An informal survey of motodupe drivers has revealed a variety of reasons why many

don't stop at red lights on Norodom Boulevard. When asked "Why didn't you stop

at that red light?" the following were offered as explanations:

"If you stop, it's too hot in the sun."

"There are no police, so it doesn't matter."

"Ho-hoo! Oht dung bong."

"What red light?"

Another gun range update. Cows are still out, but you can purchase chickens to use

as targets for five bucks each. A bunch of "mad Brits" were sighted at

the range last week having a field day with tied up fowl. They couldn't get the job

done with pistols so switched to AKs for the coup de poulet.

The Casa disco now has a bit of a rough edge to it, according to reliable sources,

who say that some of the city's moneyed toughs enjoy flexing their muscles there.

One expat inadvertently bumped into a youngster while dancing only to have a pistol

pulled and shoved in his face. So much for the "park your guns at the door"

sign.

If you're low on cash, keep in mind that the going rate for recycled tin cans is

five for 200 riels.

Movie buffs, be advised! The Matt Dillon film production team has just signed on

world-famous French actor Gerard Depardieu to join the cast. Larger-than-life Monsieur

Depardieu may arrive in Phnom Penh late this month or next.

If you are having trouble getting an appointment with HE Sok An, the reason is simple.

He is a very, very busy man. The Minister is now in charge of 48 separate state agencies,

according to one civil society source.

A recently-arrived diplomat got an earful from the PM at Monday's donor meeting with

the government. He asked a question about illegal logging, citing the latest Global

Witness report, only to have both barrels unleashed at him. The rumor is that later

in the day he joked with his wife that maybe it wasn't time to unpack yet.

Tioulong Saumura knows how to work the US Congress for extra mileage. For the Minority

House Leader Dick Gephardt delegation's visit to Phnom Penh, she flew all the way

back from Paris for a one-hour meeting with the American legislators and then hopped

on a plane and flew back.