http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php Cambodia, Khmer, Karaoke, Angkor, Game, chat,joke, song, music, gallery, photo, en Sun, 01 Aug 2010 03:16:53 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.khmerclub.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=12 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:52:16 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCPGJF0DGDg&hd=1
]]> SaBinh http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=12 http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=11 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:37:01 GMT Image: http://c.statcounter.com/4848338/0/e389f08b/1/...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTsPX...80CAA&index=11

Pchum Ben Day is also called the festival of the dead. It is seen in memory of ancestors, and the Cambodian Buddhists pay their respects to the dead by celebrations and offerings (a Ben is an offering).

The Pchum Ben Festival is celebrated for fifteen days in the tenth month of the Khmer calendar. People throng the pagodas where the offerings of steamed cakes in banana leaves are made, dressed in their best clothes. Women wear colorful silk scarves, blouses and dresses. Special rice offerings are made and these are usually of sticky rice.

The present day Bens are balls of rice cooked in coconut milk with various ingredients as per the local customs. The way a Ben is held also differs from locality to locality. It is a colorful festival celebrated by all. The last four days are public holidays when most Khmers visit the province where they were born for family reunions.

The people of Cambodia believe that after death they become ghosts whose earthly actions shape their appearance and that they walk the earth at this time. The living eases their suffering by offering them food. People also make offerings of money, dresses and other items to the monks in the temples.

All visitors are also offered food and drink. The offerings made are shared by the poor and the disabled during Pchum Ben and the donors acquire merit and cancel out past sins. One of the reasons the monks are offered gifts is because the Buddha commanded the monks to remain indoors for three months praying and meditating and hence food had to be given by outsiders.

In the past, crops were planted inside the temple grounds and the young plants would die if monks walked about, hence they were told to remain indoors. This was the time to concentrate and purify the minds, by engaging in meditation. People are told to abstain from alcohol and behave well, and the monks are secluded, because if they failed, they would not get any offerings during the festival.

Wat Dhammarangsey
Oregon Cambodian Buddhist Society
Established in 1984
Abbot Kittisaro Tan Bhoga
19940 S.W. Stafford Road
West Linn, OR 97068
Phone: 503-638-370 ]]> SaBinh http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=11 http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=10 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:36:56 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCPGJF0DGDg&hd=1


Throughout the 1960s, Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, the graceful daughter of King Norodom Sihanouk, dazzled heads of state with her eternal beauty as she danced in the Royal classical ballet
The fineboned young princess, clad in silk and glittering jewels, performed beneath the stars on the open pavilion within the palace walls, accompanied by the Royal dance troupe and the "pinpeat" orchestra: Gongs, drums, xylophones, horns and stringed instruments. Selected by her grandmother, Queen Sisowath Monivong Kossomak Neary Rath Vattana, to become a dancer when she was only a baby. She toured the world as the "white Apsara" or principal dancer of the classical Cambodian ballet a stunningly graceful, 2000 yearold blend of sinuous hand gestures and sinuous body movements, all deep with meaning. Responsible for its rebirth, she became the symbol of classical Khmer dancing, dormant since the 15th Century, when the glory of Angkor faded and with it the Khmer cultural dominance of Southeast Asia. In reviving the classical dance, Queen Kossomak and Princess Buppha Devi brought the dance not only to the world but also for the first time- to the Cambodian people. In the past, the classical dance was the Royal dance, performed only before Royalty to commemorate their dynastic ancestors and to honor the gods.
These Apsara, the heavenly nymphs that practice Cambodian royal court dancing, were carved on the walls of Angkor temples. For centuries their delicate movements represented one of the highest artistic achievements in this culture.
Then Cambodia fell under control of the Khmer Rouge in 1975-1979. In their effort to destroy the old Cambodia, Apsara were targeted for extermination by the Khmer Rouge.
The Khmer Rouge failed to exterminate Apsara, and the few survivors taught new generations of dancers. In a Siem Reap hotel, the tourist city near Angkor, it was my privilege to film an Apsara performance, which can only be fully appreciated by watching the video. Stills are inadequate. ]]> SaBinh http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=10 http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=9 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:04:39 GMT Hello everyone,
I'm from Portland, Oregon and I was iust wondering if any khmerkrom people in this website
Thanks, ]]> SaBinh http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=9 http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=8 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:52:38 GMT Kyle Orton - QB - DEN - Jun. 13 The Broncos named Kyle Orton their starting quarterback after minicamp practice Saturday. The early timing is a... Kyle Orton - QB - DEN - Jun. 13
The Broncos named Kyle Orton their starting quarterback after minicamp practice Saturday.
The early timing is a slight surprise, but the result isn't. Orton was acquired from Chicago to start, with Chris Simms made for a backup role. Orton, known for his football smarts and work ethic, has picked up the complex offense faster. We like him as a sleeper in fantasy leagues because the Broncos will pass a ton.
Source: Denver Post ]]> stefcn http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=8 http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=6 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:11:10 GMT :60: :60: ]]> Hi_figo http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=6 http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=5 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:42:47 GMT Hello Guys, I am really :7: happy to present myself over this big wide blog web site. i am finding some small work to do in my free time just like... Hello Guys,

