she had a wicked sense of humor, she blushed. Honestly, lesbians rarely care about strange men complimenting their personalities.D) Then I double-downed by asking her if she preferred a shower, or bath. She said shower (because that's the butch thing to say). When I asked her 'when was the last time she'd had a bubble bath', she blushed again. Lesbians don't like it when a man imagines them naked. Straight chicks, unless you are a creepy, stalker guy, like it when men fantasize about them swathed in bubbles, thus semi-clothed, thus not creepy.E) In a final and fatal act of evasion, she asked a grumpy Anais what she liked about me. Anais was blunt."He can fucking hammer you all night, sneak in a romantic quickie in the shower, cook you a delicious breakfast then give you another round of mind-numbing intercourse up against the wall before you have to go to work. And still find the time and energy to fuck your neighbor."Woot!"So, this happens to you often?" she mused, it was a trap. She really wanted to know if I was an egotistical scumbag who took advantage of every woman I came across. At the same time, she wanted to know if I considered her a 'whoe' ~ a woman who gives up the goodies for free."Do you mean 'am I taking advantage of you'?" I replied."That is not what I asked," she persisted. That meant 'yes'."Let me see," I laid back and looked up at the ceiling. "I have a fiancée, six women I am close enough to to spend quality time with, a fuck-buddy who is a sweet girl and trusts me too much and a passel of ex-girlfriends who have found my infidelity to be reprehensible.""Six women?" she frowned."Four co-workers (Rhada, Oneida, Yasmin and Buffy), the girlfriend of a co-worker who dumped her in a very public fashion (Brooke) and that woman's friend (Libra). She was the wing-chick who was stuck with me on a quadruple-date and was underwhelmed with me when we first met."I didn't count my 'hook-ups' and I wasn't sure how to qualify Nicole."Ex's?""'No' is not a word in common usage in my vocabulary. I've dated a best friend's girl, a mother, sister and aunt of the same girlfriend, basically, I'm either highly immoral, incredibly loose, or a letch.""Don't you take responsibility for any of those, relationships?""Hell yeah," I tilted her chin up so that we could make eye-contact. "I've never blamed a woman for taking out her frustrations on my flesh, ran away from a screaming fit (Big Lie!), or blamed them for any failing in our relationship. It is always my fault because I can't stay loyal.""That's depressing," Zelda moped."Don't get me wrong. I don't find fault in any of the women I have spent time with. That is my problem, I find women fascinating; never boring, or bland. Quite frankly, it is a gift that I don't regret having. I may be a fuck-up, but I'm a fuck-up who will give you the very best attention.""Full of yourself, much?" her attitude shifted. I had short-circuited her fears; I was a cheater, I confessed to it without shame because I was inexorably drawn to her beauty, personality and charm. With Anais around, I couldn't claim to be solely enchanted with Zelda, so I had to think quickly on my feet. After all, Zelda was energetic and had great stamina."I promised you pleasure," I countered. "Did I deliver?""Yes, you are full of yourself," she slapped my stomach. I wasn't full of myself. I was a confident sex machine."Thank you.""Huh?""Wonderful sex, taking a chance with me, agreeing to a three-way, being awake after," I looked at the bed-table clock, "six hours.""I run five miles a day," she bragged."I try to have ten hours of sex a day," I teased. Zelda slapped my stomach again. Anais stirred."Do any women like you, for any reason beyond your cock?""I'm considered loyal where sex is not concerned, reliable and brave," I offered."What happened in Romania?""Have you ever been in combat?""I've been in violent confrontations, but not a true firefight," she admitted."Hmm,""Is it something that you can't relate?" she asked."No. You are a soldier so you probably know more about combat than I do. It was, not chaotic at all. I never lost perspective of what was going on despite the bullets flying around. The Romanian Captain in charge knew his stuff, directed his company well and all I had to do was figure out where the terrorist leader was.""What happened?" she perked up."I am here talking with you and he's in a morgue in Bucharest.""Oh," She wanted more."I have to live with the knowledge that I set all of that in motion, Zelda. I convinced the Romanians that they had to confront that terror group before they moved on to their next target, me.""I knew they would come after me and my friends, no matter where we were. Which would have ended up as a blood bath in some urban center. So I felt compelled to strike first. Based on information I provided, the Romanian Army sent two battalions, the 22nd and 24th, of the 6th Mountain Troops Brigade into battle.""It was a massacre," I remembered sadly."But you won," she tried to comfort me."Of the four companies involved in the battle, the Romanians suffered nearly two hundred dead and wounded. I hardly consider it anything other than a massacre. Yes, we won. Only three of the terrorists escaped. Their leader died. I don't think I've ever felt so hollow in my life," I finished."Forty percent losses, that is horrific," she crawled on top of me."The kicker is the Romanians sent some men of the 24th to hunt me down when I was kidnapped. A squad was in the group that rescued me and my companion from Johnston Island. I thought they would never want to deal with me ever again.""Don't be so hard on yourself. If they thought well enough of you to send their men out to rescue you, then you must have done right by them.""Chaz said something like that too," I felt sheepish and sleepy."Chaz? Who is she?"Honest to God, one day I want to find a girl who thinks I'm talking about another girl and asks if we can have a three-way, instead of trying to compare herself to this unknown person. Wait... I already had someone like that. Her name was Odette."Chaz is Color Sergeant Charles 'Chaz' Tomorrow of Her Majesty's SSR," I corrected her assumption."SSR? Those are some tough people. How do you know him?""Black Bag directives from the National Security Council, sworn to secrecy upon penalty of death, pinky-promise kind of stuff," I grinned. Maybe I wasn't all that sleepy after all."You really are a Man of Mystery," Zelda purred. She had truly exceptional stamina. "Maybe I can convince you to talk.""Maybe I can find another use for my tongue," I countered and off we went. Somewhere along the process, Anais woke up and joined in.It wasn't all fun and games. Anais' parting words were "You are a pig," then she sauntered out of my room and out of my life. Had she remembered to take her Serge with her, I would have bought the act. As it was,"Is she always so volatile?" Zelda remarked."Volatile? That's not her being volatile. That's Anais being affectionate. Volatile usually is accompanied by thrown objects and bodily harm," I sighed happily. Meeting her one more time couldn't be all that bad, could it? Zelda looked hungry so I shoved that thought to the back of my mind and got to work.That was the highlight of my Sunday. Zelda had to fly back to Washington D.C. and I had to go to work with JIKIT. It seemed that the Khanate and the US military were heading for a showdown. I unloaded all my Saturday's activities to the team and we got to work, no recriminations. I was the Khan's spiritual brother and sometimes that meant I had to do him favors.I asked Addison when she thought he would return the favor. She laughed, then smiled and told me that wasn't how it worked. He was a world leader now and I was merely his kooky kinsman that he would keep throwing problems at until one day I broke. Then it would be some other poor saps turn.Then she told me she was kidding and clearly the Great Khan thought the world of me. I chose to believe the second lie because it made me feel better, and it was promising to be a long weekend/start of the week.Note: Geopolitical DevelopmentsWhat follows are snippets of the Battle for Thailand that takes place late in the night of September 1stand continued into the early morning of September 3rd. If this does not interest you, you can rejoin Cáel's exploits in four pages)On the eve of battle, the Royal Thai High Command had decided to strip all but one armored unit from the 2nd Army in order to give the First Army's offensive against the rebels more of a punch. It's decision to strip the tank battalions from both their infantry divisions as well as the armored and one of the two mechanized regiments would prove to be disastrous. It was as if the leadership of the Royal Thai military were idiots.The least economically valuable part of the country was the northeast which the 2nd Army warded. They had severely underestimated the airlift capacity of the Khanate as well as the willingness of Laos and Cambodia to both use their armed forces in an invasion as well as their willingness to let Vietnamese troops cross their countries.That thinking had led the Thai military to adopt a 'forward defense' strategy, the desire to fight the enemy at the borders, as opposed to having stronger formations deeper within the country. Considering the relative weakness of the Cambodian and Laotian militaries, that policy had made sense:- The baseline Laotian and Cambodian tank was the T-54/55, a 1950's Soviet relic. The normal anti-tank capabilities in all Thai infantry formations was more than equal to such a threat.-Neither country had an air force worth worrying about.In contrast, the Khanate's primary tanks, the T-90SM and T-95 were resistant to most of what the Thai Army could throw at them, at least from the front. The seven hundred combat aircraft the Khanate and the Vietnamese were able to field was an equal catastrophe for the Thais. It greatly compensated for the relative small numbers of invaders.Finally, there was a fundamental misunderstanding of what the Alliance's goals were. Military logic dictated the destruction of Thailand's mobile force followed by the capture of Bangkok. As long as the Thai regime held the capital, it would remain the legitimate power in the country.Due to the altering political landscape, the Alliance's only option was to make the government 'look bad'. The loss of peripheral provinces, while of negligible immediate strategic value, looked great on the maps the world-wide media would be showing to their audiences. It would appear that the Thai army had failed to defend their country. That would (hopefully) make the Thai Third Army look like the legitimate authority in Thailand.That was the plan anyway, and you know what they say about battle plans and the enemy, right? H-hour was 4 am, September 1st.The commander of the Zuun stood up and waited to be recognized. The staff officer from the Yunnan Command pointed at him."Sir, why are we doing this? I am not afraid to fight for the Great Khan, but this action seems to be suicidal. We will be far behind enemy's lines while our offensive force will be grossly under-equipped.""You will have to rely on our ability to supply you by air.""We only have supplies for two days of operations. What happens then?""We rely on the Americans to come and save us," the senior officer responded bitterly."Allah save us from allies," the young commander muttered. What else could he do?He was part of the 2nd Mountain Sultan Mehmet Tumen which had just arrived in Yunnan to replace the exhausted 1st Mountain Abu al-Ghazi Bahadur Tumen. His men were from Turkey, inexperienced in combat and using new equipment they were not familiar with. They would be working with a unit he had never worked with before, the 1st Airmobile Tauekel Khan Tumen, Kazaks, who would be seizing the small airport his men needed to land in.From there, they were to 'run amok'. That was the technical term for racing south down a highway in Central Thailand, attacking the headquarters of the 3rd Cavalry Division, an armored unit. Once that was accomplished, they were to attack the local police precinct. Provided they were still alive after that, they were to return to the air strip to resupply then they were to 'spread chaos' until they were finally hunted down by the vastly larger Thai division his 100 men would be fighting.Of course, there was the plan for the rebel Royal Thai Third Army to force their way through the larger frontline forces of the loyalist Royal Thai First Army and come to his rescue. How would the Thai troops respond when ordered to fight their fellow Thais? No one was sure. If there was any hope in this mission, it was the knowledge that several other Zuuns had the exact same mission in other areas of Thailand.  It was H-hour minus twenty-two.It was 11 o'clock in the evening when the general in charge of the Royal Thai 9th Infantry Division was woken up. The Marines were leaving. That was correct; the three Royal Thai regiments were heading west to Sattahip Naval Base, because they had been ordered to by the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize why this was going on.Seven hours earlier, the Royal Thai Army had seized all the Air Force bases in the 1st and 2nd Army districts as well as ordering the 4th Army to do the same thing (The Royal Thai Air Force had been trying to remain neutral in the upcoming civil war).Undoubtedly the navy had decided to make their assets less 'hijack-able'. A few phone calls later confirmed that most of the Navy had set sail for parts unknown and the naval air units at Ban Sattahip Air Base (U-Tapao International Airport) had also departed either out to sea, or to ports and bases in the South.He made a personal appeal to the commander of Marine Forces to no avail. They wanted no part of the upcoming struggle and advised the general to do the same. The general had other problems. The Royal Thai Marines were the frontline forces facing the southern border with Cambodia. He quickly reorganized his regiments, sending them to take the old Marine strongpoints to await further orders. Stopping the Marines never entered his mind.That was a bloodletting he wanted no part of. The last thing he did was inform his superiors, thus avoiding any stupid orders to the contrary. Suddenly the nebulous movements along the Cambodian border developed a haunting significance. He wondered how much longer he had before something happened.  It was H-hour minus five.At midnight a loyalist commander of a company of mechanized infantry in the 2nd Cavalry's 11th Battle Group (named after their axis of advance, Highway 11) decided to send a motorized section of his command forward to the advance position his battalion was to occupy come sunrise. Either later in the day, or tomorrow morning, the forces loyal to the regime would launch a coordinated assault against the rebels main supply center at Phitsanulok.He had a cot set up in his communications hut and had just nodded off when the radio squawked to life. His lieutenant in charge of the advance made a hurried report. They had encountered serious opposition in a confusing night action, then he went silent. The captain immediately swung into action. He put the rest of his men on alert, then contacted the neighboring Tank Battalion. He needed some armored support. He made a similar call to the attached artillery component.The Tank Battalions night officer quickly put a platoon of light tanks at his disposal. The artillery were ready for any fire mission he sent their way. Before the armor could arrive, the company commander found himself being called to the carpet by the Duty Officer at the 3rd Cavalry (two regiments of the 2nd Cav. had been attached to the 3rd's command) over his 'offensive' action and the relief mission was called off. What had happened to the patrol of 20 Royal Thai soldiers? He was ordered to wait until sunrise to find out.Little did anyone know, these were the first combat casualties of the upcoming rebel offensive. His patrol had stumbled across a battalion of mechanized troops arriving at their jump off point for the attack that was less than six hours from beginning. Neither the commander of the 11th Battle Group, the 3rd Cavalry Division, or First Army was informed that the enemy had already advanced twenty kilometers south of where they were supposed to be.  

