Fall 2011 - Banana Tree

Crocs in Bangkok!

Did you know that Thailand is the world’s biggest breeder of crocodiles? Over 700,000 live in the kingdom, with seven major farms on Bangkok’s outskirts. As recent flood waters washed over their pens, some decided to leave for the big city. News reports had thousands loose and heading for Patpong.

The government assigned experts; croc farms offered bounties. Crocs were rounded up, much the worse for wear.

The Thais are quite casual: “We have klongs (canals),” a farmer said. “We have lived with crocs since ancient times. We know how to handle them.” From photos of beat-up crocs on the web, apparently, they do.

Good Reads

For a “rare unguarded glimpse at the communist equivalent of a rock star”, see Bob’s essay The Private Life of a Chinese MIG Pilot
For a “tale of a beautiful car that is really about infatuation and true beauty,” see Bob’s essay The Beautiful Yellow Flying Horse

The literary journal, Evergreen Review, fall issue, also published Bob’s short story, set in Bangkok: A Delicate Beauty
Leatherbound Newsletter, “that sifts through best valued ebooks”, has included Tracking the Tigers(see Banana Tree Press) on its most recent list.

Monique’s time this fall has been devoted to creating the web site. When not at her computer she could be found upside down in yoga class

Or arranging flowers with her Ikebana group