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The spirit of Christmas

Archbishop Charles Bo talks about the Catholic Christmas tradition and his role as a spiritual leader.
By Jessica Mudditt IDNIGHT Mass at Saint Marys Cathedral in Yangon is expected to draw about 2500 faithful. Although it is Myanmars largest cathedral, it will not be possible to accommodate so many people under its beautiful vaults. According to Archbishop Charles Bo of the Yangon Archdiocese, two thirds will take part in the service outside the 101-year-old cathedral, which is one of Yangons most iconic buildings. The Archbishop told The Myanmar Times in an interview via email that the number of Catholics in Myanmar is steadily growing. He said, About 40 years ago, we had practically the same number of Catholics as in Thailand approximately 350,000. But now there are about 800,000, while the figure in Thailand remains the same. According to the Archbishops estimate, the CIA World Factbooks figures are a little low: it states that Christians constitute four percent of Myanmars population of about 48 million, while Catholics represent 1pc. The Archbishop said, All [of Myanmars] churches are overcrowded during Christmas services. People from various ethnic groups, including Myanmar [Burman], Chin, Kachin, Shan, Kayah, Kayin, Tamil, Chinese and so forth [attend services]. They include the rich and poor alike. The Archbishop said that churche spend four weeks

Saint Mary's Cathedral. photo Ko taik

preparing for Christmas, intensifying in prayers, services and reconciliation. He said that Christmas stories will be retold and celebrated during the Midnight Mass service, which is one of the most important times of the year for Catholics around the world. A key part of the Roman Catholic tradition is novena, which consists of private or public prayers that are repeated for nine consecutive days before December 25. Due to transport and security issues, Archbishop Charles Bo said that some parishes in Myanmar begin

the service slightly earlier, which also provides the chance for people to attend Mass at two or three different churches. He said another important aspect of celebrating Christmas is giving gifts, which are shared to remind each other of Gods gift to us. He added that of all the Christmas decorations in homes and churches, it is the pine tree that particularly expresses that Gods love is everlasting and fresh. When asked about the significance of Christmas,

the Archbishop said, To me, Christmas means that God comes to us in the person of a babe in Bethlehem, so that you and I could love Him. He is the God who shares his life with all people, especially the downtrodden, homeless and abandoned. He explained that young people in particular will meet with different people and families to share the good news in the form of carol singing. However the Archbishop also has some concerns about the values of the young generation. He be-

Of all the Christmas decorations in homes and churches, it is the pine tree that particularly expresses that Gods love is everlasting and fresh.
CORRECTION:
NGO and Aid supplement 26 November 2012

Merry Christmas
a special report
Editors: Myo Lwin, Jessica Mudditt Writers: Naw Say Phaw Waa, Jessica Mudditt, Pinky Cover photo: Waitresses at Traders Hotel, by Ko Taik Photography: Ko Taik Layout & Design: Tin Zaw Htway, Ko Pxyo, For enquiries and feedback: myolwin@myanmartimes. com.mm, jess.mudditt@gmail.com

Yangons first animal shelter The donor provided $US20,000, which went towards building the road, shed and fence.

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lieves there are positive and negative aspects to Myanmar opening up to the outside world, both in terms of material and spiritual life. We were under a strict regime for over 40 years and as the country opens up abruptly, many of our youngsters do not grasp the true meaning of freedom. They need to be educated about [this]. With the development of [various forms of] communication, such as iPads and iPhones, and wide access to the internet, the values and sacredness of the family, the respect for parents and elders are much threatened. There are dangers for the religious and moral spheres. Archbishop Charles Bo was born in a small, poor the Vatican and resides in Bangkok. Across the world, the Vatican communicates through nuncios, although according to Yangons Archbishop, each Catholic has the freedom to deal with the Vatican directly if need be. The directives come to all our churches via the nuncio, while on our part, we have free access to the Vatican. The Archbishop explained that the appointment of Bishops is done directly by the Pope. He said that throughout Myanmars history, the civil authority has never interfered with the appointment of Bishops. The Archbishop said that one of his most poignant experiences in the past 10 years occurred in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in 2008. He said, Everyday I have visitors. [Following] Nargis, many people came for various reasons. It was a hectic time for me. One day, a lady showed up without an appointment and I was informed that she would like to see me. Thinking that she might be asking me for some help, I asked my secretary to tell her go back. I later learnt that the lady wanted to donate some of her savings to Nargis-affected people. I was quite embarrassed and at the same time, greatly inspired by the goodwill and generosity of that lady. The Archbishop said that the most significant aspect of his role as Archbishop is to promote unity not only among Catholics, but also among different religions and people Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians. Another chief aim is to achieve freedom as the people of God. This particularly means freedom from coercion, discrimination and marginalisation. Archbishop Charles Bo wishes to communicate a message to those who are hungry, lonely or otherwise struggling in life: Christmas is the gift of God to man. We are a gift to one another. We share what we have with the hungry and lonely. All people of goodwill in the country are pooling their energy and resources to help each other. Christmas is a feast of hope and love and forgiveness. Above all, who inspires us? God is so great that he can become small. God is so powerful that he can make himself vulnerable and come to us as a defenseless child, so that we can love him and love each other. Saint Marys Cathedral is on the corner of Bo Aung Kyaw and Bogyoke Aung San roads in Kyauktada township.

