THAI AND INDONESIAN CUISINE COMPARED

21 June 2024

Yes, you'd think Indonesian and Thai cooking would be very similar given that they are countries where the peoples are close to each other and in constant contact. Surely, they must have swapped recipes. Plus the ingredients available must be the same as the climates are similar.

From what I can work out, Indonesian cuisine is known for its complex and "layered" flavours, combining sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes, aswhere Thai food is more balanced and tangy. 

INDONESIA

Ingredients

Common ingredients are soy sauce (kecap manis), tamarind, turmeric, galangal, and coconut milk.

Dishes

The result is such wonderful dishes as

  Nasi Goreng - fried rice wuth a sweet soy sauce

  Rendang - slow-cooked dry curry made with beef, coconut milk, and loads of spices. I can make this, it is like Thai curries.

  Satay - skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce. Chicken satay.

                                           The lady's table

THAI

Ingredients

Thai cuisine Is a bit different. Its flavour profile is renowned for its balance of five fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. It is based around fish sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, and Thai basil.

Dishes

The result this time is such wonderful dishes as

  Tom Yum - this is maybe the hot and sour soup you are talking about though it's usually with shrimp, but can be with chicken. It is a watery soup flavoured with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and fish sauce. Really really nice when it's soaked up in cooked rice.

  Pad Thai - is Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, and a tangy tamarind sauce.

   Green Curry - that I mentioned above green curry is one of several there's red yellow and Penang. These are all really spicy and creamy - green is made with green curry paste, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables and meat.

PREPARATION

Also worth noting that with Thai cooking everything is prepared and chopped up in advance and then the actual cooking happens very quickly and the result is a very fresh and vibrant taste.

LANNA CUISINE

Also worth noting that here it is Northern Thai cuisine, aka Lanna cuisine, with milder flavours compared to the fiery dishes of the South. 

You might like 

  Khao Soi. 

  Sausages - Chiang Mai is also famous for its sausages, not to everyone's taste. 

  Nam Prik Pla or Kepi - There is a really spicy and tangy flavouring called Nam Prik Pla (water, chilli, fish). It's really fiery and tangy, made from chopped up chili and garlic, fermented shrimp paste, fish sauce in  vinegar and lime juice. You get umami from the shrimp paste and fish, spicy due to the chilies, tangy from the lime juice and salty to balances the overall taste from rhe fish sauce. It's a great dressing for many meaty dishes, rice, steamed veg, fried fish...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/collections/indonesian_food

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/great_thai_food

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/collections/simply_thai

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THE DECLINE OF THE WEST...MORE DECLINE

20 June 2024

A cityscape with crumbling infrastructure, dilapidated buildings, and empty streets, symbolising economic decline and cultural turmoil. In the background, a vibrant and modern city represents the rise of other global powers.

I am not hopeful. I think The West is insolvable and the problems are unsolvable....we are dooooomed.

There must be many many measures offering evidence of decline: economic, social and governance / leadership. We won't go into them here, we all know how it feels.  

What is most worrying is the very high levels of mistrust in anything 'government'. Few thinking people believe our politicians these days and the people I know are extremely cynical about our leaders' true intentions. There's also the hostility and uncompromising conflict within our 'civic society', conflict that some call 'tribal warfare'.

I imagine the lack of credibility and the internecine hostility will only get worse as people realise that we've run out of road and politics is more and more now truly a harsh zero-sum game. There is no slack, no wiggle room.

If we look to the root causes, it seems that our version of democracy does not encourage fiscal responsibility - we have high public spending and increasing national debt. These are not as bad as France and Italy. The explanations offered are electoral cycles and members' private interests.

Our version of democracy can't be working because there are powerful lobby groups. Lobby groups in form governments of the details and propose actions but this is felt to be a two-way street and often lobby groups exact favourable changes in the rules which are not in the national interest. This is especially so in the States. We see growing inequality and concentration of wealth and decision-making that is obviously not in line with our national interests. Elite interests dominate at the expense of the people, and this "malpractice" is not being identified and punished. The most egregious example can be found here.

The media is in the pockets of the elite. They are not doing their job.

It seems to many that our elites have abandoned our national sovereignty. Supranational entities and outside interests dilute national decision-making. Trump doesn't like intl bodies and trade agreements and alliances for this reason. It is far far worse in Europe where nation states are now under the thumb of the EU in Brussels, which is under the thumb of Washington, the Pentagon and NATO.

Does anyone remotely interested in national affairs defend government support for these wars, support for apartheid regines, or call them neo-colonial regimes - these are actual governments who abuse their minorities and intimidate their neighbours and western countries support them and fuel the conflicts? 

This is producing high levels of intolerance of military spending on behalh of murderous regimes by ordinary people, who see these gross injustices, but don't feel they have any power to do anything about it, short of rioting in the streets and spraying everything red and orange. 

Human Rights are the foundation of the Liberal side to our system of democracy and yet human rights appear to be of little or no meaning or interest to our elite. There are insurgencies in our communities by people who actively hate our leaders for their dizrespect of other peoples and accuse them - our leaders - of detestable crimes.