Send us a textThe Boys dine on Ponzu Braised Short Ribs over Sticky Rice with Roasted Garlic Chili Broccolini and recap their recent vacations.Jimmy makes his seed get a job to pay for a BIG purchase, Johnny updates us on “Flag Neighbor” and informs us that his Pop's speaks fluent Laotian, and RJ tries too hard to get his dollar back.Support the showhttps://2charactersandaclown.comhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/2CandaC

In this Urban Valor episode, we sit down with Kristine Phanthavilay, a former U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant (E6) and Motor Transport Mechanic (2006-2010). Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Kristine joined the Marine Corps after struggling in college, looking for something more. She shares what it was like growing up as a first-generation American from Laotian refugee parents, knowing little about the military until 9/11 changed everything.Kristine opens up about the mental and physical challenges of boot camp, the pressure of being a female Marine, and the difficult leadership she faced during her service. She also speaks candidly about the emotional toll of military life, including the loss of fellow service members and the struggles veterans face transitioning back to civilian life. After leaving active duty to raise her child, she realized how much she missed the Marines and returned to the Reserves, balancing military life with single motherhood.This conversation sheds light on the real mental health challenges that veterans face, the gaps in military support, and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward. Kristine's story is one of strength, heartbreak, and finding purpose despite the struggles. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health challenges, reach out—support is available.

The father of a Melbourne teenager who died in Laos due to suspected methanol poisoning is calling for a broader investigation into the incident. Another Australian was among six tourists who died after drinking tainted alcohol. After days of silence, Laotian officials have promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. - ラオスを旅行中にメタノール中毒で亡くなった豪州人女性の遺族が更なる調査を求めるなか、ラオス政府が加害者への公正な処罰を約束しました。東南アジアでは、メタノール中毒による旅行客の死亡が相次いでいます。

The father of a Melbourne teenager who died in Laos due to suspected methanol poisoning is calling for a broader investigation into the incident. Another Australian was among six tourists who died after drinking tainted alcohol. After days of silence, Laotian officials have promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. - Отец девушки из Мельбурна, которая скончалась в Лаосе из-за предполагаемого отравления метанолом, призывает к более серьезному расследованию инцидента. Еще одна австралийка была среди шести туристов, умерших после употребления отравленного алкоголя. После нескольких дней молчания лаосские чиновники обещали привлечь виновников к справедливости. Внимание: этот сюжет может вызвать у вас сильные эмоции.

