Mista Ting

One Man Blind Band

Bangkok, Thailand. Blind man playing the casio and singing off a walkover blaring over a tiny speaker for a handfull of coinage.

Food Glorious Food!

Snake Eyes

"Abstinence sows sand all over
The ruddy limbs & flaming hair,
But Desire Gratified
Plants fruits & beauty there."

















Gratified an ancient childhood desire to wear a balaclava like my favourite G.I.Joe character: Snake Eyes!

For those who came in late, Snake-Eyes' real name, place of birth, and most other information about him have remained classified throughout all depictions of his origins; all that is known for certain about his military standing is that he holds the rank of U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (E-7) and has undergone Drill Instructor training. He is also the team's resident hand-to-hand combat instructor. Very little else about his past has been revealed.

Snake-Eyes is quiet in his movements and is a swift and deadly master of multiple martial arts. He is an expert in the use of the ninjato, which he usually carries in a pair of sheaths strapped to his back (but often uses only one). He is equally qualified with and willing to use standard weapons like firearms and explosives. Making him even more dangerous is that he has never relied on one set of weapons to the exclusion of others. For instance, in one mission, Snake Eyes is confronted by a ninja with a sai and he defeats him by simply throwing a standard grenade at him. In keeping with his personality, Snake-Eyes usually wears what could perhaps best be described as a black "military ninja" bodysuit, along with a balaclava and visor to cover his face.

Croc Farm/ Harm?

The Crocodile Farm
Bangkok | 12.08.07

Located in Samutprakarn, just outside Bangkok, the Crocodile Farm is the brainchild of Thailand’s highly publicised 'Crocodile King’, Mr. Utai Youngprapakorn. Recognised as the world’s largest centre for crocodiles, the Crocodile Farm aims to help preserve crocodiles by breeding them in captivity. The farm also acts as an education and research centre for the conservation of wildlife.

The main reason for a visit to the Crocodile Farm is though to see the shows they put on! It is possible to witness ‘Crocodile Wrestling’ and keepers putting their heads into crocodile’s mouths – quite amazing 'spectacles'. In case you failed to detect the hint of sarcasm potrayed in the written word using single quotes; allow me to elaborate. The daring dynamic duo submission wrestling with the crocs are according to my pretty guide, protected by ancient spells and incantations chanted before every show. These are meant to ensure the docility of the beast while the 'brave' man places his head in its jaws. I am not a PETA spokesperson though I might sign up if personally invited by Pam. Yet the very scene angered my very being and believe me I could just smell the fear the animal was in. IMHO the modus operandi is quite simple and brutal. The animals are beaten and manipulated to compliance via say a partially dislodged tooth striking which causes the animal to flinch and obey. The animal seemed to run from the wrestling arena each time it was provoked. Magic? I dont think so. Try the same with a beast in the wild and you could audition for the remake of 'Frankenstein'. Leaving with a bitter aftertaste moreso with the crowd applauding and throwing money to honor the 'heroes'.. Grrr! Im not a vegan. I grew up eating earthworms crawling in the mud and I just concluded this trip with fresh live squiggly prawns tickling my palate as they begin their journey to the land where the sun dont shine. Yet dominating a wild beast with devious methods of torture and submission while feigning victory is not something I approve of!

Im a fighting man and I wholeheartedly defend every being's right to defend itself and live in dignity. It is better to face death and extinction than live a life demeaned to playing to a crowd for mere survival. John Agard has a poem in which the animals dream of exploiting humans in the way that humans exploit them. A deer says:

'I'd love to remove man's balls
And make a perfume.
I'd rub a little behind my horns
And call it musk.'

Feline Fixacion

The Tyger - William Blake

Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare sieze the fire?

An what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? & what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd the heavens with their tears,
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

Eenie Meenie Minie Moe.. Which way do i go?

One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. Which road do I take? she asked. Where do you want to go? was his response. I don't know, Alice answered. Then, said the cat, it doesn't matter...