As well as blatant injustices, I also think that immigration has been a great unaskedfor burden in many many ways. It has strained our public services and our shared infrastructure and distorted housing demand. These are assets built over generations and they matter and we paid for them and we have been contributing since we left school. Now, they are saturated wirh demand, supply has run out, and everyone outside the monied elite is suffering as inequality grows to unprecedented levels.

We worry for ourselves and we worry how our kids will lead happy family lives. The result is that if our leaders don't care, and we have no agency, then we just don't care either and we will simply demand more and more from our politicians without giving a hoot as to how it will be paid for, until they bankrupt our country. Perversely, this is nationalism destroying the nation.

Cultural integration - absorbing immigrants into our system of beliefs, values, acceptable behaviors and shared hopes for the future, for which we were prepared to work - is a real problem, and yet integration seems to be discouraged in favour of multiculturalism and diversity is cheered on as a source of strength, which no one believes in anymore.

What about job availability and wage levels for lower-skilled workers, now thrown into competition with foreigners who have literally just got off the boats? We are talking about our own people who are being left behind in school and at work.

We should have accepted a smaller GDP for the sake of a socially happier citizenship. And we should not allow ourselves to be deluded into thinking that a greater GDP on its own is a good thing because what has actually happened is that GDP per capita has been falling. It is very important to remember that GDP per capita is a measure of our quality of life.

More should have been done to protect our sovereignty and our borders by harnessing nationalism to central planning. The government gets us sidetracked on trivial woke-type issues, but where is the military industrial complex? It should be there for the defense of the country, not for the profit of a few large, often American, corporations. Where is our energy and raw materials supply chain and why have we cut ourselves off from low-cost supplies from Russia? 

We used to be a consumption and production society, but now we are just consumption and the production has been outsourced to countries like Bangladesh and China. First, the jobs. But next whole industries are being lost, like electric vehicle production or microchip production. And what work is left behind for those formerly in industry? Entertainment, healthcare, nursing for the ambitious.

Europe has allowed its economies to be destroyed for the national interests of America and an ideology that it doesn't understand, especially Germany.

Anyway these are thoughts presented in fairly random order, but I think they are the essential points.

And I could go on as you know, but I will spare you for today! Sadly, I am talking in the past conditional, the third conditional form.... if only The West hadn't..., this wouldn't have happened. Alas, alack! The unexpected and often inexplicable moments of life, they do pile up, we reap the whirlwind.

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REDESIGN IN THAI STYLE FOR A 64 SQM APARTMENT

19 June 2024

3D views for each room of the 64 square metre apartment redesigned in the style of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

1. Living and Dining Area

   - Features traditional Thai elements such as teak wood furniture, Thai silk textiles, and decorative carvings.

   - Includes traditional Thai art.

   - Warm, inviting atmosphere with a blend of modern comfort and traditional decor.

2. Bedroom

   - Teak wood bed frame with Thai silk bedding.

   - Intricate wood carvings and traditional Thai furniture.

   - Warm and cosy atmosphere blending modern comfort with traditional Thai decor.

3. Kitchen

   - Teak wood cabinets and Thai silk textiles.

   - Intricate carvings and traditional Thai patterns and colours.

   - Functional with modern appliances while maintaining a traditional Thai aesthetic.

4. Bathroom

   - Teak wood accents, intricate carvings, and traditional Thai tiles.

   - Modern fixtures while maintaining a traditional Thai aesthetic.

   - Patterns and colours commonly found in Chiang Mai.

5. Balcony

   - Traditional Thai elements such as potted tropical plants and a small seating area with Thai silk cushions.

   - Intricate wood carvings.

   - Serene and inviting outdoor space blending traditional Thai decor with modern comfort.

Each room combines traditional Thai style with modern functionality, creating a unique and comfortable living space.

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DESIGN FOR APARTMENT IN SURAKARTA STYLE

19 June 2024

3D views for each room of a 64 square metre apartment, redesigned in the style of Surakarta.

The 3D interior redesign of the apartment beautifully integrates traditional Javanese elements such as intricate wood carvings, batik textiles, and traditional furniture. The living area features a gamelan set and a wayang kulit puppet display, while the bedroom includes Javanese bed frames with batik bedding. The kitchen and bathroom showcase traditional Javanese tiles and decor, and the balcony is adorned with potted tropical plants and traditional Javanese cushions, creating a harmonious blend of traditional elements and modern comfort.

1. Living and Dining Area: 

   - Traditional Javanese elements with intricate wood carvings, batik textiles, and traditional furniture.

   - Gamelan set and wayang kulit puppet display.

   - Warm, inviting atmosphere with traditional Javanese decor blending with modern comfort.

2. Bedroom:

   - Javanese bed frame with batik bedding.

   - Intricate wood carvings and traditional furniture.

   - Warm and cosy atmosphere with a blend of traditional Javanese decor and modern comfort.

3. Kitchen:

   - Traditional Javanese elements such as intricate wood carvings and traditional tiles.

   - Functional with modern appliances but maintaining a traditional aesthetic.

   - Javanese patterns and colours throughout.

4. Bathroom:

   - Traditional Javanese elements with intricate wood carvings and traditional tiles.