The father of a Melbourne teenager who died in Laos due to suspected methanol poisoning is calling for a broader investigation into the incident. Another Australian was among six tourists who died after drinking tainted alcohol. After days of silence, Laotian officials have promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. - พ่อของวัยรุ่นชาวเมลเบิร์นที่เสียชีวิตในลาวเรียกร้องให้มีการสอบสวนเหตุการณ์นี้ หลังเสียชีวิตจากเครื่องดื่มมีพิษเมทานอล ล่าสุดจำนวนนักท่องเที่ยวเสียชีวิตจากเหตุการณ์นี้ทั้งหมด 6 ราย ด้านเจ้าหน้าที่ทางการลาวออกมาให้คำสัญญาว่าจะนำผู้กระทำผิดมาลงโทษ

The Laotian government has promised to bring perpetrators to justice after a mass poisoning that has killed six tourists including two Australians.  Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, died in Thai hospitals this week after falling ill with suspected methanol poisoning.  The pair, who were on a “trip of a lifetime” travelling across South-East Asia, are believed to have consumed tainted alcohol while staying in popular tourist hotspot Vang Vieng in Laos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The father of a Melbourne teenager who died in Laos due to suspected methanol poisoning is calling for a broader investigation into the incident. Another Australian was among six tourists who died after drinking tainted alcohol. After days of silence, Laotian officials have promised to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Steven Matly using NotebookLMThis podcast episode features Steven Matly, also known as Mouhammat Matly, a diversity and inclusion advocate and the CEO and founder of SM Diversity. Matly shares his personal story, starting with his challenging childhood in Seattle's south side housing projects, and how he overcame adversity to become a successful business leader. Here are some of the key topics covered in the episode:* **Matly's Background**: The episode covers Matly's upbringing with a diverse cultural background, including Laotian, Malaysian, and Cambodian influences, and how his parents' divorce shaped his early life.* **The Importance of Community**: Matly discusses the impact of finding community and shared values through breakdancing and hip-hop culture during his adolescence.* **From Dropout to Entrepreneur**: The episode details Matly's journey from dropping out of high school at 17 to returning to earn his diploma and co-founding a mortgage refinance company.* **Transition into Tech and Diversity Advocacy**: Matly talks about how his experience in the mortgage industry led him to a career in technology and his passion for advocating for greater diversity in the tech sector.* **Founding SM Diversity**: The episode highlights the establishment of SM Diversity, Matly's staffing and recruiting agency that focuses on connecting businesses with diverse talent.* **Overcoming Challenges**: Matly opens up about the challenges he has faced, including being scammed in a business deal and coping with the loss of a close friend.* **Continuing Advocacy**: The episode emphasizes Matly's work in online communities to promote diversity and inclusion through various platforms.Matly encourages listeners to step outside of their comfort zones, embrace shared values, and celebrate collective successes. The episode offers an inspiring look at Matly's journey and his dedication to creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for October 30th Publish Date:  October 30th   From the Bg AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Wednesday, October 30th and Happy 79th Birthday to Henry Winkler ***10.30.24 - BIRTHDAY – HENRY WINKLER*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. 1.      Gwinnett School Bus Driver Fired For Allegedly Punching Student. What We Know 2.      America Recycles Day Returns to Gwinnett County Fairgrounds 3.      Gwinnett Shows 41% Have Voted Early. Have You? Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers. All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG   STORY 1:  Gwinnett School Bus Driver Fired For Allegedly Punching Student. What We Know A Gwinnett County Public Schools bus driver, Rhodesia Ealey, was terminated and charged with simple battery after allegedly assaulting a 12-year-old student from J.P. McConnell Middle School on September 30. The charges, filed on October 17, claim Ealey slapped, punched, and choked the student. Despite the charges, jail records do not show Ealey as being arrested. McConnell Middle School's principal, Derico White, informed parents of the incident, stating that the school immediately involved their School Resource Officer and the district's Human Resources Division, leading to Ealey's administrative leave and subsequent termination.   STORY 2:  America Recycles Day Returns to Gwinnett County Fairgrounds Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management are hosting a final combined event for 2024, allowing residents to recycle items not accepted curbside, such as paint, electronics, and tires. Scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, America Recycles Day aligns with the Keep America Beautiful initiative. The event aims to educate the community on recycling practices and encourage increased recycling. In 2023, over 16.5 million pounds of materials were recycled. Items accepted include electronics (with fees for TVs and monitors), paint, tires, paper for shredding, and textiles. For more details and volunteering, visit www.GwinnettCB.org.   STORY 3: Gwinnett Shows 41% Have Voted Early. Have You? With Election Day approaching, 41.2% of Gwinnett County's voters have already cast their ballots through early and absentee voting. As of Tuesday, 240,180 voters participated, with 224,912 voting early and 15,277 via absentee ballots. Gwinnett has 582,887 active voters, contributing to Georgia's record-breaking early voting turnout of 42.3%. The presidential race, featuring Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Chase Oliver, is a major draw, alongside local races and a transit tax referendum. Gwinnett's early voting sites are open daily, with absentee drop boxes available at select locations.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We'll be right back Break 2: 08.05.24 OBITS_FINAL   STORY 4:   Two Asian restaurants in Duluth are getting props from Michelin The 2024 Michelin Guide for Atlanta highlights two Duluth restaurants: Masterpiece and Snackboxe Bistro. Masterpiece, known for its Sichuan cuisine, received a Bib Gourmand, indicating good food at moderate prices. It's praised for dishes like dong po pork and fried eggplant. Snackboxe Bistro, serving Laotian street food, is recommended for the second year, now featuring its Duluth location after the Doraville spot closed. Michelin inspectors commend its broad menu, including wings with jeow bong sauce and crispy rice salad. Masterpiece is located on Buford Highway, and Snackboxe Bistro is near Gwinnett Place Mall. STORY 5:   Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett To Launch Access Academy  Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett has launched Access Academy, a low-cost, certificate-granting program for students from low-income or minority backgrounds aspiring to healthcare careers. Authorized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, the academy offers affordable healthcare training, starting with a five-month medical assistant certification. This initiative aims to help students enter the workforce without student debt, supported by donations and volunteer faculty. Founded in 2025, Good Samaritan Gwinnett has a history of mentoring healthcare students and providing patient care. Access Academy expands their mission to make healthcare more accessible and support underserved communities. Break 3:    STORY 6: LEAH MCGRATH And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers   ***LEAH MCGRATH INERVIEW*** INGLES 1 (PICKY TODDLER)***   We'll have final thoughts after this.   Break 4: Ingles Markets (Laura Lynn Products) 3 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com/ Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ·         www.ingles-markets.com  ·         www.wagesfuneralhome.com ·         www.kiamallofga.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lieutenant Taerance Oh has served with the San Diego Police Department for over 21 years. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, he immigrated to the U.S. at age three and grew up in Los Angeles. A former United States Marine, Taerance is a 3rd-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and enjoys coaching martial arts. He has held various roles within the department, including Patrol Officer and SWAT Operator, and currently works in the Leadership Development Unit. Taerance is actively involved in community service and has held leadership positions in several organizations, including the National Asian Peace Officers' Association. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and playing golf. Sergeant Lem Sainsanoy is a dedicated officer with the San Diego Police Department, serving for 25 years. A Cambodian refugee who settled in San Diego in 1980, he graduated from Miramar College and the San Diego Regional Police Academy. Currently, he works in the Multi-Cultural Community Relations Office, assisting Asian and Pacific Islander communities with criminal investigations, translations, and crime prevention. Fluent in Cambodian, Laotian, and Thai, Sgt. Sainsanoy also serves as the Historian for the Pan-Pacific Law Enforcement Association and mentors teens through the San Diego Asian Youth Organization. He is the first Cambodian officer to achieve the rank of Sergeant in the department. In this episode of Asian Pacific Voices Radio, host Joanne Whitlock engages with Sergeant Lem Sansonoy and Lieutenant Terrence Oh from the San Diego Police Department. They share their personal journeys into law enforcement, highlighting the importance of community outreach and building trust within diverse communities. The conversation explores the challengIes and successes of their roles, the impact of their backgrounds on their work, and the significance of mentorship and education in policing. They discuss various outreach programs and the evolving role of community relations in law enforcement, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and connection with the community.

Wayne Bridegroom grew up on a farm milking cows in Central California and ended up as a Baptist pastor in Modesto where he experienced working with Laotian, Hmong, Cambodian, and Hispanic, peoples starting and pastoring churches in each of these nationalities as well as working with the African American churches -- all in the humble town of Modesto. In 2014, Wayne was awarded the Martin Luther King Legacy Award for his contribution to the African American community in Modesto — the first time the award was given to a white person.