I am really :7: happy to present myself over this big wide blog web site. i am finding some small work to do in my free time just like typing documents and translation.
If you guys, need help please find out via sameathsek@yahoo.com or sameathsek@hotmail.com or my skype is sameathsek, or through my phone 017779941 ]]> sameathsek http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=5 http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=3 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:57:54 GMT this is my first time writing this in this website.. the main purpose for me is to make more khmer friends on the net so hope you, the readers will... this is my first time writing this in this website.. the main purpose for me is to make more khmer friends on the net so hope you, the readers will reply me soon.:60: ]]> danay http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=3 http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=1 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:50:12 GMT The Funan Kingdom, believed to have started around the first century BC, is the first known kingdom of Cambodia. The kingdom was strongly influenced... The Funan Kingdom, believed to have started around the first century BC, is the first known kingdom of Cambodia. The kingdom was strongly influenced by Indian culture by shaping the culture, art and political system.



An alphabetical system, religions and architectural styles were also Indian contributions to the Funan Kingdom. There is archeological evidence of a commercial society in the Mekong Delta that prospered from the 1st to 6th centuries.
Returning from abroad, a Khmer prince declared himself the ruler of a new kingdom during the 9th century. Known as Jayavarman II, he started a cult that honored Shiva, a Hindu god, as a devaraja (god-king) which then linked the king to Shiva.
He also began the great achievements in architecture and sculpture while his successors built an immense irrigation system around Angkor.. His successors (26 from the early 9th to the early 15th century), built a tremendous number of temples - of which there are over a thousand sites and stone inscriptions (on temple walls).


By the 12th century, Cambodia had spread into other areas, now known as Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia (the peninsula). There is actually still evidence of Khmer inhabitance in Thailand and Laos to this day.
The 13th and 14th centuries were not as successful for Cambodia, some believe it was due to the increased power of (and wars with) Thai kingdoms that had at one time paid homage to Angkor. Others believe it was due to the induction of Theravada Buddhism, which was totally contrary to the Cambodian societal structure at that time. After this time historical records are rather sketchy at best regarding Cambodia and it is considered the "Dark Ages" of Cambodian history.
Cambodia was ravaged by Vietnamese and Thai invasions and wars up until the 19th century, when new dynasties in these countries fought over control of Cambodia. The war, that began in the 1830's almost destroyed Cambodia. King Norodom signed a treaty that enabled the French to be a protectorate, thus effectively stopping the Viet-Thai war within. For the next 90 years, France in essence ruled over Cambodia.



Although officially they were just advisors, it was known that the French had final say on all topics of interest. Although the French built roadways and made other improvements regarding trade and transportation, they sadly neglected the Cambodian educational system, which is still not effective to this day.


In 1953, Cambodia managed to gain their independence in spite of World War II and the First Indochina War. Their independence was obtained through the political savvy of King Sihanouk. Wanting to be released from the pressures of the monarchy, Sihanouk abdicated the throne and became a full time politician.
He started a political faction called the People's Socialist Community (Sangkum Reastr Niyum) which then won by a landslide in the 1955 national elections. In part the success was due to his popularity, but also from police brutality at the polling stations.
In 1960, when his father died he was named head of state (up until then he'd been the prime minister). Although he had remained neutral in a struggle between the US and USSR regarding tensions in Vietnam, he changed his position in 1965 and eliminated diplomatic relations with the US.
At the same time he allowed the Communist Vietnamese access to Cambodian soil to set up bases. With the Cambodian economy becoming unstable, Sihanouk decided to renew his relations with the US, who were secretly planning on bombing Cambodian areas suspected of housing Vietnamese Communists.