Letter to the Editors

I convey this feedback letter on Sanctions to Success: A Special Report. I found it very interesting and felt optimistic in every respect. However in this special feature, all the comments are articulated from the Wests point of view. I would be grateful if space had been given to Myanmar analysts. This is because numerous Myanmar people suffered the bitter consequences of sanctions and their comments could provide a more balanced approach. On Burma or Myanmar? there are a few things to say. If we look into the political history of the country about 80 years ago, one could find politicians that at the time claimed for the separation of Burma from British-India dominion rule. They asked for their own dominion rule under the British. They achieved this successfully, but never brought up the issue of renaming Burma to Myanmar. Secondly, while struggling for independence, Bogyoke U Aung San never mentioned it while drafting the 1947 constitution. Thirdly, in the 1974 constitution there is no mention of it either. General Ne Win and his followers only wanted to show that they were patriots. In that second constitution, ex-military top echelons desired to prove that they were the only heroes who saved and represented the peasants and working classes. They successfully changed the government according to a genuinely democratic system? The journey is still a long way from its destination. In Reactions to President Obamas election victory I like the Vietnamese Ambassadors comment best. He could be regarded as a thoughtful diplomat, though a socialist. He highlighted his optimistic point of view about Mr Obamas visit not only for this country, but also for the ASEAN region. Mr Obama came here in good faith and with sincerity for the country and its citizens. His follow up actions will be beneficial for the future of this country. But we must wait to see the outcome. Please allow me to stress some comparisons between the US and Myanmar. Mr Obama emphasised that the US and Myanmar gained independence from British colonial rule. Similarities developed in the histories of these two countries. So why dont Myanmar leaders thoughtfully study the experiences of the US and identify those which are the most applicable to apply in Myanmar during its journey towards real progress? Sincerely, Min Aung We welcome your comments and feedback. Please write to jess.mudditt@gmail.com or myolwin@myanmartimes.com.mm

flag of the country, but failed to fulfill their dreams of socialism. Finally, in the present constitution, the country was renamed Myanmar and a new flag imposed again. I think changing the countrys name or flag is no big deal. This is only a political plea, a theme to show their national political will and in the political environment here, no one can predict if there will be immature reformists who may look for another flag or to rename the country once more. The only crucial thing is what shall these politicians and administrators do for the country exactly? Who are the right statesmen to run a good

Archbishop Charles Bo of theYangon Archdiocese. photo courtesy of Saint Mary's Cathedral

village called Monhla in Shwebo district, which is in the central region of Sagaing. He said, I am son of a farmer and my father died when I was just two years old. At the age of two I was sent to a boarding house in Mandalay and was taken care of by the Salesian Fathers. The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) is a Roman Catholic religious organisation which was established in the late 19th century to care for homeless young people. It is currently the worlds third largest missionary organisation. The Archbishop said, I was attracted to their way of life and I became a priest in a mission in Lashio. In 1990 I became Bishop of Lashio Diocese and in 1996 I became the Bishop of Pathein. He was appointed as Yangons Archbishop by Pope John Paul II on May 24, 2003. The Archbishop explained that Saint Marys Church has a nuncio, who serves as an ambassador to