Ep 89 – George Floyd's Murder Was A Hit I realized that the facts did not add up, especially when I learned that the two men knew each other and had worked together at the same nightclub. Listed below are my notes for the podcast. Please do your homework and see if you come to the same conclusion.   SUMMARY 1. George Floyd, a black man whose death Monday sparked ongoing protests, and Derek Chauvin, identified by local media as the officer who was videotaped kneeling on Floyd's neck for minutes shortly before his death, worked at the same nightclub  Maya Santamaria owned El Nuevo Rodeo Club in Minneapolis' south side until selling it just months ago, and confirmed to local media outlets that both Floyd and Chauvin worked security at the establishment. Chauvin worked outside the club while security guards, like Floyd, worked inside. They had overlapping shifts. They had to have known each other. El Nuevo Rodeo Club, where Chauvin and Floyd both worked, is just down the street from Minneapolis' Third Precinct.   2. Chauvin married a Hmong woman, and two other arresting officers are of Hmong descent.   3. Hmong Gangs are very active in the Northeast, including the gang Menace of Destruction (MOD). MOD is known for prostitution, drugs, and counterfeiting.   4. Despite having Chauvin as off-duty security outside the club, the police could never solve the crimes or connect the suspects to El Nuevo Rodeo Club activity.   5. In 2012, the FBI busted a drug ring that involved the Mexican gang La Familia (also known for drugs and counterfeiting) and the Hmong gang Menace of Destruction. The ring involved the selling of methamphetamine, a “Club Drug” being pushed by Mexican cartels.     EL NUEVO RODEO CLUB – MAY HAVE BEEN GROUND ZERO FOR COUNTERFEITING. Owned by Maya Santamaria, a singer, waitress, and music promoter with a degree in anthropology. The city is pushing to shut down the Rodeo. The nightclub's future lies in the hands of a judge who is deciding whether to recommend that the City Council yank its liquor license. In 2006, the club got slapped with fines for violating city code: It had hosted more people than the fire code allowed, had advertised as a nightclub when it was licensed as a restaurant/nightclub, and was Questioned about selling more alcohol than food (the liquor license requires that 60 percent of sales be food).   That December, city officials convened to determine whether El Nuevo Rodeo's liquor license should be renewed. Santamaria agreed to submit her food and alcohol receipts for the next year.   In April 2008, three people were shot outside of Denny's, right across the street from the nightclub. A story in the Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger connected the shooting to nightclub patrons, though police were never able to prove it.   On November 14, 2008 there were multiple police calls associated with the nightclub.  Incidents ranged from shots fired (almost an officer-involved shooting), to several felony assaults (on patrons and staff), to numerous misdemeanors (obstructing, disorderly conduct, assault, theft   The city compiled its case against the nightclub: a stack of 28 police call reports from 2008 and six from 2009. The city attorney on the case described the business as having "an inordinately high number of incidents of criminal behavior."   DEREK CHAUVIN – MAY HAVE BEEN IN HMONG GANG Records show that the 44-year-old Chauvin initially studied cooking before taking courses in law enforcement and doing two stints in the Army as a military police officer in the late 1990s, serving at Fort Benning, Georgia, and in Germany.   Chauvin became a Minneapolis police officer in 2001. He had 17 complaints against him, including one for pulling a woman out of her car during a speeding stop.   He won two medals of valor, one in 2006 for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect who pointed a shotgun at them and another in 2008 for a domestic violence incident in which Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot a suspect in the stomach.   Married to Kellie Chauvin, a Laotian immigrant who became the first Hmong winner of the Mrs. Minnesota pageant.   In 2009, he single-handedly apprehended a group of gang members while working as an off-duty security guard at the El Nuevo Rodeo, a Minneapolis nightclub. (Chauvin shoots most suspects but apprehends an entire gang BY HIMSELF. This does not add up).   HMONG GANGS IN MINNEAPOLIS - MENACE OF DESTRUCTION" (MOD), FORMERLY KNOWN AS "MASTERS OF DESTRUCTION – LINKED TO “CLUB DRUGS” AND COUNTERFEITING is a Hmong street gang created in 1988. Today, it is active in every state, with a large Hmong community in California, the Midwestern United States, known for prostitution, money laundering, the distribution of narcotics, and counterfeiting.   A national drug ring based in Twin Cities was busted after months of surveillance and wiretaps in March 2012. The cartel La Familia smuggled millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine from Mexico to Minnesota. The drugs then went through a local member of the cartel and the Menace of Destruction gang.   La Familia is also known for counterfeiting. Eleven-year veteran and native Hmong speaker Tou Thao began as a community service officer and was the subject of six complaints.   No longer chiefly made by "cooks" in makeshift labs in the U.S., methamphetamine is now the domain of Mexican drug cartels that are mass-producing high-quality quantities of the drug and pushing it into markets where it was previously unknown.   While methamphetamine remains a street drug in many parts of the country, it functions as a “club drug” in the Northeast United States. While diffused to the Northeast, certain elements of the drug economy and networks of use have allowed it to retain its status as a club drug. Methamphetamine use has been found in a range of club subcultures, including electronic dance music clubs, raves, and circuit parties (Mansergh et al., 2001; McCaughan, Carlson, Falck, & Siegal, 2005; Yacoubian et al., 2004).    THE ARREST – LOOKED LIKE AN EXECUTION 46-year-old George Floyd was arrested on suspicion of forgery on May 25. Cellphone video of Floyd's May 25 arrest showed Chauvin placing his left knee on Floyd's neck with Lane holding Floyd's legs and Kueng holding his back while Thao stood between the officers and onlookers, according to charging documents.Join The Community Follow us on:Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/quantumAIradioTwitter (X) at @EventHo14339589Instagram at @EventHorizonEmail at mpeter1896@gmail.com   Subscribe To My Other Podcasts:Movie Reviews from the Edge - https://www.spreaker.com/show/movie-reviews-from-the-edgeThe Mark Peterson Show - https://www.spreaker.com/show/the_mark_peterson_show     Support the Show Did you know you can support the podcast by joining the Spreaker Supporter Club? For as little as $2.00 per month, you can help me grow the show and produce more episodes.  Go to the show page on Spreaker and click on the Supporter Club!     Buy My New Book I have a new book!  It is called Career Coaching Xs and Os: How To Master the Game of Career Development.  Transform your career trajectory with insider knowledge and actionable advice, all packed into one game-changing guide.     Get your copy on Amazon at https://a.co/d/f7irTMLSources:https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlieporterfield/2020/05/29/george-floyd-and-derek-chauvin-worked-at-the-same-nightclub-but-may-not-have-known-each-other-owner-says/#4b6839a874d8   http://www.citypages.com/news/el-nuevo-rodeo-facing-possible-last-hurrah-on-lake-street-6724277   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menace_of_Destruction   https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiPhZfDwOzpAhVE2qwKHREYCrIQFjAAegQIBBAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolvy.com%2Ffolder%2FAsian-American-gangs%2F390125&usg=AOvVaw3q4YSFhiCr7vDesPuYQh4l   https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=762861   https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/10/25/656192849/methamphetamine-roils-rural-towns-again-across-the-u-s https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4065782/   Recommended Reading Killing Uncle Sam: The Demise of the United States of America -https://www.amazon.com/dp/1645720047/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_hm62EbY0Y7FA9Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/event-horizon--2860481/support.

Christopher Luxon is launching into his Laotian sprint, about to rattle through meetings with roll call of world leaders on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit. In the next hour, he's due to sit down with his Australian and Canadian counterparts but the main attraction - a sitdown with India's Narendra Modi - comes overnight, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch is in Vientiane.

Have you ever wondered what happened to Rick Munro from Degrassi Junior High? Craig Driscoll, now a successful tattoo artist in California, stopped by Degrassi: School's In to chat with Eevee about the tenth episode of Degrassi Junior High, "Smokescreen", his experiences being on Degrassi for two seasons, and his life since! A brief episode synopsis of Smokescreen: Rick joins the environmental action committee to impress Caitlin. Meanwhile, Yick would rather make up a family history for a project than tell the class he is a Laotian immigrant. Eevee and Craig get to the bottom of important questions and topics such as: - How did Craig feel about the content of "Smokescreen" at the time of filming? - What does he remember about working with late director and Degrassi co-creator Kit Hood? - Would he ever attend a Degrassi convention or event? - Did he ever visit the set of Degrassi High after leaving the cast of Junior High? (spoiler: yes, and there's a great story!) - Would he eat a hamster? (spoiler: also yes, and...uhh... an interesting follow-up question)

Mollii Khangsengsing is a lifelong athlete who knows firsthand how physical activity can transform lives. After migrating to the U.S. as a child, she quickly adapted to a new culture and language through her passion for sports and fitness. With 18 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training, Mollii made history as the first Laotian female ... Mollii Khangsengsing – Tuff Love Fitness – Ep186

Nara Pech, a Canadian-born man of Southeast Asian descent, embarked on a backpacking trip with friends in 2015 to reconnect with his cultural roots. After experiencing increasing paranoia during their journey, Nara was found dead in a Laos airport, with the government claiming he died by suicide after a psychotic break. His family, however, disputes this, citing evidence of defensive wounds and suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Despite years of investigation, the Laotian government has refused to release crucial CCTV footage, leaving Nara's family without answers. Huge thanks to our Sponsors: June's Journey: Download June's Journey on Apple iOS or Android today. Shopify: Go to shopify.com/crimehub to take your retail business to the next level today. * * * DISCLAIMER: This episode contains explicit content. Parental guidance is advised for children under the age of 18. Listen at your own discretion. #crimehub #truecrime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In April 2023, the Boten-Vientiane line in Laos welcomed its first passengers. This high-speed train, a symbol of Beijing's New Silk Road initiative, connects the Laotian capital Vientiane to southern China in just a few hours. A vital commercial artery, it has opened up Laos, the region's only landlocked country. But the $6 billion project has come at a cost for Vientiane, which borrowed the money from China. More Chinese-funded infrastructure projects are now underway in places like Boten, a border town in Laos and the terminus of the high-speed rail link – a Chinese enclave in Laotian territory. Our regional correspondents report.

