E ven low-level UN sources sometimes get the facts wrong. It wasn't Minister of Industry Pou Sothirak who was smitten by cupid's arrow. It was Minister of Information Ieng Mouly. Wedding bells are expected in late January. All apologies to H.E. Sothirak for the mix-up.

One observer who is still grumbling about the Mike Evans fiasco at Olympic stadium, and noted there are still people camped around town without funds to get home, had this advice on how to deal with any future visits by would-be miracle workers: "Next time, break his legs at the airport. If he can heal himself, let him preach."

For anyone wondering about the price tag for the 90 T-55 tanks now on their way to Cambodia from Eastern Europe, the Gecko heard that similar used models in Russia, which have been converted into bulldozers, are going for the low, low price of $10,000 a pop.

Speaking of heavy metal, it's been heard around town that Phnom Penh is about to get its first armored car which should put an overdue wrinkle in any future robberies of however many millions of greenbacks as they make their way to the airport.

The National Democratic Institute closed office on a sour note several months ago. Staff returned to the office one day to find $5,000 in cash, a VCR, sound system and clothes missing. NDI's trusty guard of ten months was also gone as well, along with all of his personal belongings.

Staff from the counterpart International Republican Institute went on a two hour jog only to return to find their car and a mobile phone stolen. Quipped one observer: "At least the damage was evenly distributed between the Republicans and Democrats."

If you've ever been referred to as "a bloody *%#@!", never fear. The term "bloody" doesn't mean you've killed someone. After a little digging, the Gecko has determined that the word is a contraction of the phrase "By Our Lady" and refers to the mother of Jesus.