Uncle Sam may have to do some PR work before their new embassy opens.

An expat riding on a moto asked his driver - when passing by the new US embassy near Wat Phnom - What's that?

The moto driver replied: That's the new Soviet Embassy.

Oh really? Do they have a lot of money?

Oooi! Soviet minh loy jaran, na!

** A sign in a hotel room in Kampong Thom reads: PLEASE BE CAREFUL ALL CASH VALUABLES ETC, HOTEL WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING MISSING OR STOLEN IN ROOM THIS SERVICE IS PROVIDE FREE OF CHARGE.

** World famous microcredit expert Peter Kooi has decided he's had enough of the fast lane. As director of the Microfinance Unit of the UN's Capital Development Fund, Kooi has been jet-setting around the globe for several years now, spending as many as six months a year on the road. He says he has achieved his goals at the UN and now plans to relocate to Phnom Penh in the new year.

** The scuttlebutt from Sihanoukville is that the beachfront at the town end of Ochheuteal from the Serendipity road to the beginning of the expiring golf course, about one kilometer in length, may be handed over to a European NGO that specializes in beach development.

** The Israel Law Center in the U.S. now organizes tours that they call "ultimate Missions to Israel". According to the group's literature, tours include the following highlights:

-Briefings by present and past officers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Intelligence and Operations branches, including the senior commanders of the Shin Bet security service and Mossad.

-An exhibition by IDF undercover soldiers who carry out targeted killings of Palestinian terrorists and deep penetration raids in Arab territory.

-Observing the trial of Hamas terrorists in an IDF court.

-Discussions with Israel's Arab agents who infiltrate the terrorist groups and provide real-time intelligence.

-Intensive, hands-on tours of the front-line military positions, the border check-points and intelligence bases.

-Small airplane tour of the Galil, water activities on Lake Kinneret, a cook-out barbecue and a Shabbat enjoying the rich religious and historic wonders of Jerusalem's Old City.

** Restauranteurs along the riverfront say the Menu Police have been on the prowl again. And they don't seem to want to take "Yes, we have our menu in Khmer" for an answer either. The rule seems to be if you're a Barang, you pay.