In this bonus episode of CFO Thought Leader, host Jack Sweeney shares insightful stories from three finance leaders, focusing on their early beginnings and how those experiences shaped their careers. Scott Healy reflects on the influence of his father, an Air Force colonel, and his deaf brother, both of whom instilled a strong work ethic and a spirit of perseverance. Tracy Curley discusses her non-traditional path, balancing business experience with academic pursuits while navigating the challenges of being a military spouse. Lastly, Svai Sanford recounts his journey from being a Laotian refugee with a third-grade education to becoming a CFO, thanks to the support of his foster family. Each story highlights the significance of resilience, family influence, and the transformative power of education and opportunity.

For episode 66 I travel to Schuylerville, NY to visit Bound by Fate brewing and hang out with co-founders Pam and Brett. Set up in the tap room we chat about how the idea for the brewery came to be, how Covid caused them to accelerate their plans, introducing people to Laotian food, and of course some of the beers. Enjoy!

Can the first Asian Bachelorette find love among this season's eclectic mix of contestants? Welcome to the Batch Report, where we're bursting with excitement for Jen's groundbreaking season. Jen, a 26-year-old physician's assistant student with Laotian heritage, is setting records and hearts aflutter. We'll introduce you to some standout contenders like Marcus, the Army Ranger veteran with a colorful past, Marvin, the charming French-speaking luxury event planner, and Sam, the self-proclaimed "love virgin" entrepreneur. Get ready for a season jam-packed with surprises and potential sparks!Our journey continues as we dive into the unforgettable first night of introductions. Ever seen a contestant show up on a stretcher or eat a hot pepper as a bold entrance move? We discuss the memorable first impressions made by Sam M., whose tale of a cheating ex-fiancée left us skeptical, and Brendan's risky hot pepper stunt. From Thomas's creative Taylor Swift-inspired bracelet to Aaron's dramatic motorbike entrance, the suitors are pulling out all the stops to catch Jen's eye. We break down who shone brightest and who left us questioning their next moves.As we reminisce about the intense group dates and personal moments from the second episode , expect a rollercoaster of emotions and drama. We recount key moments like the wild group date at Queen Victoria Market and Marcus's polarizing one-on-one date. Highlighting contestants such as Brett, Devon, Hakeem, and Spencer, we analyze their antics and speculate on their chances of making it to the hometown dates. Don't miss our predictions and insights on who could be Jen's final pick in this thrilling new season of the Bachelorette!

It's Tuesday, July 30th, A.D. 2024. This is The World View in 5 Minutes written by Kevin Swanson and  heard at www.TheWorldView.com.  Filling in for Adam McManus I'm Ean Leppin. Increased Violence Towards Pro-Lifers Certain people who advocate the killing of children in their mother's wombs are acting more violent towards people who oppose killing babies. Police have arrested a man who attacked two elderly men outside an abortion clinic in Baltimore Maryland last year. Both 80 year old Mark Crosby and 73 year old Dick Schaeffer were injured. . . Crosby's “plate bone in his upper right cheek is completely fractured and the bones in his right eye orbit are completely shattered and will have to be replaced with metal,” according to Baltimore County Right to Life. Also, an 83 year old woman was shot in the back while distributing pro-life literature in Lake Odessa, Michigan just prior to the 2022 election. Psalm 10 points out that “The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;   He sits in the lurking places of the villages; In the secret places he murders the innocent . . . He has said in his heart, “God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see. Arise, O Lord. O God, lift up Your hand!” Pastor in Laos Assassinated Another pastor in Laos has been assassinated — at least the second in two years. Pastor Thongkham of Vanghay village in northwestern Laos, was being closely monitored by the authorities. . . and, He had been warned several times to stop his “Christian activities, according to Morning Star News.  Then, last week the pastor was shot to death by a masked assailant. Another  prominent Christian leader from the Baw tribe in Khammouanne Province, central Laos, recently avoided capture at the hands of government agents. According to local sources, the pastor was warned by a family friend of authorities planning to kidnap and possibly kill him. Despite the increased persecution, the Laotian church is rapidly growing every year, with hundreds of Khmu coming to the Lord.  Venezuelan Dictator Claims Victory in the Election No surprise here. Venezuelan's dictator-president, Nicholas Maduro claims a victory in the nation's election over the weekend.  The opposition led by Edmundo Gonzalez also claimed victory, based on unofficial exit polls.  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed “serious concerns that the result announced does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people.”   BLINKEN: “We've seen the announcement, just a short while ago, by the Venezuelan electoral commission.  We have serious concerns that the result announced does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people.  It's critical that every vote be counted fairly and transparently; that election officials immediately share information with the opposition and independent observers without delay, and that the electoral authorities publish the detailed tabulation of votes.  The international community is watching this very closely, and will respond accordingly.” One quarter to one third of Venezuelans are planning to leave the country (according to recent polls), if the communist dictator remains in power. Almost 8 million Venezuelans have already left, and these results could mean another 7 million to leave the communist country. . . or about 50% of the population in all - many of whom end up in the United States.  US Stock Prices Vary Wildly US stock prices are varying wildly in an extremely volatile market. . . especially the top 7 tech stocks of Tesla, Nvidia, Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple. Since June 10th, the 7 stocks gained  $1.77 trillion in valuation, and then lost it all in the last week. Incredibly, the seven stocks had gained 6.5 Trillion since January — an almost 50% increase in value in just 6 months! Tesla has lost 70% of its value in the last 15 months,  California Park Fire 6th Largest in CA History The California Park Fire burning some 80 miles north of the state capital has already consumed 368,000 acres — now slated as the 6th largest fire in California history. 9 out of 10 of California's worst fires have occurred in the last 6 years.  Oregon is experiencing its worst fire season since 2020 - -including the 288,000 acre Durkee Blaze. Keep in mind Psalm 89: “O Lord God of hosts. . . You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.” Deadpool and Wolverine Glorifies Wickedness The most popular movie release last weekend, Deadpool and Wolverine. . . supports abortion, glorifies vengeful mass killings, includes 150 profanities, and makes light of and supports every form of sexual sin — including bestiality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and worse. The mass culture-  nihilist flick produced by Disney raked in $438 million in its first weekend out, setting the record for the highest grossing opening weekend for an R-rated movie. And it remains the biggest blockbuster of the summer. Controversy Around Oklahoma State Mandate Concerning the Bible Controversy surrounds the Oklahoma state mandate that all classrooms be furnished with copies of the Bible, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and, like Louisiana, the Ten Commandments — only to reflect on the impact of the Bible on history, culture, and Western Civilization.  While some school districts are resisting the requirements, Superintendent Ryan Walters, issued a warning on X, quoted: “We will not allow rogue districts and administrators to indoctrinate hatred of America by refusing to teach foundational Oklahoma standards.” The guidelines issued by the Oklahoma Department of Education require that quote “all instruction is conducted in a neutral and objective manner. Teachers must not promote or favor any religious beliefs, focusing solely on the historical and literary aspects of the Bible.”  And, that the Bible is “not to be used for religious purposes such as preaching, proselytizing or indoctrination.” Reactions to the Olympic Opening Ceremony More reactions have come out of the Opening ceremonies for the Olympics in Paris which included a blasphemous depiction of the Last Supper, using drag queens for playing the part of Jesus's disciples. Bishop Emmanuel Gobillard, spokesperson for the Pope, commented that, “The fact that our religion should be mocked is usual and we are used to blasphemy in France, but the context isn't the same.. . . I found this staging hurtful and out of place.” First Lady, Jill Biden led the U.S. delegation to the Olympics referring to the opening ceremony “spectacular."  And, Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson called the Olympics ceremonies “shocking and insulting to Christian people,” and he went on to say that “The war on our faith and traditional values knows no bounds today.” Following the lewd, homosexuality-themed Olympic Opening Ceremony, the lights went out in Paris Saturday evening.  What officials have called a “technical anomaly” cut power, and plunged the city into darkness. And that's The World View in 5 Minutes on this Tuesday, July 30th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldView.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