Beat on the street: Christmas plans

compiled by pinky

Arnold P. Falconi (above) Dance instructor and a Christian I havent gone back to celebrate Christmas with my family in The Philippines for three years. Im really excited about Christmas this year because I am going back for two-and-a-half months. Im going to buy a present to surprise my little daughter. Before I go back I will be dancing in a show at Traders Hotel. Mg Yan Paing Soe Staff member at a petrol station and a Buddhist Since Im a Buddhist, I might go to a pagoda, which is what I always do when I have a day off. Ill be working everyday except for Tuesday December 25. This year, I have a plan to give a Christmas present to someone special. I havent decided yet what to give maybe a cat or a soft toy. U Win Myint Businessperson and a Buddhist I take my family out to dinner every Christmas. My two daughters always want to go to a concert on Christmas Eve, but I never allow them because the concerts are overcrowded and I dont want my girls to get in trouble. As a parent I worry about them. Instead of a concert, we go to the shopping mall and I buy them presents. We do this every year. Daw Mar Lar Myint Government officer and a Christian My family will go to church in the morning and afterwards well go shopping and relax at Kandawgyi Lake. Dinner will be just at home but I have planned surprises for my son and husband. Ma Yu Yu Wah Student and a Buddhist I never celebrate Christmas. Like every year, I will just stay at home and do nothing in particular. U Myo Than Nyunt (above) Retired engineer and a Buddhist I will take my grandchildren to Saint Marys Church, which is something we do every year. They enjoy playing in the peaceful church grounds its a very pleasant place to visit. They will play all day - well go home when they start feeling tired! Christophe Buzare French cuisine chef at Kandawgyi Palace Hotel and a Christian While most other people are on holiday from work and possibly also going back to their hometown to celebrate Christmas with their family, I will be very busy here at the restaurant. On Christmas Eve I will go to church in the morning and will have a small celebration with some friends here. I will be busy preparing meals on December 25 and 26. Whether in France or Myanmar, I dont usually party at Christmas time. In France its a family day people often go to church, have a dinner and exchange gifts.

Cartoon Kaung Kin (above) An artist and a Buddhist If there is a charity concert being held, I will take my family if not, we will go on a trip to either Kyaing Tong or Tarchileik in Shan state.

Jakarta, INDONESIA : A woman stands next to a large Christmas tree decorating the terrace of a shopping mall in Jakarta on December 13, 2012. Many shopping and business centers in the world's largest Muslim nation are decorated this time of year ahead of Christmas Day. AFP PHOTO

To celebrate the Christmas festive season, Ive created a brunch menu containing quick, easy and delicious recipes. Although there are many reasons to overindulge at this time of year, most of us want to avoid gaining weight. So here are some healthy options that wont cause any stress in the kitchen either. A Merry Christmas to you all...
Cucumber and lime flavour Ingredients
By phyo zar thwin 1 cucumber (approx. 15 cm long) 1 lime Soda water or drinking water

Festive food ideas: Christmas Brunch

Orange and mint flavours Ingredients
1 large orange 4 - 5 mint branches Soda water or drinking water

Flavoured water Garlic prawns Colourful pasta salad Strawberry and mascarpone trifles
Although its winter, the temperature in the daytime is still warm. To welcome guests arriving for brunch, here is a recipe for thirst-quenching flavoured water. It contains no sugar only natural fruit and fresh herbs. After making the first batch, you can simply refill it with water.

Menu

Preparation
Wash the cucumber and cut the ribbon on both sides with a peeler. Discard the middle part containing seeds. Slice the lime into circle shapes. Fill up the jug with ice and arrange the cucumber and lime in layers. Then pour in soda water or drinking water. How easy it is and it will provide complete refreshment.

Preparation
Wash the mint and slice the orange in circles. Fill up the jug with ice and then arrange the orange among it. Add mint on top and then pour in the soda water or drinking water.

Colourful pasta salad (6 servings) Ingredients

3 cups of spiral pasta (uncooked) 150-180 grams of cherry tomatoes 1 medium green pepper cup of loosely packed basil 130 grams of prosciutto 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise 1 tablespoon of Masterfood wholegrain mustard 1 tablespoon of lemon or lime juice 2 teaspoons of olive oil

Preparation
Cook the pasta as per the package instructions and without oil. Then drain and mix with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Fry the prosciutto in a non-stick fry pan until it becomes crisp. (If the prosciutto has less fat, you can add teaspoon of olive oil). Then let the oil be absorbed using kitchen paper. Wash the cherry tomatoes and drain well. Cut into halves. Wash the green peppers and dice into small pieces. For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and wholegrain mustard by mixing well in a small jar and set it aside. Then put the cooked pasta, tomatoes, green pepper and basil into a large bowl and pour dressing over the top. Toss the ingredients well and add a dash of pepper and salt for taste. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the salad just before serving.

