A plane carrying 130 passengers bound for the popular tourist destination of Phuket, Thailand skidded on the runway, broke in half and bursted into flames as it came to a stop. Of the 130 passengers on board, there are at least 42 survivors and some with serious burns covering 60 percent of their body.

Survivors reportedly broke windows to climb out amidst the fire, smoke, and debris. While it is too soon to determine the cause of the crash, there are speculations stemming from poor weather and low visibility, as well as doubts on the standards of safety for aircraft from Southeast Asia. There are international interests in this matter as most of the travelers are from the UK, Australia, Germany, and Iran to name a few. People are scrambling to find out if there loved ones were on this flight, and the Bangkok Post has listed the names of all passengers on their website at www.BangkokPost.com. They also note those that are hospitalized, but the complete list is there.

Thailand has suffered through a crippling natural disaster and phenomenal political upheaval in the last few years, with the tsunami of 2004 claiming nearly 8,000 lives and the military coup ousting the prime minister in 2006. It’s a testament to the Thai people and people who have lived in Thailand for any amount of time, that even in the face of deep conflict and horrific tragedy, people stay peaceful, calm and kind.

Six months on and it seems much longer. The noise no longer a painful nuisance, the uneven pavement now a quaint charm to the city, and the language no longer seems fatuous. It is starting to feel like home (gasp!!!).

Hubby unnaturally enjoys his technology job, especially the extensive social obligations attached to it on a weekly basis. Most night it’s quite uneventful as he’s working late and has no time after work to stay keen on remember people’s names and faces. If it’s not working long hours, hubby spends his free nights playing pool and drinking beer. To be fair, his time is well balanced compared to expats in Bangkok who spend an inordinate amount of time and money entertaining clients at the cost of their family time. Hubby spends as much time at home as possible with a healthy balance of friends and work commitment.

For yours truly, employment has been no easy task. It has been a formidable challenge, albeit worthwhile, and has finally brought about the desired result - revenue. The road to this junction was not paved with luck or genius, but hardwork confounded with perseverance. After six months of establishing a network of professional colleagues in the region, my goal of starting my own business has come to fruition.

Living in Bangkok does not have to be an arduous experience. With a healthy dose of flexibility and humor, anyone can thrive in this exotic culture. British food abound, delectable Thai food at every corner, and small elephants wandering the streets begging for a little treat from retreating tourists, it has to be a requisite experience for any globe trotter.

This is a fantastic venue to take your family and friends to if they are passing through Bangkok, Thailand and want to sample some exquisite Thai dining while watcing a Thai dance. The Oriental has a long history of providing the hi-so of Bangkok with fine cuisines, incomparable services and hospitality, so their latest refurbishment of the Sala Rim Naam Restaurant is no exception.

From the moment you walk through the door you can sense the palpable history, texture, and uniqueness of the hotel. No details lost on the staff and the presentation.

We arrived for a 7 p.m. show and dinner, expecting it to be a slow evening as it was Sunday evening and the dark clouds were looming overhead. To my surprise, and the surprise of my companions Steve, Michelle, and Gary, the place was packed with hungry patrons eager to partake in the festivities.

We were seated at the best table in the restaurant so that our view of the show was not obstructed in the slightest with much gratitude to the general manager. The staff brought out the house wine, which was not a mere average house wine as it was a Kingston 2005 Australian Merlot that was quaint-essential in its fruity and clean taste. The wine was complimented with roast duck dumplings and a fish mousse with a tangy sauce on the side. The fish mousse was fresh, yet spiced just enough for the palate to enjoy without leaving too strong of an after-taste. It complimented the roast duck and did not overpower the subtle aroma of the meat.

The next course was a combination of a beef musaman, fish soup, fresh stir-fry vegetables, and fragrant jasmine rice on a plate of fried shrimp. At onset we were uncertain whether this combination of curry and onslaught of fish and shrimp would negate the taste senses to overdrive, but much to our surprise, it was a keen choice of spices and delectable, complimentary dishes.

Moving onto a dessert of fresh fruits and coconut ice cream with mung beans, we were refreshed and rejuvenated by the Thai dancers as they eloquently express their love story through their subtle body movements and the assistance of the musicians. It was a lovely depiction of a love story of ancient time wherein the dancers user facial expression and the slight movements of their hands to suggest the dialogue and communication.

At the end of the evening, the boat picked us up and returned us across the river to the Oriental Hotel. This memorable excursion should be experienced as an evening package of cultural entertainment, sublime food and wine, and always with good companions. Thanks to Steve and Michelle for inviting us!

R. Kelly’s trial has been delayed, again. This would mark five years since charges were brought agains the rap artist for child pornography and a slew of other child related charges.

In the more than five years since he was charged, Kelly’s career and popularity have soared. He has produced several hit CDs, gone on tour and recently released the latest installments of his highly successful video serial “Trapped in the Closet.” In fact, the lastest promotion is the follow up to “Trapped in the Closer.”

Apparently, the case has been fraught with problems with the attorneys involved in the case. It was either the defense attorney had other clients , injured in some accident, arguing pretrial constitutional motions, or now, the Assistant State Attorney is on maternity leave. While Kelly is in no rush to expedite the case as it doesn’t jeopardize his rights, but whatever happened to swift, expeditious trial and justice?

Two words come to mind, celebrity justice. As in most high-profile cases, the justice system turns into a special ed system wherein in loses its sense of decor and procedural integrity to cater to the accused celebrity. Be it with celebrity or high ranking officials, justice tastes different for the Joe schmoes of society. There are no special entrance for the average Joe, no special accommodations, no special meals, and no special justice.

Our only justice is that people like Paris Hilton are made poster criminals so to sanctify the reckless and rich. For Hilton, her drunk driving and reckless driving only side-issued the fact that she made a mockery of the Los Angeles prosecutor’s office and so she had to be made an example of. Even Anderson Cooper was disgusted and incredulous at the distasteful coverage that CNN was endowing on Paris Hilton. While truly saddened by the events that unfolded, there was a part of me that was jubilant when they hauled her back to court to take her back to the slammer. Nothing like justice served with an equal opportunity enforcer.

Kelly has an arduous and formidable legal obstacle to surmount. Celebrity status aside, if he is found guilty of the charges, he deserves the same punishment that average Joe would receive. Average Hoe might not profit from the notoriety of a pending criminal trial and may not be able to produce a blockbuster album called “Trapped in the Closet,” but at least he’s free. That’s what the last five years has been about for Kelly. Being free and making millions so he can pay his dream legal team to postpone the case as much as possible r the expeditious legal system.

Just because he’s popular rap artist and rich does not preempt him from the blind lady of justice, even if it takes five years to get him before her.

Feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. People feel this way regardless of their economic disposition, biological makeup, and extraordinary possessions. Every once in a while…

Being down. Not sure how to get up and change your disposition, or whether there’s enough inclination to succeed in the minute of tasks.

Unhappy with the sublime endowment of true love, warm affection, and attention.

Substandard volume of self appreciation and perspective may hinder any meaningful enjoyment of hardwork.

People may observe the tremendous “luck” in your life and perplexed by the outbursts of rage and insecurities in your voice, but they don’t know that nothing in life has to do with luck. It has to do with hardwork and following through. But now what?

Every goal accomplished before the age of 28, and every ambition fulfilled by the age of 32. Now what?

Now, depression.

Now, feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.