It's Greek to Me

Just got back from a week in Athens, Greece. The food was great and a very welcome respite from my usual fare. It was cold though to my tropic loving body. A slow rain for three days also made it more miserable.

Overall it was nice and I'm glad we went during the off season. I can't imagine being there with it even more crowded than it was.

So, we're tired and it's New Years eve. I'll probably enjoy a little Bailey's Irish Cream and turn in early.

Then, in a few more days, it's off to sunny Bangkok. Funny, how I really missed having rice!

Scam Letters

I received two scam letters today so I just forwarded them to each other! This one however is a fun one. I'll add my comments.

ATTENTION: DEAREST ONE,

As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will die someday. My name Mrs.Effat Moghaddam Zadeh Kashani, I am a widow from Iran. I have been diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer which was discovered very late, due to my laxity in carrying for my health. It has defiled all forms of medicine, and right now I have only about a few weeks to live,according to medical experts. (Well, I'm sorry you will die a horrible death from throat cancer. Do you think it is because you "defiled" medicine?)

I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone not even myself but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focus on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. (Well, I'm a compassionate person and wished you had rectal cancer instead of throat cancer. I would be more appropriate to someone who lived a life as you say you did. Karma sucks!)

But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. Now that God has called me, I have willed and given most of my properties and assets to my immediate and extended family members and as well as a few close friends. (Why? Now they will be like you!)

I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul and so, I have decided to give arms to charity organizations and give succor and comfort to the less privileged in our societies, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity organizations in the USA, ASIA, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, EUROPE. Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this my self anymore. (Going downhill fast, eh?)

I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the money which I have there to charity organization and to the less privileged in USA, ASIA, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, EUROPE. but they refused and kept the money to themselves and trying to kill me. (See, they are just like you. Well, like you used to be.)

Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contended with what I have left for them. The last of my money which no one knows of is the huge cash deposit of Ј12.5 Million British Pounds Sterling GBP. I will want you to help me collect this deposit and disburse it to some charity organizations and to the less privileged. Send me a mail to indicate if you will assist me in this disbursement. I have set aside 30% for you for your time and patience while 5% for my medical bills and 65% for charity organizations and to the less privileged. (Just tell me where it is and I'll send a truck for it.)

Please reply me on my private email address mrs.effat@live.com

I will forward you further information you need to proceed and receive deposited fund . While I await to hear from you via email mrs.effat@live.com. May God be with you and your entire family. Remain blessed. (You remain blessed also. Please save some money for pain meds. You're going to really hurt soon. So sorry.)

Mrs.Effat Moghaddam Zadeh Kashani
mrs.effat@live.com

Garbage Truck

This is a garbage truck in Dhaka. It belongs to a private trash pickup company and I understand they do a much better job than when it was run by the government. One day they pick up limbs and brush, another day they pick up the stinky stuff. You can see these guys barefoot in the cart sorting out the trash. On "stinky" trash day I have to hold my breath when I walk past.

Meet Freddie

This is Freddie. I don't know if he already had a name, but I thought Freddie would be a nice name for him. Freddie is one of three small bulls and a goat at my apartment that are a part of Eid-Ul-Adha or Festival of Sacrifice for the Muslim religion.

I prayed for Freddie and wished him a nice journey to heaven. He was quivering so I think he knew what was coming. He was the last of the bulls at my place to go, and the goat was the last.

Freddie was slaughtered a few minutes before 10:00 am and unfortunately, he did not have a quick death. Sorry, Freddie.

Anyway, in a few hours poor people will swarm the apartments to get their handout of meat. For some, it is the only meat they get all year. I guess that accounts for all the pushing and shoving and hollering. What a way to go, Freddie!

How's Your Neck Pain?