Garlic prawns (6 servings) Ingredients

12 medium prawns 8 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon of olive oil A splash of white wine (optional) Lemon wedges to serve

Preparation
Take the head off and peel the prawns. Discard the black line from the backs. Wash and drain. Pat dry and lay the prawns on a plate Add the olive oil onto a non-stick fry pan and fry the garlic at a high temperature. When the aroma of the garlic begins to come out, add the prawns and fry them for 11 minutes. Then turn the prawns over and fry them for another 1-1 minutes. If you prefer, splash a little white wine over the prawns and let it evaporate by simmering. Then place the prawns and some garlic onto a plate and serve with lime or lemon wedges.

Strawberry and mascarpone trifles (6 servings) Ingredients

2 eggs 1/3 cup caster sugar 250 grams mascarpone 5 small Swiss or jam rolls 1/3 cup Kahla coffee liquor 300 g frozen or fresh strawberries

Preparation
Separate the egg yolk and white. Put the sugar and egg yolk into a large bowl and whip well until the colour becomes pale and it thickens. Then add mascarpone into the mixture and gently fold it. Set aside. Place the egg white in a separate bowl and whip it with an electric beater until it turns thick and hard. Add it to the mascarpone mixture and fold again. Add 1 tablespoon of coffee liquor into the mixture and fold gently. Slice the swiss roll and separate into six portions. Add a tablespoon of egg mixture into each serving glass, then layer with egg and strawberries. Pour the remaining coffee liquor into the glasses. Top it off with the egg mixture. Place a few strawberries and grated chocolate on the top for decoration. Refrigerate for at least two hours. Before serving, add grated chocolate as an optional garnish. Note: Dont defrost frozen strawberries as it will result in a mushy texture.

Shopping list
Frozen strawberries, mascarpone, prosciutto and Masterfoods wholegrain mustard from City Mart, Market Place Kahla coffee liquor, available at big supermarkets and some liquor shops Please feel free to contact to phyocooking@gmail.com

Caring for orphans Soe Moe Thu,

The Salvation Army makes an extra special effort to bring cheer to the needy at this time of year
dom in 1865 and is present in 126 countries. It continues to operate under a quasi-military structure, however Major Latthanga, an officer from the Literature and Education Department in the Central Office of the Salvation Army in Myanmar, said, We use military terms for the names of staff positions and the way we structure the organisation, but we are civilians undertaking religious activities. It is called the Salvation Army because our goal is to save the souls of people by bringing them closer to God, he added. According to the Salvation Army in Myanmars website, its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination. I have been living at this orphanage in Yangon for 13 years and Christmas is always a very special day, said Khun Kyaw Hein from the boys home in Tamwe Platoon. We sing carols, exchange gifts each and play games in the church compound, he added. Major Latthanga said there are also a number of church programs held on December 25. The Salvation Army has more than 50 churches in Myanmar and also provides social services, such as an HIV support and

Three minutes with

Director of City Mart Holdings

By naw say phaw waa hun Aung Kyaw said he waits all year for Christmas to come around. He is an orphan and lives in a childrens home in Yangon run by the Salvation Army, which does it all can to make Christmas a special time for young people without families. For us, Christmas is important because it is the day the Lord Jesus Christ was born. We feel so happy on Christmas Day. And because its winter, the weather is cooler and we feel peaceful in our minds. To me, Christmas is Gods gift to us, Khun Aung Kyaw said. The Salvation Army runs two orphanages in Tamwe township in Yangon: one is for boys and another for girls. Both orphanages care for about 50 children and their ages range from 5 to 19. Although some orphans are technically adults, several choose to stay at the Salvation Army home due to difficult personal circumstances. The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination and international movement that was established in Myanmar almost 100 years ago, in 1915. It was originally founded in the United King-

City Mart Holdings is Myanmars largest retail chain and employs more than 4000 people in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. It was established in 1996 and currently operates 14 supermarkets, four hypermarkets, 18 pharmacies, 17 bakery and cafes and 15 convenience stores. What made you decide to work in the supermarket industry? It was accidental, or perhaps predestined. I was in IT for about eight years before joining the supermarket industry in 2004. I had plans to return to Myanmar from Singapore and fortunately, I got a job offer from City Mart as an IT Consultant.
Latthanga from the Salvation Army. photo Ko taik

education program in Upper Myanmar and micro-credit loans. In the orphanages, there are also pre-Christmas celebrations, such as rehearsing carol singing in Tamwe Platoon Church, Major Latthanga told The Myanmar Times. During the Christmas season, children from the Salvation Armys homes spread the word about Jesus birth to the faithful as well as those who are not Christians through hymns, said firstyear-student Khun Than Aung from Tamwe Platoon. Singing carols outside peoples homes makes us feel really happy. Students