The foreign ministers from China, the U.S., Japan, and Russia, among others, all passed through the Laotian capital, Vientiane, over the past several days, ostensibly for an ASEAN gathering. But the real action took place on the sidelines of the meeting, where the ministers held a series of bilaterals that revealed the hardening battle lines among the major powers. The tense discussions highlight the frontline role that Southeast Asia now plays in this burgeoning geopolitical competition that appears to be intensifying over disputes related to Taiwan, the South China Sea, and surging Chinese influence in the region. Prashanth Paramaswaran, writer and creator of the popular ASEAN Won Substack newsletter, joins Eric to discuss what happened in Vientiane and the latest on the stand-off between Beijing and Manila over territorial rights in the South China Sea. SHOW NOTES: ASEAN Wonk: Why New Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement Matters ASEAN Wonk: China Crisis Rocks Philippines Second Thomas Shoal Strategy ASEAN Wonk: Vietnam Foreign Policy Futures After Nguyen Phu Trong Passing JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander  Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth FOLLOW CAP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CAP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CAP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

The foreign ministers from China, the U.S., Japan, and Russia, among others, all passed through the Laotian capital, Vientiane, over the past several days, ostensibly for an ASEAN gathering. But the real action took place on the sidelines of the meeting, where the ministers held a series of bilaterals that revealed the hardening battle lines among the major powers. The tense discussions highlight the frontline role that Southeast Asia now plays in this burgeoning geopolitical competition that appears to be intensifying over disputes related to Taiwan, the South China Sea, and surging Chinese influence in the region. Prashanth Paramaswaran, writer and creator of the popular ASEAN Wonk Substack newsletter, joins Eric to discuss what happened in Vientiane and the latest on the stand-off between Beijing and Manila over territorial rights in the South China Sea. SHOW NOTES: ASEAN Wonk: Why New Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement Matters ASEAN Wonk: China Crisis Rocks Philippines Second Thomas Shoal Strategy ASEAN Wonk: Vietnam Foreign Policy Futures After Nguyen Phu Trong Passing JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander  Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth FOLLOW CAP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CAP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CAP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

２７日、ビエンチャンで開かれた東アジアサミット外相会議【ビエンチャン時事】ラオスの首都ビエンチャンで開かれていた東南アジア諸国連合関連外相会議は２７日、一連の会議を終えた。 A series of foreign ministers meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations members in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, some of which were also joined by ministers from countries including Japan and the United States, ended on Saturday.

訪問先のラオスでノルウェーのアイデ外相と会談する上川陽子外相、２６日午後、ビエンチャン【ビエンチャン時事】ラオスを訪問中の上川陽子外相は２６日、首都ビエンチャンでノルウェーのアイデ外相と約１５分間会談した。 Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and her Norwegian counterpart Espen Eide, meeting in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, have agreed to cooperate for safety of the Paris Olympic Games following the vandalism, such as arson, that hit France's high-speed railway network early Friday.

Jack McLean joins us again to talk about his new book, Found: A Veteran Story which tells how he healed from Vietnam. Last year, Jack recounted the history behind his best-selling memoir of 2009, Loon: A Marine Story. Jack served in Vietnam in 1967-68 tour with Charlie Company of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He survived a lot of combat, including a harrowing three-day fight at LZ Loon near the Laotian border in I Corps. Jack's homecoming was both unique and typical of the Vietnam generation of veterans. On the one hand, he went straight to Harvard University, the first Vietnam veteran to attend. On the other hand, he found it difficult to connect with fellow veterans or with anyone who was interested in his service. In 1968, he walked into a VFW hall and received only the chilliest of cold shoulders from the older veterans there. “Nobody offered me a beer,” he writes. “Nobody invited me to join the card game. Nobody waved me over to the pool table. Nobody welcomed me home.” Coupled with survivor guilt and un-processed trauma of combat, such neglect and isolation only fed his sense that something was wrong. Jack found healing as he tracks down fellow Marines and the Gold Star family members who never made it home. We're grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event! #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour

Between APAHM and Mother's Day, May is peak time to be an Asian mama, especially for our Aunties. But being this hot to trot isn't easy. Plus, Auntie KuKu's birthday is right around the corner, and she swears she's keeping it lowkey – normal definitions need not apply. Meanwhile, jetsetter Auntie SuSu is back from her mom and daughter trip to Mexico City, and she's come away with some realizations. Finally, don't miss the Aunties' recommendations for some stellar AAPI-owned brands to buy from this month and any month. We want to hear from you! Drop us a message on Speakpipe. Subscribe to the Add to Cart newsletter for juicy extras. Please note, Add To Cart contains mature themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners.  To see all products mentioned in this episode, head to @addtocartpod on Instagram. To purchase any of the products, see below.  Kulap was one with the birds for a day through Hawk on Hand falconry with Adam Baz  She's running with the wolves through Wolf Connection's Woman & Wolves  APAHM Beauty Picks: Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara, JET Black and  One/Size On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray Nam Coffee is a must-try, and order the decadent Vietnamese egg coffee at their coffee shop Chef Saeng Douangdara is making Laotian food accessible at home through Lao Spices There's a new hot guy doing pottery on social media, follow him @warwanarat Ku and Eme have mommy and me matching Nike Dunks  Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.  Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.  Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 2775 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, the Laotian refugee who won the Oregon Powerball lottery.  The featured story appeared in Washington Post and was titled: A massive Powerball win draws … Continue reading →

We're honoring Southeast Asian thought leaders this year and will be having conversations with folks about their experiences and contributions as Southeast Asian artist and talent. This program includes a traditional senior blessing ceremony, performances, and a reception featuring Thai, Cambodian, Lao and Burmese food. About the Speakers Neo-soul singer Bochan (Bochan Huy) is a Cambodian American artist based in Oakland, California. Born in Cambodia, her musical stylings and influence is a culmination of her experience as both a refugee and diaspora raised in the melting pot of the Bay Area. Bochan grew up singing in her father's Cambodian American bands. Honoring traditional style and stepping bravely away, she ushers in a new musical age. KP, also known as Khetphet Phagnasay, is a Lao-American actor, director, producer, and stuntman. He has worked on various projects, including the acclaimed Netflix series "Dahmer; Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story," where he portrayed Sounthone, the father of a 14-year-old Laotian victim. He also shared a scene opposite Michelle Yeoh in The Brothers Sun.He has also been involved in films such as "God is an Astronaut," "Demon Fighter," "Street of Hope," and "Hollywood Road Trip," among others. He grew up in Oswego, Illinois, then moved to Waianae, Hawaii, before settling in Clovis/Fresno, California. He obtained his B.A. in Theatre Arts from California State University, Fresno, and pursued further education in Asian Theatre, focusing on acting, at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. KP has also traveled to Japan, Taiwan, and mainland China as a performer. Kevin Tancharoen is a director, writer, producer, and choreographer. His feature directing credits include Glee: The 3D Concert Movie for Fox and Fame for MGM. Tancharoen has directed multiple episodes of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., HBO Max's Warrior, The Flash, 12 Monkeys, Titans, Amazon's Prison Break event series and Mortal Kombat: Legacy. He most recently directed on "The Mandalorian" spin-off "The Book of Boba Fett" for Lucasfilm as well as directing and executive producing Thai Cave Rescue, a limited series at Netflix from Jon M. Chu and SKG. Prior to his film and TV directing career, he directed Britney Spears' "Onyx Hotel" tour, choreographing her "Me Against the Music" video; remixed projects for Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, and Tyrese; and contributed creatively to Britney Spears' "Dream Within a Dream Tour" and *NSYNC's "Pop Odyssey Tour.” Our thanks for the generous support of The Bamboo Organization for making this program possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of New Teacher Talk's International Voices series, we're honored to welcome Nouy Vilaisy, a master's degree student in Special Education, as he offers a fascinating glimpse into the organization of schools in Laos. As an emerging leader in the field of education, Nouy provides valuable insights into the unique cultural and educational practices that shape the landscape of Laotian schools. This episode provides valuable perspectives for educators seeking to broaden their understanding of international education systems. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Nouy and discover the rich diversity of educational practices around the globe.

