The Phnom Penh Post extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Business News Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Bala Chandran who passed away on December 17.

Bala, from his days back in 1992 as Editor-in-Chief of the Cambodia Times and since then, demonstrated with unapologetic flair in his inestimably gentlemanly manner that there is more than one way to skin a newspaper.

His EarEyeSpy column was both a source of good gossip and robust jabs at Western arrogance, while his expansive stable of reporters at Business News from all parts of Asia was a vivid testimony to one man's talent for inspiration, hard work and creativity.

The PPPost Publisher once asked Bala: "So, what do you charge for advertising?"

With a glint in his eye that harbored a relish for intelligent humor that kept one both amused and pleasantly befuddled, Bala responded: "I don't. I charge for the articles."

Bala's wit and grace will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

** Inquiring minds want to know what was behind the weapon being discharged on Street 104 on Christmas Day? Was that really necessary?

** Punters are speculating whether or not drink prices will go up at the Shark Tank to cover the increased contributions needed for the Policemen's charity fund as a result of the Christmas evening dance performance au naturel on the bar by visitors from a neighboring country to the east. They're also wondering whether a possible repeat performance on New Year's Eve will see the Tank get busted.

** A clerk at the Duty Free shop at Pochentong International Airport must be taking English lessons at one of the low budget educational institutions in town. When asked why the wine and hard liquor they sold was more expensive than that available at Lucky Market in Phnom Penh, she replied: "Don't compare apples with apples and oranges with oranges."

** A recent visitor to Hanoi asked several Vietnamese what they thought of the new Supplemental Border Treaty with Cambodia. They responded "What treaty?"

** Congratulations to former Post reporter Bill Bainbridge and Misha Coleman who are the proud parents of Lucy-Lynne, born on November 4 and weighing in at 3.22 kg.

** And hearty congratulations to Post reporter Sam Rith and his wife Ry Sattiyanika on the birth of their son, Rith Rasmeykanann on December 24.