and teachers do it together as a group. We are also making Christmas decorations and we are planning a party and will invite our friends, he said. The orphans living at the Salvation Army homes in Myanmar are provided with tuition and attend Sunday church services. They are taught to play musical instruments such as the keyboard and perform as a band during school holidays. Across the world, the Salvation Army is well known for its brass bands, which perform at elderly peoples homes as well as public places. We help the poor and the needy. At the moment we are running an orphanage, while in the past we had a refuge centre and hostel for sex workers. We helped them to find a new livelihood by teaching craft skills that would enable them to earn a living. However this was taken over by the State when General Ne Wins Revolutionary Council took power in 1962. In the past, we also helped people who had fallen on hard times such as ex-prisoners, the poor and destitute, people on bail and so on. The boys orphanage and the Church of Tamwe Platoon are in the same compound now because the building we were using to shelter orphans was nationalised in 1962. No (10) Basic Education High School in Tamwe used to belong to the Salvation Army but it is now a state-run school, said Major Latthanga.
Translated by Thiri Min Htun

In the lead up to Christmas, do sales increase significantly or are there too few people in Yangon celebrating the occasion? Christmas, together with the New Year period, is definitely one of the best periods for modern retailers in Myanmar, second only to the Thadingyut Festival. Yes, we do see sales increase significantly leading up to Christmas and New Year. What is the busiest time of year for City Mart? Thadingyut around October, definitely. What is the most satisfying aspect of your job? Seeing new items we have introduced to customers flying off the shelves and being able to convert previous underutilised spaces into a vibrant retail space. Whats your favourite restaurant in Yangon? It has to be Nagasaki-tei for me. Its a Japanese restaurant on Thiri Marlar Street, which is off Pyay Road, before reaching the 8 Mile junction. What is the one gadget you cannot live without and why? Its not exactly a gadget in the mechanical sense, but I would say my diary, because its where all my appointments, notes and to-do lists are. What was your very first job? My first job was as a systems engineer working for an organisation selling engineering and network management software. My job involved pre-sales and post-sales support of hardware and software. Describe yourself in three words. An unfinished article. What was the last book you read? What was it about? The Art of Living by S.N Goenka. It was about Vipassana Meditation. A colleague from work gave it to me as a Dhamma present and I found it to be one of the best books I have ever read. Does your work involve a lot of travel? Yes, locally to cities where we are present and regionally to countries where we have business relationships. Whats your favourite destination for a holiday and why? I am a history buff, so historical sites like Bagan and Mrauk-Oo are my favorites. What is your advice for young people who seek a successful career in your sector? First of all, you need to have a passion for retail. You also need to enjoy serving customers. An eye for detail is also necessary, because as they say, Retail is detail.

The Salvation Armys regional headquarters on Anawrahta Street in Botahtaung township. photo Ko taik