In January 2015, Nara Pech marked his recent college graduation by embarking on a three-week journey through Southeast Asia with two close friends. However, only a week into the trip, upon reaching Laos, the 28-year-old wanted to cut his vacation short. His friends, assuming he boarded a plane back to Canada, left him at the airport. Tragically, this decision marked the final time anyone laid eyes on Nara alive. His demise unfolded in a harrowing manner within the bustling confines of the airport restaurant, yet no witnesses surfaced, nor did any bystanders capture the incident on video. Additionally, Laotian authorities will not release the full surveillance footage. Airport officials hastily concluded that Nara took his own life, yet the available evidence contradicts this assertion. The circumstances surrounding Nara Pech's demise in the Laos airport remain shrouded in mystery, prompting speculation and questions about what truly transpired. Listen as we dive into Southeast Asia, the case of Nara Pech, and how to stay alive on vacation. Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/ And join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcast Sponsored by The Boyfriend Bikini https://theboyfriendbikini.com/ and use code TRAVEL for 10% off your order! Theme Music by Roger Allen Dexter Sources: https://globalnews.ca/news/2320536/timeline-who-killed-nara-pech/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-woman-wants-answers-after-bloody-scene-in-laos-airport-1.3096306 https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/we-just-want-answers-family-of-canadian-who-died-in-laos-demand-gov-t-action-1.2402112/comments-7.647313 https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/all-he-was-trying-to-do-was-come-home-mystery-surrounds-canadian-mans-death-at-airport-in-laos https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067192953137 https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/family-of-canadian-who-died-in-laos-demands-action-from-government/article_8fc086b1-2efb-522d-98af-db59c5e4ab5c.html https://www.change.org/p/nara-pech-we-want-action https://www.gofundme.com/f/ight-for-nara https://www.ibtimes.com/nara-pech-laos-conspiracy-canadian-family-seeks-answers-after-mysterious-airport-1948484 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08H-PfavHTA&rco=1 https://theculturetrip.com/asia/cambodia/articles/10-traditional-customs-only-cambodians-can-understand https://www.worlddata.info/asia/laos/corruption.php#:~:text=The%20%22Corruption%20Perceptions%20Index%22%20for,this%20result%20Laos%20ranks%20127th. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Cambodia.html https://www.tripsavvy.com/etiquette-dos-and-donts-for-cambodia-1629160

Tan Tam Mei reflects on her time as Thailand correspondent, and looks ahead to how the country could navigate geopolitical and domestic politics. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times chats with ST's correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe, about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises. A man sings. It is part of Thailand's folk music tradition from its north-east region of Isan. But he is warbling in Laotian - a reminder of Thailand's location in the heart of the Mekong region, and its shared culture, language and borders with its neighbours. The pull and push dynamic that Thailand engages with its neighbours is one challenge. Another is how it is grappling with its turbulent domestic politics and shifting attitudes about traditional institutions and beliefs including the monarchy. In this episode, ST's foreign editor Li Xueying chats with ST's former Thailand correspondent Tan Tam Mei about her two and a half years based in Bangkok, bookended by Covid-19 protests, and the return of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after 15 years in exile. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:43 The rise of Thailand's “rural people” music 6:00 Selling soft power 10:28 The pull and push of Mekong countries 12:41 Thaksin returns, but to a different electorate 13:11 Thailand looks peaceful, but an uneasy dynamic is at play 16:34 A ‘tattoo', a souvenir of ThailandRead Tam Mei's articles here: https://str.sg/oZRkj and https://str.sg/uNXj  Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) and Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Fa'izah Sani Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Li Xueying's articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Read Tan Tam Mei's articles: https://str.sg/ifku  Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast channels: COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Special edition series: True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3  The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Tam Mei reflects on her time as Thailand correspondent, and looks ahead to how the country could navigate geopolitical and domestic politics. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times chats with ST's correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe, about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises. A man sings. It is part of Thailand's folk music tradition from its north-east region of Isan. But he is warbling in Laotian - a reminder of Thailand's location in the heart of the Mekong region, and its shared culture, language and borders with its neighbours. The pull and push dynamic that Thailand engages with its neighbours is one challenge. Another is how it is grappling with its turbulent domestic politics and shifting attitudes about traditional institutions and beliefs including the monarchy. In this episode, ST's foreign editor Li Xueying chats with ST's former Thailand correspondent Tan Tam Mei about her two and a half years based in Bangkok, bookended by Covid-19 protests, and the return of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after 15 years in exile. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:43 The rise of Thailand's “rural people” music 6:00 Selling soft power 10:28 The pull and push of Mekong countries 12:41 Thaksin returns, but to a different electorate 13:11 Thailand looks peaceful, but an uneasy dynamic is at play 16:34 A ‘tattoo', a souvenir of ThailandRead Tam Mei's articles here: https://str.sg/oZRkj and https://str.sg/uNXj  Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) and Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Fa'izah Sani Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Li Xueying's articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Read Tan Tam Mei's articles: https://str.sg/ifku  Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast channels: COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Special edition series: True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3  The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we explore the heartwarming story of Mekatos Eatery, a culinary haven in Southern Market, Lancaster, PA, where Colombian and Laotian flavors intertwine to create a unique dining experience. Owners Leokham Saengmuang and Ron Buitrago infuse their cultural heritage into every dish, offering a menu that includes Nam Khao (broken rice) with Colombian spiced meats, Arepas, Asian sausage, among other tantalizing delights. Ron's journey from reluctantly working at his father's pizzeria to discovering his passion for cooking, coupled with Leokham's upbringing in Laos and her dedication to preserving her mother's recipes, adds depth to the story. Mekatos Eatery has left a lasting impression on the community and beyond, serving as a beacon of unity through food. Join us as we celebrate their journey and the flavors that bring people together. #namkhao #brokenrice #mekatos #mekatoseatery #southernmarketlancaster #withbowlandspoon #fooddiary #foodilicious #eattogrow #foodventures #happyeating #localfood #localfoods #pittsburghlocalfood --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/withbowlandspoon/message

Triple Triple Crowner LP "Lil' Buddha" Kiatoukaysy takes a brief break from the trail to drop into the Hiker Trash Radio studio. Fresh off the Eastern Continental Trail, Lil' Buddha, the son of Laotian immigrants with 55,000 trail miles under his belt, talks trail and a lot, lot more with Doc. Settle in and buckle up as Doc and Lil' Buddha cover a lot of ground, including his uncanny cold tolerance, HWAP, subversive acts, Kerouac, Dharma, 45 packets of ramen in a Jansport on the JMT, diversity on the trail, the evolution of thru hiking since 1995, flexing on rude motorists, the benefits of having a thru hiker boss, the Pangea Traverse, getting caught between battling grizzlies, and how to be the Executive of Nothing. Epic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ride with the mob. This week, Jimmy and Larry are coming to you live and Swooshed up from Sin City, our old fickle mistress, directly in the wake of the big game for a whale of a pod clarifying more TF company lines, seatmates giving you a taste of your own medicine, the best musical you haven't seen, an in-person reevaluation of the Sphere, a real time over/under on Lawrence's table spills that you can bet on with your friends, pork of the year, when keeping it comped goes wrong, the boyz immediately get addicted to gambling despite having no idea how to gamble, James' multiple methods of locking in, the race war begins in the cashier line, going Shaman mode and seeing colors, triple splitting 3s, two tales of jawnz customization gone wrong, Kai Cenat Beatlemania, the concept of hanging out vs. Karen, Bob the spirit guide, the Super Bowl is decadent and depraved, evaluating Taylor's chug, Atlanta needs their own halftime show, eating pizza and piss in the bathroom, prostitute philosophizing, German swingers and Laotian whales, table chemistry is everything, crushing with the unks, the best buffet in town and more. For more Throwing Fits, check us out on Patreon: www.patreon.com/throwingfits.