   - Modern fixtures while maintaining a traditional aesthetic.

   - Javanese patterns and colours creating a cohesive design.

5. Balcony

The 3D interior view of the balcony features traditional Javanese elements, including 

- Potted tropical plants and a small seating area with traditional Javanese cushions. 

- The intricate wood carvings and decor create a serene and inviting outdoor space that blends traditional Javanese aesthetics with modern comfort.

Each room combines traditional Javanese style with modern functionality, creating a unique and comfortable living space.

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BIDEN v. PUTIN - THE GREAT DEBATE

17 June 2024

A talk show host has organised a debate between the presidents Biden and Putin. The debate centres on 10 issues that each can decide for the other side.

Here is a transcription of the debate.

There are 100 members of the audience who will vote on who gave the best answers.

1. Opening Statements

Biden:

- Emphasises the importance of democratic values.

- Criticises Russia's actions in Ukraine.

- Stresses the importance of international cooperation.

Putin:

- Highlights Russia's sovereignty and non-interference.

- Criticises NATO's expansion.

- Stresses the need for a multipolar world order.

2. Democracy and Governance

Biden:

- Why does Russia suppress opposition and independent media?

Putin:

- Asserts that Russia ensures stability and counters foreign interference.

- States he has overwhelming support of the Russian people.

- Claims Western countries also limit dissent in various ways.

Putin:

- Why does the US impose its democratic model on other nations?

Biden:

- Argues that the US supports universal human rights and freedom.

- States the importance of supporting democratic movements globally.

3. International Relations

Biden:

- Why did Russia annex Crimea?

Putin:

- Claims it was a response to the will of the Crimean people, seeking protection after eight years of bombing and denial of equal rights by Kiev regime.

- Criticises Western involvement in Ukraine.

Putin:

- Why does the US engage in military interventions abroad?

Biden:

- States it’s to maintain global security, keep maritime trade routes open and protect human rights.

- Argues for the need to counter terrorism and oppressive regimes.

4. Economic Policies

Biden:

- Why does Russia rely heavily on state-controlled industries?

Putin:

- Argues it ensures national security and economic stability.

- Criticises the failures of privatisation in the 1990s.

Putin:

- Why does the US impose economic sanctions on other countries?

Biden:

- States it’s a non-military tool to influence rogue states.

- Argues sanctions target oppressive regimes and promote international norms.

5. Human Rights

Biden:

- Why does Russia target LGBTQ+ individuals and activists?

Putin:

- Claims it's about preserving traditional values.

- Argues that Western liberalism is not universally accepted.

Putin:

- Why does the US have issues with racial inequality and police violence?

Biden:

- Acknowledges the problems and highlights ongoing reforms.

- Emphasises the strength of American civil society in addressing these issues.

6. Military Expansion

Biden:

- Why is Russia building up its military presence near NATO borders?

Putin:

- Argues it’s a defensive measure against NATO expansion.

- Criticises NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.

Putin:

- Why does the US maintain military bases around the world?

Biden:

- States it’s to ensure global security and protect allies.

- Argues that American military presence deters aggression.

7. Climate Change

Biden:

- Why is Russia slow to adopt renewable energy sources?

Putin:

- States that Russia is diversifying its energy mix.

- Criticises Western countries’ historical emissions.

Putin:

- Why did the US initially withdraw from the Paris Agreement?

Biden:

- Acknowledges the mistake and reaffirms commitment to climate action.

- Stresses the need for global cooperation on climate change.

8. Cybersecurity

Biden:

- Why does Russia engage in cyber-attacks against other nations?

Putin:

- Denies state involvement in cyber-attacks.

- Criticises Western countries for similar activities.

Putin:

- Why does the US conduct surveillance on its own citizens and allies?

Biden:

- States it’s for national security and counter-terrorism.

- Emphasises the oversight and legal frameworks in place.

9. Global Health

Biden:

- Why did Russia spread disinformation about COVID-19 vaccines?

Putin:

- Denies disinformation campaigns.

- Criticises Western vaccine policies and intellectual property rights.

Putin:

- Why did the US initially mishandle the COVID-19 pandemic?

Biden:

- Acknowledges early mistakes and highlights subsequent efforts.

- Stresses the importance of science-based policies and global cooperation.

10. Nuclear Proliferation

Biden:

- Why does Russia oppose stricter controls on nuclear weapons?

Putin:

- Argues for maintaining strategic balance.

- Criticises the US for undermining arms control treaties.

Putin:

- Why does the US continue to develop advanced nuclear weapons?

Biden:

- States it’s for deterrence and maintaining global security.

- Emphasises the need for modernising defences while supporting arms control.

11. Closing Statements

Biden:

- Reaffirms commitment to democratic values and international cooperation.

- Stresses the importance of human rights and global security.

Putin:

- Highlights Russia’s sovereignty and non-interference.

- Criticises Western double standards and emphasises a multipolar world.

12. Audience Vote

- Audience votes: 100 members

Final Scores:

Biden:

- Votes: 46

- Strong points: Human rights, global cooperation, democracy

Putin:

- Votes: 54

- Strong points: Sovereignty, multi-polarity, critique of Western policies

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