Behind the bar at 50th Street

New Zealander Phil Blackwood talks to The Myanmar Times about his life as general manager of Yangon's best known watering hole
By Jessica Mudditt P until about three years ago, Yangons expatriate population was highly seasonal. According to Phil Blackwood, the general manager of 50th Street Cafe, Restaurant and Bar, about 2000 people used to leave Myanmar to spend Christmas with their families back home. While this is still the case for many expats, it doesnt cripple the hospitality industry as much as it used to. We said to ourselves back then, We cant continue like this. 50th Streets management decided to make the venue a place frequented by expats and locals alike. The idea had been floated back in 1997, when 50th Street (as its better known) first opened. During a meeting between its managing director and a high profile general, Phil said the latter asked whether the idea was being considered by the bars owners, who also set up the Foreign Correspondents Club in Phnom Penh. As the story goes, the managing director responded cautiously. What do you mean? he asked. The general said, All you would need to do is draw a line down the middle of the bar. We wouldnt want Myanmar people having to mix with foreigners. Needless to say, a line was never drawn and although it took time to mix up the demographics, Phils desire to make 50th Street appealing to expats and locals isnt driven by financial reasons alone. He said, Ive never liked places that are only frequented by expats who just sit around complaining about everything and saying how good things are back home. Then just go back! is what I think. Needless to say, 50th Street is not one of those places. Like last year, 50th Street will put on a traditional Christmas lunch of Australian wagyu roast beef, as well as a hangover do in the evening as a natural follow up to the late night Christmas Eve party with egg nog and Christmas tunes. Cricket matches will be shown on the big screen during Boxing Day and there will a 12-hour-long New Years Eve party starting from noon. Phil knows how to show people a good time as he said; hes been working in hospitality since I was legally allowed to enter bars. The science and commerce graduate from Wellington, New Zealand, was the manager of his university campus bar and used to roster the shifts to work around his lectures. Although he worked as an engineer for five years, including high profile projects such as renovating Wellingtons Supreme Court, Phil said he couldnt see himself staying in the profession long-term. Engineering was an awebe part of Myanmars history which is shrouded in mystery. What is known, however, is that in 1988, the building was used to print kyat notes in denominations divisible by nine, after General Ne Wins astrologer advised that the number was a lucky one. Phil told The Myanmar Times that the cosy booths on the right-hand side of the ground floor bar used to be an alleyway. Look closely and youll see the brickwork is different, Phil said, before Phil Blackwood, general manager of 50th Street Cafe, Restaurant and Bar. pointing out the filled-in circular windows above the photo Ko taik air conditioners. As an engineer, I love that some challenge I loved the Yangon two-and-a-half years the scars are exposed, he problem solving aspect of it. ago after getting the job at But I saw guys that had been 50th Street from an Australian added. jobs website called seek.com. Phil estimates that some doing pretty much the same au. of the vintage signs would job for 20 years, some with As an engineer, Phil is par- now be worth about US$300 missing fingers... a piece. Phil has also added a few of his own modern flourishes to what is arguably Yangons best known watering hole notably the music. His iTunes collection contains 81,000 songs and he has created playlists for different times of the day and night. His boss was so impressed that Phil was asked to create a music list for a bar in New Zealand. When I ask about the I Love NPT t-shirt for sale in a ticularly appreciative of the Phil decided it was time glass cabinet, he says with a aesthetics of his workplace. for a sea change when the laugh, People often scratch Architecture is one of its recession hit and someone their heads at it. Its a sarcasfrom a rival firm told him that assets. The building is over tic t-shirt. 100-years-old no one really they were operating at cost Unlike the violence that price just to keep the factory knows what it was originally breaks out fairly frequently at built for. Ive been trying lights on. Yangons nightclubs, Phil said to find out, but it seems to The antipodean moved to that such incidents are very rare at 50th Street. In the twoand-a-half years hes been the general manager, there have been three incidents. In New Zealand, it would be three a weekend. And its been nothing super serious and nothing really to do with the bar. Two Scottish guys had an argument while I was away... he recalled. As an experienced professional (who works seven days a week from about 11am until midnight), he never overindulges while hes behind the bar. I never get drunk here unless its my birthday and people know that I am formally off the books, he said. Phil is jovial and friendly, but nevertheless cuts an imposing figure the 30year-old is six foot three and has gangster written in Myanmar on his arm. He estimates that hes spent 70 hours under the tattoo artists needle. You know you are a tattoo person when you stop counting tattoos start counting the hours, he said with a laugh. Phil is unabashedly determined to offer the best level of service possible and laments a number of shortcomings in human resources in Myanmar. I employ my staff, first of all, for their personality. I can teach my style of bar to any motivated person and I prefer people with no experience because I dont have to untrain bad habits. My philosophy is pretty simple I would rather be short staffed than poorly staffed. 50th Street has 37 staff

I never get drunk here unless its my birthday and people know that I am formally off the books

The War on C
By Herb Silverman The much-ballyhooed War on Christmas has become a predictable holiday tradition, with Fox News as both director and producer of this manufactured war, presumably for better ratings. Comedians also love the war material they have to play with, so both Fox and comedians have become war profiteers. Atheists, who are usually marginalized or ignored by media, use this seasonal opportunity to join the war by supporting diversity. Christmas for some atheists is a time to promote freedom of expression on billboards and buses. Atheists put up signs that say Be good for goodness sake or This season, celebrate reason, and Christians protest. Christians have been engaged in several Christmas wars: Christmas has its origins in the winter solstice festivals that most ancient civilizations observed, and Mithras, who was a Persian saviourgod with a sizeable Roman following, was born on December 25. By appropriating this day for the birth of Jesus, Christians felt they could more easily convert those wayward pagans. Centuries later, some early American Puritans even prohibited Christmas celebrations because of its pagan origins. So a good case can be made that Christians initiated the