On 11 September 1970, 16 U.S. soldiers and 110 Montagnards from Hatchet Company B were sent deep into the Laotian jungle in support of a CIA team, during the Vietnam War. Over the next four days, they were continually attacked by overwhelming numbers of NVA. If it wasn't for the air support of helicopter pilots like Barry Pencek, they wouldn't have escaped alive. Twenty years in a special report CNN characterized this mission as a vicious attack on civilians resulting in a scandal that was later disproved, and resulted in the team medic's Mike Rose  receiving a Medal of Honor. Barry gives us a blow-by-blow account of the battle and resulting controversy.Heroes Behind HeadlinesExecutive Producer Ralph PezzulloProduced & Engineered by Mike DawsonMusic provided by ExtremeMusic.comThe Luxury MindThe Luxury Mind explores psychology, human behaviour and luxury.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Nothing says holidays like family and food, and Ahan, a local Laotian spot, has both. We sat down with the restaurant's co-owner and chef, James Beard Semifinalist Jaime Brown-Soukaseume, to ask about her expansion to Williamson's Street, which of her mother's recipes made it to the menu, and even the secret ingredient behind the Laotian cuisine.  Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 415 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Toyota. From the RAV 4 to the mighty Tacoma, Toyota has a model built for everyone's Outdoor adventures. Today I'm talking with Photographer Matt Addington about his career and recent film A Bird Dog Named Kaiya. How the love for a bird dog inspired a young man to fully embrace bird hunting, an important part of his Laotian culture. Brought to you this week by Toyota Facebook​ ​Twitter​ ​Instagram​ Love the show? Subscribe, ​rate, review, and share!​ Sign up for my Newsletter ​HERE​ I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes Show Notes First Overnight Adventure: Matt doesn't recall the exact first experience but he grew up in Northern Minnesota, where outdoor life was part of his lifestyle. He spent a lot of time in places like the Boundary Waters and Voyager's National Park. When Did You Pick Up a Camera? Matt was enamored with cameras from a young age. He remembers having a Kodak disc camera when it came out and taking numerous pictures, even as a child. However, his more serious introduction to photography started in seventh grade when their art teacher gave him a Pentax K 1000 and taught him darkroom techniques. Start in Video: Although Matt didn't start shooting video when he first picked up a camera, he began experimenting with tape-to-tape edits in junior high and early high school. He says he officially entered the digital video side of things in the late '90s due to seeing the potential in digital video and having support from leadership at the school where he taught. Inspiration to Go Pro: There wasn't a specific moment Matt decided to go professional. It was a gradual transition as he was already doing photography and videography as part of his teaching job. Over time, he started getting paid for projects outside of teaching, leading to a shift into the professional world. First Significant Photo or Video Shoot: While there might not be one defining shoot, Matt recalled a moment at the Shot Show where he unexpectedly saw one of his images displayed prominently for a major brand, marking a standout moment in realizing the impact of his work. First Outdoor Commercial Shoot: Some of his initial commercial shoots were with Carbon TV (formerly Carbon Media Group) and Federal Ammunition. These shoots involved hunting trips to places like Quebec and working with local companies from Minnesota, where Matt is based. Preference in Outdoor Activities: Matt is fond of paddling but also emphasizes the uniqueness and enjoyment in each activity he's been fortunate to experience, be it climbing peaks, guiding through mountains, or quietly sitting in tree stands. He highlighted the beauty of different experiences and how each holds its own significance. Favorite Place: Despite the numerous epic places visited globally, Matt finds a new appreciation for home when returning from these adventures. He says the joy of watching the sunset from his front porch with family, indicating a deep appreciation for the familiarity and beauty of home. Catalyst for the film "A Bird Dog Named Kaiya": The catalyst for the film was meeting Ken Yang, a young man who had transitioned from being a staunch anti-hunter to a prominent voice in the hunting and fishing space due to personal life events. How they met Ken Yang: They met at a Professional Outdoor Media Association conference in Nashville, where Ken Yang received a media scholarship. Development of the storyline: Initially, there was a concept of telling the story of a former anti-hunter turned hunter due to his unique ethnic background. However, the storyline evolved as they delved deeper into Ken's story, focusing more on the impact of a dog in changing his life and reconciling relationships. Capturing the content for the film: It took multiple hunts, approximately four days, to capture the content, ranging from golden fall days to extremely cold weather (10 below zero). Current projects: Matt is working on various projects, including a documentary about a unique turkey hunter, a personal piece highlighting the legacy of a deceased friend in the outdoor space, a documentary about a prestigious hockey school, and a project about dispelling myths of trophy hunting in Africa. Advice for aspiring photographers: Matt encourages new photographers to experiment with photography, use resources like YouTube for learning, and find inspiration from others' work that resonates with them. Daily routines: There's no fixed routine, but Matt enjoys walking, hiking, and spending time in nature. Coffee in the morning seems to be a consistent ritual. Favorite books: Books like the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn, and Matt also finds inspiration in reading the Bible. Favorite outdoor gear under $100: Matt mentioned his Irish Setter boots (although they might be slightly above $100) and a pair of gloves by Striker that provide dexterity and warmth. Follow up with Matt Matt Addington Creative Instagram Facebook You Tube X (Twitter)

Chef Lon & Partner Ann Bounsanga of SAAP are enlightening the new downtown Cary Park! In this episode; Laotian Food  A little insight into Bida & Bhavana Galanga, Le Bec Fin & four daughters Subscribe to their YouTube page HERE On the mic this week: @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Welcome SYSCO as our Title Sponsor!! Drink better coffee - get Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here Drink Lunazul Tequila Enjoy Duke's Mayo - It's Got Twang!

Chef Lon & Partner Ann Bounsanga of SAAP are enlightening the new downtown Cary Park! In this episode; Laotian cooking A little insight into Bida & Bhavana Galanga, Le Bec Fin & four daughters Subscribe to their YouTube page HERE On the mic this week: @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Welcome SYSCO as our Title Sponsor!! Drink better coffee - get Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here Drink Lunazul Tequila Enjoy Duke's Mayo - It's Got Twang!

We first interviewed Lisa and Maly Douangphoumy, sisters in the family business Sao Noi, on episode number 54, released September, 2020. Their company produces flavored chili oils and flavored beef jerky, all originated from the family's restaurant business in Hood River, Oregon. Their mother, Marnie and father, Tom started the restaurant and quickly became a staple for the community because of Tom's peanut sauce and Marnie's chili oil. The business name, Sao Noi literally means “little girl” in Laotian as Marnie is the youngest of her eight siblings. She began making her sauces from their cozy restaurant kitchen. The exotic flavors in Sao Noi‘s sauces reflect their Southeast Asian roots, evoking a nostalgia for the family's traditional Lao and Thai culinary recipes. Marnie used her chili oil on one of the restaurant's premier dishes and an employee commented the taste was so fabulous she should bottle it and sell it. The family did start producing the oil in jars and selling in small quantities. One day Maly took a jar to the CEO of the company where she worked and the next day he called her in to place an order for a jar for every employee in the company, 210 in all, the largest order the company had received up to that time. On top of that, the CEO had a recipe contest for everyone in the company and those recipes plus the family recipes went into what is now the “Sao Noi Kitchen” cookbook, available on the website and on Amazon. Much has happened to the family business since our last interview. The oil product line has expanded to three flavors, original, lemon grass and ginger. They also started a beef jerky line thanks to one of their food brokers. He came into town to call on them, and overnight dreamed they would have a line of beef jerky. The family liked the idea and the broker introduced them to a copacker who could make it happen for them. That was a relief to the family, as dealing with an animal product puts you under USDA regulatory control and the family did not have time for that learning curve. In addition to knowing the regulations, the copacker was instrumental in taking the three oil flavors and experimenting with the formulas to come up with the three scintillating jerky tastes. Although they started selling the oils in the restaurant in 2015, it was really 2017 when the family expanded out into the community and sold in farmers markets. Their popularity has led them currently to being available in 46 retail outlets in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and East coast. Market of Choice, an Oregon grocer, has been their biggest volume seller and a superb supporter of the local community. Sauces and jerky are available for purchase online. The sauces are still handcrafted in small batches locally to ensure that “a whole ‘lotta love goes into every jar!” as their website says. Their website: https://www.sao-noi.com/. Follow the on: Facebook- @saonoipdx, Instagram- @saonoipdx. Our hosts: Twitter - @sarahmasoni and @spicymarshall, Instagram - @masoniandmarshall.

Click on the link below to tune into an interview Kat had with Zaka Connect to discuss her journey of taking risks, stepping out of her comfort zone & what she did to accelerate her success in her professional career. Click here.. https://spotify.link/gsufVVLD1Db

On this episode, Kat discusses with her guests the traditions of #Laotian, #Nigerian, #Creole, and #American cultures. They dive into the traditions they want to keep for generations to come and what not to take with them.

Today, you'll learn about a potential obstacle to human flight to Mars, a discovery in a Laotian cave that is sending archaeologists back to the drawing board, and how new technology could keep us cool in a warming world without adding to the problem of climate change. Find episode transcripts here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/space-swells-brain-cavity-cave-fossils-keeping-coolSpace Swells Brain Cavity  “Brain Cavities That Swell in Space May Need At Least 3 Years to Recover.” by McKenzie Prillman. 2023.https://www.sciencenews.org/article/astronaut-brain-swell-space-recoverCave Fossils “Laos Cave Fossils Prompt Rethink of Human Migration Map.” by Jude Coleman. 2023.https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01903-3“Fossil bones found in Laotian cave are oldest evidence for modern humans in mainland South-East Asia, say scientists.” by Anna Salleh. 2023.https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2023-06-14/oldest-evidence-for-modern-humans-in-mainland-south-east-asia/102471990Keeping Cool “New Technologies Could Keep People Cool in a Warming World.” by Kathiann Kowalski. 2023.https://www.snexplores.org/article/new-technologies-could-keep-people-cool-in-a-warming-world“How Air-Conditioning Creates a Climate Conundrum.” by Spoorthy Raman. 2022.https://www.audubon.org/magazine/summer-2022/how-air-conditioning-creates-climate-conundrumFollow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.

News items read by Laura Kennedy include: Archaeologists use crime forensics to prove Paleo-Americans hunted megafauna (details) Laotian cave suggests migrations toward Australia 10,000 years earlier than thought (details) Small brain size didn't prevent early hominins from complex ideas like burying the dead (details) New Bronze Age burial mounds discovered ten miles from Stonehenge (details)