While Sihanouk was abroad in 1970, he was ousted from power and fled to China. General Lon Nol, the prime minister, had hoped for US aid, but the US was occupied with Vietnamese troubles and didn't help. In the meantime, since his army was ill-equipped, they couldn't stop an invasion by the South Vietnamese, searching for North Vietnamese.
To add to Lon Nol's problems, Sihanouk had been persuaded to set up a government while in exile, called the Khmer Rouge. The Khmer Rouge became a thorn in Lon Nol's side along with the Vietnamese until the Khmer regime collapsed. Another contributing factor to the collapse was the repeated US bombing of the Cambodian countryside. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge was able to take over Phnom Penh and shortly thereafter, the North Vietnamese were occupying South Vietnam.
The Khmer Rouge felt antipathy toward Cambodians living in urban areas and forced them to the countryside where they were forced to work in various forms of agriculture. Leading the Khmer Rouge was a man by the name of Saloth Sar, better known as Pol Pot. The government, Democratic Kampochea (DK), was run in part by rural Cambodians who were illiterate, but had fought along with the Khmer Rouge in the war.


The derision and ill-treatment felt towards the former city dwellers was slightly better than the treatment of anyone intellectual, religious, and those who were believed to be against the regime - their punishment was death. During Pol Pot's (Khmer Rouge's) regime over twenty percent of Cambodia's population was murdered.
The Khmer Rouge's plan to attack Vietnam and other areas backfired when the Vietnamese surprised Cambodia with an attack of over 100,000 troops. They were accompanied by Cambodian Communist rebels and managed to invade Phnom Penh, which had been vacated by the Khmer Rouge the day before.
The Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot among them, fled to the Thai-Cambodian border, where they were given asylum by the Thai government, which was unfriendly to Vietnam.


The Vietnamese established a regime in Cambodia that included many members of the Khmer Rouge as well as Cambodians who had fled to Vietnam before 1975. Not to be swayed, the Khmer Rouge and it's followers created a government that was hostile to Vietnam while in exile, also known as DK.
The UN upheld this government in exile, with the support given to it by the US, China and Thailand. With more ensuing conflicts between the two governments, many of Cambodia's finest along with the general population, totaling over half a million people, resettled in other countries.
By the end of 1989, the Cold War had ended which had the Vietnamese exiting Cambodia. Without financial support from the Soviets, the Vietnamese couldn't keep their troops in the country.
This withdrawal made things difficult for Cambodians, especially the prime minister, Hun Sen. The Khmer Rouge had not disappeared, but had made their presence known and were threatening military action. Since Cambodia was without much needed foreign aid, they discarded socialism and tried to get investors interested in the country.



Another major change was in the country's name, it was changed to the State of Cambodia (SOC), while the KPRP (who currently ruled Cambodia) changed their name to the Cambodian People's Party. An attempt to have a free-market economy just increased the gap between the rich and the poor with many government officials becoming millionaires.
In 1991, the UN, Cambodia, and other interested parties came to an agreement to end the Cambodian conflict. A United Nations Transitional Authority (UNTAC) and a Supreme National Council (SNC) were formed and were comprised of members from different factions within Cambodia. The agreement in Paris and the UN protectorate started competitive politics in Cambodia, something they hadn't seen for about 40 years.
In May 1993, UNTAC sponsored an election for the national assembly, which ended up ousting the military regime. The Cambodians wanted a royalist party, FUNCINPEC, but Hun Sen, who won the second largest number of seats, refused to give up his power. Fortunately a compromise was reached and a government was formed with two prime ministers, FUNCINPEC had the first prime minister, Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen became the second prime minister.

A name change for the country was in order, so in 1993 Cambodia became known as the Kingdom of Cambodia and Sihanouk became the king once again after ratifying a new constitution which re-established the monarchy. After these changes were made, the UN no longer accepted the DK as the ruling party, thus causing them (the DK) to lose their seat and power in the UN.
The tentative compromise between the FUNCINPEC and the CPP fell apart in 1997 when Prince Ranariddh was overseas. Hun Sen took advantage of the Prince's absence and organized a violent takeover to replace him. He replaced Prince Ranariddh with another member of the FUNCINPEC, but this time with one who was more easily manipulated and compliant. In spite of this takeover, the elections of 1998 were carried out, but not without foreign observations.
Although it was stated the voting was fair, the CPP hassled it's opposition and following the elections many were put in jail while a few others were killed. Once again, the results were not accepted, but this time it was Prince Ranariddh who opposed it. Yet again another compromise was reached with Hun Sen as the only prime minister and with Prince Ranariddh as the president of the national assembly.
Things are stabilizing in Cambodia, but not without the help and support of foreign aid. With the outside world's interest waning, it's help is steadily decreasing, hich is discouraging any hopes for economic advancement and democracy. ]]> angkor408 http://www.khmerclub.com/blog.php?b=1