Lille, Nord, FRANCE : A legionnaire stands next to a Nativity crib created by the Foreign Legion, on December 14, 2012, at the Foreign Legion regiment in Lille, northern France. AFP PHOTO

photo Ko taik

some of whom have been working there since it first opened. A waiter called Lil Lan can make it from the top of the staircase to the landing in one go. He comes out of the kitchen, pauses to see if anyone is coming down and then does a massive leap, Phil said with a grin. During the interview, the man who creates the food we know and love so well arrives. Head chef Monis Siddiqui

from Karachi in Pakistan told The Myanmar Times that he came to Yangon on holiday and never had any intention of staying. However Phil and Monis quickly became passing acquaintances and Phil asked him to take charge for a trial period. Phil said, I am not a chef I pour drinks and make cocktails. Monis was in control of the menu from that point on. We werent really making any profit at that time so I told

Monis that I couldnt afford a chef, but that if he could help me make money out of the food budget, I would give him a job. Monis, who is fluent in Myanmar, said, I was given the space to experiment and to make mistakes. It was amazing, the best experience Ive ever had. Phil describes the pair as a dream team who are also close friends. Although the service charge is built in, Phil said

that patrons are sometimes critical of the cost of a meal, which can include delicacies such as smoked salmon and rocket lettuce. He emphasised that the tax on imported food is 65 percent and concessions from import companies remain unheard of at this stage. Perhaps surprisingly, complaints about smoking being permitted inside are extremely rare. This could be because this is how things are in the

overwhelming majority of Yangons venues, however Phil believes another reason is because 50th Street has high ceilings and air conditioners, so the air is constantly flowing. The people who have been concerned about [smoking] have been the customers with infants, he said. Phils experience of living in Yangon has completely changed in the relatively short space of time hes lived here: he said its a far more

comfortable place than it was in the past. However Phil who has double booked himself on the day of the interview said that one of the main challenges of his work is to fit into the rhythm of the country. You just cant push things faster if you want to achieve more, have more things on the go. You wont grow a plant any faster by yelling at it. It needs water and sunlight to grow. If you want more to happen, plant more seeds.

hristmas: A holiday tradition for all

first war on Christmas. Nowadays, verbal wars occasionally erupt over nativity scenes on government property. Nobody complains about nativity scenes on private property, but the government should not be promoting one religion over another or religion over nonreligion. Thats why atheists and others who care about churchstate separation oppose these displays on government property. Government neutrality toward religion is not the same as hostility toward religion. What divides us on this point is not so much our theological differences, but the degree of commitment we have to equal freedom of conscience for

Atheists put up signs that say Be good for goodness sake

everyone. Now add the Christian war on Happy Holidays (instead of Merry Christmas), which even includes boycotting stores that use the more inclusive term. This is a war against religious diversity, a war that ignores Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, winter solstice, and other religious and secular celebrations that coincide with the Christmas season. Could it be that many Christians lament the possibility that their dominance and privilege in America might be nearing an end? All this warring probably makes many Christians miserable rather than joyful at this time of year. Some who proudly don the

mantle of a persecuted minority even make up stories to convince themselves. Thats like saying there is a war on white, heterosexual males because previously marginalised groups have fought for and finally gained rights theyve long deserved. Finally there is the war by Christians and others against the consumerism that permeates the Christmas season, which seems to begin earlier every year. This is a war that even atheists, myself included, sometimes support. Unfortunately, this war seems to be overwith commercial interests the victors. My favorite Christmas memories were during the Vietnam War.

I had hoped that Christmas truces would feel so good that the killing would not resume. Sadly, we gave peace a chance only briefly, and Silent Night soon returned to bombing nights. No, atheists didnt manufacture the War on Christmas, so I would like to wish all of you a Happy Holiday, whichever and however you celebrate. There are many reasons for the season, but heres my favorite reason for all seasons, for both theists and atheistsa reminder that the best wish of all is Peace on earth and goodwill toward men and women.
The Washington Post

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CHRISTMAS

AROUND THE WORLD

London, UNITED KINGDOM : A lion holds a "Christmas gift" during a photocall marking Christmas at the London Zoo in central London on December 12, 2012. AFP PHOTO

Washington, District of Columbia, UNITED STATES : US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama with daughters Malia (R) and Sasha (2nd L) pose with children dressed as elves before the taping of the "Christmas in Washington" television special on December 9, 2012 at the Building Museum in Washington. AFP PHOTO

Paris, FRANCE: Ice skaters perform dances during the inauguration of the 'Christmas village', on December 13, 2012, in Paris, as part of the "Trocadero On Ice" event. An ice-skating rink opened to public in front of the Eiffel tower, and will run until January 6, 2013. AFP PHOTO Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA : A diver clad in a Santa Claus outfit from the KLCC Aquaria feeds a ray inside a tank in Kuala Lumpur on December 14, 2012. Santa Claus has become a main attraction for visitors to the underwater park where he feeds fish at different hours of a day in conjunction with Christmas festivities. AFP PHOTO

Sydney, AUSTRALIA: Lance, an Aldabra tortoise eats watermelon atTaronga Zoo in Sydney on December 14, 2012. In the lead up to Christmas a selection of the zoo animals were challenged with Christmas-themed environmental enrichment activities. AFP PHOTO Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL: View of a sand sculpture depicting Santa Claus at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeirro, Brazil on December 12, 2012. High temperatures -35 to 38 degrees celcius- during the end of the spring, have taken citizens and tourists to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. AFP PHOTO Mellensee, Brandenburg, GERMANY : A Santa Claus rides with Christmas presents on December 12, 2012 in Mellensee, eastern Germany. AFP PHOTO

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A man transports a Christmas tree on December 12, 2012 in Osnabrueck, eastern Germany. PHOTO: afp

How green is that Christmas tree?

ts that time of year when even environmentalists committed to saving trees proudly display a massive tree carcass in the living room, bejeweled and topped with a star. Christmas trees play into a wider debate among environmentalists: Are tree farms better or worse at carbon sequestration than untouched forests? The pro-tree-farm argument goes like this: When you plant a tree, it goes from seedling to fullgrown plant by rapidly extracting carbon from the atmosphere, including carbon that humans have emitted by burning fossil fuels and raising cattle. (When a climatologist looks at a tree, he sees a leafy pillar of solidified greenhouse gases.) Once the tree reaches maturity, though, it slows its consumption of carbon. By way of comparison, think of the appetites of a growing teenager and a senior citizen. When youre done growing, you stop consuming as many calories. The best move, according to some tree-farm advocates, is to replace the mature tree with a new sapling and start the growth process over again. Tree farmers have been making this claim for more than two decades, but many climate experts think its bunk. The most obvious

objection to the theory is: What becomes of the trees once theyre cut? According to research out of Oregon in the 1990s, 58 percent of felled trees are used for paper, mulch, firewood or other shortterm purposes. In those cases, the trees sequestered carbon quickly reenters the atmosphere after decomposing or burning. The remaining 42 percent is used in ways that keep the wood intact more than five years, such as homebuilding and furniture production. Even in those cases, though, the carbon doesnt stay sequestered forever. New forests also seem to emit significant levels of carbon dioxide, rather than only absorbing and storing it. When we plant or replant a tree farm, we turn over the soil and kill off roots and ground-level plants. That vegetation was also storing carbon, and it begins to decompose. In some cases, the dying plant matter emits more carbon dioxide than the newly planted trees extract from the atmosphere. There has also been research suggesting that old-growth forests are more active than they appear. According to a scientific letter published in the journal Nature in 2008, forests continue to add woody matter both new branches on existing trees and new, smaller plants for centu-

58 percent of felled trees are used for paper, mulch, firewood or other short-term purposes

ries, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere in the process. The net carbon budget the amount of carbon sequestered minus the carbon emitted through decomposition of downed plant matter is more favorable in a forests 300th year than in its fifth year. Overall, the data seem to suggest that old-growth forests keep more carbon out of the atmosphere than high-turnover tree farms, but there is probably significant variation depending on locale and how foresters manage the stock. This doesnt mean you should forsake a Christmas tree or turn to an artificial alternative. (Fake Christmas trees often include chemicals that are especially harmful to the environment when discarded and are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than natural trees.) A few special considerations set Christmas tree farms apart from producers of trees grown for paper. Christmas tree farmers typically plant more trees than they harvest, giving the new crop a better chance at out-sequestering the ones they replaced. Evergreens arent the best arboreal carbon sequestration tools that title goes to hardwood trees so the difference in greenhouse gas emissions between a long-lived

evergreen forest and a Christmas tree farm arent likely to be significant. (Razing a hardwood forest to grow Christmas trees would be a bigger problem, but this is a relatively rare event.) If youre concerned about the impacts of your tannenbaum on global climate, consider renting a living tree that spends two to three weeks in your home over the holidays, then summers at business parks or other locales. If youre looking for a long-term relationship with a single tree, some companies will bring back the same tree year after year. You should start with something small, through. The trees grow between two and three inches per year, and your living-room ceiling probably doesnt. In other cases, rented trees are permanently retired to a nice farm or city planter after a single Christmas with a family. Before you decide to rent, be aware that you might not get a classic Christmas variety such as the Douglas fir or Scotch pine. Many companies offer less traditional species including the small-leaf tristania. You should also seek out a local farm, minimising the gas burned on the way from the farm to your home.
The Washington Post